Buktot

Originating from the Visayas area, the Buktot is a small, four-stringed

guitar-like instrument that’s made from a coconut husk. It likely got its

name from its shape. In Bisaya, the word Boktot means hunchbacked,

which perfectly describes the instrument’s arched back. The Boktot is

used for personal entertainment. It makes sounds similar to a ukulele and

is played alone or with other instruments.

• Kulintang A Tiniok

The Kulintang A Tiniok is a metallophone that contains eight tuned

knobbed metal plates that are placed on top of a wooden rack. This

instrument is used by the Maguindanaon people. The name means

“kulintang with string” but they’re also called Kulintang A Putao or

“kulintang of metal.” The Maranao people call this instrument Sarunay,

which has become a popular instrument in the United States.

Traditionally, the metal pieces of the instrument are made with brass

however modern ones are even made with tin cans.

• Babandil

This single, narrowed rimmed gong is often used as the “timekeeper” in

the Kulintang ensemble. It has a diameter of about a foot, which makes it

bigger than the Kulintang gongs. However, it has a sunken boos which

means that it has to be struck on the rim or flange to make a sharp,

distinctive metallic clang. Sticks that are made from bamboo or rattan is

used. This instrument is often considered as a “false gong” and are

traditionally made with bronze. However, since this metal is scarce in

Mindanao, they’re now made with iron, brass, and even tin-cans.
Although not a lot of people know how to use these traditional

instruments, a number of musicians still continue the tradition and learn

the proper way of playing them. Do you know any traditional Filipino

musical instruments that’s not on the list? Comment them bellow. Don’t

forget to share this article to educate others about our traditional musical

instruments.

Traditional Musical Instruments of Thaila

raditional musical instruments of Thailand are unique to its people and its

culture, and continue to be used today in the country’s regional festivals

and artistic performances. Many of the instruments were used in ancient