The Philippines has its own history of musical instruments that dates back to precolonial era. Early Filipinos played different kinds of musical instruments, each for a unique purpose like marriage, courtship, or harvest.

Here is a list of past and present Philippine musical instruments, with photos.

Baritone (Kazzo)

Made of bamboo and rattan from Bulacan Province

French Horn

Made from bamboo and rattan, from Bulacan Province

Saxophone (single-reed pipe)

Bandurria and Laud

Octavina

From Western Luzon, around early 21st century

Balingbing

Kalinga people, Northern Luzon, early 21st century

Paldong and Gangsa

Played in groups of seven with wooden beaters in pattune style or with hands.

Patangguk

From late 20th century

Tambi

From late 20th century, played with beaters

Gandang and Libbit

Litlit (bowed lute)

Ilongot people, 20th century

Tongali (nose flute) and Paldong (notched flute)

Sludoy and Taw-go

Bagobo people, Davao Gulf area, Southern Mindanao

Dadabuan

From Maranao people, Western Mindanao

T’nonggong (Double-headed cylindrical drum)

T’boli people, South Cotabato Province

Agung (knobbed gong)

Maguindanao people, Southwestern Mindanao

Bangibang (percussion bar)

Ifugao people, Northern Luzon, Philippines. Played to commemorate the violent loss of a member of the community.

Kulintang

Tambul

Which indigenous Filipino musical instruments do you already know?

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