Voices of Heritage: Inside the Powerful Rhythms of the Meranaw Kolintang Ensemble

Mindanao’s Musical Legacy Through the Kolintang Ensemble

The Meranaw people preserve a rich musical identity through their Kolintang Ensemble, a set of instruments that continues to resound across ceremonies, gatherings, and cultural celebrations. Named after the kolintang brass gong row, the ensemble represents centuries of craftsmanship and storytelling.

The Five Instruments of the “Lima ka Daradiyat”

• Kolintang – A graduated series of small brass gongs laid horizontally on a stand called “Langkongan,” traditionally played by women in non-formal occasions.
• Babendir – A brass gong smaller than the main gongs, contributing rhythmic patterns to the ensemble.
• Debakan/Dadabowan – A carved wooden drum with goat skin, used for timing and enhancing musical arrangements.
• Agong (Pamalesan and Pananggisaan) – Two large brass gongs played as a pair to complement the kolintang ensemble.

From the Kolintang Ensemble

1. Agong – The two large brass gongs (Pamalesan and Pananggisaan).
2. Babendir – The smaller brass gong played for rhythmic support.
3. Kolintang – The row of small, horizontally laid brass gongs.
4. Debakan / Dadabowan – The carved wooden drum with a goatskin head.

From the Meranaw Musical Instruments

5. Togotok – A bamboo percussion instrument used for entertainment or driving away rice birds.
6. Kubing – A small bamboo woodwind (jaw harp) used by Meranaw men to express love or communicate subtly.
7. Gandangan – A pair of ancient Meranaw war drums used for sending warnings or for celebrations.
8. Kotyapi / Kotyapi – A traditional two-stringed, fretted boat-lute used for serenading or during festive occasions.

A Deeper Look Into Meranaw Musical Craft

These instruments not only provide entertainment but also hold cultural significance—from communication in earlier times to expressing emotion, love, and community pride. They remain vital threads in the tapestry of Meranaw music, reinforcing the enduring identity of Lanao del Sur.

Celebrate Mindanao’s Soundscapes

Learn more about the region’s vibrant traditions and the stories behind its unique instruments.