Folk songs are, quite literally, songs of the people. And in determining the identity of a country, one can look no further than 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 tunes long since ingrained into the Philippine people’s consciousness.

BAHAY KUBO

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

PAKITONG-KITONG

Also called “Tong Tong Tong Tong Pakitong-kitong,” this Filipino folk song has both a Tagalog and Cebuano version. It describes a crab that is delicious to eat, but hard to catch because of its snapping pincers.

MAGTANIM AY ‘DI BIRO

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

O ILAW

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

ANG PIPIT

“Ang Pipit” (“The Sparrow”) relates the story a sparrow who falls off the branch its 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 National Artist for Music and Literature in 1997, Celerio had composed over 4,000 songs and has even been included in the Guinness Book of World Records for his unusual talent of playing music from a leaf.

SA UGOY NG DUYAN

Another collaboration from Lucio San Pedro and Levi Celerio. “Sa Ugoy ng Duyan” (“The Swing of the Cradle”) is a haunting and nostalgic lullaby expressing the feelings of a child finding tranquil security in the arms of a loving mother.

SA LIBIS NG NAYON

This song describes the beauty and serenity of life in the countryside. It was written by Santiago S. Suarez and popularized by Filipina singer and “Queen of Kundiman” Sylvia la Torre.

BAYAN KO

Written in 1929 by Filipino poet Jose Corazon de Jesus (“Huseng Batute” 1896-1932) and later set to music by Constancio de Guzman (1903-83), “Bayan Ko” (“My Country”) was meant as a patriotic song protesting the American 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. Its most famous rendition is the one by Filipino folk singer Freddie Aguilar.

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

Philippine girls are known to be quiet, demure, and conservative. Most of the time, they will just reward you with their alluring smiles without words. You might ask yourself, “How will I impress such a woman?” They are not very vocal about what they want yet you are sure that they are expecting something from you, be it a gift, a gesture, or some positive words or praise maybe. You might need some tips on how to impress a quiet Philippine girl. Here are 5 tips that you should consider.

• Tip #1 – When it comes to material things, Philippine women are not hard to impress. Of course, just like any other females all over the world, they are also impressed with cool cars, nice house, and other expensive things. However, you can impress a Philippine woman by giving her simple gifts such as flowers, chocolates, or other foods especially if you also bring something for their family especially their mothers.
• Tip #2 – Impress them by going to their house and taking time and exerting an effort to meet her family and have a small chat with them. Going to a Filipina’s house does not necessarily mean you are going to marry her or that you have to be seriously committed with her. It is just a matter of showing respect for her parents. You can do this even if you are just on the getting-to-know-each-other stage. It is also a plus point if you were able to impress and build rapport with her family.
• Tip #3 – Always act like a gentleman. Do not be rude and act like an arrogant jerk. Even western females who are not as sensitive compared to Filipinas will ditch you before you can finish saying “I’m a jerk”. Be sweet and gentle and mild-mannered. Filipinas like men who treat them like princesses.
• Tip #4 – These women are also impressed with intelligence, educational background, and success in careers. You can drop a hint or you can casually say that you studied in one of the top universities in your country or that you took up rocket science when you were still in college. Just keep it to a minimum. Do not brag about them. There is only a very thin line between simply talking about your achievements and bragging about them. Just make sure that you do the first one. Of course, if do not have any achievements or successes, do not make up any stories and lie about yourself. Just conveniently forget to mention those little details.
• Tip #5 – Learn about the Filipino culture and try to learn how to speak romantic Filipino phrases. Learn the Filipino translations for “you’re beautiful” or “I love your smile”. She will be surprised and glad that you know how to speak her language and it will make her think that you are really serious about her. It is also good to greet her parents using Filipino greetings. This will really give you their approval and will give you the green light in dating their daughter.

One thing that you can safely say that most Asian cultures share when it comes to the women is that they are looked at as second class to the men of these societies. I could cite many things that show this in these cultures but to me it’s obvious and that’s not the purpose of this article. I am most familiar with Filipino women so I will stick with what I know best here.

