Philippine musical instruments are diverse and unique, reflecting the country’s rich cultural heritage. Many of these instruments have been passed down from generation to generation, and are still played today in traditional music and modern compositions. The kulintang, kudyapi, and gangsa are just a few examples of traditional instruments that have gained international recognition for their distinct sounds and cultural significance. Other popular instruments include the banduria, octavina, and guitar, which are commonly used in modern Filipino music. Philippine musical instruments continue to inspire musicians and music lovers around the world, showcasing the country’s rich musical traditions and creativity.

Here is a list of 30 past and present musical instruments from the Philippines:

  1. Kulintang – A set of gongs played horizontally with a mallet, originating from the Southern Philippines.
  2. Kudyapi – A two-stringed fretted lute made from a single piece of wood, used by the Maguindanao people in Mindanao.
  3. Gangsa – A set of small, bossed gongs played with sticks, commonly used by the Kalinga people in the Cordillera region.
  4. Agung – A set of large, bossed gongs played with sticks, commonly used in the Southern Philippines.
  5. Tambur – A plucked string instrument similar to a lute, used by the Maranao people in Mindanao.
  6. Banduria – A plucked string instrument similar to a mandolin, commonly used in rondalla ensembles.
  7. Octavina – A plucked string instrument similar to a guitar, commonly used in rondalla ensembles.
  8. Gitara – The Spanish word for guitar, which has become a popular instrument in the Philippines.
  9. Arnis sticks – A pair of wooden sticks used for martial arts training, which can also be used as percussion instruments.
  10. Angklung – A set of bamboo tubes played by shaking or striking, commonly used in the Western Visayas region.
  11. T’bolitok – A bamboo percussion instrument used by the T’boli people in Mindanao.
  12. Bungkaka – A bamboo percussion instrument used by the Tagalog people, consisting of two hollow bamboo tubes struck together.
  13. Kulingtan – A type of Philippine xylophone made of bamboo or hardwood.
  14. T’boli drum – A large, cylindrical drum used by the T’boli people in Mindanao.
  15. Paldong – A small bamboo flute commonly used in the Southern Philippines.
  16. Tongali – A nose flute made from bamboo or reed, commonly used by the Kalinga people in the Cordillera region.
  17. Suling – A bamboo flute commonly used in traditional Philippine music.
  18. Kuglong – A bamboo flute commonly used by the Tagalog people.
  19. Balingbing – A bamboo zither with 12 strings, used by the B’laan people in Mindanao.
  20. Lantoy – A bamboo jew’s harp used by the Manobo people in Mindanao.
  21. Kusyapi – A small, fretted bamboo lute used by the Aeta people in Luzon.
  22. Gabbang – A xylophone made of bamboo, used by the Maranao people in Mindanao.
  23. Pas-ing – A bamboo mouth harp used by the Ilocano people in Northern Luzon.
  24. Sape – A long-necked, fretted lute made from a single piece of wood, commonly used by the Tausug people in the Southern Philippines.
  25. Kulibet – A bamboo flute commonly used in the Southern Philippines.
  26. Kudyapi sa kahoy – A two-stringed lute made from a single piece of wood, used by the Mangyan people in Mindoro.
  27. Kantang – A bamboo clapper used in traditional Philippine music.
  28. Dagungo – A bamboo jew’s harp used by the Bicolano people in the Bicol region.
  29. Kubing – A bamboo jaw harp used by various indigenous groups in the Philippines.
  30. Budyong – A large conch shell used as a musical instrument in traditional Philippine music.

So which instruments do you know? Comment below if there are instruments you think should be in the list.