Chapter I

Cordillera Dances

Introduction

Cordillera, a name given by the Spanish Conquistadors when they first saw the

mountain ranges. Meaning "knotted rope", the Spanish term refers to the jumbled rolls

and dips of this long-range traversing the northern part of Luzon Island.

Today, if one is to generalize one of the six ethno-linguistic tribes as an "Igorot" is

considered degrading. Living amidst the rice terraces that tower over Northern Luzon

are a people whose way of life existed long before any Spaniard or other foreigners

stepped foot on the Philippines. The Bontoc, Ifugao, Benguet, Apayo, and the Kalinga

tribes reign over Luzon's mountain terrain.

They are pagan people, living simple lives to appease their gods. Their rituals celebrate

their daily lives - a good harvest, health, peace, war, and other symbols of living. Such

traditions have survived the changing scope of the Philippines and the tribes continue to

maintain their cultures that are a part of the colorful cultural fabric known as Philippine

culture.

Different kinds of Crodillera Dances

1. Banga
Tribe: Kalinga

"Banga" literally mean pots. The Banga or pot dance is a contemporary

performance of Kalingaof the Mountain Province in the Philippines. This dance
illustrates the languid grace of a tribeotherwise known as fierce warriors. Heavy
 earthen pots as many as seven or eight at a time are balanced on the heads of
maidens as they trudge to the beat of the "gangsa" or wind chimesdisplaying
their stamina and strength as they go about their daily task of fetching water
and balancing the banga.

2. Bendayan
Origin: Province of Northern Luzon

Also popularly called Bendian, this circle dance of the Benguet of Mountain

Province is restaged, keeping true to the dance's context and meaning. Long known

as a dance to celebrate the arrival of successful headhunters, the Bendayan has

taken a new face. It is part of every Benguet festivity with the circles slowly giving

way to other formations and interpretations.

3. Lumangen

Tribe:Kalinga

Origin: Luzon

When the Kalinga gather to celebrate a happy occasion like the birth of a first-born

baby boy, a wedding, or a budong (peace pact), the Kalinga Festival Dance

(Tachok) is performed. This is danced by the Kalinga maiden. The dance imitates

birds flying in the air. Music is provided by gangsa, or gongs, which are usually in a

group of six or more.

4. Manmanok

Tribe: Bago

Three Bago Tribe roosters compete against each other for the attention of Lady

Lien. They use blankets depicting colorful plumes to attract her.

5. Ragsaksakan

Tribe: Kalinga

This dance portrays the walk of the industrious Kalingga women, carrying water pots

on their heads and wearing the colorful hand-woven "blankets of life" around their

necks. Their walk imitates the climb up the Rice Terraces in the Mountain Provinces

of the Philippines.

6. Salisid

Tribe: Kalinga

The Salidsid is the Kalinga courtship dance, performed by a male and female (and

thus is sometimes called the "cayoo" dance). The dance starts when each of the

dancers are given a pice of cloth called ayob or allap. Usually the most important

people in the village are the second to dance after the host has signified that the

occasion is formally open. The background and meaning in this dance is evident.

The male simulates a rooster trying to attract the attention of a hen while the female

imitates the movements of a hen being circled by a rooster.

7. Salip

Tribe: Kalinga

Tribes in the mountain provinces of Luzon preserve their identity, customs and lore.

Their dances celebrate important events in life such as birth, wedding, victory in war

and thanksgiving. A Kalinga wedding dance is an important celebration. The

bridegroom offers the bride the protection and comfort of his blanket. He simulates

the movements of a rooster at love play, aspiring to attract and seize his love. The
bride's friends are ready to help prepare the bride by offering "bangas" (earthen

pots) filled with fresh water from the mountain spring.

8. Turayen

Tribe:Gaddang

Origin: Cagayan Valley

Gaddang comes from the word ga, meaning "heat" and dang, meaning burned". The

Gaddang live in the middle of Cagayan Valley and speak a language similar to

Ilokano. Most of them converted to Christianity, and those who live alongside

Christianized Ilokano groups have more or less adjusted to settled agriculture of

mixed crops. Small and scattered groups in southeastern Kalinga, eastern Bontoc,

and Isabela regions retain their indigenous religion and practice swidden agriculture

(the cutting back and burning of existing vegetation to produce temporary farming

plots) with supplementary hunting and fishing. In this dance, the Gaddang imitate

birds attracted to tobacco trees.

