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Lesson 1-3

Music of Mindoro
Music of Mindoro
Folk song is a song transferred from
one generation to another without
knowing who the composer was.
The song contains the different
aspects about the people, places,
beliefs, values, and their ambitions
or dreams.
Mindoro
The word Mindoro comes from the word
Mina de Oro which means the place has
lots of gold or rich with gold deposits. Ma-i
is the first name of Mindoro. But when
Asian countries like China, Malaysia,
Indonesia, and Arabia came to bring in their
merchandise during the 10
th
century, the
place was completely changed into Mindoro.
The island of Mindoro is situated 25 miles
north of Luzon. Mindoro is divided into two
regions, the Oriental and Occidental
Mindoro according to Republic Act #305.
This place is included in region IV or
Southern Tagalog. The capital city of
Oriental Mindoro is Calapan, while
Occidental Mindoro is Mamburao. At
present, people living in Mindoro are
Christianized Filipinos, lowlanders, and
several ethnic groups.
They believed that Mangyans are the
only ethnic group inhabiting the area.
At present, the Buhid tribe of North
Mindoro are always mistaken as
Mangyans. But it is in the Southern of
Mindoro where the true Mangyans are
found. The word Hanunoo is not the
name of the tribe itself. But the word
was added emphasize that they are the
true Mangyans.
Hanunoo Mangyans
Hanunoo Mangyans are nomadic. They have no
permanent residence. They transfer to places
where there are plenty of food to eat. History tells
that they retreated to the mountains when the
Philippines was christianized. They were called
Dumuong or Damuong which means they arrived
by banca. Like any of the ethnic tribes, they seem
to be an alien in their own native land. Their
ancestral lands were gradually occupied b selfish
and greedy Filipinos and foreigners.
For this reason, their land ownership were
ultimately lessened to a meagre portion. The
only hope is for them to go back. To their
ancestral land and live a peaceful life. The
Hanunoo Mangyans are generally peaceful
and generous, which was greatly abused by
Filipinos and foreigners. Although their lives
became miserable, they were able to keep or
sustain their art and culture. Some of their
script writings which is similar to the
Sanskrit of India, was preserved.
Characteristics of Ambahan
The Ambahan is a lyrical chant song of the pure Mangyans.
It is composed of seven (7) syllables in one lines.
The number of lines found in several Ambahan ranges
from three to one hundred thirty-four (3-134).
There is no specific tone style or instrument used as
accompaniment.
The aim of Ambahan is to show the uniqueness of
chanting.
This depends in the way the music is delivered or
presented.
If ever a Mangyan likes an Ambahan, then it is re-written in
a bamboo tube called Luka to remember the song.
Contents of Ambahan
To the parents for continuous guidance to their
children
To the youth to express their love to a person
To the elders to share their rich experiences in
life
To the society to maintain the correct habits,
beliefs, ceremonies and rituals of their ethnic
group
Everyday use for entertainment either historical
or depending on the occassion
Examples of Ambahan
Hinton yi waydi asan What is the matter with you
Pagbuyong sa Sangdulan That you are so much upset
Ga may langit nagbaan Like the heavens coming down
Ga may banwa nalagaman As if the whole sky collapsed
Kahawan panga-wan Even rain will stop someday
Uran ud may labangan But rain doesnt own a house
Kalungan paga-anyan A storm will not last all time
Amyan ud may buyangan But storm has no place like you
Sangdan way towo ngaran Are you not a human? Man?
Ti ga daye migbalkan Doesnt man always go back
Satales balsigan To his dwelling place, his home?

* Usually, if a Mangyan discovers one beautiful ambahan, he
inscribes it to a bamboo so that this can be taken cared for,
taught and passed on to the next generation. Even if some
Mangyans cannot read ambahan script, they can understand
it for this is recited since their childhood.
This is an example of Ambahan (Portuna 1974) which is
carved into luka according to Mangyan script.
The meaning of the script is:
*Kan pan dong anahawan Natayak sa sakbawan
My umbrella from a palm I left it at Sakbawan
*Binayaan dap binayaan Sinagugma di maan
Neglecting it without thought I went back got it again
*Nakadnog dagmok uran Tida kang pandong daan
Who I heard the flash of rain There it is, the one I sought
Instruments of Mindoro
1. Gitgit - an instrument with three or four strings. It
has a wooden body . The hair of the person
is used as strings for the bow.
2. Batiwtiw - an instrument made from a bamboo. The
strings are tied at both ends. There is a fret at the
center of the instrument. The strings are plucked
and the sound is tiw-tiw.
3. Kinaban called a jaws harp which is made from a
bamboo.
4. Kudlong a zither made from a bamboo with two
strings.

Ensemble Instruments of Mindoro
Buray-dipay - A kind of rattle made from bean pod
together with other instruments like kalutang (two
wood sticks ).
Kalutang Ensemble Several pairs of wood nailed to
both ends with intervals of 2,3, & 4 and produces
harmony. This ensemble is used for hiking.
Agung Esemble Made up of two gongs played by two
males sitting on the floor. One plays at the rear of the
gong while the other one plays at the embossed
portion of the gong. A stick with a cotton pad at the
end of the stick is used to strike the gong. Both players
use the duple time.
Kalutang an ensemble instrument made up of
two big wooden sticks.
Lantoy Flutes that may be blown by mouth or
nose.

Music of Palawan
Three indigenous groups from Palawan
Palawan
Tagbanuas
Batac
Musical Characteristics
Sounds of nature is important to the people of
Palawan.
ex. chirping of birds
sound of insects
sounds of the wind and rain
Their music imitates the sound of animals
Makes use of different musical forms like repetitions
and syncopations
Musical Instruments
Idiophone
Agung - big gong
Babandil small gong
Aruding jews harp
Membranophone
Gambal drums
Chordophone
Budlong bamboo zither
Aerophone
Lantay nose flute






Music of the Visayas
Lessons 4-6
Music from the Visayas
Aside from Usahay, Anikinding-kinding and
Dandansoy, did you know that Visayan songs may
be done in


Instruments of the Visayas
The musical instrument from the Visayas are similar to that
of other regions. The guitar is the most popular and well-
known in Cebu where good guitars are found.
Agong a metal gong similar to gangsa of Ifugao, is a
percussion instrument and it can be played together with
drums.
Tulali - a bamboo flute with 6 holes for the fingers. It s 50
cm. Long and 3 cm. wide. This instrument is usually used
during Good Friday.
Buktot - an instrument made from coconut shell with 4
strings.

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