Kalinga Music Notes

Notes:
The Kalinga tribe music is a reflection of a people sophisticated expression to relate with nature,
life and with God. Music is a language, a medium for healing and just like any other art form; a
reflection of the divine. Alexander Madullawan Tumapang was born in Tanudan, Kalinga from a
farmer and lady shaman. He has travelled the world sharing his music and passion to young
generations. Together with cordilleran artists, let us all listen to
The Uggayam
The Uggayam is a melody chanted by an individual to greet visitors in a celebration. The lyrics
of this chant are often delivered spontaneously although the melody of the Uggayam may vary
from the chanter’s point of origin. This chant is often used as an opening prayer to commence
special occasions in the community. The bamboo stamping tube or the “Tongatong” creates a
harmony similar to the gongs. This instrument is used for warming a newly built Kalinga house.
The ullalim
There is an epic that tells about the great river where new born babies who are bathed are
believed to acquire immunity from diseases. The water of this river is believed to speed up a
child’s growth. The same river also gives immunity for warriors who are off to hunt or for battle.
Since the dawn of Kalinga tribal community, stories are passed on to generations through the
ullalim. A traditional way of chanting which tells about the lives of heroes and their epic
undertakings this ullalim in particular tells about the of “Bana” by the river Dardagan. An excerpt
from the epic of lagunawa and bana.
Pateteg
Musical instruments were not only used for entertainment and merry making. Many of these
instruments are revered because of their special functions. The bronze gongs for example are
strictly played by a group of well-trained men only if there is a good reason for community
celebration. The sound of gongs is believed to summon the spirit of ancestors. In this respect,
the young children are trained with the set of “Patatag” or bamboo xylophones first before elders
introduce them to the gongs.
Iwaya
Young people in the communities have a very unique way of courtship. Young men usually stay
in quarters called “Atag”. Young and single ladies also stay in one house usually kept by an
elder widow. Young kalinga men usually sing a melodic chant to start a sung conversation
called “Iwaya” to call the attention of young girls. The courtship may end up with a variety of
ways to swoon each other through exchanges of songs created by different bamboo musical
instruments.
Topayya
One of the most celebrated Kalinga dances is the “Topayya”. This dance is inspired by the
movement of roosters and hens during courtship. The male dancer displays his dancing
prowess as he tries to impress his partner. When the girl decides to accept his gesture of
affection, she in return extends her hands and accepts a piece of hand woven fabric called
“Alap” from her dancing partner ending the dance. The pieces of cloth are then thrown to other
members of the circle and start a new set of dance accompanied by skilled men beating the
bronze gongs.
Sagay-op
The sagay-op is played when a group of villagers from other communities come to visit a village.
The travellers are often received by the host community in good faith. The playing of Sagay-op
signifies the travellers’ good intention. The ties between two tribes are strengthened to
celebrating the peace pact “Pudon” or “Budong” in other Kalinga tribes.
To initiate the Kaingin or Forest management through controlled forest fire, the Kalinga uses the
Bamboo buzzer or “Balingbing” to drive away animals such as birds o snakes that may exhibit
bad omens along the way. This instrument also keeps the group of farmers entertained while
walking along narrow and distant paths towards their mountain farms.
Work is easier when it is accompanied by chanting. The Balogay is sung among men and
women at work. Stronger workers try to piece and challenge slow moving men to keep their
pace up. The stronger chanter who has accomplished many things and has experienced
working outside his own community narrates his experiences before a crowd.
After a hard day’s work, there is much to think about. The kalinga chanter comes down as the
sun sets in the skyline of purple mountains overlooking the horizon. He sings his innermost
aspirations through a very special chant called “Dagdag-ay”. In this meditation, the chanter
transcends his words into spoken declaration of his deepest aspirations and wishes and
reminisce his life and his work.
From birth to death, music inspired by nature God and the people unites the Kalinga tribe being
one of the most unique expressions of human nature in the world. Time comes when older
members of the tribe get weaker as they age. A chant in these times is performed by elders and
family members before a sick or an old person. The “Dandanag” is a chant dedicated only the
privileged old person who has given significant contribution to his community. The song of
encouragement creates an energy that inspires the sick to get well. If the old person eventually
dies, the chant shall focus on the good deeds and achievement of the departed old person in
tribute to his remarkable contribution to the community.
From birth to death, music inspired by nature God and the people unites the Kalinga tribe and
as time passed by, these songs shall continue to resonate not only on the high peaks of the
great Kalinga mountains but as well as in the deepest recesses of the human spirit.

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