9. Tarektek

Tribe: Benguet

Two tareketek woodpeckers vie for the attention of three females. One Male

woodpecker rhythmically bang on a brass gong to represent a good voice, while the

other swish about a colorful blanket representing beautiful plumage.

 10. Uyaoy / Uyauy

Tribe: Ifugao

The Ifugao people are said to be the "children of the earth." The term Ifugao is derived

from the word ipugaowhich literally means "coming from the earth." The Spaniards,

however, changed it to Ifugaw, a term presently used in referring not only to these

people but also to their province. This Ifugao wedding festival dance is accompanied by

gongs and is performed by the affluent to attain the second level of the wealthy class.

Wealthy people (Kadangyan) who have performed this dance are entitled to the use of

gongs at their death

 Chapter II

Muslim Dances

Introduction

Aside from the colorful contributions of its regional tribes, Mindanao is home to the

largest cultural minority in the Philippines - the Muslims. Brought by Javanese and

Middle Eastern traders, Islam is the religion of approximately 20 percent of the

Philippine population.

They are known for their mysticism, royalty, and beauty which are evident in their music

and dances. Accompanied by the agong and kulintang, Filipino Muslim dance is marked

by intricate hand and arm movement along with shimmering costumes.

Different Kinds of Muslim Dances

1. Pangalay

Tribe: Badjao

Origin: Zamboanga del Sur

A pangalay native to the Badjao, sometimes known as the "Sea Gypsies."

Pangalay is a dance that emphasizes the agility of the upper body. The rhythmic

bounce of the shoulder with simultaneous alternating waving of arms are the basic

movement of this dance. The pangalay is commonly performed at weddings and

other social gatherings.

 2. Burung-Talo

Origin: Tausug

A form of self defense. The dance like movements show a fight between a hawk

and a cat.

3. Asik

Tribe: Maguindanao

Origin: Lanao del Sur

A solo slave dance performed by the umbrella-bearing attendant to win the favor

of her sultan master. The girl wears long metal fingernails and dances and poses in

doll-like motions. Asik usually precedes a performance of Singkil.

4. Singkil

Tribe:Maranao

Origin: Lanao, Mindanao

Sinkil dance takes its name from the bells worn on the ankles of the Muslim

princess. Perhaps one of the oldest of truly Filipino dances, the Singkil recounts the epic

legend of the "Darangan" of the Maranao people of Mindanao. This epic, written

sometime in the 14th century, tells the fateful story of Princess Gandingan, who was

caught in the middle of a forest during an earthquake caused by the diwatas, or fairies

or nymph of the forest.

The rhythmic clapping of criss-crossed bamboo poles represent the trees that were

falling, which she gracefully avoids. Her slave loyally accompanies her throughout her
ordeal. Finally, she is saved by the prince. Dancers wearing solemn faces and

maintaining a dignified pose being dancing at a slow pace which soon progresses to a

faster tempo skillfully manipulate apir, or fans which represent the winds that prove to

be auspicious. The dancers weave expertly through criss-crossed bamboos.

When performed by ladies of the royalty of Lanao, the dancer is usually accompanied

by a waiting lady, who holds a beautifully decorated umbrella over the Princess' head

wherever she goes. Royal princesses to this day in the Sulu Archipelago are required to

learn this most difficult and noble dance.

5. Tahing Baila

Tribe: Yakan

Yakan dance for a bountiful fish catch where they imitate their movements

6. Pangsak

Tribe: Yakan

Origin: Basilan

The Yakan are a Muslim ethnic group in the highlands of Mindanao. They wear

elaborately woven costumes tightly on their bodies. Their dances involve

complicated hand and foot movements. In this dance, a man unties a wrap from his

wife-to-be's waist to wrap around her body and dance with. Both of their faces are

dotted with white paint, to hide their identity from evil spirits.
 7. Pangalay ha Pattong

Tribe: Badjao

A royal couple balance perilously on top of bamboo poles imitating the movements of

the picturesque southern boat (the vinta) with colorful sails gliding across the Sulu Sea.

