Waray-Waray
A lively song that shows how brave, strong, and funny the Waray people are.
Type: Regional Song / Cultural Pride
Language: Waray (Western Samar & Leyte)
Theme: Strength, humor, courage
Suggested Age: 7+
Region: Eastern Visayas
Lupang Hinirang
[Chorus]
Waray-waray hindi tatakas
Waray-waray handang matodas
Waray-waray bahala bukas
Waray-waray manigas
[Stanza 1]
Waray-waray tawag sa akon
Sa bakbakan diri mag-urong
Sa sinuman ang humahamon
Waray-waray hindi tatakas
Kahit ikaw ay maton
[Stanza 2]
Likas sa ating paraluman
Kiming palagi mapagbigay
Ngunit iba ang waray-waray
Walang sindak kaninoman
[Stanza 3]
Kaming babaeng waray-waray
Ay siga-siga kahit saan
'Pagkat kami ay lumalaban
Kapag hinamon ng away
[Chorus]
[Chorus 2]
Waray-waray sadyang 'di tatakas
Waray-waray handa nang matodas
Waray-waray bahala na bukas
Waray-waray manigas
[Chorus 2]
[Stanza 2]
[Stanza 3]
[Chorus]
[Outro]
Waray-waray manigas
English Translation
[Chorus]
Waray-waray, won't run away
Waray-waray, ready to die
Waray-waray, come what may
Waray-waray, 'til death
[Stanza 1]
Waray-waray, that’s what they call me
In fistfights, I don’t back out
From whoever challenges me
Waray-waray, won't run away
Even if you are a toughie
[Stanza 2]
It is natural for us to think
We are always generous
But the Waray-Waray are different
No fear of anyone
[Stanza 3]
We women who are waray-waray
Are fearless everywhere
Because we fight back
When challenged to a fight
[Chorus]
[Chorus 2]
Waray-waray, will not run away on purpose
Waray-waray, ready to die
Waray-waray, come what may
Waray-waray, 'til death
[Chorus 2]
[Stanza 2]
[Stanza 3]
[Chorus]
[Outro]
Waray-waray, 'til death
The song says Waray people are brave and never give up! It’s fast and funny — showing pride, humor, and big hearts.
Waray-Waray can mean “nothing-nothing,” but here it means “fearless.”
(Pronunciation: Wah-rye wah-rye)
Celebrates Filipino courage, confidence, and the cheerful strength of the Visayan people.
Dancers sometimes perform this song with playful steps and tambourines!