There are nine major island groups that

make up the Visayas region – Cebu,

Bohol, Siquijor, Negros, Guimaras, Panay,
Romblon, Samar, and Leyte. Each of
these island has its own culture
celebrations, and festivals. It is of course
expected that in these happy gatherings
and in the daily lives of people you hear
the music that is unique of the place
REPRESENTATIVE SONGS OF
THE VISAYAS

BALITAW
PASTORES
VISAYAN FOLK SONGS
BALITAW
BALITAW

The Balitaw is a signature song

song of the Visayas, similar to the
kundiman of the tagalogs. This is
usually written in ¾ time signature,
and it usually talks of love and
other aspects of life.
PASTORES

The re-enactment of the

nativity of Jesus during
Christmas. This Visayan
musical tradition recall the
shepherds visit to the manger
Jesus was born.
VISAYAN FOLK SONGS

A Visayan folk songs melody is

considered similar to that of Luzon
lowland songs. But Visayan have more
variety in their melodies when you listen
closely. Melodic contour and the manner
and delivery of the performance give the
listener a greater feel of the emotions in
the songs.
VISAYAN COMPOSO

Considered one of the long-surviving

literary-musical forms of the region. It is
a musical form with content that
changes through time and situation.
The composo is originally a narrative
song that uses repetitive melody.
MANUGCOMPOSO

The composers who sing their

written works, eventually became
instruments of propagating old
cultures and values. This was an
outlet to the changing morality
within the youth during time of
liberation.
TULTUGAN

Is an indigenous term for the bamboo

drum. Today, a festival of the same name
is held annually in Iloilo City to promote
the bamboo industry of Maasin, a
municipality in Iloilo. Tultugan has been
used by the natives of Panay Island for
centuries
BINANOG

A traditional courtship dance from

indigenous community of Panay-
Bukidnon. It is inspired by the
movements of banog, a local term for
eagle. Wherein the flight of the bird is
imitated, resulting in a lively
choreography
RONDALLA IN THE VISAYAS

Is in no way different from the Luzon

Rondalla except for its repertoire,
which obviously points to a visayan
folk music repertoire.