8. Pangalay sa Agong

Origin: Tausug Sulu

A variation of the Tausug's traditional dance, Pangalay, two warriors vie for the attention

of a lass both using gongs to show their prowess and skill.

9. Pagapir

Tribe: Maranao

Origin: Lanao del Sur

Pagaper depicts a royal manner of "walking" among the Maranao people who live

mainly around Lake Lanao. Ladies of the royal court perform this stately dance in

preparation for an important event. The ladies gracefully manipulate the Aper (apir) or

fan, while emphasizing their small steps, or "kini-kini", which is a sign of good

upbringing.
 10. Sagayan

Tribe: Maguindanao

Origin: Cotabato

Performed by very fierce warriors carrying a shield elaborately painted with curlicues,

rounds, twirls and mirrors which are attached with shell noisemakers. In their other

hand, they carry a double-bladed sword (kampilan) of metal or wood. Sagayan dancers

are dressed in three tiered skirts, brightly colored topper and headgear embellished with

all the imaginable colors of twine trimmings formed into flowers, balls, sunbursts etc.

Long, yellow playful tassels almost hiding the face surround the headgear.

The dance involves leaping, turning, jumping, kicking and the rolling movements of a

warrior ready to defend his master in battle. Kamanyang fumes inhaled by the sagayan

moves him to perform in a magic-like trance. On most occasions, this dance is

performed before any celebration or gathering to drive away evil spirits (tunong) and to

welcome good fortunes or omen.

11. Kapa Malong Malong

Also called Sambi sa Malong, this Maranao dance shows the

many ways of wearing a malong, a simple tubular yet highly

functional piece of cloth. The traditional womens version shows this cloth of countless

colorful designs; used mostly as a skirt, woven in many different ways, depending on

the purpose of the wearer. Other ways the women wear malong is as a shawl, a mantle,

or a head-piece.
During more recent dance documentation, a mens version was derived. This version

shows in masculine rendition, how men don the malongdisplaying its use as a sash or

waist-band, shorts or bahag, and a head-gear that can be either functional while

working in the fields, or decorative as a turban.

 Chapter III

Tribal Dances

Introduction

Mindanao, the Philippines' southernmost island, is the country's cultural melting pot.

It houses influences from Spain, China, Indonesia, and the Middle East. Although

Mindanao carries a strong flavor from other lands, there are people who have lived

there before it became a breeding ground of foreign trade. Tribes such as the T'boli,

Bilaan, Manobo, Bagobo, and other groups inhabit the vast regions of Mindanao.

Different Kinds of Tribal Dances

1. Malakas at Maganda

(a national folklore)

Cradled amidst thick rain forest, shrouded with the mists of legend and ancient

traditions, one folklore has it that a weary bird perched on a large bamboo heard

strange noises inside. It pecked the bamboo, split open and from inside came the

first man and woman, Malakas the strong, Maganda the beautiful, the parents of all

peoples of the island.

2. Kadal Blelah

Tribe: T'boli

Origin: Lemlosnon, South Cotabato

Dancers perform a simulation of movement of birds.

 3. Binaylan

Tribe: Higaonon

Origin: Agusan

The Bagobo tribe from the central uplands of Mindanao originated this dance which

imitates the movement of a hen, her banog, or baby chicks, and a hawk. The hawk is

sacred, and it is believed that the hawk has the power over the well-being of the tribe.

The hawk tries to capture one of the chicks and is killed by the hunters.

Bagobo Rice Cycle

This Bagobo tribal dance protrays the cycle of planting and harvesting of rice.

4. Dugso

Tribe: Talaindig

Origin: Bukidnon

A dance of thanksgiving.
 Chapter IV

Rural Folks

Introduction

Laughter and gaeity commonly used to describe the Filipino people takes root in the

Philippine country-side. Life in the Barrio is simple, but Filipinos always manage to find

time to celebrate life's gifts.

