Sarung Banggui. This song is known to be a folk song that has its roots in the Bicol region. It is said to be able to depict the character of the people. It is also said to reflect just what its people have in their hearts. It is a love ballad and it is said that Bicolanos love being in love. They are usually loving people. And this song, Sarung Banggui definitely has made it among the top folk songs that the country has to offer.
It was all thanks to Potenciano Gregorio who crafted this
song. Gregorio hails from the town of Libog. This town no longer holds that
name. it is now known as Sto. Domingo and it can be found in the province of
Albay. Sarung Banggui, when translated, actually means one night. It tells of
one fine evening when a man falls in love with a lady from the barrio.
This song has definitely been around for decades. It was in
May 10th 1910 that this song was penned by Gregorio. After 8 years, that was
when it was made to be played by a band. The first time it was played, the
Banda de Libog had the honor to do such. Banda de Libog was the town’s brass
band. It became so popular that Gregorio had to arrange it yet again so that
even an orchestra can play it. This happened in 1930.
Image from Kabayan Central
Image from Kabayan Central
