BURAUEN, LEYTE – June 6, 2025 — A new chapter in the revival of Waray music unfolds with the release of “Tigaman”, the lead single from the upcoming EP of Burauen-born musician and songwriter Paolo Ay-ay. The single, which dropped today on Spotify, is more than just a musical debut—it’s a heartfelt tribute to the Waray identity and a stirring call for cultural reconnection.
Ay-ay, who spent nearly two decades as a dancer with the renowned Leyte Kalipayan Dance Company, draws deeply from his experiences in traditional performing arts and regional culture. Beginning his artistic journey at the age of 14, he credits the group for nurturing his deep sense of pride in being Waray.
“Bisan ako naibanan hin mga sangkay ha amon mga ka-takip nga balay kay kada adlaw may practice kami, my heart was filled with so much joy and pride tungod hini nga grupo,” Paolo shared, reflecting on how his time in the dance company shaped his love for culture and music.
The defining moment, he recalls, was hearing the rich tones of the Octavina and Banduria for the first time—an experience that moved him profoundly. “Baga hin gin-abre an akon batan-on nga kasing-kasing,” he said, describing how that encounter sparked his passion for creating original songs in Waray-Waray.
His new single, “Tigaman”—which translates to “sign” or “symbol”—is a soulful blend of cultural nostalgia and modern expression. Rooted in the Waray language, the song evokes longing for home and the search for meaning, capturing sentiments that speak not only to locals but also to Waray communities abroad.
“This is for all of you who are searching for a tigaman—a sign to come home, to reconnect, or to remember,” Paolo expressed in his message to fans. “I want to share this journey with you.”
The full EP, also titled Tigaman, will be released on June 20, promising a rich tapestry of tracks that showcase Paolo Ay-ay’s songwriting talents and cultural sensitivity. Each track is designed to fuse traditional Waray elements with modern musical arrangements, making it accessible to both young listeners and heritage music fans.
Cultural workers, musicians, and Waray advocates have welcomed Paolo’s entry into the regional music scene, describing it as a promising step forward in revitalising the musical identity of Eastern Visayas. As regional languages continue to be underrepresented in mainstream media, songs like “Tigaman” serve as vital tools for preservation and celebration.
“Tigaman” arrives at a time when there is a growing national interest in cultural localisation and pride in one’s roots. Its release signals that Waray music is not only alive—but evolving.
Now available for streaming, the song invites listeners to reflect on their own journeys and roots. Pamati-a niyo an “Tigaman” on Spotify: Listen here
Through this single, Paolo Ay-ay emerges not just as a musician, but as a cultural bearer—one whose voice helps carry the stories, dreams, and identity of Waraynon communities into the future.
