LICENSURE EXAMINATION FOR TEACHERS (LET)

Refresher Course

WHAT TO EXPECT
PHILIPPINE MUSIC

Focus: Representative ethnic music, colonial influenced and contemporary music

Competencies:

1. Chronicle Philippine music from pre-colonial times up to the contemporary period

2. Appreciate ethnic music
3. Identify colonial and foreign influences on Philippine Music.

PART I – CONTENT UPDATE

Philippine music consists of vocal and instrumental music from northern and
southern part of the Philippines and divided into four eras or traditions, the Ethnic
tradition, Spanish traditions, American traditions and Contemporary traditions. Philippine
music revolves around cultural influence from the West due to Spanish and American
rule. Ethnic music is still alive but mainly develops in highland and lowland barrios with
little Western influence.

Ethnic Traditions

Philippine ethnic musical traditions are diverse in nature, although there are many
common instruments and life-cycle functions. They differ mainly in form and structure,
performance media, style, aesthetic, and theoretical properties (temperaments, scales,
modes and terminologies).

Ethnic or Indigenous music may be instrumental or vocal. The following instruments

divide according to Hornbostel-Sachs classification: idiophones, membranophones,
aerophones and chordophones.

ETHNIC INSTRUMENTS
Idiophone Membranophone Chordophone Aerophone
North North North North
 Gangsa  Sulibao  Kolitong  Palendag
 Patatag  Kimbal  Gitgit  Tongali
 Bungkaka  Libbit South  Kaleleng
 Pattung  Ludag  Kudyapi  Saggeypo
 Ulibaw South  Kudlong  Diwdiwas
South  Dabakan  Tambuli
 Kulintang South
 Gandingan  Paldong
 Agung  Suling
 Gabbang  Saunay
 Tagutok  Plawta
 Kubing
 Babandil

Early Filipino Music

1. Du-mu-ra – is a love song with long verses.

 2. Tal-bun – is a song sung on festive occasions or when there are visitors. This
kind of song includes improvised words to suit the occasion.

3. Pag-pag – is a song composed of three notes and in two parts. The song is
sung while pounding rice during wedding ceremonies.

4. Ayoweng – an industrial song consists of three notes and sung in social

gatherings.

5. Nan-a-an-to-o-ay – is an Igorot funeral song of three notes and expresses

grief over the death of one who died prematurely.

6. Cañao – ia a ceremonius occasion with dancing, drinking of bubud or

fermented rice, butchering of pigs and speeches.

7. Sua-sua – both song and courtship dance of Jolo.

- Classification of Songs
-
1. Art Song – is one that meets the requirements of the musical and poetic arts.

2. Folk Song – is a song of the people and consists of simple melodic,

harmonic, and metric fundamentals.

3. National Song – is one that belongs to the nation. The national anthem or
hymn, with a martial theme, is a national song.

4. Popular Song – is a song of trivial musical and poetic value, usually written by
laymen for popular mass appeal. It is a song of the people.

5. Strophic Song – is a folk art or art song consisting of two or more stanzas,
each of them set to an identical tune.

6. Ballad – is a class of song particularly common in England and derived from

ballata, a song with dance.

7. Plain Song – is a piece of unisonous vocal music popularly used in Christian

church rituals.

Traditional Melodies of the Filipinos

1. Suliranin – a sad monotonous song, pilgrims sing when the weather is hot.

2. Indolanin – a song, rustics sing in the streets when leaving or entering the
town.

3. Hila-Hila – a dramatic song, sung when paddling a banca.

4. Oyayi – a kind of cradle song, sung to make babies go to sleep.

5. Holohoo – a song, sung to quiet down crying children or to pacify them when
they are restless because of some ailment.

6. Ombayi – a song with funeral sentiment, sung by guests during interment or

when one is sad.

7. Sambotani – a song, sung at a feast.

8. Tagumpay – a victory song to commemorate a battle won or to honor the
victors.

9. Tagulaylay – a monotonous melody portraying grief over someone’s death.

 10. Sambitan – a funeral song performed by relatives of the deceased.

Spanish Tradition

Spanish colonial regime from 1565 to 1898 reshaped Philippine culture in

general and Philippine music in particular. The songs on the exploits of epic
heroes and the rhythms of the native drums and gongs started to fade before the
chants of the Christian church and the harmonies of the organ, harp and guitar.

