Gitara is the tagalog term for the guitar. It was introduced in the Philippines by the Spaniards.
As Pinoys are naturally inclined to music, it is no wonder that the guitar is one of the most popular instruments played by Pinoys. Guitars are usually used during church services, in special occasions, or in get-togethers.
The guitar has also been attributed to the harana, a traditional Filipino way of courtship wherein a binata (young man) serenades a young Filipina (dalaga). A man woos a woman by singing underneath her window at night. In these times however, rarely do we see Filipino guys going to a girl’s house to serenade them. (Although I personally would like someone to do this for me [grin]). Haranas, were of course done in the evenings to avoid the tropical heat. Eventually, the practice of harana died. On a personal note, I think it’s because of modernization, a shift in ideas and practices and colonial influences. In the Philippines, the center of Cebu’s guitar-making industry is in Maribago. These shell-inlaid guitars are handcrafted and can be compared to the best in the world.
Flickr Tags: Guitar, Pinoy, Philippines, Musical instruments, music, string