The annual fiestas to celebrate the patron saints of the barrios symbolize the mixture of

pagan and Catholic belief. Fiestas not only honor the patron saint, but give homage to

the barrio's namesake for a good harvest, health, and perserverance. These fiestas are

marked with celebrations of holy mass, music, dance and song.

Different Kinds of Rural Folks

1. Itik-Itik

At one baptismal party in the Surigao del Norte province, a young lady named Kanang

(the nickname for Cayetana), considered the best dancer and singer of her time, was

asked to dance the Sibay. She became so enthusiastic and spirited during the

performance that she began to improvise movements and steps similar to the

movements of itik, the duck, as it walks with short, choppy steps and splashes water on

its back while calling to its mate. The people liked the dance so much that they all

imitated her. There are six separate foot sequences in the series of Itik-Itik steps.
 2. Binasuan

Origin: Bayambang, Pangasinan\

This colorful and lively dance from Bayambang in the Pangasinan province shows off

the balancing skills of the dancers. The glasses that the dancers gracefully, yet

carefully, maneuver are half-filled with rice wine gracefully who whirl and roll on the

floor.

Binasuan, meaning "with the use of a drinking glass" in Pangasinan, is often performed

as entertainment at weddings, birthdays, and fiestas. At social gatherings, the dance

becomes a contest among the dancers as well as non-dancers as to who can do the

most daring and skillful balancing movements.

3. Maglalatik

During the Spanish regime, the present barrios of Loma and Zapote of Bian, Laguna,

were separated. With coconut shells as implements the people of these two barrios

danced the Maglalatik, or Magbabao, a war dance depicting a fight between the Moros

and the Christians over the latik (residue left after the coconut milk has been boiled).

The first two parts of the dance, the Palipasan and the Baligtaran show the heated

encounter between the two groups. The last two parts, the Paseo and the Sayaw

Escaramusa show the reconciliation between the two groups. According to the legend

the Moros came out victorious, thus getting the coveted latik. The Christians, not

contented with the result of the war, sent an envoy to the Moros to offer peace and to
baptize them.

The best Maglalatik dancers are found in Zapote. In the daytime during the town fiesta

of Bian, the Maglalatik dancers go from house to house performing this dance for

money or a gift. In the evening they dance Maglalatik in the religious procession as it

moves along the streets. They perform the dance as an offering to the patron saint of

the farmers, San Isidro de Labrador.

4. Pandanggo sa ilaw

Origin: Lubang Island, Mindoro (Visayas)

This popular dance of grace and balance comes from Lubang Island, Mindoro in the

Visayas region. The term pandanggo comes from the Spanish word fandango, which is

a dance characterized by lively steps and clapping that varies in rhythm in 3/4 time. This

particular pandanggo involves the presence of three tinggoy, or oil lamps, balanced on

the head and the back of each hand.

After a good catch, fishermen of Lingayen would celebrate by drinking wine and by

dancing, swinging and circling a lighted lamp. Hence, the name "Oasiwas" which in the

Pangasinan dialect means "swinging." This unique and colorful dance calls for skill in

balancing an oil lamp on the head while circling in each hand a lighted lamp wrapped in

a porous cloth or fishnet. The waltz-style music is similar to that of Pandanggo sa Ilaw.
 5. Sakuting

Origin: Abra

A dance of the Ilokano Christians and non-Christians from the province of Abra,

Sakuting was originally performed by boys only. It portrays a mock fight using sticks to

train for combat. The stacatto-inflected music suggests a strong Chinese influence. The

dance is customarily performed during Christmas at the town plaza, or from the house-

to-house. The spectators give the dancers aguinaldos, or gifts of money or

refreshments especially prepared for Christmas.

6. Pasigin

Origin: Pasig

A dance interpreting toil in the life of the fishermen in the river called Pasig. Manifesting

the native means of catching the fish.

