The Legacy of Masino Intaray: Keeper of Melodies and Myths
Masino Intaray was more than a musician—he was a storyteller, a guardian of sound, and a bridge between past and future. With masterful hands, he breathed life into indigenous instruments, weaving rhythms that echoed through the forests and mountains of Palawan. His music was not just an art form but a sacred thread in the fabric of his people’s identity.
As a Kulilal and Bagit performer, Intaray’s voice carried the heartbeats of his ancestors, singing of love, longing, and the deep harmony between the Palaw’an people and nature. His hands danced over the kusyapi, the gongs, and the drums, ensuring that every note resonated with the soul of his homeland.
Beyond melody, he was a keeper of epics, myths, and ancestral wisdom. Through his chanting, age-old narratives unfolded—stories of heroes, spirits, and the traditions that defined his people. His words were more than echoes of the past; they were living testaments, passed down to generations yet to come.
With unwavering dedication, Masino Intaray preserved the soundscape of his culture, ensuring that the voices of his ancestors would never fade into silence.
Instruments used by Masino Intaray
The Oral Traditions of the Palaw’an: Echoes of Ancestral Wisdom
The Palaw’an people possess a rich oral tradition, passed down through generations, preserving their history, values, and cosmology. Masino Intaray, as a revered epic chanter and storyteller, played a vital role in keeping these narratives alive. Among the most significant oral traditions he safeguarded were Tultul, Sudsungit, and Tuturan, each serving as a vessel of cultural identity and indigenous wisdom.
Tultul: Songs of Ancestral Heroes
The Tultul are epic chants that recount the adventures, struggles, and triumphs of ancestral heroes. These lengthy narratives are traditionally performed in a rhythmic, melodic manner, often sung during special gatherings and rituals. Through Tultul, the Palaw’an people celebrate the courage, leadership, and spiritual journeys of their forebears, reinforcing their connection to history and their reverence for their heroic lineage.
Sudsungit: Stories of Morality and Tradition
The Sudsungit are narratives that convey moral lessons and cultural values, teaching the younger generations about righteousness, respect, and the principles of communal living. These tales often feature allegorical characters—wise elders, mischievous tricksters, or supernatural beings—who impart wisdom through their experiences. The Sudsungit serve as a guide for ethical behavior, reminding listeners of the importance of harmony, humility, and responsibility within their community.
Tuturan: Myths of Creation and Ancestors
The Tuturan are sacred myths that detail the origins of the world, humanity, and the customs of the Palaw’an people. These stories explain natural phenomena, the roles of deities and spirits, and the ancestral teachings that govern their way of life. Often narrated during rituals and ceremonies, the Tuturan serve as a bridge between the physical and spiritual realms, reinforcing the Palaw’an people’s deep connection with nature and their belief in unseen forces.
Through these oral traditions, Masino Intaray ensured that the voices of his ancestors would never fade, allowing the Palaw’an people’s heritage to endure in the hearts and minds of future generations.
A Nation’s Tribute: The Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan
In 1993, Masino Intaray received the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (National Living Treasures Award)—the highest recognition bestowed upon Filipino traditional artists. This prestigious honor, conferred by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), celebrates individuals who have devoted their lives to safeguarding and enriching the country’s intangible cultural heritage.
By receiving the GAMABA award, Masino Intaray was recognized not only for his extraordinary skill but also for his unwavering commitment to preserving the cultural identity of the Palaw’an people. His legacy, now etched in the annals of Philippine history, continues to inspire artists, musicians, and cultural advocates, reaffirming the importance of heritage in shaping the nation’s soul.
Timeline of Masino Intaray’s Life and Career
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1943 – Born near the head of the river in Makagwa Valley, Palawan, Philippines, as a member of the indigenous Palaw’an community.
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Early Life – Grew up immersed in the traditions of his people, learning kulilal (lyrical poetry), bagit (instrumental music), and basal (gong music) at a young age.
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1970s–1980s – Became a respected cultural master, recognized for his exceptional skills in chanting, playing indigenous instruments like the kusyapi (two-stringed lute) and gendang (drum), and leading epic storytelling performances.
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1993 – Awarded the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), recognizing him as a National Living Treasure for his dedication to preserving the Palaw’an music and oral traditions.
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1990s–2000s – Continued to share his knowledge with younger generations, ensuring the survival of traditional Palaw’an music and rituals.
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2013 (November 30) – Passed away, leaving behind a lasting legacy in Philippine cultural heritage.