Liturgical Music originated as a part of religious ceremony and includes

a number of traditions, both ancient and modern. The Spanish discovered that
the Filipinos were singing people. In monasteries and churches, the first sounds
of the Christian church that the “native” heard was the Gregorian chant or
plainchant, unaccompanied monophony.

Extraliturgical Music – music developed outside the church and some of

these are practiced by the entire major Christianized ethnolinguistic group. Some
of the practices are: the Marian flores de mayo and santacruzan both held in
May; the Easter salubong and bati and the Christmas panunuluyan.

Secular Music – is non-religious music.

Kumintang – an ancient native dance and melody of the Christian is an authentic

example of pre-Spanish music in the Tagalog areas. Originally a war song, it was
later adapted into a love song and still later into a song of repose.

Kundiman – a passionate lyrical song with a theme professing true love.

Balitaw – is song and dance common among Tagalogs and Visayans.

Habanera – named after its place of origin of Havana, Cuba, and also known as
danza or danza habanera – is in duple time

Polka – dance in fast duple meter

Jota – originally a Spanish folk dance, has sections in duple and quadruple time

Numerous instrumental groups performed actively, particularly in the second half

of the 19th century. These included orchestras, bands and rondalla.
-
American and Contemporary Traditions

The three centuries of Spanish musical influence gave way to changes

introduced by the American regime from 1901 to 1946. Through the new system
of public education, American teachers introduced the singing of Philippine songs
in Western style as other hymns and simple tunes from Europe and America.

Types of music:

1. classical music – which includes both Western classical music and the art
music composed by Filipinos in the Western classical or modern idiom.
- western classical music – influence of European classical music was
made stronger by visits of individual foreign artists before and after the
American occupation.

2. semiclassical music – which encompasses stylized folk songs, sarswela

music, hymns and marches, band and rondalla music.
 - folk songs – the field collection of folk songs undertaken in the 1920s and
1930s yielded substantial body of regional songs from the language
groups all over the country. Initially transcribed in western notation, many
of them were arranged for chorus and published as educational materials
for the school system. These songs were later popularized in musical
performances that called for native music, including folk dance
presentation.
- songs and ballads – love songs and ballads have been composed and
are still being composed in abundant numbers, catering to the everyday
musical needs of a wide listening public.
- music for theater – early Philippine theater forms such as the komedya
and the sarswela served as sources of light entertainment music.
- instrumental music – Philippine band music has become an integral part
of the life of every Filipino in the lowland Christian communities.

3. popular music – which includes music created by Filipinos using Western pop
forms and/or local music traditions.
- popular entertainment - the most significant influence of American
culture on Philippine musical life is reflected in the popular music
movement which catered to the need for entertainment and leisure by a
growing mass audience.
- pinoy pop music – Filipino popular music, or Pinoy pop, covers a broad
range of forms: folk songs, dance tunes, ballads, broadway-inspired
songs, rock’n’roll and its variants, disco, jazz fusion, and rap, that cater to
a predominantly youthful audience in the urban centers and are
disseminated widely through the electronic media.

Composers

1. Nicanor Abelardo – Father of Kundiman (Nasaan Ka Irog, Mutya ng Pasig,

Bituing Marikit, Himutok and Kung Hindi Man)

2. Julian Felipe – Composer of National Anthem (Jose Palma – lyricist)

3. Antonio Molina – “Hatinggabi” – violin solo – impressionistic style, “Ang

Batingaw,”Misa Antoniana Grand Festival March.”

4. Dolores Paterno – Composer of “La Flor De Manila 1897 (Sampaguita)”

5. Lucio San Pedro – 1991 National Artist (Sa Ugoy ng Duyan, Sa Mahal Kong
Bayan and Sa Lupang Sarili)

6. Francisco Santiago – Composer of “Pilipinas Kong Mahal”, “Kundiman (Ako’y

Anak ng Dalita)”, “Madaling Araw”, “Pakiusap”, “Ano Kaya ang Kapalaran” and
“The Dignity of Labor.”

7. Alfredo Buenaventura – Conductor, teacher and composer of “Piano Concerto in

C minor”, “Kayumanggi Symphony”, opera: “Maria Makiling”, “Alamat ng Pinya”
and “Hinilawod.”

8. George Canceso – Composer of “Kapantay ay Langit”, “Kailangan Kita”, “Ngayon

at Kailanman”, “Kastilyong Buhangin” and “Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan.”

