"Nu Laydem Ay Mangila," a traditional Kankana-ey song often credited to Juanito Cadangen, holds a special place within the Igorot community of the Cordillera region in the Philippines. This song, well-known among the adult generation of Igorot people, has been popular long before the rise of social media platforms like TikTok. It is valued for its cultural significance and beautiful melodies, often performed during ceremonies and community gatherings. Through its enduring popularity, "Nu Laydem Ay Mangila" continues to preserve and pass down the cultural values and narratives that are deeply rooted in Kankana-ey heritage, contributing to the broader understanding of Igorot cultural heritage.
Interestingly, "Nu Laydem Ay Mangila" is so popular that it has many versions, and the original singer is not definitively known. However, for this exploration, we will focus on the version by Juanito Cadangen.
In this article, we will delve into the history and meaning behind "Nu Laydem Ay Mangila," examining its importance within Kankana-ey and Igorot heritage. We will analyze the lyrics of the song, providing insights into its themes and cultural symbolism. By understanding the context and messages conveyed through this traditional piece, readers can develop a deeper appreciation for its role in preserving cultural identity and values. Whether you are discovering this song for the first time or seeking to enrich your knowledge of Igorot culture, this article aims to offer a comprehensive exploration that resonates with cultural enthusiasts and heritage aficionados alike.
Lyrics of "Nu Laydem Ay Mangila" by Juanito Cadangen
Here are the lyrics of "Nu Laydem Ay Mangila," a traditional Kankana-ey song by Juanito Cadangen:
Nu laydem ay mangila
Ed baba-ey da ama
Anusam ta mandan ta
Esay agew ya kagedwa
Tanu wada tasnan danan
Apat kali enta liwliwan
Kaman kaiman panlinglingan
Ada-adawi pay ay danan
Dumateng ta ed ili
Ya ilam din ba-ey mi
Kinayang si kanan da
Isnan apat di anam-a
Nu ilam da ama en ina
Adi kan madisdismaya
Nu ilam din badu da
Yan galut ay kanan da
Nu pay abe ya din kanen mi
Yan san makwani ay kahoy ya tugi
Ginga sininup si gosingan
Yan say-en pangisibuan
Mu pay abe isnan ubla
Man-gabyon ya manka-ang
Ta waday en mulaan
Isu pay si kataguan
Agew kas tang-tangaden
Buwan kas day-dayawen
Engkayu kud et itonton
Layad misna si manliweng
Engkayu kud et itonton
Layad misna si manliweng
Agew kas tang-tangaden
Buwan kas day-dayawen
Engkayu kud et itonton
Layad misna si manliweng
Engkayu kud et itonton
Layad misna si manliweng
Translation and Meaning of the Lyrics of "Nu Laydem Ay Mangila" by Juanito Cadangen
Let's explore the translation and meaning behind each line from the song "Nu Laydem Ay Mangila" by Juanito Cadangen. This song carries a romantic theme, where the singer expresses his feelings to his beloved.
Nu laydem ay mangila, Ed baba-ey da ama
- Translation: If you wish to visit, the home of my father's.
- Explanation: This line suggests an invitation or proposal, indicating the place the singer is inviting their loved one to visit, which is their father's home.
Anusam ta mandan ta esay agew ya kagedwa
- Translation: Please be patient because we are going for a long walk, One and a half day
- Explanation: The singer addresses their beloved, asking for patience due to the long journey ahead, which would take one and a half days.
Tanu wada tasnan danan, apat kali enta liwliwan
- Translation: When we're on the road, talking would be our escape.
- Explanation: This phrase suggests that conversation serves as a way for the singer and his loved one to distract themselves from the challenges of the journey and enjoy each other's company.
Kaman kaiman panlinglingan, ada-adawi pay ay danan
- Translation: It feels like we wouldn't even notice, the long road still ahead.
- Explanation: This phrase suggests that amidst their conversation and shared moments, the singer feels as though time would pass without them noticing, despite the long journey that still lies ahead for them together.
Dumateng ta ed ili, ya ilam din ba-ey mi
- Translation: When we reach my hometown, and you see our house.
- Explanation: This line indicates a future event where the singer anticipates showing their beloved their hometown and their shared home.
Nu ilam da ama en ina, adi kan madisdismaya
- Translation: When you meet my father and mother, don't get dismayed.
