O ILAW (Aking Bituin)

The title of this Tagalog folk song is Aking Bituin (My Star) but it is more popularly known by its first line: O, Ilaw (Oh, Light).

TAGALOG SONG LYRICS

O, ilaw, sa gabing madilim
Wangis mo’y bituin sa langit.
O, tanglaw, sa gabing tahimik
Larawan mo, Neneng,
nagbigay pasakit. Ay!

Gising at magbangon
sa pagkagupiling
Sa pagkakatulog
na lubhang mahimbing.
Buksan ang bintana
at ako’y dungawin
Nang mapagtanto mo
ang tunay kong pagdaing.

 ENGLISH TRANSLATION

O, light, in the dark night
You’re like a star in the sky
O, light, in the quiet night
Your picture, Neneng,
makes one hurt. Oh!

Awake and arise
from slumber
from your sleep
so deep.
Open your window
and look out to me
So that you may understand
my true lament.

This song is a traditional Filipino harana (serenade).

One thought on “O ILAW (Aking Bituin)”

  1. I am an American and I am in love with this song… I am learning it for my Filipina fiance… She will be so surprised!

    Reply

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