This set of instrumental music sonority constitutes a repertory that can articulate words, either in the mind of the player or literally as in real speech.

    Saguysuy simulates the continuous sound that resembles ritual song style tud-om.

    So does the kogot, which is, however, the least valued musical instrument in Manobo culture. Kogot has a limited repertory. The words to which kogot pieces are based are formulaic, lighthearted messages. These are addressed to young children, chiding them, for example, to wake up early so they can gather river clams (pungguk) on river banks and edible mushrooms (bigtuy?) in the forest.

    Lastly, kubing can do speech. Given the low dynamic volume this instrument can produce, words are barely audible. The instrument has been associated with courting in the past when youngsters conveyed amorous messages only among themselves. The soft, rhythmically distorted sound of the instrument shields the words--disguising them to speak--from overhearing parents and other excluded persons. The instrument is also said to have been used as a means for speaking secret messages as in warning household members of an impending ambush by a grieving clan.