Chapter 9

Transition: Folk Songs

by Gerard Noel A. Quezon

1572-1898

- influence of Spanish modes and manners

- inevitable modification of Filipino folk ways

- literature began to mirror of reflect the new aspects and forms of Filipino life

- folk songs manage to retain the native sense of values, including its oriental characteristics and riddle
forms

- simple in subject matter

- in verse form

- no lyrical quality

Folk songs - a song of popular or traditional origin or style

- spontaneous and informal expression of the peoples nature

Filipino folk songs - sentimental and happy, but slightly fatalistic

- filled with gaiety and mirth. In Filipinos world there is no abject poverty

- sentimental of the past

- a change of circumstance in life cannot alter Filipinos fundamental care free character

Kind of Folk Songs

Folk songs inspired by nature

- inspired by the reactions of the people to his environment

- interest in various aspects of the natural environment

- color, song, and habit of birds have found musical poetical expression

Example: “The Butterfly and the Worm”

Folk songs inspired by their work

- found inspiration, solace, and satisfaction in his day-to-day activities

- work are done cheerfully

Example: “The Seed”

- humble ‘tao’, has little concern for the rest of the world

Example: “Bahay Kubo”

- gives him courage and strength

Example: “Fisherman’s Song” “High Ho, Boatsong”

- songs sung to relieve the hardships of labor

Example: “I Am Añgie” “Tuba Gatherer’s Song”

Folk songs inspired by love, courtship, and marriage

- Filipinos are great lovers of beauty in women

Example: “Camia Flower” “Young Maidens Are Like Flowers” “Hilo de Oro”

- most poetic and have an ardent lyrics

- virtue and clean living are religiously emphasized in bridal songs

- purity is held in high esteem

Example: “Mangmang na Babae’t Salawahang Lalaki” “Paalam sa Pagkadalaga”

Forms of Folk Songs

Love songs --> poem set to music expressing love

- Filipinos has his own way of expressing himself

- courtship has developed its own idiom

- love is expressed indirectly

- exaggeration of ones woes and determination in overcoming obstacles in pursuit of his loved one

- love in association to remarkable events

Example: “Tagala Sereneta”

Serenades --> a piece of music sung at night by a lover under his lady’s window

- Visayas and Luzons serenade are dramatic

- has appeared early and achieved great popularity

- some songs are sentimental, the music is sad, touching and plaintive

Examples: balitaw, kundiman. tapat

Comic song --> poem set to music in the style of comedy

- Filipino sense of humor is simple

- singers are evidently clear headed, recognizing human frailty, were nevertheless tolerant to see humor
in pretension and false pride

Example: “O Kaka, O Kaka”

Lullabies --> a soothing song

- lovely and graceful

- are usually sung to quite restless children

Example: “Oh, Santo Tomas Mapalarka” “Pagurin Manok”