Liann Gabrielle G.

Fernando

Grade 12 ABM-A

Types and Classification of Philippine Folk Dances

Types of Philippines Folk Dance

1. Cordillera Dances
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 colourful cultural fabric
known as Philippine culture.

Examples:
(a) Banga (Kalinga)
"Banga" literally mean pots. The Banga or pot dance is a contemporary performance of Kalinga of the
Mountain Province in the Philippines. This dance illustrates the languid grace of a tribe otherwise 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 chimes displaying their stamina and strength as they go about
their daily task of fetching water and balancing the banga.

(b) Bendayan (Benguet Province)

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.

(c) Lumagen / Tachok (Kalinga)

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

2. Muslim Dances
Aside from the colourful 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.

Examples:
(a) Pangalay (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.

(b) Asik (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.

(c) 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.

3. Tribal Dances

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.

Like their Northern Luzon counterparts, these groups honor pagan gods for the fruits and trials of daily
life. What distinguishes them from other tribes in the Philippines is their intricate craftsmanship in metal,
clothing, and jewelry. These tribes pride themselves in their concept of beauty and are known for creating
colorful sets of jewelry and clothing out of dyed pineapple and banana fibers with are showcased in their
traditional dances.

Examples:

(a) Malakas at Maganda (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.

(b) Binaylan (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.

4. Rural Folks
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.

Examples:
(a) Tinikling (Leyte)
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.
The older people claim that the Tinikling Ha Bayo from which the tinikling dance evolved is more difficult to
perform. It was originally danced between bayuhan, two wooden pestles used to pound the husks off the rice
grain.

(b) Maglalatik (Laguna)

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).

5. Spanish Influence Dances

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.

Examples:

(a) 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.

(b) 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.

(c) 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.

Classification of Philippine Dances

1. Festival Dances - these dances are suited for special occasions or any social gathering. Examples are
Polka, Papuri ,Putritos, Jota, Habanera, and Mazurka. (e.g. Pandanggo, Habanera)
2. Relegious or Ceremonial Dances - these dances are performed in connection with relegious vows and
ceremonies.. A religious dance maybe performed to drive away evil spirits and for having recovered
from sickness, favors granted and vows fulfilled.
Ex: Sinurog, Singkil, Dugso, Sua-sua, Putong and Subli
3. Occupational Dances - these dances depict human labor. Examples are Maglalatik, Pabirik,
Mananguete, Planting, Harvesting and Tanobong.
Ex: Pabirik-depicts the difference stages of gold panning
Manangueste tuba gatherer
Rice Festival has the largest number of dances
Magtatanim, Paggapas, PagiikPahanginPababaypPagtatahip
4. Courtship Dances - these dances depict emotions, feelings and love of a man to a woman. Examples
are Balitaw, Tadek, Panasahan, Katsutsa, Palakis and Daling-daling. (e.g. Hele-hele, Tadek, Pantomina)
Pateado (Balimbing, Marinduque)
Aetana (Sta. Cruz, Marinduque)
5. War Dances - these dances show combat or duel. Examples are Sagayan and Palu-palo.
6. Imitative Dances - these dances depict movement of any animals and the things around us. Examples
are Tinikling, Rabong, Sabong, Itik-itik, Tinolabong, Sinlampati, Kalapati, and Pabo.
7. Comic Dances - these dances show funny movements that entertain. Examples are IngkongInkoy and
Mokongo. (e.g. Kinotan, Makonggo)
8. Wedding dances performed during wedding feasts. Example: Escala ,Maskota, and Pangalay
Anuncio (Marinduque)

References:
1. https://www.scribd.com/doc/57889717/Classification-of-Philippines-Folk-Dance-p-e
2. https://www.slideshare.net/charlene143/folk-dance-11387876
3. https://www.slideshare.net/elmerllames/physical-education-grade-7-k12-folk-dance-4th-qtr
4. https://books.google.com.ph/books?id=jGssp-
oJrT8C&pg=PA240&lpg=PA240&dq=classification+of+folk+dance+in+the+philippines+wedding&source=bl&o
ts=AnEEY0zC4V&sig=aRpGnVj35nYJ6xV9pIQewm-
ACPw&hl=fil&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjFhZ7C_pLVAhWLE7wKHePUAPEQ6AEIUjAK#v=onepage&q=wedding&f=f
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