I have been married to a Filipina for over 3 years now and been living in the Philippines for most of that time. So I have been exposed to then the most. When it comes to the main differences between western women and Filipinas the Filipina has what I call the “que sera sera” attitude along with the general population. This is great if like the laid back atmosphere it brings. The level of happiness that these people have even in troubled times is amazing. However it has its drawbacks also. This being that when things do go wrong and they have an opportunity to learn from it and not make the same mistake in the future.

This attitude prevents the learning process from ever starting. Which will just about guarantee that the same mistakes will be made. This will be more common if you live in the Philippines as I do. Mainly because the other good part of this attitude is that they do adjust very well to living in the western world when you take your wife back home. For example my wife lived in Japan for 15 years. When I went there to meet her the first time she seemed to be one of the most organized people I ever knew. She was punctual and used her time wisely. Well it seemed as soon as she stepped foot back on Philippine soil she lost all that. I was wondering what had happened to the girl I met in Japan. After realizing that the general population here is the same I had to realize that she really didn’t have much choice in the matter because she would constantly be angry about people never being on time and plans never working out. Just how I was for the first 6 months I lived here until I realized it was something I had to deal with or live a very stressful life.

Next on my list of importance is religion. Although most Filipinas are Catholic or some form if Christianity and they most all are dedicated to it. They go to their respected church one to three times a week for mass and pray on a regular basis. They read their bibles all the time and pretty much live a Christian life. Accept for the Muslims of course. However even the Muslims who are just as dedicated to their religion are not beyond the superstitions that are engrained in most every Filipino. Men and women alike. It really don’t matter what religion they are the superstitions they have built up for probably thousands of years seems to always trump what ever the may find in the Bible or Koran. They all believe in what is known here as the Aswang. It is a ghost witch that can possess you and make you do evil things such as kill and eat your neighbors or family for that matter. Some of my wife’s distant cousins have actually claimed to be this and said that they could eat your liver by just looking at you. This is just one of hundreds of other superstitions they have here. They differ depending on what part of the Philippines they come from but most all are outlandish from a westerners point of view. You can find any number of these by doing a simple search on the internet.

There are other minor cultural differences with Filipinas but I consider these to be the ones that should be considered the most by somebody who has the desire to marry a Filipina.

Filipino women may just be the perfect partner to spend the rest of your life with. Beautiful Filipinas have a unique beauty and attitude. As part of the Filipino culture, Filipinas are very hospitable and entirely devoted to their husband. Also, Filipinas are very loving and kind, not only to their husband but also to their whole family.

If you want to date a Filipino women or finding for Filipina beauties that you want to spend the rest of your life with, here are some but important information you must know before meeting them:

1. One great thing about Filipina women is that they are knowledgeable about Western culture,specially of the American cutlture. So, you don’t need to learn “Tagalog” to meet beautiful Filipinas because they are very good in communicating in English.

2. Filipino women are fond of roaming around the mall that most of time they consider it as their place where they can spend their leisure time. At least, now you know where will you bring your future Filipina date.

3. Filipinas are also fond of “texting”.Their day is not complete if they can’t touch the keypad of their cellphones.With this, always keep in touch to her by sending a sweet “SMS or text ” once or twice a day just to let her know you are thinking of her. Take note that Filipina women always want to feel your love to them by simply seeing it through your actions.

4. Filipina women always want surprises. So, why not surprise her with the “Tagalog” translations of English sweet words such as:

I love you – “Mahal Kita”

You are so beautiful-“Ang ganda ganda mo”

I always think of you – “Lagi kitang iniisip”

I miss you so much – ” Miss na miss kita”

Eventually, you will not only surprise her but also you will sweeten her feelings towards you.

5. Filipina women hate “lies” . So, be truthful when you talk about your self and life. It is better to tell things that will sooner affects your relationship to her than to hide it because eventually you will know that Filipinas are very understanding.

6. Courtship is a part of Filipino Culture. In the Philippines don’t only win the heart of the woman but also win the heart of her family.This does not necessarily mean that you have to “wow” them with expensive gifts,just show only your true feeling towards their daughter through sincerity and honesty. Of course, it is a plus factor if you have something for her parents as a sign of respect and gratitude for caring, nurturing and loving their daughter so much.

7. Be aware that sex is a delicate thing to talk about in the Philippines.It is wrong to ask to sleep in the same room with Filipina before marriage. Although this is not the case for some Filipino women,still, it is a good thing to be wary.

