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New translations of Laji poetry
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…
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Visiting elder Laji singer, Marta Vaso
Marta Vaso is the carrier of one of the most well-known Laji in Batanes. It’s called Lipus Ko Am Panahanen, and most Ivatans can recite the melody, if not the lyrics, from memory. Without her, this gem of a poem, would most likely have vanished in our tradition. (You can listen to her singing it,…
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Laji Singer, Filomena Hubalde
(UPDATE: Sadly, Lola Filomena passed away in 2017. Her sharp mind and wit, her generosity and loving spirit will forever be missed. I think of her often as I lean out our bedroom window to gaze across our village of Savidug, just a few houses from where she lived and sang. Rest in Peace. And…
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Ari da na! It’s here! The Laji Album
After a successful Kickstarter campaign, the Laji album – with all 44 of its Lajis, songs and chants – is finally here: Close to 50 backers from the US, Philippines, Jamaica and other countries pledged to the campaign and dozens more spread the word, contributed insight and cheered on the project as we raised funds…
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Laji singers, community leaders gather in Vasay
On July 22, Laji singers from all three islands of Batanes met in Vasay with community leaders, school teachers, and Ivatan residents to celebrate the release of the audio CD, Laji: Indigenous Oral Poetry of Batanes. The CD brings together original field recordings in order to document and preserve this valuable tradition of Ivatan poetry.…
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Ivatan Laji 