The lullaby is called oyayi by the Tagalog, ili-ili or ili by the people of Panay and Negros, duayya by the Ilocano, wiyawi or wig-usi by the Kalinga, baliwaway by the Isinay and Ilongot, angngiduduc by the Gaddang, almalanga by the Bilaan, sandaw by the Cuyunon, buwa by the Subanon, balikata bae by the Tiruray, yaya by the Yakan, oyog-oyog by the Mandaya, and adang by the Aeta.
A song to hush babies as they are tenderly rocked to sleep in the mother's or father's arms or in the cradle. As such they have a soporific tune, sometimes with repetitious text. The lyrics reveal something about the nature of family life.and the immediate world about. One sad lullaby found across regions tells of either parent or both parents having to be away to look for food.
Translation from Bikol:
Sleep now, Neneng, Sleep now please Your Father is not yet here He has gone fishing. When he arrives, Neneng, Take the soup, Neneng, To fatten you up.
Source: CCP Encyclopedia of Philippine Art. Manila: Cultural Center of the Philippines, 1994.
