ILOCANO MUSIC
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS USED BY ILOCANOS

Arpa

Bamboo Violin
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS USED BY ILOCANOS
ILOCANO FOLK SONGS


Pamulinawen
The most popular of the old songs of music-loving
Ilocanos is the “Pamulinawen.” It is believed that
it was created by an Ilocano troubadour of preHispanic times who was inspired by the
sweetness of an Ilocana. The maiden might have
been resplendent with character traits cherished
by the women of Ilocandia and for this reason the
troubadour must have called her “Pamulinawen”
which according to the text of the song is the
sweetest and most illustrious names among
Ilocanos of old.
“Pamulinawen” is the most unique song of the Ilocanos.
It possesses a certain style which is distinctly Ilocano.
It sounds ancient both in melody and language. It is
cherished for this reason, as a pearl of their ancestral
culture. Because of its uniqueness and universal appeal
to Ilocanos in addition to its antiquity, the song
symbolizes an inspirational fountain from which had
effused all the beautiful poetic and melodious
expressions of tenderness and devotion created by
Ilocano lyricists.
 “Pamulinawen” is the most popular song among
Ilocanos. There is no genuine Ilocano, who does not
know the song by heart. Because of its appeal to the
Ilocanos, it has become the regional theme song of
Ilocandia.

ILOCANO FOLK SONGS

“Osi-osi” portrays the traditional ways of
courtship. “Binigan-bigat” (Every Morning) is a
courtship dance depicting a boy who is in love
with a girl from whom he asks pity. “Sileleddaang” (Grief-stricken or Laden with Sorrow) is a
courtship dance showing the lover’s fondness for
each other. “Manang Biday”, another courtship
dance usually performed by young people.
“Sabunganay” (Banana Blossom) symbolizes a
young lady who is still too young to be courted
and “Pandanggo Laoagueña” is a courtship dance
performed by the young and old.”
ILOCANO FOLK SONGS

“Vintareña” maybe performed by one to any
number of pairs in any social gathering such as
baptismal, wedding, birthday or thanksgiving
parties. “Kuratsa Pasuquiña” is a dance during
birthday parties and festivities. Depicting
merriment are La Jota Zapatilla, Barbarukong
(Breast Out), La Jota Laoagueña and Kuratsa
Paoayeña which are also presented during social
gatherings. Another dance shown during wedding
and baptismal celebrations are “Sagamantica”
and “Arikenken”. “Chotis Dingreña” is a dance for
the elite and is performed during social functions.
“Pandanggo” is one of the favorite dances of the
old people. “Guling-Guling” is a dance for Ash
Wednesday. “Tambora” is usually shown on the
Eve of Christmas.