Preliminary

• FOLK LITERATURE is the lore- traditional knowledge and beliefs- of cultures having no written language. It is transmitted by word of mouth and consists of both prose and verse narratives, poems and songs, myths, dramas, rituals, proverbs, riddles, and the like.
• FOLKLORE is the whole of oral traditions shared by a particular group of people, culture or subculture. This includes tales, myths, legends, proverbs, poems, jokes, and other oral traditions 
• MYTHOLOGY is a collection of myths or stories about a specific person, culture, religion, or any group with shared beliefs. Most people don't consider mythology to be entirely true, but they still take it seriously.
• Folk literature encompasses a wide range of genres, including myths, legends, folktales, proverbs, and song.
• Folk literature provides insight into the ways in which people make sense of the world around them.
• Folk literature reflects the values, beliefs, and practices of a particular culture and historical period.
• Folk literature can provide information about the social, economic, and political conditions of the time and place in which it was created.
• Folk literature is an important source of cultural and historical knowledge, particularly in societies where written records are scarce.
• Folk literature is passed down orally from one generation to the next, and often evolves over time as it is adapted to changing cultural contexts.
• Folk literature can serve as a reminder of the richness and diversity of human cultures and the importance of preserving and celebrating this diversity.
• Folk literature is an important source of entertainment and pleasure and has been enjoyed by people across cultures and time periods.
• Folk literature is an important part of the intangible cultural heritage of a community and plays a role in shaping cultural identity and continuity.
• Folk literature provides insight into the ways in which people understand and deal with issues such as death, illness, and social conflict.
• Significance of Studying Folk Literature 1. Historical Insights

  2. Understanding Mythology and Religion

  3. Preserving Cultural Heritage

  4. Reflecting Societal Attitudes

  5. Shaping Cultural Attitudes
• Harana


  An old Filipino courtship tradition of serenading women
• Harana


  • Practiced in rural areas and small towns
  • Involves a man serenading a woman
  • Accompanied by close friends
  • Involves playing music and singing love songs
• The harana shows strong Spanish influences
• Harana songs


  Derived from the Spanish tango or habanera, but with a slower tempo
• Harana is a traditional form of courtship in the Philippines
• Guitar


  The most trusted instrument in harana
• Harana is a nocturnal practice
• Harana was widely practiced in old Philippines with a set of protocols and a specific style of music
• Harana was considered a social event
• Successful harana endeavor


  1. Lady invites man and company inside

  2. Lady joins in the singing
• Harana pieces


  • Maala-ala Mo Kaya
• Harana was conducive only in a rural setting
• Modernity has killed the practice of harana
• Florante Aguilar is considered one of the leading proponents of Philippine harana music in America today
• Florante Aguilar


  • Critically-acclaimed guitarist
  • Comfortable playing traditional western classical music
  • Ventures into contemporary music and other genres
• Florante Aguilar's true love belongs to the music of harana