LECTURE ON INDIGENOUS CULTURAL SONGS INTRODUCTION A person who knows his/her root has a pride in his/her own culture.

. The Province of Kalinga in the Northern part of the Philippines has the richest culture in the country because it numerous indigenous songs, dances and musical instruments. These are observed during festivities and non-festivities. The different indigenous songs provide an opportunity for the people to come together and renew their kinship ties, forge relationships and to understand better their identity as a people. It is a strategy for cultural survival identity. It depicts peace and unity among the people. It is an observation that only few among the youth today appreciate the beauty of our indigenous culture. Specifically our indigenous songs.(adlib: ask the participants about these indigenous songs) It is our endeavor to show to the youth that the Kalinga culture is not something to be ashamed of but should be carried with pride and honor, we can show our pride by dancing our indigenous dances and singing our indigenous songs. One way of conserving and promoting the core values of the Kalinga culture is through songs and dances using traditional musical instruments. It is in the performance of this ethnic music and dances where specific social and cultural activities of Kalingas are shown. Thus, teaching the youth of the values and significance derived from traditional music will enhance their appreciation as well as their concern to learn and impart their knowledge and skill to the next generation. We must be CULTURE BEARERS. Culture bearer is a responsible model who shares knowledge and talents as a promoter, cultivator, and preserver, teacher of culture and living traditions and Ambassador of Peace. ULLALIM/SOGSOGNA The book entitled The Kalinga Ullalim( authored by: Fr. Francisco Billiet and Lambretch, Belgian CICM Priests) is where the following information were extracted. The Ullalim are ballads chanted by talented bards, either men or women, far into the night at Kalinga festal or recreational gatherings and peace pact assemblies. Ullalim tells of a long story. In Sogsogna, the chant is very much similar to that of ullalim, however, Sogsogna is usually extemporaneously composed while it is being chanted. Sogsogna is chanted during cultural festivities such as bodong celebration, marriage etc. where the chanter expresses his/her appreciation and feelings regarding the affair. THE KALINGA CHANTS AND SONGS

Sisiwa/Dawak It is a chanted healing rite performed by a Mandadawak herb man to drive away bad spirits that cause persons sickness. The chant which is usually composed of words that cannot be readily understood is sung in rhyme and accompanied by small beating of a porcelain plate.

Ading a courting or a love song which supposedly came from Pinukpuk. Chan-channag It is a mourning song for old people and sung by old people. Ser-we-e It is a Kalinga clap to show appreciation or to cheer for someone but instead of clapping the hands; this is done in a happy choral chant.

Salidummay Is a melodious song that expresses joy, gladness and brings out the deepest and profound sentiments of the people. It is usually a choral rendition as an expression of emotions and desires. It is sung on occasions of celebrations such as bodong (peace pact). Its lyrics are developed impromptu based on the tone of the occasion and the message that is going to be delivered. The phrase dongdong-ay si dong-ilay, insalisali dommay is often the opening or refrain part of the lyrics. The tune differs across tribal dialects.

(Note: Historical background of the word SALIDUMMAY. This was published in SALIDUMMAY NEWSLETTER OF THE SLCB-CHRC. The source of this background/root word of the term SALIDUMMAY is one of the Elder of Kalinga in the name of BON-AS of Basao, Tinglayan, which he heard from the late Fr. Conrado Balweg of Abra) DONG-ILAY is a grass in Abra which is also called commonwork in Kalinga. SIDONG-ILAY is when the plant starts to bloom. The dong-ilay grass has a white flower that resembles strands of light cotton. When the flower dries and is blown by the wind, it is called INSINALI. As the strands of the flower slowly descend to the earth, the process is called DUMMA-AY. And so, the course of nature is back to step one with the DONG-ILAY flower leaving seeds which would grow into the dong-ilay plant. Salidummay is a Kalinga song, which is a way of proclaiming to the world the profound and the deepest sentiments of the people. The singing of salidummay is always done in a happy mode, expressing joy, and gladness. There has never been a time that a person sings Salidummay while in a state of sorrow. There is no particular place here in Kalinga, or in Abra or even in Mountain Province who would claim as the origin of the word Salidummay. No matter where or what Province in the Cordillera, the Salidummay may have originated, what is important is when Salidummay is sung by the Kalinga people, it entails harmonious and peaceful relationship among its constituents.