I hope that my tips will help you a lot of winning the heart of the beautiful Filipino women.I know that these tips are only few but for sure they are helpful enough to capture the feelings of Filipinas.

Traditional Filipino Music is generally a confluence of Western styles and our own ethnic music. In modern times, however, Filipino music is similar to modern music that is heard in any part of the world.

Original musical works by Filipino artists is usually referred to as “Original Pilipino Music” or OPM. Many song and music artists of the Philippines usually use Tagalog and English for the lyrics of their songs. Thus, if you listen to any local FM radio station, it would not be a surprise to hear OPM songs with English lyrics and titles.

One of the best contemporary artists that have made a lot of Filipino music is Mr. Ryan Cayabyab. Ryan is a professor of the University of the Philippines conservatory if music and is currently the head and conductor of the San Miguel Philharmonic orchestra.

Ryan has been an internationally acclaimed musical artist and has received numerous awards on the International level. His most popular composition is “Kay ganda ng ating musika” which literally means “How beautiful is our music”, which he composed during the first Metropop song festival in the early 80s. The Metropop song festival was then the most prestigious avenue for original competitions. Ryan still continuous to produce albums with his Orchestra. He also arranges for many singers and song writers.

If you want to hear ethnic Filipino music, you just have to hear the music of Joey Ayala. Joey Ayala makes use of indigenous instruments for his music. One characteristic of Joey Ayala’s music is that you hear the sound of nature as accompaniment for his songs, like a stream that is flowing or birds chirping. Nowadays however, Joey Ayala’s songs are not played on FM radio. Simply go to any CD music store on any mall if you want to grab an album of Joey Ayala.

Like in any part of the world, FM stations usually play pop music so it is unlikely that you hear ethnic music when you tune in to FM stations. If you are more of the rocker type of musician or listener, all you have to do is tune in to the “Alternative music” FM stations. The most popular of these FM rock stations is the Manila-based FM station NU 107.1.

In the Philippine, the world “Alternative music” refers to the heavy metal, or rock music done by Filipino artists. This type of wave in Filipino music started during the early 90’s.

Some of most popular alternative music bands are “Eraserheads”, “Parokya ni Edgar” and “Wolfgang”. Other popular alternative bands are “MYMP”, “Hale”, and “Orange and Lemons”. Popular female alternative song artists are Kitchie Nadal and Barbie Almadi. These two ladies have very good voices that sound like Alanis Morissette (if you still remember this artist from the mid 90’s).

Binagol, also called binangol, is a sweet delicacy originating from Leyte, an island in the Visayas. There are several versions of this recipe, some uses chocolate flavors and some with nuts and butter. This recipe is the simpler version, though.

The Taro root mixture is contained in polished coconut shells, thus the name binagol from the root word “bagol”, a visayan term which literally means coconut shells. Because of the abundance of coconut trees in this tropical country, you will surely find many kinds of delicacies using coconuts as packaging. Cooking this recipe may be a tedious process but the finished product is worth the effort.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rich coconut milk (from 2 medium coconuts)
• ¾ cups raw gabi or Taro root (shredded)
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ½ can full cream condensed milk
• 4 egg yolks
• wilted banana leaves
• 4 medium coconut shells (cleaned)
• string for tying

Cooking Instructions:

• Combine shredded Taro root, coconut milk and brown sugar. Place in a thick-bottomed pan and cook over medium heat for about 6 minutes while stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low and go on cooking for 10 more minutes.
• Add the condensed milk and cook for another 20 minutes over low heat, stirring continuously.
• Fill the shells with the cooked mixture. In the center, make a well and drop 1 raw egg yolk for each. Cover top with the cooked Taro mixture and spread smoothly. Fill very close to the coconut shell’s brim.
• Use two layers of the wilted banana leaves to cover the filled coconut shells and use the strings to tie securely.
• Steam for half an hour.

If you’re planning a trip to the Philippines, it might do you good to understand a few things about the Filipino culture, including how do Filipinos greet each other. You may not be expected to adapt to their culture, but as the saying goes, “when in Rome, do what the Romans do”. In the same way, when you are in the Philippines, you could try to greet Filipinos the Filipino way, too. This will make you feel more at home in the beautiful country, that is the Philippines, and make Filipinos easily warm up to you.

