Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
REGION VIII
SCHOOLS DIVISION OF CATBALOGAN CITY
CATBALOGAN II DISTRICT
SAN ANDRES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Catbalogan City

NAME: JONAMAE FLOR G. DAGUMAN

SCHOOL: SAN ANDRES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
SCHOOL PAPER: SagipAndres
CATEGORY: ELEMENTARY (FEATURE WRITING ENGLISH)

“Night Songs of Maqueda Bay Fishermen”

In the peaceful nights of Maqueda Bay, when the world is quiet, the fishermen sing sings that tell tales of the
sea. These songs are like old friends, guiding the fishermen through the darkness as they work. Whether it’s a solo
fisherman humming a hunting tune or a group chanting while lifting the air, making the night feel alive with stories.
Each song carries the history of the fishermen, passed down from generation to generation, connecting them to the
ocean they rely on for their livelihood.

According to Mang Arnold Salvadores, fishing expert, seawall (2002), during “Maqueda Bay nights,” the
deep silence of the waters can be pierced by a haunting song from a sole fisherman, or a chant of a fish worker while
they are lifting the net, or nagliliba.

These songs aren’t just for fun; they’re an important part of the fishermen’s way of life. They help the
fishermen stay focused on their work and share their experiences with each other. It’s like a special language that only
they understand, filled with the sounds of the sea and the stories of their ancestors. Samarnon fishermen are known to
form their own songs about fishing, they drink coconut wine – tuba as a washing ritual after a meal before going
fishing and fishermen in Samar also tells stories about their adventures to their families. (O Catbalogan, 2006)

So, if you ever find yourself by Maqueda Bay at night, take a moment to listen – you might just hear the
beautiful melodies of the fishermen’s song echoing across the water.