9. Ryan Cayabyab – Conductor, musical director, teacher and composer of “Isang

Dipang Tao,” “Magandang Gabi sa Inyong Lahat,” “Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika,”
and “Nais Ko.”

10. Jose Mari Chan – Singer and composer of “Christmas in Our Hearts,” “Beautiful
Girl,” “Please Be Careful with My Heart,” and “Constant Change.”

11. Willy Cruz – “Araw-Araw, Gabi-Gabi,” “I’ll Never Ever Say Goodbye,” “Kung
Mahawi Man ang Ulap” and “Pahiram ng Isang Umaga.”
 12. Ogie Alcasid – Singer, songwriter, television presenter, comedian, parodist, actor,
entrepreneur and composer of “Nandito Ako,” “Bakit Ngayon Ka Lang,”
“Hanggang Ngayon,” “Pangako” and “Kung Mawawala.”

13. Freddie Aguilar – “Anak,” “Magdalena,” “ Bulag, Pipi at Bingi,” “Ipaglalaban Ko”
and “Estudyante Blues.”

14. APO Hiking Society – Jim Paredes, Buboy Garrovillo and Danny Javier’s
“Pumapatak ang Ulan,” “Salawikain,” “Mahirap Magmahal ng Syota ng Iba,”
“American Junk,” and “Yakap sa Dilim.”

15. Joey Ayala – Singer, poet and composer of “Panganay ng Umaga,” “Mga Awit ng
Tanod-lupa,” “Lumad sa Siyudad” and “Sa Bundok ng Apo.”

PART II – ANALYZING TEST ITEMS

1. La Flor de Manila or Sampaguita is the composition of _________?

a. Julian Felipe c. Dolores Paterno

b. Jose Palma d. Atang dela Rama

2. Who are the Creative Nationalist Filipino Composer and the National Artist of
1991?

a. Restie Umali c. Levi Celerio

b. Lucio San Pedro d. George Canseco

3. The Impressionistic composer of Hatinggabi is __________.

a. Nicanor Abelardo c. Antonio Molina

b. Lucio San Pedro d. Francisco Santiago

4. Kung Hindi Man is an example of ___________?

a. Folksong c. Kumintang
b. Balitaw d. Kundiman

5. This is the period of the pabasa, pasyon and flores de mayo in the Philippines.

a. Ethnic period c. American period

b. Spanish period d. Japanese period

6. The “reyna” of Zarzuela is ___________.

a. Sylvia La Torre c. Dolores Paterno

b. Conching Rosal d. Atang dela Rama

7. The “reyna” of Kundiman is __________.

a. Sylvia La Torre c. Dolores Paterno

b. Conching Rosal d. Atang dela Rama

8. It consists of 3 to 4 pieces of gongs with shallow bossed.

a. Agong c. Gandingan
b. Babandil d. Gangsa
9. From what region is the song Sarungbanggi?

a. Tagalog c. Visaya
b. Ilocano d. Bicol

10. Is a song and dance common among the Tagalogs and Visayans.

a. Kumintang c. Balitaw
b. Danza d. Habanera

11. From which region is the song Dandansoy?

a. Tagalog c. Visaya
b. Ilocano d. Bicol

12. The composer of “Pilipinas Kong Mahal” is _________?

a. Antonio Molina c. Lucio San Pedro

b. Nicanor Abelardo d. Francisco Santiago

13. “Sa Ugoy ng Duyan” is a composition by _______?

a. Antonio Molina c. Lucio San Pedro

b. Nicanor Abelardo d. Francisco Santiago

14. The most significant influence of American culture on Philippine musical life is
reflected in the popular music movement which catered to the need for
entertainment and leisure by a growing mass audience.

a. Popular entertainment c. Instrumental music

b. Pinoy pop music d. Music for Theater

15. Filipino popular music, or Pinoy pop, covers a broad range of forms.

a. Popular entertainment c. Instrumental music

b. Pinoy pop music d. Music for Theater

16. The song ___________ is sung while pounding rice during wedding ceremonies.

a. Du-mu-ra c. Cañao
b. Pag-pag d. Tal-bun

17. ___________ is a love song with long verses.

a. Du-mu-ra c. Cañao
b. Pag-pag d. Tal-bun

18. The gangsa instrument belongs to _____________.

a. Idiophone c. Membranophone
b. Aeorophone d. Chordophone

19. The paldong instrument is classified as ________________.

a. Idiophone c. Membranophone
b. Aerophone d. Chordophone

20. The best-selling Philippine music record of all time by Freddie Aguilar is
___________?

a. Ipaglalaban ko c. Bulag, Pipi atBingi

 b. Magdalena d. Anak

PART III – ENHANCING TEST TAKING SKILLS

1. The Ifugao ceremonious occasion with dancing, drinking of bubud or fermented

rice, butchering of pigs and speeches is called __________.

