BEST FILIPINO CULTURES: HARANA AND PAG-MANO
By : Julian Araneta
Harana is a traditional form of courtship where in the man would sing and woo woman outside her window at night. In the old days, there was a set of protocols, a code of conduct and a specific style of music when performing harana. An acoustic guitar was used and Spanish-influenced songs were sung. It’s not uncommon for the man to bring his friends along, or even the best singer or haranista in town, to help. Thus, the harana wasn’t always a solitary endeavor, in fact some considered it as a social event. In my opinion, the harana is still done frequently by some lovers or couples when they want to entertain their loved one. This tradition will never be out of the spotlight because it is also what makes the Philippines a good place and also it gives it a good image about love and harmony. Nowadays, the harana is upgraded to different variations. New instruments are played like a beat box, modern day alternative rock songs about love, rap music, pop songs upgraded the style of the harana. For me it is still a popular activity done by young people because it spreads the love and helps them fight fear and stay true.
Lamano or mano is the action of placing the back of an elder’s hand on your forehead as a sign of respect. Kids were taught to do this as a way to greet those who were older than them, which included their grandparents, parents, uncles and aunts, and even their parent’s friends. These days, we see the younger generation beso or kiss the cheeks of their elders instead of pag-mano. However, this practice is still very much alive in the rural areas. Keeping up with the times is important and all, but some traditions, especially those that are deeply rooted to our values, should still be practiced.
Harana is a traditional form of courtship where in the man would sing and woo woman outside her window at night. In the old days, there was a set of protocols, a code of conduct and a specific style of music when performing harana. An acoustic guitar was used and Spanish-influenced songs were sung. It’s not uncommon for the man to bring his friends along, or even the best singer or haranista in town, to help. Thus, the harana wasn’t always a solitary endeavor, in fact some considered it as a social event. In my opinion, the harana is still done frequently by some lovers or couples when they want to entertain their loved one. This tradition will never be out of the spotlight because it is also what makes the Philippines a good place and also it gives it a good image about love and harmony. Nowadays, the harana is upgraded to different variations. New instruments are played like a beat box, modern day alternative rock songs about love, rap music, pop songs upgraded the style of the harana. For me it is still a popular activity done by young people because it spreads the love and helps them fight fear and stay true.
Lamano or mano is the action of placing the back of an elder’s hand on your forehead as a sign of respect. Kids were taught to do this as a way to greet those who were older than them, which included their grandparents, parents, uncles and aunts, and even their parent’s friends. These days, we see the younger generation beso or kiss the cheeks of their elders instead of pag-mano. However, this practice is still very much alive in the rural areas. Keeping up with the times is important and all, but some traditions, especially those that are deeply rooted to our values, should still be practiced.
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