Ivatan Laji

We’re happy to share new English translations of Laji poetry! (Artwork on this page by Lloydi Mina.) The first series was published in a special edition of the Manoa Journal from the University of Hawaii in 2024. These include: Nu Nunuk du Tukon, sung by Melecio Alasco and Rosita Alavado of Malakdang, Sabtang; and U Anak nu Munamun by Filomena Hubalde of Savidug, Sabtang.

The translations were done by Dorian S. Merina, with assistance from Anastacia Merina, and guidance from the scholarship of Dr. Florentino Hornedo. Of course, full credit goes to the Laji singers themselves and their families, some of whom helped to guide and contextualize the translations. Diyos mamahes! (You can check out the full edition of the Manoa Journal here, in which these first appeared.)

Nu Nunuk du Tukon

AS SUNG BY LAJI SINGERS MELECIO ALASCO, ROSITA ALAVADO

Nu nunuk du tukon, minuhung as kadisi na,
ichapungpung diya am yaken u ñilawngan na.
Kapaytalamaran ava su avang di idaúd,
ta miyan du inayebngan na, ta miyan du inayebngan na.
Nu itañis ko am nu didiwen ko
ta nu taaw aya u suminbang diyaken,
nu maliliyak a pahung as maheheyet a riyes
u minahey niya, u minahey niya diyaken.

The Nunuk on the Hill

The nunuk tree on the hill grew tender leaves and shoots,
then suddenly its crown was broken and I was caught beneath.
Now I can no longer watch the boat in the deep sea
for I stand on the side that is hidden, on the side that is hidden.
I weep in my sorrow
for the vast ocean has made me an orphan,
the pounding sea breakers, the strong currents,
they told me of my fate, they told me this.

U Anak Nu Munamun

AS SUNG BY LAJI SINGER FILOMENA HUBALDE

Anu kadawudawung ku du tukun di Valungut
Dawri a dinungasungay u anak nu munamun,
Ahapen ku na siya nu masen a sahakeb,
Dahuran ku na siya du mahungtub a duyuy,
Udiyan ku na niya a payrakurakuhen
A di chu’a pavulsayi su madahmet a chirin
Du kahawahawa ku niya u kaichay nu anak nu munamun.

The Child of the Munamun

Each time I look down from the hill at Valungut
I see the child of the munamun swimming in the waves,
I will gather her in my finest net
and place her in the deep coconut shell,
to take her home and care for her as she grows.
I will not utter a single harsh word
and take great care not to hurt the feelings
of the child of the munamun.

This second series was published in Singapore Unbound’s online literary magazine, SUSPECT in August, 2025. These include new translations of two laji by Ricardo Facuri of Mahatao. (Special thanks to Facuri’s family, who generously granted permission for us to share these new translations with the public!)

The publication also includes the beautiful artwork of Lloydi Mina and an audio introduction read by Dorian; you can view and listen to them here.

Duri A Malisipis U Riyes di Valugan

Laji singer: Ricardo Facuri, Mahatao

 

Duri malisipis u riyes di Valugan,

padpehen na du vanuwa du di Vasay;

taywara anu vinalat u sichu nu akma diyaken

nu tiyas a di a putut ta mabli ko

u riyes a dumapit dimo du duri mo

a piwayaman mo dumngen ko a lipus.

 

The Rough Currents of Valugan

There the rough currents of Valugan

crash against the port of Vasay,

but the joints for my oars

are not made of the strong heartwood

that can resist breaking,

as I row against the rush of current

to reach you, my beloved relative, where you wait.

 

Recorded by Dr. Florentino H. Hornedo

Translated by Dorian S. Merina

Duri A Makahaud U Avang

Laji Singer: Ricardo Facuri, Mahatao

 

Duri a makahaud u avang a inavatan

nu aririn du iraya, a di a patakan

su pamanuwaan; amna makiñin ava

u akma diyaken anu madngey chu

u nakapamanuwa na du madivek a vanuwa.

 

The Boat Heads toward the Deep Sea

The boat heads toward the deep sea

with its strong oars made of mountain wood,

its final destination is unknown

yet it will be no surprise to hear

that it arrives to a peaceful port at last.

 

Recorded by Dr. Florentino H. Hornedo

Translated by Dorian S. Merina