List of Filipino Folk Songs

Popular songs are literally songs of the people. And to determine a country’s identity, one cannot look beyond this form of music for clues to a particular culture. This list of Filipino folk songs offers a few examples of the many simple yet timeless melodies that have long been ingrained in the consciousness of the Filipino people.

BAHAY KUBO

This song is as familiar to Filipino schoolchildren as “ABC” and “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” are to children everywhere. Credited as being written by composer and 1997 National Music Artist Felipe de León (1912-1992), it tells of the traditional Filipino rural house, the humble “bahay kubo” or nipa hut, and goes on to list the various vegetables planted in its vicinity.

PAKITONG-KITONG

Also called “Tong Tong Tong Tong Pakitong-kitong”, this Filipino folk song has a version in both Tagalog and Cebuano. Describes a crab that is delicious to eat, but difficult to catch because of its claws.

MAGTANIM AY ‘DI BIRO

Credited to Felipe de León, “Magtanim Ay’ Di Biro” (“Planting Rice Is Never Fun”) describes the tedious task of planting rice. It has been covered by Philippine rock band The Dawn, and former President Joseph “Erap” Estrada even rewrote it into a much more “inspirational” version titled “Kung Tayo’y Magtatanim” (“If We All Plant Rice”).

OR LAW

A popular example of the traditional “kundiman” genre of Filipino love songs, this song was made famous by Filipino singer and actor Ruben Tagalog (1920-83). The song’s actual title is actually “Aking Bituin” (“My Star”), and its current title is derived from its first two words “o ilaw” (“or light”).

PIPITO ANG

“Ang Pipit” (“The Sparrow”) tells the story of a sparrow that falls from the branch it is perched on after being stoned by a cruel man. It was co-written by Lucio D. San Pedro (1913-2002) and Levi Celerio (1910-2002). Named a National Artist for Music and Literature in 1997, Celerio has composed more than 4,000 songs and has even been listed in the Guinness Book of World Records for his unusual talent for playing one sheet music.

SA UGOY NG DUYAN

Another collaboration by Lucio San Pedro and Levi Celerio. “Sa Ugoy ng Duyan” (“The Cradle Swing”) is a haunting and nostalgic lullaby that expresses the feelings of a child who finds calm safety in the arms of a loving mother.

SA LIBIS NG NAYON

This song describes the beauty and serenity of country life. It was written by Santiago S. Suarez and made popular by Filipino singer and “Queen of Kundiman” Sylvia la Torre.

BAYÁN KO

Written in 1929 by the Filipino poet José Corazón de Jesús (“Huseng Batute” 1896-1932) and later set to music by Constancio de Guzmán (1903-83), “Bayan Ko” (“My Country”) was conceived as a patriotic song. protesting the US occupation of the Philippines. Since then, it has practically been a second national anthem for freedom-loving Filipinos, a theme song for some of the most momentous events in Philippine history. His most famous rendition is that of Filipino folk singer Freddie Aguilar.

It can be said that a country is defined by its popular songs. From this list of Filipino folk songs, we can gather that the people of the Philippines are a humble people, filled not only with joy but also with deep aspiration. They are also an industrious people, with a love for the simple things in life, as well as a great desire for peace and national freedom. And of course, the Filipino people are very talented, capable of creating songs that reflect the nature of their beloved country.