- Explanation: This line reassures the beloved not to be disheartened when meeting the singer's parents for the first time.
Nu ilam din badu da, yan galut ay kanan da
- Translation: When you look at their clothes, they are wearing traditional Igorot attire.
- Explanation: Here, the singer assures his loved one not to be dismayed when she sees his parents dressed in traditional Igorot attire.
Nu pay abe ya din kanen mi, Yan san makwani ay kahoy ya tugi
- Translation: "When it comes to our food, it is usually Cassava and Sweet Potatoes."
- Explanation: This line highlights that Cassava and Sweet Potatoes are staples in the singer's family diet. These root vegetables are commonly grown by Igorot farmers in their gardens, reflecting traditional agricultural practices and self-sufficiency in food production among the Igorot people.
Ginga sininup si gosingan, Yan say-en pangisibuan
- Translation: "Ginga, collected from wet rice fields; It is where we eat them as well."
- Explanation: "Ginga" refers to a freshwater edible soft-shelled small snail commonly found in wet rice fields. This line indicates that these snails are gathered from the fields and also eaten there by the singer and their family.
Mu pay abe isnan ubla, Man-gabyon ya manka-ang
- Translation: "When it comes to work, we till the garden with a hoe."
- Explanation: This line indicates that the singer and their family engage in agricultural work. "Gabyon" refers to a hoe, a garden tool used for tilling the soil or preparing the garden beds. The meaning of "manka-ang" is uncertain, but it could possibly be related to "mankama," which means making garden beds or preparing the soil for planting. This verse reflects the traditional farming practices of the Igorot people, where manual labor and basic tools are essential for cultivating the land.
Ta waday en mulaan, Isu pay si kataguan
- Translation: "So we have a place to cultivate, it becomes our sustenance and livelihood."
- Explanation: This line emphasizes the importance of having a garden or cultivated land, which provides both sustenance and livelihood for the singer and their community.
Agew kas tang-tangaden, Buwan kas day-dayawen
- Translation: "The Sun that we look up to, the Moon that we revere."
- Explanation: This line poetically expresses the reverence the singer and their community hold for natural elements such as the Sun and the Moon. It reflects their deep connection to nature and the celestial bodies that play significant roles in their daily lives and cultural practices.
Engkayu kud et itonton, Layad misna si manliweng
- Translation: "We should make a vow, our love here will flourish."
- Explanation: This line, using deep Kankana-ey terms that I may not fully understand, suggests that the singer is proposing that both he and his beloved commit to each other through a vow. It expresses the belief that their love will thrive and grow in their current context. This reflects the singer's heartfelt desire for a committed relationship where their love can flourish.
Conclusion: A Song about Love and Culture
The song "Nu Laydem Ay Mangila" by Juanito Cadangen is an intimate invitation from the singer to his loved one to explore and appreciate the traditional Igorot way of life. It's a heartfelt expression of love blended with cultural pride, where the singer warmly invites his partner into his world of simplicity and authenticity.
In the song, the singer lovingly asks his beloved to visit his family's traditional home, emphasizing how meaningful it would be for them to share in his heritage. He describes their humble abode and traditional lifestyle, offering a glimpse into the values and customs that have shaped his identity. It's not just about a physical journey but also about emotional connection, as he hopes his loved one will understand and appreciate his upbringing.
Through lyrics that celebrate his cultural roots, the singer reveals his genuine humility and sincerity. He portrays a life that values community, family, and a deep connection to the land-a life often overshadowed in modern times. The song serves as a reminder of the richness found in traditions passed down through generations, and it underscores the enduring power of love that transcends cultural differences.
"Nu Laydem Ay Mangila" speaks to both affection for his partner and pride in his heritage. It resonates with anyone who treasures their cultural background and understands the universal language of love. With its gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics, the song encourages us to appreciate the beauty of embracing traditions while celebrating the bonds that unite us.
What resonates most with you about "Nu Laydem Ay Mangila" by Juanito Cadangen? Whether it's the heartfelt invitation to experience cultural heritage through love or the nostalgic portrayal of traditional life, we'd love to hear your thoughts. Have you ever been invited to explore someone else's culture through love? Share your experiences or reflections-it's a celebration of connections that transcend boundaries!
And tell us, would you consider marrying into the Igorot lifestyle depicted in the song, or are you already part of such a unique cultural union?