Cheek-kissing is a means of greeting you’d often see in other countries, but it’s not usually practiced in the Philippines, especially between strangers and not too close acquaintances. Cheek-kissing, if indeed done, is usually between close friends and family members only.

Normally, Filipinos greet one another with a smile, a wave, a hand shake, and by saying “Hi, kumusta ka?” In English the greeting means “hello, how are you?” Friends who haven’t seen each other in a long time would make the customary greetings, and then follow them up with comments on the other’s physical appearance. Some people find this a bit rude, but Filipinos are quite used to this already, and most of them are not at all insulted by this.

You will not often see or hear Filipinos greeting strangers, especially foreigners, in street corners. It’s not in their culture to do that. But it does not mean that they are snobbish. In fact, when you get to know a Filipina deep down, you will know that she is an interesting being.

Filipinos are generally hospitable. They will not make you feel unwelcome or uncomfortable. They will go the extra mile to attend to your needs, and they will have your full itinerary planned out for you so you’ll have something fun to do every minute of the day. Filipinos are proud of their heritage; they will take you to the best places in town, to experience fiestas and festivals, and to taste their mouth-watering dishes. The Filipino hospitality is well known throughout the world, and extended to anyone, regardless of social class or color. So when in the company of a Filipino, you can be secured in the thought that you are in good hands.

A Filipino girl can be very funny, too. She can make you laugh with tales of her childhood in the province as well as her school life. If the Filipina is working already, she will have many interesting things to tell about her co-workers, too. Just listening to her gab about her life is already quite an entertainment, and there is still pretty much to discover and love about her!

Filipinas are smart and witty. Even though education is not practically 100% free even in many public schools in the country, education is being made accessible to most Filipinos. Many receive quality education and this is evident when you communicate with Filipino women.

Knowing how do Filipinos greet each other is very interesting, indeed, but it’s definitely not the only thing that makes Filipinos great.

Dinuguan is a dish that is originally Filipino. A true favorite by many, Dinuguan has been an existing proof that Filipinos could be masters of the kitchen and that Filipino dishes are cooked with love. Usually, Filipinos opt for personally hand picking pork blood from the local market when cooking this dish. However, some use Monterey Pork Blood Trio for a quicker and easier process that assures quality and good results. Dinuguan is basically just a stew made out of pork blood, pork meat, intestines, kidneys, lungs, vinegar, garlic and chili. However, you may also choose not to add any offal or internal organs of the pork if you do not prefer them. Sometimes, calamansi is added to make it taste even better.

Did you know?

• Dinuguan is also called as Filipino Chocolate Meat, because of its rich, dark (often black) color.
• Some people say that Dinuguan is a more modern version of “Black Soup”, a dish that was around during the time of the Spartans, which is made out of Pork, Blood and Vinegar.
• It is sometimes likened to the Blood Sausage of Europe, or London’s Black Pudding because of its color and the fact that they are all made from pork blood.
• Meat and Blood of Chicken can also be used to make Dinuguan. This type is called “Chicken Dinuguan”.
• A restaurant in Ilocos, a province at the northern part of the Philippines offers Dinardaran or Dinuguan Pizza.
• Different Types of Dinuguan
• Another interesting fact about Dinuguan is that it is called by different names, depending on which province you are in. And, aside from different names, there are also different ways of cooking it. Some of these include:
• In Ilocos, it is called Dinardaran. It is characterized by its unique crunchiness and is made with pork meat, skin, and intestines and a dash or two of salt. Peppercorns are also added to the mix. The meat is fried before being added to the stew to ensure crunchiness.
• In Pampanga, it is called Tid-Tad Babi. The esophagus of the pig is often used in this recipe. Interestingly enough, the pig’s esophagus is actually called “Goto”, which is also the term used for Filipino Congee.
• In Bicol, it is called Tinutungang Dinuguan. Grated Coconut is one of the key ingredients to this. Sliced Shallots can also be added to make it even more unique.
• And, in Batangas, it is called Sinugaok. This is made with glutinous rice, which makes it perfect for breakfast, as it is heavy, delicious and is full of nutrients, too.

