Ili-Ili, Tulog Anay
"Ili-Ili, Tulog Anay" (lit. 'Little One, Sleep for a While') is a traditional Hiligaynon lullaby that originated in Iloilo, located in the Visayas, Philippines. The song is typically sung by a caregiver to a child, and it references a mother who is away buying bread.[1] Although the original composer of the lullaby is unknown, a transcription of its music and lyrics was published in Folk Songs: Songs of the Visayas by Priscilla Magdamo in 1957.[2] The lullaby gained renewed popularity after being featured in the Filipino supernatural horror film White Lady (2006).[3]
Remakes
A modernized remake by the Pinoy pop boy group Alamat in collaboration with Lyca Gairanod, titled "ILY ILY", was released in 2022 and references parents working as overseas Filipino workers.[4][5]
In popular culture
The Filipino supernatural horror film White Lady, released by Regal Films in 2006, featured the lullaby in a haunting and eerie context.[6] The film starred Pauleen Luna and Angelica Panganiban.
In season 2 during the 7th Episode ( 1:00 pm of the American TV series The Pitt ), Dr. Trinity Santos (played by Isa Briones) sings this to calm down Baby Jane Doe.[7]
References
- ^ "Ili-ili Tulog Anay | Music Shop Europe".
- ^ Magdamo, Priscilla V. (1957), Folk songs: Songs of the Visayas volume I, Silliman University Foundation for Musical Research, Composition, and Publication, retrieved April 24, 2025
- ^ "Ili Ili, Tulog Anay". Hannah C Comia. Retrieved April 24, 2025.
- ^ "'We want Filipinos to hug themselves': the P-pop stars reconnecting with their culture". The Guardian. May 29, 2022. Retrieved February 3, 2026.
- ^ "Dive Into ALAMAT's Flawless Discography". Pulp Magazine. November 8, 2025. Retrieved February 3, 2026.
- ^ "John Estrada Sports Anew Butt". Philippine Daily Inquirer. July 18, 2006. Retrieved April 10, 2022.
- ^ "People Isa Briones on Prosthetics, Performing with Her Father, and Filipino Presence on The Pitt". February 20, 2026. Retrieved February 20, 2026.