The Ivatan people are an ethnolinguistic group from the northernmost province of the Philippines, the Province of Batanes. They can trace their ancestors back to the Austronesians. Ivatans are famously known for their honesty, hospitality, and resiliency from disasters, especially typhoons. Moreover, their culture has been mainly shaped by their environment.

Ivatan Oral Traditions are mainly divided into two: the non-sung tradition and the sung tradition. To the non-sung tradition belong kabbata (legends), kabbuni (riddles), pananahan (proverbs), sisyavak (humorous anecdotes and tales), and istorya (Spanish-influenced stories). The sung tradition belongs to kalusan (working songs), laji (ballads), and Kanta (Spanish-influenced songs and other contemporary songs). In Itbayat, Rawud (lamenting songs which are older than lajis) and Dawuh (songs during yam harvesting) also exist.

Kabbata are the legends of the Ivatans. They are also called “Kavvatahen.” These are usually narrated during drinking sessions or when an older person wishes to entertain a child. To this belong the life story of Mangpus Tayung, Mangpus Jade, Mangpus Minamina, Mangpus Aphas, Layin, Pudalan, and how Iraya, Raele, and the Natu tree came to be. In Itbayat, they believe that when you tell these stories during the day, you will turn into a tuxed (a small animal).

Pananahan are the proverbs of the Ivatans. It is used to give lessons to people of all ages as it reflects common happenings in the daily life of the Ivatams. It is usually metaphorical in nature (usually using analogy).

Kabbuni are the riddles of the Ivatans. It is usually used by adults to amuse children. The topics are usually obtained from objects, phenomena, or living things found in the natural environment of the Ivatans. Before presenting the riddle, they would usually say “Buni mu buni ku aya” (Guess my riddle) or “Benek mu benek ku aya. Kabbenek mu’ya.”

Kalusan are working songs sung by farmers, boatmen, and lumbermen. It is usually preceded by a song called Vachi, which is sung by the leader of the group. She is called mayvachi when she sings the vachi. When she becomes the leader of the Kalusan, she is then called manlachi. However, in Itbayata Karusan are mainly sung during the wake of a dead person.

Laji is a lyric folk song that uses poetry to convey a message to its audience. Whatever the event is or whatever the singer’s emotion is, you can sing laji. It is also used during kayun (pre-wedding ceremonies).

Kanta are those popular songs that are mainly Spanish-influenced or are considered contemporary. These songs are usually romantic or sentimental love songs. However, it also covers topics about being proud to be an Ivatan. Lajis have at least one melody for each line. These are pre-colonial songs. Kanta, on the other, has multiple melodies.