CEBU CITY, Philippines– The Philippines is like a linguistic treasure chest, packed with over 170 languages and dialects spoken from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
A beautiful archipelago rich in biodiversity and talent!
Sure, Filipino is the national language, but each region proudly carries its own mother tongue, shaping its unique culture and identity.
READ:
Get to know 10 of Cebu’s notable drummers
The Sound of Cebu: Exploring the local music scene
The Rise of Bisrock: Cebuano’s Musical Expression
Cebuanos have long been known for their musical talents, and over the years, their songs have resonated deeply with audiences. One of the most significant movements in Cebuano music is Bisrock (Bisaya rock), a genre that blends contemporary rock music with Cebuano lyrics. Through Bisrock, the voice of the Bisaya people has emerged louder, carrying themes of love, humor, struggles, and identity.
Here are some iconic Bisrock songs that have made an impact over the years:
1. “Prinsipal” – Missing Filemon
One of the pioneers of Bisrock, Missing Filemon’s “Prinsipal” is a song that captures the rebellious spirit of students facing authority figures. Its catchy tune and witty lyrics made it an anthem among the youth. Remember when most of us used to dream of becoming celebrities?
“Prinsipal gusto ko nga mag-artistaGikapoy na ko’g eskwelaWay allowance hagbong paManimpad kining pobre sa ManilaMagpacute sa taga VivaBasig madiscover pa”
Solid! A lot of us who grew up with this band had an awesome childhood through their music! | Photo from: Missing Filemon IG
2. “Gugmang Giatay” – The Ambassadors
This song became an instant hit because of its humorous yet painful take on heartbreak. The phrase “gugmang giatay” is a colloquial expression that means “love that drives you crazy”. Have you loved so hard that it made you nuts?
3. “Balay ni Mayang” – Kyle Wong & Martina San Diego
A more recent hit, “Balay ni Mayang” is a beautifully crafted acoustic love song that paints a picture of a simple yet meaningful romance. Remember when visiting your partner’s house was such a simple, yet meaningful gesture in a relationship?
“Anhia ko diri sa balay (chill lang gud dili na ko magdugay)Kay gimingaw na ko nimo gamayAyaw na pagdugaydugayPagdali na’g anhi kayGanahan ko kitang duhaDiri mupahuwayGanahan ko kitang duhaDiri mupahuway”
4. “Duyog” – Jewel Villaflores
A heartfelt acoustic piece, “Duyog” captures the sincerity of love and unwavering companionship through life’s highs and lows, weaving a soothing melody with deeply emotional lyrics.
5. “Hahahasula” – Kurt Fick
A melancholic yet beautifully written song about heartache and unrequited love, “Hahahasula” is the perfect hearbreaking song for that one person who is just by the sideline, watching his or her loved one fall in love with another person. OUCH!
Di ta uyab wala’y ikaw ug akoApan kung mag selos koAyaw pag buotSige na lang ta ani’gHa ha ha katawaHa ha ha hasulaNing kahimtanga
The man behind “Hahahasula” the song that carried us through our “friendzone” era. | Photo from Kurt Fick/IG
6. “Englisera” – Missing Filemon
This song humorously narrates the struggles of a Cebuano-speaking person trying to win the heart of an English-speaking woman. This is where the creative mind of someone who is love comes to play.
So I say I love you is it ok with youBahala nag makahilak ang lolo kung magbabalakTell him well my lolo I’m inlove not like youI’m not too old to learn an english word or two
7. “Bisan Pa” – Phylum
A song that would make your heart stop, and just ponder on how you can still love a person from afar, even when you are no longer together. A breakup song that echoes through the halls of our hearts. Carrying the burden of waiting for someone who may potentially might not come back.
Phylum, thank you for the song that made us hope our ex lovers would come back– ouch! | Photo from Phylum IG
8. “Kinsa Siya” – Suy Galvez
This 1984 classic isn’t just a song—it’s a whole drama! For many of our elders, it’s the ultimate anthem of heartbreak, betrayal, and that “caught you in the arms of another” moment when you catch an unfaithful partner.
Kinsa siya?Ngano’g, nganong nagluib ka?Kinsa siyang gipangga mong labaw pa ka nako?Unsay anaa kaniya nga wala ako?Wa man ako’y pagkulang gitugyan kong tanan
9. “I Love Cebu” – Various Artists
An anthem celebrating the beauty and culture of Cebu, this song is a tribute to the vibrant city and its people.
I love CebuBahandi ka ning dughan koI love CebuIsinggit ko ning kalibutanAngay lang nga ikaw ipasigarbo koI love Cebu
Bisrock rocked Cebuano music beyond Visayas and Mindanao, inspiring young artists to embrace their language. While its peak has passed, its influence lives on in today’s Bisaya pop and indie scene.
This International Mother Language Day, let’s celebrate how music keeps our native tongues alive—whether through Bisrock’s raw energy or the heartfelt beats of modern Cebuano songs!
