Illustrations of the Traditional Ilocano Rhyme, “Bulan Bulan”

Bulan, Bulan  is a traditional Ilocano rhyme that I have learned from my mother but never heard it in the classroom as a young child. Instead I learned the usual English rhymes and songs such as Twinkle, Twinkle or My Toes, my Knees.

Initiatives from the Department of Education and various academic institutions promote and implement lessons to strengthen the Mother-Tongue Based Multi-lingual Education (MTBMLE). In early childhood education settings, children learn some of the popular English rhymes translated into Ilocano or new Ilocano rhymes or songs created for the curriculum. I have observed that Bulan, Bulan is not taught in the classroom; very few are familiar with it and perhaps the rhyme has been long forgotten.

As an artist and illustrator, Bulan, Bulan has been a source of inspiration for my artworks. Recently, I completed a series of illustration of the rhyme using rubbercut relief printmaking as the medium. My next goal is to print or publish these illustrations into a children’s book and the rhyme translated to other languages such as English, Filipino and various languages in the Northern Philippines and Cordillera.  

This creative research and output is expected to be used by teachers as instructional material. Its ultimate goal is to bring more awareness and familiarity of traditional Ilocano rhymes, as well as strengthen local languages, cultural knowledge and practices.

Bulan, bulan

Ania ti sidsidam?

Nakuttong ka di kalman

Tatta nalukmeg kan

No siak ti kunam Neneng,

Agsidsidaak iti adu a natnateng

Paria, tarong a dinengdeng,

A  nasagpawan ‘ti arimbukeng

Mr. Moon, Mr. Moon!

What are you eating?

You were slim yesterday

You’ve become fat today

If you ask me my dear girl

I eat a lot of vegetables

Stewed bittermelon and eggplant

Flavored with little crabs