If the Tagalogs have the kundiman for their romantic folk song, the Visayans have the visayan love songs called balitao or balitaw. Traditionally, the balitaw in Cebuano is a song in which a man and a woman engage in debate while they dance to the music of a subing (a native flute) or a sista (a guitar made out of coconut shell), until one wins. The debate tackles any idea but usually centers on love and courtship. Thus, the common notion outside Cebu id that the balitaw is a love song.
The balitaw is a popular form of entertainment at any social gathering. One popular folk song, "Rosas Pandan", describes a precious heritage of the Cebuanos;Balitaw day akong puhunanIn Hiligaynon, folk songs are sometimes called balitaw. The most popular are the very sentimental "Walang Angay" and the lullaby "Ili Ili Tulog Anay". Hiligaynon has also a unique folk song called composo. It is a ballad with soft melody and tells of violent loves and incidents.
Maoy kabilin sa akong ginikanan
Nga garbo sa atong kabunturan
Balitaw is my only asset
An inheritance ffrom my ancestors,
A most ancient song
That is the pride of our hills.