Tong Tong Tong Pakitong-kitong

Tong, Tong, Tong, Pakitong-kitong is a children’s song that talks about catching a crab in the river. See the video, lyrics and English translation below.

Lyrics

Tong, tong, tong, tong, pakitong-kitong

Alimango sa suba

Nanghambog nga dili makuha

Ako ra’y makakuha

Ako ra’y makasuwa

English Translation

Tong, tong, tong, tong, pakitong-kitong (No meaning, just a tongue-twister)

The crab in the river

Boasts that it can’t be caught

Only me can catch it

Only me can eat it

Variations

Since Cebuano somehow varies in different provinces, children may be using different words for this song. For instance, gibantog (popular) is more frequently used instead of nanghambog.

Tagalog Version

It is also interesting to note that the Tagalog version of the song has a slightly different message. Check the lyrics and translation below:

Tong, tong, tong, tong, pakitong-kitong

Alimango sa dagat (The crab in the sea)

Malaki at masarap (Big and tasty)

Kay hirap hulihin (It’s difficult to catch)

Sapagkat nangangagat (Because it bites)

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