7. Sublian

Origin: Batangas

This version is from Talumpok, a ritual dance. A favorite dance of the people in nearly

all the barrios of the municipality of Bauan, Batangas, in the month of May and during

the town and barrio fiestas. It is a ceremonial worship dance performed in homage to

the Holy Cross referred to in the vernacular as Mahal Na Poong Santa Cruz. It

originated some three hundred years ago in the barrio of Dingin, Alitagtag, Batangas.
 8. Tinikling

This 'Visayan' dance was found in Leyte where this dance originated. Dancers

imitate the tikling birds legendary grace and speed as they skillfully play, chase

each other, run over tree branches, or dodge bamboo traps set by rice farmers.

Hence it is named after the bird, tikling. this version of the dance is done between

a pair of bamboo poles.

 Chapter V
Spanish Influence

Introduction

Nearly 400 years of Spanish rule left an unremovable mark on the Philippines.

Spain brought with them all aspects of their culture to the Islands. This includes

the Catholic faith, clothing, and dance. The barong tagalog and the terno are

Philippine interpretations of Spanish dress made to fit the humid climate of the

Philippines. Aside from creating their own versions of European fashion,

Philippine aristocrats created Filipino adaptations of European dance as well.

These include jotas, fandanggos, mazurkas and waltzes that were danced by

young socialites to the stringed music of the rondalla.

Different Kinds of Spanish Influence Dance

1. Danza

Danza is a folk dance of Cuban origin which became popular in the late 19th century,

also known as habanera or danza habanera. The habanera is a social dance in duple

time and performed in a ballroom or on a stage.

The Argentine writer Carlos Vega (1898-1966) traces its origin to the English contra

dance or square dance, which was then assimilated into Spain as contradanza or

danza. Around 1825, it was brought to Cuba in this form where it was combined with

Afro-Cuban rhythms; and around 1850, it was transformed into the habanera.
 2. Jota Cagayana

Origin: Cagayan Valley

The Jota brought by the Spaniards from Southern Spain found its way into many places

in the islands. One such jota is named after the valley it adapted. Though Filipinized in

many ways that one, Jota Cagayana still displays the fire and fury of its European

origin.

Until the turn of the century the Ibanag of Cagayan Valley perform this fast tempo dance

which ncludes familiar European steps, the mazurka, polka, gallop and waltz.

3. Jota Isabela

Origin: Isabela

A fine example of a filipinized spanish jota, but unlike other jotas this dance does not

use elongated bamboo castanets. This Ilocano dance was first performed by the Ilocano

settlers of the woodlands of old Isabela.

4. Pantomina

Originally a wedding dance from the province of Albay, the dance is now popular at any

social gathering.

5. Abaruray

Abaruray is a contraction of the words Aba and Ruray. Aba is an exclamation which is

equivalent to Hey! or Hi! in English. Ruray is a nickname for Aurora.

 6. Jota Manilea

Origin: Manila

A dance that originated in the capital city around the 19th century. Like the other Jotas

in Philippine folk dances, this is an adaptation of the Castillian Jota, but the castanets

are made of bamboo and are only held, not fastened, to the fingers. It is recognizably

Iberian in flavor.

7. Habanera Jovencita

A dance typical of a womans debut or even her wedding. The accompanying love

ballad was written by Maestro Nitoy Gonzales when he was courting Jovita Friese, who

then choreographed the graceful and beautiful habanera dance that accompanies

it. Jovencita means young lady in Spanish.

8. Paypay de Manila

The young ladies carry scented fans, or "paypay" and flirt with young men with

canes and straw hats, once more giving evidence of the Kastilian influence.

9. Jota Paragua

A dance originating from Zamboanga, displays steps with very strong Castillian

influence, but using Philippine bamboo castanets held loosely. The woman in

Jota de Paragua waves a shawl called manton.

 10. Paseo de Iloilo

This is one of the most sophisticated courtship and flirtation dances of the

Spanish era. The gentlemen compete among each other to win the heart of

the dalaga, or young lady, by exemplifying chivalry, grace, and confidence.

One of the most sophisticated courtship and flirtation dances of the Spanish

era. The gentlemen compete among each other to win the heart of the

dalaga, or young lady, by exemplifying chivalry, grace, and confidence.

11. Malaguena

This dance was a favorite dance of the people of Laguana and Quezon during

the Spanish Era.