As the Dinagyang weekend draws near, I found myself driving around Iloilo City, navigating through the traffic along General Luna Street. Suddenly, the cars in front of me came to a sudden halt. I thought to myself that it was probably because the traffic light turned red, which I couldn’t see because everything above me was covered in banderitas.

I turned on the radio, searching for some upbeat music to beat the boredom. Interestingly enough, the Dinagyang theme song “Hala Bira Iloilo” was playing on multiple stations. It was ubiquitous but I found myself enjoying it.

So, this gave me an idea to search for more upbeat Ilonggo songs to listen to. I wanted to be entertained, damn it, and I wanted it in true Ilonggo style!

I activated YouTube Music on my Chery car, which has a pretty cool entertainment system, by the way. I then used the voice command and exclaimed, “Play upbeat Hiligaynon songs.” That did the trick. Now, I have a playlist of upbeat Ilonggo songs to enjoy throughout my drive.

Here are my 8 Favorite Upbeat Hiligaynon Songs to Listen to this Dinagyang Season:

1. “Hala Bira, Iloilo” – Let’s start with the obvious. This is the official theme song of Dinagyang, composed by Mr. Dante Beriong, who interestingly an Antiqueno. The song perfectly captures the frenetic drums of the Ati-ati tribes, which can really pump you up. The lyrics shout out the title, and you’ll find yourself shouting along with vocals.

2. “Ilongga Gwapa” – This Reggaeton song has become somewhat of an anthem, honoring the ladies of Ilonggo descent. It was composed and performed by Clique THIS, led by Mark Victor Zapanta, also known as Bronze P. Their creation, Ilongga Gwapa, is music gold. The melody, beat, and lyrics transcend trends. It was cool in the 2010s and remains cool today. Even my daughters dance to and sing along with it.

3. “Atik” – Trauma is the only Iloilo-based Metal Rock band that dedicates itself to pure Hiligaynon songs. Their most popular song, “Atik,” is a true metal bliss. Galagatik ang lyrics! Mapa-headbang ka gid. They also have other equally hardcore Hiligaynon metal songs with single-worded titles like “Bakod,” “Hisaon,” and “Pasakay”.

4. “Lingin Ulo” – This in-your-face rap track was created and performed by Ill Pride, a popular Ilonggo rap duo composed of Mizta Blaze and Sunny Blaze. “Linging Ulo” is simply about excessive alcohol consumption. The bars are genius, and the flow is reminiscent of N. W. A. – aggressive, almost angry, but cuts through like a hot knife through butter.

5. “Indi Ka Man Bala” – Here’s another rap song, but it’s not as hardcore. I’m not sure who made it, but it was really popular in the early 90s. It’s more on the pop-y side of music, and it’s a fun(ny) song about not caring when someone leaves you for another man. Talk about a boss move!

6. “Indi Mag-ako” – Indi mag-ako is a parody cover of Afroman’s “Because I Got High,” and performed by the SYK Unit. Although it may not be that upbeat, I personally enjoy the song because it’s so hilariously wrong. It even includes some voice acting, which adds to the overall theme on how to become an effective philanderer.

7. “Tikalon” – Just needed to add this one. Created by one of Iloilo’s new and rising rap artists and beatmakers, Mr. Brynh, this song is once again about obnoxious people and why we hate them.
   
   Tikalon gid man mga Ilonggo haw? Siguro ang iban eh, pero indi tanan ah.

   Tikalon is an Electronic rap track with a pumping beat and no-holds barred lyrics.

8. “Ilonggo Nga Buhi” – Kalinti is so popular these days that he had to make his own rap track. This is actually quite new — released on Christmas day of 2023. What a Christmas present! To be fair, it’s catchy and if you are a fan of Kalinti by TBon, you will enjoy it as it is full of Kalinti-isms.

So there you go, give modern Hiligaynon songs a try. Ilonggo music artists are top-notch, and we should definitely support them.