a. Ayoweng c. Pagpag
b. Sua-sua d. Canao

2. The song and courtship dance of Jolo.

a. Ayoweng c. Papag
b. Sua-sua d. Canao

3. What do you call this ensemble that consists of kulintang, a set of eight small
gongs of graduated sizes, dabakan, gandingan and babandil?

a. Saggong c. Gangsa
b. Palabunyibunyan d. Luntang

4. The instrument played by the Kalinga.

a. Saggong c. Gangsa
b. Palabunyibunyan d. Luntang

5. It is a song that belongs to a nation.

a. Ballad c. Plainsong
b. Kumintang d. National Song

6. Which of the following is not a category of Ethnic Philippine music?

a. Function – specific music

b. Music that maybe performed on similar occasion
c. Music performed at any time at any occasion
d. Music performed in churches.

7. The music includes both Western classical music and the art music composed by
Filipinos in the Western classical or modern idiom is called _______________.

a. Semiclassical music c. Popular music

b. Classical music d. Ethnic music

8. _____________ music includes music created by the Filipinos using Western

Pop forms and or local music traditions.

a. Semiclassical music c. Popular music

b. Classical music d. Ethnic music

9. Which of the following are to membranophone instruments?

 a. Pattung c. Togo
b. Babandil d. Dabakan

10. Which of the following does not belong to chordophone instruments?

a. Saggeypo c. Kolitong
b. Kudlong d. Kudyapi

11. In general, it is the most influential contribution of the Spaniards to Philippine

music.

a. The westernization of Philippine music

b. Christianization of music in almost all parts of the Philippines
c. Eradication of “devilish” cultural ethnic music
d. Education of Filipinos to music

12. Which of the following does not belong to the classification of songs?

a. Strophic song c. Folk song

b. Cañao d. Art song

13. Which of the following explains why there is an Extraliturgical music?

a. Because Filipinos wanted an independent liturgical music

b. Because of the musical aspect which conveyed much of Filipino’s
musicality
c. Because of the great power of the Christian religion that its music
extended beyond the walls of the church
d. It was a government project by the Spaniards to promote Filipino music

14. It is a regional variant of an awit which is in slow triple time and is referred to as
a nationalistic song. It originated in Batangas.

a. Composo c. Kundiman
b. Kumintang d. Rigodon

15. The famous singer, song writer, television presentor, comedian actor and
composer of the song “Kung Mawawala Ka” is __________________.

a. APO Hiking Society c. Ogie Alcasid

b. Joey Ayala d. Willy Cruz

16. “American Junk” and “Yakap sa Dilim” are the famous songs by ____________.

a. APO Hiking Society c. Ogie Alcasid

b. Joey Ayala d. Willy Cruz

17. It is a genre in the Contemporary era characterized by its mushy lyrics which are
in Taglish and was important in the filipinization of Pop music

a. Manila Sound c. Pinoy Jazz Fusion

b. Pinoy Rock d. Pinoy Rap

18. If music stayed in the same western concept and idiom but is “filipinized” and
“vernacularized” with Filipino concept, what genre can you categorize it know for the
fusion of ethnic and contemporary?

a. Pinoy Jazz Fusion c. Contemporary

b. Ethnic Pop d. Popular Ethnic

19. She is known as the mother of Filipino classical music?

 a. Eudenice Palaruan c. Eliseo Parajo
b. Lucrecia Kasilag d. Slyvia dela Torre

20. A song of trivial musical and poetic value, usually written by laymen for popular
mass appeal.

a. National Song c. Plain Song

b. Ballad d. Popular Song

ANSWER KEY:
PART II – ANALYZING TEST ITEMS

1. C 11. C
2. B 12. D
3. C 13. C
4. D 14. A
5. B 15. B
6. D 16. B
7. B 17. A
8. C 18. A
9. D 19. D
10. C 20. D

PART III – ENHANCING TEST TAKING SKILLS

1. C 11. B
2. B 12. B
3. B 13. C
4. C 14. B
5. D 15. C
6. D 16. A
7. B 17. A
8. C 18. B
9. D 19. B
10. A 20. D