Bayok in the Modern Era: A Study of Meranaw Youth Perceptions
Keywords:
Meranaw culture, bayok, cultural preservation, intangible heritage, sociocultural transmission, traditional music, cultural sustainabilityAbstract
This study investigates the perceptions of bayok, a traditional Meranaw folksong performed by onor (folk singers), among selected Meranaw students of Mindanao State University–Main Campus. Rooted in the Darangen epic, bayok functions not only as entertainment but also as a communicative medium and a cultural mechanism for reinforcing kinship ties during weddings, enthronements, and funerals. Historically integral to Meranaw cultural identity, bayok has experienced a decline in popularity among younger generations, increasingly overshadowed by mainstream music. Guided by cultural preservation theory and the sociocultural transmission framework, this study examines how awareness, participation, and intergenerational transmission influence the sustainability of intangible heritage. Employing a mixed-methods design, data were collected through surveys, focus group discussions, and interviews. Results indicate that while the majority of respondents acknowledge bayok as a significant cultural heritage and advocate for its inclusion in school curricula, formation of cultural organizations, and systematic documentation, modern music remains more prevalent in their preferences. The findings reveal a persistent tension between tradition and modernity, underscoring the urgency of proactive cultural preservation strategies to safeguard bayok in contemporary society.
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