MAngyan People
The word "Mangyan" is an umbrella term for several indigenous communities found in Mindoro. There are eight recognized groups: Iraya, Alangan, Tadyawan, Tawbuid, Bangon, Buhid, Hanunuo, and Ratagnon. While other Mangyan groups speak and refer to themselves in a variety of terms, only the Hanunuo refer to themselves and their language as "Mangyan." Both the Hanunuo and Buhid have an attested script: "Surat Hanunuo Mangyan," and "Surat Buhid Mangyan," which are believed to be of Indic origin around the 12th and 13th centuries. These writing systems are among the few which survived the Spanish Colonial era. The unique tendencies in oral and written traditions, particularly in the use of bamboo in recording, are indicative of the richness of the Mangyan literary tradition.
Beyond Ambahan
The song poem form is held with much reverence in the Mangyan literary tradition. In addition to the ambahan, there is also the urukay and the adahiyo. The urukay is composed of eight-syllable lines which end in a uniform rhyme. It is believed to be the product of early contact between Mangyans and Bisayans, and is thus less popular with younger Mangyans. Unlike the ambahan, it is usually sung with a guitar accompaniment. Meanwhile, the adahiyo consists of six-syllable lines with no uniform rhyme scheme. It is believed to be the product of contact with Tagalogs, and is the least popular among the tree.It is performed without musical accompaniment, and features words that mix with Spanish and religious symbolisms.