Background of the Study Filipino culture has been known of its meaningful traditions that have, unfortunately, changed because of Western influences over time. With all the richness the Philippine tradition has, the best known culture of the Filipinos is its very own “harana” or serenade which dates back in the Spanish colonization. Harana is a vanished tradition of serenading prevalent in old Philippines. During the old times and in the rural areas of the Philippines, Filipino men would make harana (serenade) the women at night and sing songs of love and affection. This is basically a Spanish influence. The man is usually accompanied by his close friends who provide moral support for the guy, apart from singing with him (Francisco, 1974). While most Filipinos are still familiar with this custom, it is mostly that – only a passing familiarity exists. Filipinos can hardly be blamed because there truly was no in-depth study ever done of this once-important part of Philippine social fabric. Most of what people know came from stereotypical and romanticized versions depicted in old movies and paintings (Aguilar, 2012). Certainly, the research world did not pay much attention to this courtship ritual perhaps because they never considered it an art form and relegated it more as plebeian endeavor of the popular culture. Thus, herewith “harana” is the top most issue of this study.
FAQs
HARANA: PHILIPPINE TRADITIONAL COURTING THROUGH MUSIC? ›
The harana first gained popularity in the early part of the Spanish Philippines period. Its influence comes from folk Music of Spain and the mariachi sounds of Mexico. It is a traditional form of courtship music in which a man woos a woman by singing underneath her window at night.
What is the courtship music in the Philippines? ›Harana, the Filipino serenade, is a dating tradition practiced in Filipino culture (originally influenced by the Spanish). In this tradition, a man will get a group of his friends together to go to the window of the woman he admires. His musician friends accompany him as he sings to the woman.
What is harana courtship in the Philippines? ›Harana was a traditional form of courtship in the Philippines wherein men introduced themselves and/or wooed women by singing underneath her window at night. It was widely practiced in old Philippines with a set of protocols, a code of conduct and a specific style of music.
What is the difference between harana and kundiman? ›The term 'harana' is often used interchangeably with 'kundiman. ' The difference between these two terms is subtle, but its importance speaks volumes about our past. The harana, unlike the kundiman, could only be expressed in Tagalog - the inclusion of Spanish words would immediately identify the song as a kundiman.
What is paninilbihan? ›Paninilbihan is when the groom performs household chores to show the bride's family that he is a responsible man capable of taking care of a household.
What is the Filipino way of courting? ›Evident in courtship in the Philippines is the practice of singing romantic love songs, reciting poems, writing letters, and gift-giving. This respect extends to the Filipina's family members. The proper rules and standards in traditional Filipino courtship are set by Philippine society.
What is traditional pinoy courting? ›Traditional way of courtship by a Filipino suitor involves giving of flowers, chocolates, home visits, paninilbihan (servitude) where a suitor does household chores like chopping firewood, feeding farm animals, fetching some water, and other household chores.
What is the meaning of harana in music? ›Harana is a Filipino word meaning 'to serenade'. However, in this sense, it is not about the form of a piece, but the act of serenading. Harana is an old tradition of courtship in the pre-colonial and colonial days of the Philippines.
What are the examples of harana music? ›Classic examples of traditional harana songs are Ruben Tagalog's “Dungawin Mo,” “Hirang” (“Look Out the WIndow, My Love”), and “Kay Lungkot Nitong Hatinggabi” (“How Sorrowful is the Night”) — all of which are accompanied by a guitar or two.
What is an example of a harana song? ›Harana is an unstructured, anything-goes event
Songs like Dungawin Mo Sana (Wishing You'd Look Out the Window), Dungawin Mo Hirang (Look Out the Window, My Beloved), Sa Gitna Ng Dilim (In the Midst of Darkness), etc.
What style of music is harana? ›
The Filipino harana is a lyrical courtship style based on Mexican-Spanish traditions and kundiman is a passionate form of Tagalog romantic song based on Spanish melodies and song structures. Musically, as we can sense from this video, the genre is based on the Spanish/Cuban habanera rhythm (BOOM…
What kind of music is kundiman? ›Kundiman is a genre of traditional Filipino love songs. The lyrics of the kundiman are written in Tagalog. The melody is characterized by a smooth, flowing and gentle rhythm with dramatic intervals. Kundiman was the traditional means of serenade in the Philippines.
Is kundiman a courtship song? ›Kundiman is a Filipino art song where Filipino poetry, often about courtship and love, is set into music. Like its Western counterpart, the German Lieder, the music in Kundiman seeks to reflect the words and the context of each phrase as true as possible.
How do Filipino guys flirt? ›Usually, it involves repeated, respectful acts of affection. Such acts can be as simple as opening doors, carrying her bag, complimenting her, making her feel special, and so on. The key to success is being consistent and following through on plans. These are a few of the simple things that women actually value.
What are the stages of courtship in the Philippines? ›The courtship process in the Philippines usually involves three stages: pamaalam, ligawan, and harana.
What does Bigay Suso mean? ›Bigay-suso. To be given to the bride's wet-nurse who fed her infancy with milk from her own breast. Himaraw. Money to be given to the girl's parents as reimbursem*nt for the amount spent in feeding her during her infancy.
Is considered a courtship dance in the Philippines? ›Cariñosa. First introduced to the Philippines by the Spaniards in the 16th century, the name of this romantic dance means 'loving one' or 'affectionate one'. Despite its Spanish heritage, the dance has very much adapted to the local culture. It depicts the courtship between a man and a woman during the colonial era.
Is Dandansoy a courtship song? ›Answer: Dandansoy is courtship dance from Negros Occidental. In its song, it depicts a story of a woman who goes home to Payao and tells her sweetheart to follow her in case he misses her. Dandansoy is a Visayan Folk Song that's also sung as a lullaby.
Why is Filipino music always about love? ›You know, Filipino music is always about love because it's a universal theme that deeply resonates with Filipinos. It serves as a powerful means of emotional connection, communication, and nostalgic sentiment.