Filipino Roots

Another fabulous Filipino folk song by the most famous Kundiman singer, Sylvia La Torre, also later performed by Eva Eugenio, is titled "Katakataka". The song is representative for the colonial character of the Philippines for it has Spanish influences to it, yet its very own Filipino flair. The lyrics in original and translated are as follows: Sylvia La Torre - Katakataka (original words) Katakatakang mahibang ang katulad ko sa iyo Biru-biro ang simula ang wakas pala ay ano? Aayaw-ayaw na ako ngunit 'yan ay di totoo Dahil sa iyo puso kong ito'y binihag mo (Repeat) Alaala ka maging gabi't araw Alipinin mo't walang kailangan Marinig ko lang sa labi mo, hirang Na ako'y iibigin lagi habang buhay. Katakataka (translated) How remarkable my preference for you is insane, Joking about the start, it's the end, what? I don't want it, because it's not true. Because of you, my heart has become your prisnoer. I think of you every night and...

It was originally sung in Visayan language, but due to popularity issues, it had to be translated into Tagalog in the 1970s. Sung by Pilita Corrales, it is probably the best-known Filipino folk song performed and interpreted by choirs worldwide. The meaning differs in the interpreted version, but since I do not speak the Visayan dialect, I tried to translate the Tagalog version instead. Below, there will be a short description of the original meaning which I found in various comment sections on YouTube. Be prepared for metaphorical poetry galore about the beauty of a woman. Rosas Pandan , Tagalog version: Dalaga ay parang rosas Bumabango 'pag namumukadkad Habang hinahagkan ng araw Lalong gumaganda ang kulay. At ang ngumingiting talulot Nilalapitan ng mga bubuyog Ang mutyang iyong nililiyag Ay tulad din pala ng rosas. Kahit na umula't kumidlat Kay ganda rin ng rosas Lalong sumasariwa Sa tubig ng paglingap. Nguni't pag binagyo't ununos Ang rosas ng pag-irog Sawi an...