Chapter 9 --> Transition: Folk Songs

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”

Filipino folk song writers prove that even during the years of political and cultural deterioration the Muse had not deserted them. Though unknown and unhonored, they continued to sing in refined forms