Bringing Philippine Culture to Life: Songs, Spoken Rhymes, Games, and Dance in the Classroom
On Saturday, April 5, 2025, I had the pleasure of presenting a workshop, Bringing Philippine Culture to Life: Songs, Spoken Rhymes, Games, and Dance in the Classroom, hosted by the Michigan Kodály Educators at the University of Michigan Ann Arbor School of Music. It was a truly rewarding day spent with passionate and committed music educators who share a deep dedication to quality teaching and cultural authenticity.
From the moment I arrived, I felt the warmth and professionalism of the MIKE board members. Their commitment to promoting the Kodály Approach in Michigan is inspiring, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with such a thoughtful and welcoming community.
The workshop focused on a project very close to my heart—a labor of love developed through years of fieldwork in the Philippines. As someone educated within a Western colonial system, I have long felt a personal responsibility to bring the diverse musical traditions of the Philippines into classrooms in a way that is both authentic and engaging. This workshop was a chance to share the songs, spoken rhymes, and games that I’ve collected—oral traditions that are tied to everyday life, cultural celebrations, and community values.
One of the highlights of the day was sharing my very first children’s storybook told in song—“Tarong, Kamatis, Paria” (Eggplant, Tomato, Bitter Melon), the first in my “Read and Sing” series. The material is one of the traditional songs that I’ve enjoyed singing since childhood. The group had so much fun exploring the playful world of the three vegetables. I was truly impressed by their willingness to take risks as they ventured to sing in the original language, Ilocano.
The day wasn’t just about learning repertoire—it was about building bridges between cultures and classrooms. We explored ways to adapt these resources for different age groups, and I offered practical strategies for incorporating them into music education curricula. As always, I emphasized the role of the teacher as a field researcher—encouraging participants to explore the musical cultures within their own communities and to collaborate with cultural bearers in meaningful ways.
List of publications used in this workshop
- Aweng ti Kailokuan: The Musical Heritage of the Ilocanos, Book One
- Aweng ti Kailokuan: The Musical Heritage of the Ilocanos, Book Two
- Philippine Children’s Songs, Spoken Rhymes, and Games for Teaching, Book One & Two
- Musical Folk Games of Manila, Philippines
- Tarong, Kamatis, Paria (Eggplant, Tomato, Bitter Melon)
- Tinikling: Traditional Philippine Bamboo Dance Choral Arrangement in Unison with Descant
Here's what the attendees loved about this workshop!
Melissa Stouffer
President of Michigan Kodály Educators
Your enthusiasm was contagious, and the creative ideas you shared were both fun and educational. I especially appreciated the challenging activities, which will be great for encouraging my students to think critically. I’m excited to incorporate these musical games and activities into both group lessons and private sessions. Thank you for such a valuable experience!
Janna Peña
DMA student at the School of Music, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor