Harana

The search for the lost art of serenade.

2012 · 104 min · ★ 5.0 · Documentary, History, Music

Upon his father's death, Florante, a classically trained guitarist, returns to the Philippines after 12 years of absence. During his stay, he rediscovers the music of harana—a long-forgotten tradition of Filipino serenading where men sang under the window at night to fearlessly declare their love for a woman. Intent on unearthing these unheralded songs, Florante travels to the remote provinces, where he discovers three of the last surviving practitioners: a farmer, a fisherman, and a tricycle driver. Astounded by their golden voices, Florante asks them to travel with him to perform and record these unknown songs. During their travels, the haranistas meet Brian, a shy young man who for years has been secretly in love with a schoolmate. The haranistas, who have not serenaded in the last thirty years, offer their services to serenade Brian's object of affection, resulting in one of the most tender moments of genuine harana captured on film.

Directed by Benito Bautista