Iloilo Ang Banwa Ko is an allegory on patriotism explained in two ways: first, making a little girl (Inday) stand for her town and second, a picture of carefree life free from political bondage.
Lyrics
Iloilo ang banwa ko ginahingadlan
Katam-is nga polong ang akon ginmat-an
Dili ko ikaw bulagan
Banwa kong nalulutan
Ikaw ang ginkuhaan sing kalipayan
Ilonggo ako nga Inday
Nga nagapuyo sa higad sang baybay
Manami magkiay-kiay
Sa tagipusuon
Bug-os ang kalipay
English Translation
Iloilo, my hometown
Sweetest word I have ever heard
I’ll never leave you
My beloved hometown
You’re shorn of happiness
I am an Ilonggo maiden
My humble dwelling
Is along the seashore
As I walk on the sand
Joy floods my heart
Source: Hispanic Influences on the West Visayan Folk Song Tradition of the Philippines
