Kumukutikutitap: Ryan Cayabyab & Jose Javier Reyes / “A-twinkle and a-glimmer”: a contemporary Filipino Christmas song

The Parol or Paritaán, is the Christmas lantern of the Philippines. Often constructed of bamboo and paper, it is now made of many materials. Originally candle-lit, electric lights – bulbs or LED in a garland – are used now in a variety of colours. The Parol’s design is star-shaped – meant to evoke the Star of Bethlehem that guided the Three Wise Men/Kings to the Christ-Child’s Manger. The Parol also symbolizes hope and goodwill / the victory of light over darkness. These three Parols were made by Kat Estacio, Caroline Mangosing and Katrina Estacio at the Kapisanan Community Centre, Toronto, Canada.

Jose Javier Reyes (lyrics) – Ryan Cayabyab (music)

“Kumukutikutitap”

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Kumukutikutitap, bumubusibusilak
Ganyan ang indak ng mga bumbilya
Kikindat-kindat, kukurap-kurap
Pinaglalaruan ng inyong mga mata
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Kumukutikutitap, bumubusibusilak
Ganyan ang indak ng mga bumbilya
Kikindat-kindat, kukurap-kurap
Pinaglalaruan ng inyong mga mata
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Iba’t – ibang palamuti
Ating isabit sa puno
Buhusan ng mga kulay
Tambakan ng mga regalo
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Tumitibok-tibok, sumisinok-sinok
Wag lang malundo sa sabitin
Pupulupot-lupot paikot ng paikot
Koronahan ng palarang bituin
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Dagdagan mo pa ng kendi
Ribon, eskosesa’t guhitan
Habang lalong dumadami
Regalo mo’y dagdagan
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Kumukutikutitap, bumubusibusilak
Ganyan ang kurap ng mga bituin
Tumitibok-tibok, sumisinok-sinok
Koronahan ng palarang bituin
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Dagdagan mo pa ng kendi
Ribon, eskosesa’t guhitan
Habang lalong dumadami
Regalo mo’y dagdagan
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Kumukutikutitap, bumubusibusilak
Ganyan ang kurap ng mga bituin
Tumitibok-tibok, sumisinok-sinok
Koronahan pa ng palarang bituin

Young members of the Ryan Cayabyab Singers_December 2013

Jose Javier Reyes (lyrics) – Ryan Cayabyab (music)

“Kumukutikutitap”

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A-twinkle and a-glimmer
A-sparkle and a-shimmer
That’s the way the lights are a-dancing
They’re winking here and there
And blinking everywhere
Bright and sparkly colours playing with your eyes
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A-twinkle and a-glimmer
A-sparkle and a-shimmer
That’s the way they start are a-winking
Pulsating to the beat
Hiccuping to the beat
Now crown it all with a big parol!
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Let’s hang ‘em on that big old Christmas tree
All those different festive decorations
Pour in all the colours
Now pile it all up with gifts!
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Pulsating to the beat
Hiccuping to the beat
Be careful that tree doesn’t topple!
Going round and round
And shiny toys abound
Crown it all with a big parol!
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Add more candies, more goodies
Ribbons, a little drummer boy and dollies
With all the presents piled high
Bring in more gifts – don’t be shy!
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A-twinkle and a-glimmer
A-sparkle and a-shimmer
That’s the way the stars are a-winking
Pulsating to the beat
Hiccuping to the beat
Now crown it all with a big parol!

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A special thank-you to Roseanne in Cebu for this English translation of the Tagalog lyrics!

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To listen to this song in its original Tagalog version with an all-male choir’s playful a-cappella interpretation, click here:  http://youtu.be/LAGKW4tmxTA

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