Uso pa ba ang Harana?

Before the month ends, I need to share this dying Filipino tradition, “Harana.” Harana first gained popularity in the early part of the Spanish Period. It is the traditional form of courtship of Filipinos and is done by young men, usually with companions and guitars, when visiting a maiden at night to court her. The man will sing love songs in front of the maiden’s window until the maiden opens the window and appear there. But this gesture of the maiden doesn’t mean that the maiden will accept the young man in her house. She must have the consent of her parent to do that and even ask for their consent if they will be allowed to talk in private.

Harana is often associated with “Kundiman.” Kundiman is considered as an art song due to its musical structure that may contain poetry in the lyrics, blending verse and music in equal parts. Most kundiman songs are also categorized as love songs.

Unfortunately, urbanization and new technologies caused this tradition to disappear. Young men today would propose his intentions via SMS or chat. Also, it’s impossible for you to go with your friends in the cities for a Harana due to the fact that the city environment is too noisy making it impossible for your maiden to hear your voice. (Just imagine if your girl is living on the 20th floor on a condo unit in Makati)

Anyway, below is a sample of a kundiman song used to be sung in a harana.

Bituing Marikit
By Nicanor Abelardo

Bituing marikit sa gabi ng buhay

Ang bawat kislap mo'y ligaya ang taglay

Yaring aking palad iyong patnubayan

At kahit na sinag, ako'y bahaginan

Natanim sa puso ko yaong isang pag-ibig

Napinakasasamba sa loob ng dibdib

Sa iyong luningning, laging nasasabik

Ikaw ang pangarap, Bituing marikit

Lapitan mo ako, halina Bituin!

At ating pag-isahin ang mga damdamin

Ang sabik kong diwa'y huwag mong uhawin

Sa batis na iyong wagas na paggiliw