GUINAYANGAN SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

BLISS Site, Bgy. Sisi, Guinayangan, Quezon

Physical Education 3:
PHILIPPINE
FOLK DANCE
Folk dances are the
indigenous dances of any
specific “folk” or the
common people.

origin, rituals, belief,

superstitions, festivals, ceremonies
of birth, courtship, marriage,
death, war, and countless themes
common to people.
Characteristics (Lopez , 2006)
• It is traditional
• It has an expressive behavior
• Simple, basic rhythm dominates
the folk dance and establishes
the pattern of movement.
• It is created by an unknown
choreographer or by communal
efforts
• It performs a function in the life
of the (folk) people.
FRANCISCA REYES-AQUINO
First National Artist for Dance and
the Mother of Philippine Folk
Dance.

1926: “Philippine Folk Dances

and Games”

1954: Republic Award of Merit by

Pres. Ramon Magsaysay
 Traditional Dance
Folk Dance
Found on a certain community.

National Dance Ethnic Dance

Have a national scope, they are Performed in primitive tribes. They
popular dances throughout the often reflect the religious, social, or
country. historical traditions of the group.
ex: Pandango, Cariñosa
National Dance

Pandango Visayan
Pandango Ilocano
Pandango Ivatan
Pandango Rinconada
Pandango sa Ilaw
 Ethnic Dance
Dances originating from: Ifugao people (Northern Luzon),
T’boli tribe (Southern Mindano), and Tagbanua tribe
(Palawan) are some examples.

Types:
1. Ritual Dances - dances that depict ritual ceremonies.
ex: Dugso (Bukidnon) and Pagdiwata (Palawan)
2. Life-Cycle Dances - dances relating to the cycle of human life such as
birthing, courtship, marriage, and death.
ex. Karasaguyon (Cotabato), and Daling-daling (Muslim)
3. Occupational Dances - dances that exhibit work and occupation of
the dancers.
ex: Mag-asik (Cotabato) and Binatbatan (Cebu)
 Folk Dance
There are several ways to classify Philippine Folk dances.
>geographical nature, speed of movement, formation, and distinguishing
feature.

3 Major Regional Classification

1. Tribal Dances from the Cordilleras - include non-Christian dances

2. Lowland Christian Dances - dances coming from places with

western influences such as of the Tagalogs, Ilokanos,
Pampanguenos, Pangasinense, Bisayans, and Bicolanas.

3. Muslim Dances - dances from the people of the Southern Islands

such as Mindanao and Sulu. These dances are influenced by Arabic
and Indo-Malayan cultures.
Tribal Dances from the Cordilleras

Banga
Bendian
Lumagen
Manmanok
Ragrasakan
 Tribal Dances from the Cordilleras

Banga
Performed with Kalingan women showing their agility in
balancing tha bangas; shows women’s strength, resilience
and grace.
 Tribal Dances from the Cordilleras

Bendian
A circle dance to celebrate the arrival of successful
headhunters. The circular movements symbolize unity and
harmony.
 Tribal Dances from the Cordilleras

Lumagen
performed to celebrate good harvest and events such as
birth of first born child, victory in battles and weddings.
 Tribal Dances from the Cordilleras

Manmanok
Portrays the movements of a chicken. The dancers actually
uses sheets of cloth with native cordillera patterns and
wave it around to imitate the movements of a chicken.
 Tribal Dances from the Cordilleras

Ragrasakan
borrowed from the Ilokano word meaning 'merriment', is
performed by the Kalinga women after war or hunting
success as well as when a peace pact between waring
tribes has been reached
Lowland Christian Dances

Cariñosa
Itik-itik
Tinikling
Pantomina
Subli
 Lowland Christian Dances

Cariñosa
known for its flirtatious and playful
movements. Originating from the Panay
region, this folk dance is often performed
during social gatherings and festivals.
Dancers elegantly sway their
handkerchiefs while engaging in courtship
movements. Cariñosa exemplifies the
charm, warmth, and hospitality of the
Filipino people, and it serves as a
celebration of love and courtship.
 Lowland Christian Dances

Itik-itik
Incorporate movements that imitate
the actions of a duck, emphasizing
grace, agility, and fluidity. Dancers
make use of delicate arm gestures and
elegant footwork while incorporating
quick, sweeping steps reminiscent of a
duck’s wading and flapping. These
movements symbolize the Filipino
people’s connection with nature, as
ducks are often seen gracefully gliding
through rice fields and bodies of water.
 Lowland Christian Dances

Tinikling
Originating from the province of Leyte,
Tinikling is often hailed as the national
dance of the Philippines. It is a dynamic
and energetic Philippine folk dance
characterized by the rhythmic clashing
of bamboo poles. Dancers skillfully
maneuver between the poles,
representing the movements of the
tikling bird. Tinikling embodies the agility,
coordination, and teamwork valued in
Filipino culture.
Lowland Christian Dances

Pantomina
This folk dance reflects the Bicolano
people’s spirit, resilience, and
strong connection to their
traditions. It is often performed
during festivals, weddings, and
other special occasions, serving as
a celebration of love, unity, and the
beauty of the Bicolano folklore
 Lowland Christian Dances

Subli
performed as a form of homage to the
cross, affectionately known as Mahal na
Poong Alitagtag (Beloved Holy Cross of
Alitagtag). The dance’s origins can be
traced to Bauan, Batangas. Subli recalls
how the Manunubli, one of the earliest
tribes to settle in Bauan, made their first
journey in search of the miraculous
cross through the fields, hills, and rivers.
Muslim Dances

Singkil
Kappa Malong-malong

Pangalay
 Muslim Dances

Singkil
Hailing from the Maranao people of
Mindanao, the Singkil dance tells the tale of
the legendary Princess Gandingan as she
gracefully navigates through a forest filled
with swaying bamboo poles. This Philippine
folk dance mimics the princess’s escape from
danger and embodies the grace, poise, and
strong spirit of a Filipino woman. Singkil is
often accompanied by the mesmerizing
sounds of kulintang, a traditional Muslim
musical ensemble.
 Muslim Dances

Kappa Malong-malong
features dynamic movements and vibrant
costumes. Dancers, both male and female,
wrap the malong around their bodies,
creating a flowing and colorful ensemble.
This Philippine folk dance incorporates
graceful arm gestures, intricate footwork, and
coordinated movements that reflect the
fluidity of the malong.
 Muslim Dances

Pangalay
According to the Sanskrit language Pangalay,
means “Temple of dance”. This dance is also
said to have been created by people
belonging to the Tausug community. In terms
of technique this dance is also similar to the
Javanese and Thai form of dancing, and is
also said to possess elements belonging to a
form of Southeast Asian martial art known as
“Kuntaw Silat”. In addition, this dance is
performed mainly during weddings and other
festive occasions.