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Ambahan Poetry
Ambahan Poetry, a pre-Spanish writing system, is a set of poetic expressions composed of seven-syllable lines. The ends of the lines are rhyming and is used to deliver messages through metaphors and images. It is often recited and sung during occasions and its messages are about courtship, giving advises to the young, farewell to a friend, and etc. Mangyans use a sharp, pointed, homemade knife in writing amabahan into the surface of a bamboo.
Ambahan can be also stated as:
A rhythmic poetic expression with a meter of seven-syllable lines and having rhythmic end-syllables.
It is most often presented as a chant without a determined musical pitch or accompaniment by musical instruments.
Its purpose is to express in an allegorical way, liberally using poetic language, certain situations, or certain characteristics referred to by the one reciting the poem.
The ambahan's social character has given birth to a form of linguistic competition. When Mangyans gather together, a handful of them will avidly compete in their proficiency to recite the ambahan required by the location and event. Among them are celebrations associated with disinterment. Moreover, The ambahan, like all poetry, is a statement of an idea or sentiment in a beautiful and melodious language. It is neither poetry for the purpose of poetry nor for the poet's gratification. The ambahan is basically a societal character poem; it discovers its actual life in society. The Mangyans constructed it to suit practical reasons within the society. It is employed by parents to educate their children, younger folks to court each other, a guest to beg for food, and a relative to bid farewell. Hence , it would be a misstep to believe that the Mangyans communicate solely through the ambahan
Ambahan (Short Film)
Do you ever wonder how Ginaw Bilog manages to maintain Ambahan Poetry while remaining relevant in current times?
This short documentary may assist you in clarifying your concern.
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