This comparative study analyzes the findings of two previously completed research projects, drawing an analogy between the characteristics of both anthologized lore of folksongs from different cultural settings along the following key areas: (1) Sources of the Lore in terms of topography—upland, lowland, coastal areas, riverside or riverbank communities, and urban centers; (2) Typology—subtypes of the genre, repetitions, versions, and adaptations; (3) Structural Patterns of Poetry, focusing on poetic devices such as rhyme, rhythm, and meter, figures of speech, imagery and symbol, subject matter, and themes; (4) Recurring Motifs and Themes; (5) Folkways, including beliefs, traits, values, and cultural practices and traditions; and (6) Cultural Profile of the locale, showcasing the most popular folkways discernible from its verbal lore. The corpus analyzed reveals a dominant focus on love. Love is a universal emotion, and our ancestors have provided a glimpse into the Bicolanos’ psyche through these songs. There is no doubt that folksongs offer a close encounter with the way of life of our ancestors. They serve as a powerful lens through which we can understand the Bicolano soul—our current belief and value systems, as well as our strengths and weaknesses as a people. Studies of folksongs reveal how social institutions shape our belief systems, values, traits, and practices. Indeed, listening to these distant voices from the past allows us to understand the present more profoundly and appreciate the continuity of our cultural identity.

Authors:
Maria Andrea Jane Aranas, Bicol University, Philippines

About the Presenter(s)
Maria Andrea Jane B. Aranas teaches language and literature at Bicol University and is an affiliate of the MA Literature Program. She holds an MA in Literature from Ateneo and is active in research, extension, and teacher development initiatives.

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