ENVERGA UNIVERSITY

Diana Marie D. Martinez

BEED-III
Music

Listen to a recording of the Filipino folk song, “Pen Pen de Sarapen”

1. What do you think do the lyrics mean? What is it trying to express?

The song “Pen pen de sarapen” is a cheerful and lively tune that aims to engage young
children in singing and playing. The words “pen pen” and “sarapen” don’t have an exact English
translation for me to know exactly what the song is trying to express, but the primary purpose of
the song is to create a fun and enjoyable experience for children.

2. What is the character or mood of the piece? Does it sound written in a major or in a minor
key?
It sounds vibrant and happy, so I believe it was written in a major key. The song’s
general upbeat and joyful tone is enhanced by the song’s major key. Major keys are typically
linked to positive emotions like happiness, brightness, and positivity. The majority of the melody
and chord progressions of “Pen Pen de Sarapen” are major, which adds to the upbeat tone of the
song.

3. What is the meter of the song, triple or duple?

The meter of the song “Pen Pen de Sarapen” is duple. Duple meter refers to a musical
meter in which each measure is divided into two beats. This indicates that the song has a
consistent beat and a pattern of strong and weak beats, which are generally written as “ONE-two,
ONE-two” or “DOWN-up, DOWN-up.”

4. What region of the Philippines do you think does this song came from?

Even though the song does not have an exact translation, some of the lyrics are known in

Tagalog. So I think it was written in Luzon, but I don’t know exactly what the region is.
 ENVERGA UNIVERSITY

5. Were there any instruments used to accompany the singing? Describe.

Guitar and piano can be used to accompany the singing of “Pen Pen de Sarapen” to make

it sound more joyful and lively. But commonly, especially when performed in school, the song

does not typically require any specific musical instruments for accompaniment, as it is primarily

sung acapella or with simple clapping or hand movements.