december-2011

We can revive early
Pinoy melodies with
instruments like the
katyapi, dayuday
and pulala.
IN OLDEN TIMES, women would weave
fabrics by hand, in a circle, while making
conversation. This is how most traditions
are made and passed on — by sharing
stories. Times have changed and more
effort has to be made to stay in touch
with our own culture, but there’s no time
like the present to learn something of the
past — here’s what you might want to
pick up, and where to do it.
1
Make music
with ancient
instruments
Filipinos may be familiar with the
kundiman and the harana, love songs
strummed on a guitar for a fair maiden.
But what about the ancient katyapi
(lute), dayuday (fi ddle) and pulala (lip
valley fl ute)? These are what musician
Waway Linsahay Saway uses to create
his music. “Playing these musical
instruments is the key for us Filipinos
to understand our heritage,” explains
the artist based in Tulugan-Songco
Lantapan, Bukidnon. Waway has
recorded six albums to date, and has
incorporated the use of the katyapi,
dayuday and pulala, as well as the
organic sounds of nature, in his work.
His album, Kulahi hu Bugta (Musicry of
the Land), also features the sounds of
chickens and insects.
“Playing these early instruments
mean heroism and nationalism, because
it is the root of Philippine sound,” says
Waway. Being true to his roots has
made him stand out both locally and
internationally: his songs have been
used in several fi lms, such as the
{ 88 }
Cinemalaya 2010 entry Limbunan by
Moro fi lmmaker Teng Mangansakan.
Next March, the musician will
collaborate with fellow artists Grace
Nono and Bob Aves at the Penang
World Music Festival.
How to do it Waway doesn’t offer
formal classes, but gives lessons on
how to make and play these ancient
instruments in his village in Bukidnon,
an hour’s drive from Cagayan de Oro
(CDO). You can also check out his
instructional videos on how to play
the katyapi on YouTube, or order his
music videos. Tel: +63 (927) 440 6748,
wawayska@yahoo.com
Cebu Pacifi c fl ies to CDO from Manila,
Cebu and Davao. www.cebupacifi cair.com