Culture

• Filipino folk songs provide a window into the county's soul. The songs are usually about the everyday life of a Filipino person. Nature is at the center of the culture and this is often represented in museums, churches and galleries, which are important parts of articulating the lives of the Filipinos. These locations house many of the often-colorful artwork that depict the history of the island country.The folk music works alongside these institutions to celebrate the culture.
  
  

Popularity

• Folk music is popular throughout the country and is given accolades for its lyrical content and instrument mastery. The songs are popular in all parts of the country but a particular folk song may be popular at a specific time in one part of the country while another song is popular in another area. Three of the most popular songs ever are called "Bahay Kubo," " Paru Parong Bukid" and "Magtanim ay di Biro."
  
  

Categories

• Folk music in the Philippines is placed into three categories: western-type folk songs narrative psalm and secular songs from the indigenous groups. The western style has a melody that can be sung easily and it has a simple structure. The narrative psalm features lengthy mellismas. These songs can be difficult for the average singer. The indigenous songs are more secular than many of the other folk songs throughout the country.
  
  

Other Filipino Music

• Filipino music isn't limited to folk, as it comes in many forms. Another popular genre is classical symphony and strictly vocal music. Geography and history are common themes with all the genres. This music represents the approximately 100 ethnolinguistic groups throughout the country. The symphony is usually played alongside theater performances. The vocal music is usually in the choir as part of church, government, business and cultural groups.