IBONG SAWI (Wounded Bird)

Ibong Sawi (literally “Wounded Bird”) is a kundiman that reflects the sorrow and pain of love through the metaphor of a bird in despair. Composed by Juan Hernández, the song portrays longing, heartbreak, and the struggles of a heart weighed down by unfulfilled affection. With its melancholic melody and poignant lyrics, it captures the essence of the kundiman tradition—expressing both vulnerability and deep emotional sincerity. Juan Silos Jr.’s arrangement further highlights its haunting beauty, making it a favorite in classic Filipino repertoire.