Himig Himbing: Oyayin Niyanakan brings reimagined Filipino lullabies to Pangasinan

True to its mission of reintroducing indigenous lullabies to contemporary audiences and developing nurturers that are grounded in our Philippine songs and hele, the Cultural Center of the Philippines recently concluded its regional launch of the Himig Himbing project last September 13 and 14, 2024 in Dagupan, Pangasinan. 

Now on its touring phase, Himig Himbing brings together music, film, literature, visual arts, performance, and dance through its workshop and show components. Spearheaded by the CCP Arts Education Department, through its Audience Development Division, the goal of the project is for participants and audiences to gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of the collected lullabies and how these songs are linked to their life roles.

In partnership with the Office of Pangasinan District IV Rep. Christopher de Venecia, Himig Himbing: Oyayin Niyanakan was a part of the Galila Arts Festival, Pangasinan’s contribution to and participation in the Creative Industries Month. It featured two workshops: the Himig Himbing at Ako: Creative Expression Workshop and the Rumorolyong Himig: Film Anlong Workshop held at the Dagupan City National High School.

“Capacity building through arts is really one of the tools that we need to improve in our trade. These workshops will surely inspire the many teachers, parents, and nurturers present, so that they can pass these lessons down to the children. Patuloy nating payayabungin ang sining at kultura ng bansa,” said Hon. Christopher de Venecia.

The Himig Himbing at Ako workshop involved music, literature, and visual arts. The workshop was facilitated by physician and children’s book author Dr. Luis Gatmaitan, ethnomusicologist Sol Trinidad, and artwork and book designer Beth Parrocha. 

On the other hand, the Rumorolyong Himig: Film Anlong Workshop, or film poetry workshop, was facilitated by filmmaker Christopher Gozum who hails from Pangasinan. He directed the music video for Ligliway Ateng, one of the featured music videos at the show component of Himig Himbing: Oyayin Niyanakan.

These resource persons guided the participants, geared toward nurturers (parents, teachers, breastfeeding mothers, social workers, guidance counselors, pre-service teachers, among others), as they listened, watched, created, and expressed themselves through art. 

The regional launch of Himig Himbing culminated with a special performance, showcasing folk songs and dances of Pangasinan. The highlight was the film screening of the eight music videos of Himig Himbing lullabies. 

Directed by renowned filmmakers based on the music arrangement by musical director and arranger Krina Cayabyab, the featured lullabies were Ligliway Ateng by Christopher Gozum, Tingkatulog by Thop Nazareno, Bata Alimahi by Arden Rod Condez, Ili Ili Tulog Anay by Lawrence Fajardo, O Matas A Banwa by Ma-an Asuncion-Dagñalan, Dungdungwen Kan To by Mes de Guzman, Katurog Na Nonoy by Alvin Yapan, and Lubi Lubi by Jerrold Tarog.

“Ang Himig Himbing ay humuhubog sa ating musmos na alaala at patuloy na yumayakap sa ating pagtanda. Layunin ng proyektong ito na ipadama ang makabagong henerasyon na muling mahumaling sa himig na binuo ng kalinga at pagmamahal, at buhayin at ipalaganap ulit ang heleng sariling atin,” said Himig Himbing project director and CCP supervising arts and culture officer Lino Matalang Jr.

Himig Himbing highlights the cultural and social importance of traditional lullabies in Philippine society. Since its launch in 2022, the CCP continues to embrace, promote, and redefine diverse Filipino lullabies from various regions.

The next leg of Himig Himbing will be held at the University of Antique this coming September 26 and 27, 2024. 

For additional information on Himig Himbing, please visit the CCP Arts Education Programs Facebook page or CCP’s official social media accounts on Facebook, X, and Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.