harana

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Harana is a Filipino custom. Though at this time only a few people in rural areas do it, it still played a major influence in the history of Philippines. Nowadays, Harana is just featured in TV shows, theatre and movies.

During the old times, an eligible single man, binata, woo his beloved single lady, dalaga by coming in their house at night to sing for her. The man can come alone but he is usually accompanied by his friends who may play the guitar or as a back up singer. They will sing even if the dalaga will accommodate or reject them. The girl will come to the window to listen until the father will let them come inside the house. Once he is asked to come in he must have something like a present to offer.

Inside the house, the binata will stand until given permission to sit. The father will interrogate the binata all about his plans, ambitions,intention for the dalaga and so on . The father will do it with or without the dalaga in the living room. If the father gives them time to talk well the guy is lucky. The binata may come back again to set another Harana or simply visit the dalaga straight ahead.

This is how Filipinos value male-female relationship, parents blessings is a must and appropriate conduct.