Why not be like the Batanguenos and make Dinuguan a part of your breakfast? It’s uniquely good and by doing so, you are making every meal a San Miguel-Purefoods meal.

The following are the numbers from one hundred to nine hundred. You may notice that the Spanish and the filipinized of one hundred have a (to) attached to it. This is used to add the other two digits to it. For example, Ciento veinte is one hundred twenty. If the number is one hundred alone, it is only cien. The format of the below list is Filipino, English, Spanish, and filipinized version.

• Sangdaan, one hundred, cien(to), syen(to).
• Dalawangdaan, two hundred, dos cientos, dos syentos.
• Tatlongdaan, three hundred, tres cientos, tres syentos.
• Apatnaraan, four hundred, cuatro cientos, kwatro syentos.
• Limangdaan, five hundred, quinientos, kinyentos.
• Animnaraan, six hundred, seiscientos, saisyentos.
• Pitongdaan, seven hundred, setecientos, setesyentos.
• Walongdaan, eight hundred, ochocientos, otsosyentos.
• Siyamnaraan, nine hundred, novecientos, nobesyentos.

If you remember the first part of this lesson, The na and ng is also used here. As for the auxiliary daan and raan, only four hundred, six hundred, and nine hundred uses raan while the rest uses daan. Furthermore, these three also has the na in it and not ng. One last thing is the sang in both one hundred and one thousand. Do you remember sampu or ten from the previous part? The word isa is its proper form but in the word sampu, it drops the i and adds m to it as a modifier. For the hundreds and the thousands, m is replaced by ng and na.

• Sanglibo, one thousand, mil, (same).
• Dalawanglibo, two thousand, dos mil, (same).
• Tatlonglibo, three thousand, tres mil, (same).
• Apatnalibo, four thousand, cuatro mil, kwatro mil.
• Limanglibo, five thousand, cinco mil, singko mil.
• Animnalibo, six thousand, seis mil, sais mil.
• Pitonglibo, seven thousand, ciete mil, syete mil.
• Walonglibo, eight thousand, ocho mil, otso mil.
• Siyamnalibo, nine thousand, nueve mil, nwebe mil.

As for the million, billion, trillion, and any number higher that the above, it is similar to Spanish but the spelling is filipinized. To change the Spanish spelling to the Filipino one, you must replace the last li by y. This will give us the following: milyon, bilyon, trilyon. This is the last part of introduction to number. Soon, we will move to the applications of these basics. 

Filipino Dating in the UK is another dating site that represents Filipinos working in the United Kingdom. The Filipino population in the United Kingdom grew in the late 20th century when there were a fast growing number of Filipino workers in the hospitals and welfare homes. Some came in as caregivers when there was a shortage of local recruitment.

In 2007, the number grew to an estimated 200,000 Filipinos. There are those who were already born in UK. These people meet together. Sometimes they commemorate Filipino celebrations. Among the largest gathering of a community in the UK is the two-day celebration of ‘Barrio Fiesta sa London’. This celebration brings together the businessmen and Filipino community groups all over the UK.

With activities like those mentioned above, it also has attracted British men as well. You cannot deny that a Filipina beauty is always a head turner. There have been quite a number of British men marrying Filipinas and have settled down living a full and rich life.

Filipino women do not boast of their renowned beauty but also of their character. These ladies are in search of true love. Security for a lifelong partner is also one of their purposes in joining Filipino dating UK sites. These women are awed by a suitor who can offer like the thrill of unexpected courtship, surprises and romance. Do not assume that just because you are from the west she would love you immediately.

Filipino women or sometimes called Filipinas are looking for partners that would treat them equally. The love and respect that they receive will keep the relationship burning.

Filipinas are family-oriented. If you truly love her, then you must treat her family in a similar way. Frequent visits to the family of the lady will strengthen your relationship. You will be showered with respect and love of a lifelong partner if you will treat her family well.

Foreign men are interested in dating Filipinas who are already staying or working abroad because these women can easily travel. This will spare him and her all the trouble in applying for a visa. It will save them also from the long wait. This is one practical reason why men from Europe prefer to look for Filipino Dating in the UK.