The romance of the Philippines is easily forgotten. Amidst the chaos of modern life, we oftentimes forget about the rich history that has made our culture what it is today. This 12 June, Tatler Philippines delves into the origins of the beloved kundiman, a traditional Filipino love song that's proven itself useful in both the art of seduction and national morale. 

Origins

The term kundiman came about during the Spanish colonial period. This referred to the traditional love song that comes in a 3/4 time verse. It starts out on a minor chord before progressing to major chords, making it sound gentle at first and more dynamic as it goes on. They're often very poetic and sung in either Tagalog or Spanish; though kundiman is oftentimes known as a courtship song, some of them also speak out on the love of country and patriotism.

Though the kundiman has been credited as a colonial-era art, it actually evolved from a pre-colonial tradition known as the kumintang. The kumintang is an indigenous courtship or bridal song that shares the same sense of heart and passion. 

Many people oftentimes confuse harana and kundiman. While both are somewhat similar, there are a few key differences. Stylistically, harana follows a 2/4 time verse. It also uses strictly Tagalog lyrics—any Spanish words would automatically make a song a kundiman. Interestingly enough, the singer was also one main difference between a harana and a kundiman; men would often sing the former, while most women would sing the latter. 

Read also: Philippine Independence Day: 5 Inspiring Filipino Biographies And Autobiographies To Read