FOLK DANCE
FOLK DANCE
Refers to the dances created and
performed collectively and reflect the life
of people in a certain country or region.
- Regional
- National
Classifications of
Philippine
Folk Dance
CORDILLERA
DANCES
Danced to appease their
ancestors and gods to
cure ailments, to ensure
success at war, or to
ward off bad luck or
natural calamities.
SALIP (Apayao)
Kalinga dance in which a
warrior is depicted
claiming his bride by
giving her a matrimonial
blanket. The woman then
balances several clay pots
on her head and follows
the man.
UYAOY (Ifugao)
This is an Ifugao
wedding festival dance
accompanied by gongs
and is performed by the
affluent to attain the
second level of the
wealthy class.
MAN-MANOK
(Sulu)
Three Bago Tribe roosters
compete against each
other for the attention of
Lady Lien (hen). They use
blankets depicting colorful
plumes to attract her.
MUSLIM DANCES
They are known for their
mysticism, royalty, and beauty
which are evident in their music
and dances. Accompanied by the
agung and kulintang, Filipino
Muslim dance is marked by
intricate hand and arm movement
along with shimmering costumes.
PANGALAY
(Sulu)
A traditional Tausug dance
characterized by elaborate
body postures and gestures
and the graceful arm and
hand movement of the
dancer.
PANGALAY
(Sulu)
Commonly referred to as
the fingernail dance,
Pangalay is usually
performed during weddings
and other festive
celebrations.
KAPA MALONG-
MALONG (Cotabato)
Kappa Malong-malong, also
called Sambi sa Malong, is a
dance that originates from
the Maranao tribes of
Mindanao in the Philippines.
The dance shows the many
ways of wearing a ‘malong’.
SINGKIL
(Lanao del Sur)
Singkil recounts the epic
legend of the "Darangen" of the
Maranao people of Mindanao.
This epic tells the fateful story
of Princess Gandingan, who was
caught in the middle of a forest
during an earthquake caused by
the diwatas.
TRIBAL
DANCES
Filipino Tribal Dance
includes the repertory of
sacred and secular
traditional dances of the
Philippines, notable for
its combination of grace
and vigor.
DUGSO
(Bukidnon)
Usually performed during
important occasions
like kaliga (feasts)
or kaamulan (tribal gatherings).
Other occasions that call for the
performance of Dugso are
festivities connected to abundant
harvest, the birth of a male heir
or victory in war.
BAGOBO Rice
Cycle(Davao del Sur)
The dance portrays the step-by-
step cycle rice culture; from
planting, harvesting to
thanksgiving rituals for a
bountiful rice harvest.
MALAKAS at
MAGANDA
It interprets the Manobo folklore
wherein a weary bird perched on
a large bamboo heard strange
noises inside. It pecked the
bamboo and until it split open.
From inside the bamboo came
the first man and woman Malakas
(the strong) and Maganda (the
beautiful), respectively.
RURAL
DANCES
Performed in fiestas to
honor the patron saint
and celebrates for good
harvest, health, and
perseverance.
TINIKLING (Leyte)
It imitates the movement of
the tikling birds as they
walk between grass stems,
run over tree branches, or
dodge bamboo traps set
by rice farmers.
ITIK-ITIK (Surigao)
Philippines folk dance form
created by imitating the
“movements of a duck” such
as wading, flying, and short
steps and splashing water on
their backs like the ducks do.
MAGLALATIK
(Biñan, Laguna)
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.
SPANISH
INFLUENCE
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.
PANTOMINA
(Bicol Region)
Usually performed during
weddings and the dance
steps are the imitation of
the dove's courtship and
lovemaking.
JOTABAL
Lively festival dance in
Camohaguin, Gumaca,
Quezon. It is derived from the
words Jota and valse (means
waltz, a step or a dance in
three-four time).
