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The Curious Case of Dayang Dayang, Not Dayang Daya


I remembered the song "Dayang Dayang" which had a parody cover called "Dayang Daya". Some people wondered if it was from India. Some say it was a Muslim song which makes more sense. It's because the beats almost sound like one from Filipino Muslim dances. Granted, a lot of Filipinos descended from either Malaysian or Indonesian settlers then it would make sense if Dayang Dayang is danced to the Pakiring. The song I just share comes from an Indonesian singer who probably popularized the song. 

Many words from the Filipino language match up with Malaysian language or Indonesian language. The Filipino word for help (tulong) is tolong in Indonesian and Malaysian. The Malaysian (or Indonesian) term Dayang is said to mean a noble lady. It would make sense of the song "Dayang Dayang" would've come from Indonesia, Malaysia, or from Mindanao in the Philippines. 


This was the most common version heard. I think the video maker wrongly attributed it to Bollywood actress Rai Aishwarya. I remember eating at Bollywood Tandoor and never heard the song "Dayang Dayang". The belly dancing sessions never hand "Dayang Dayang" played either. Instead, I heard it in some Arabic restaurant before (can't remember which) sometime before the pandemic. 


This is an Ilocano version of "Dayang Dayang" with different lyrics. On the surface, it would sound like a Malaysian or Indonesian song. However, it's an Ilocano song. I guess having different Filipino languages is just normal.


Where did this song really come from? It would be hard to determine its exact origin. Is is claimed original artist really from Muslim regions of Mindanao or from Malaysia? Granted, Sabah (which some say really belongs to the Philippines) is currently part of Malaysia. Most Filipinos, regardless of religion, are of Malay descent. Then again Islam came into Malaysia through Arab traders. So, the possibility is that the song may have come from Saudi Arabia of all places.


Here's a dance from the Tausug. The Tausug tribes can also be found in Malaysia and Indonesia. This version of Dayang Dayang has different wordings. 

The song itself may have a huge enduring mystery. The links between the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia may have been further revealed by this mysterious song. 
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