SKIRMISHER

“Paru-parong bukid, na lilipad-lipad…”

This is a well-loved Filipino folk song in Tagalog which is loved by non-Tagalistas, too. The song was inspired by Philippine butterflies found in rural areas.

It was even recorded by noted musician Juan Silos, Jr. together with his rondalla back in the 1960s under Villar Records (Philippine Folk Dances vol. 19). There was another version, too, by Nitoy Gonzales, also in from the same decade.

The song also inspired a movie in the 1938. The movie carried the same title of “Paru-parong Bukid” which starred Soledad Aquino and Teddy Benavides.

But did you know that it was sung originally in Spanish?

You may sing it to the tune of Paru-parong bukid (butterfly of the fields):

Mariposa bella de mi tierra inmortal

Es la filipina en su traje natal

Que ontesta unas mangas

Con gracejo y sal

Y saya de cola de una pieza de percal

Con peineta de carey (¡Uy!)

Y un pañuelo coquetón

Y enaguas de ojetes

Que la rosa y talón

Con el tapis real

Sobre el talle sutil

Y es la mariposa

Del malayo pensil.

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