1. Rituals and Ceremonies: Music is an essential part of various rituals and ceremonies performed by the Hanunuo Mangyans. It serves as an offering to the spirits, expresses devotion and gratitude, and creates a spiritual connection during rituals like the "uyayi" (ritual offering) and "tambuhang luma" (healing ritual).
2. Storytelling and Oral Traditions: Music is intricately woven into the Hanunuo Mangyan's rich storytelling tradition. Epic songs called "ambahan" are traditionally chanted or sung while accompanying oneself on a bamboo zither called a "kudlong." Ambahan recounts stories of their history, legends, myths, and personal narratives.
3. Emotional Expression: Through their music, the Hanunuo Mangyans express a wide range of emotions. Songs can be used to convey happiness, sadness, love, longing, and other feelings. Music provides an outlet for personal expression and emotional release.
4. Entertainment: Music also serves as a form of entertainment in Hanunuo Mangyan communities. Gatherings such as festivals or community events often feature traditional music performances, where people come together to sing, dance, and enjoy themselves.
5. Education: Music plays an important role in passing down cultural knowledge and values to the younger generations. Traditional songs contain teachings, historical accounts, and moral lessons that are passed on orally through music.
6. Social Cohesion: Music fosters a sense of community and strengthens social bonds among the Hanunuo Mangyans. It brings people together, creating opportunities for interaction, collaboration, and shared experiences.
7. Healing: Music is believed to have healing properties. Certain songs or musical performances are used in traditional healing rituals, where music is thought to have therapeutic effects on the mind and body.
Overall, music is a vital part of the cultural fabric of the Hanunuo Mangyans. It's deeply intertwined with their spiritual practices, storytelling, emotions, entertainment, education, social cohesion, and healing, making it an integral aspect of their daily lives.