The ambahan is the traditional poetry of the Hanunuo Mangyans of Oriental Mindoro. It is usually written in the Surat Mangyan script, using seven syllable lines with rhythmic end-syllables. The ambahan is most often presented as a chant without musical accompaniment, and is used to express situations or characteristics allegorically through poetic language. Music plays an important role in Mindoro culture, with the ambahan applied to celebrate festivals, entertain visitors, court women, and in religious rituals.

1. Ambahan
Mindoro’s Indigenous Vocal Music
Prepared by: Eddie San Z. Peñalosa

2. Topics to discuss:
Hanunuo
Description
Activities Ambahan is applied

3. Hanunuo
 To the Hanunuo, clothing (rutay) is one of the
most important criteria in distinguishing the
Mangyan from the non-Manyan (damuong). A
Hanunuo-Mangyan male wears a loin cloth (ba-ag)
and a shirt (balukas). A female wears an indigo-
dyed short skirt (ramit) and a blouse (lambung).
Many of the traditional style shirts and blouses are
embroidered on the back with a design
called pakudos, based on the cross shape.

4. Description
 The ambahan is the traditional poetry of
the Hanunuo Mangyans of Oriental Mindoro. It is
usually written on bamboo in the Surat Mangyan, a
centuries-old pre-Spanish script. The syllabic script
and the ambahan poetry have complemented each
other, contributing to their continued existence
today.

5. Description
As a definition, it can be stated that the ambahan is:
 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.

6. Activities Ambahan is applied
 Music is an important part in the everyday
activities of the people of Mindoro. The
functions of their folk music are:
 To celebrate festive occasions.
 To entertain visitors.
 To court a woman.
 To be used in religious rituals.