“Harana” is a Tagalog dialect which means serenade. Here’s how Wikipedia describes it:

“The Harana first gained popularity in the early part of the Spanish Period. It's influence comes from folk Music of Spain and the Mariachi sounds of Mexico. It is a traditional form of courtship music in which a man woos a woman by serenading her underneath her window at night. It is widely practiced in many parts of the Philippines with a set of protocols, a code of conduct, and a specific style of music. Harana itself uses mainly Hispanic protocols in music, although its origins lie in the old pre-colonial Philippine musical styles which still practiced around the country Kapanirong style of the Maguindanao of Mindanao. The main instrument used for Harana is the Guitar, played by the courter, although other string instruments such as the Ukulele and less frequently, the Violin and Trumpets are also used.”

Most Filipino restaurants still feature “harana.” The ones I still see so far in the south of Manila are Royale Tagaytay Estates, Taal Vista Hotel, Leslie’s Restaurant. While in the north are Island Cove’s Fishing Village Restaurant and Isdaan Restaurant. I am not quite sure if Barrio Fiesta and the Singing Cooks and Waiters in Metro Manila still have these (I suppose they also feature “harana”).

This is a Filipino heritage that is well preserved until today. Those who give the “harana” usually come in threes or fours: the soloist, guitarist, one who holds a tambourine and another who holds a bass. You can request the for a song or two in addition to what they sing to you. As a courtesy, you can give them gratuities.