Project
In
A.PE.H
Submitted by:
CJ Demanarig:D
Submitted to:
Jesper Salumbides
Pandanggo sa ilaw. The word ‘pandanggo’ is taken from the Spanish word ‘fandango’. The dance
is characterized by the lively steps performed in conjunction with the clapping while the dancers
are following the ¾ beat. Again, this dance calls for graceful balancing acts so that the lights held
by the hand will not fall. This dance is originally from Oriental, Mindoro.
These aforementioned Philippine folk dances are ethnic in nature and origin. On the other hand,
there are several Philippine folk dances that were influenced by some Western countries as some
of these had colonized Philippines in the past. One such country is Spain. Some of the so-called
“influenced” Philippine folk dances are the following: Pandango sa Ilaw, Cariñosa, Balitao and
Rigodon.
To conclude, these folk dances whether ethnic in origin or not reflect the lively culture that the
Filipinos have. These dances may be diverse but through these cultural forms, the Filipinos are
unified and proud by way of having Philippine folk dancesthat are truly one of the bests in the
world.
Maglalatik is danced to mimic the early battle against Christians and Moros to win coconut meat or “latik”
during the time of Spanish colonization. This is also performed to pay homage to the town saint of Biñan,
Laguna – San Isidro Labrador. This dance is divided into four parts: baligtaran, palipasan, paseo and
escaramusa. This is performed by all-male dancers who wear blue pants to represent the Christians and
red pant for the Moros. All dancers, however, have coconut shells mounted on their body parts.
Tinikling is another Philippine folk dance that is inspired by an endemic bird called “tikling.” The steps of
this dance are an imitation of the movements of a “tikling” bird that hops and escapes the traps set by
hunters. Moving with poise and grace, the dancers skip in-between two bamboo poles that are held to
pound rhythmically against each other. This dance is a specialty of Leyte.
Itik-Itik is one of the Philippine folk dances which have an interesting origin. According to stories, a Filipina
maiden-dancer of Surigao del Norte was asked to perform a native dance in one special occasion. She
started to improvise new steps and imitate the courtship movements of a local species of duck known as
“itik.” The spectators began to imitate her and that is how the dance came to be.
Subli owes its meaning to native words “subsub” meaning to fall with the head and “bali” or broken. This
meaning is reflected in the dance steps. The dancers move feebly and tortuously as if without vigor. This
dance, however, traces its roots to Batangas where it was originally played as a ritual dance which
evolved into a symbol of religious tradition performed during town fiestas.
Binasuan is a native dance of Pangasinan. This dance literally means “dancing with glasses.” The steps
are executed with glasses filled with rice wine balanced on the head and the hands of the dancers.
Danced to show balance and to reflect rural gaiety, Binasuan is performed usually in wedding ceremonies
and occasions in the barangay.
Rigodon - Originated from Spain, this dance is commonly performed at formal affairs like
inaugural balls where prominent members of the government participate and enjoy.
Kuratsa - Commonly performed during festivals in Bohol and other Visayan towns, this
dance portrays a young playful couple’s attempt to get each other’s attention. It is
performed in a moderate waltz style
Sakuting - Originated in Abra, this dance interprets a mock fight between Ilokano
Christians and non- Christians with training sticks as props. It is traditionally performed
during Christmas at the town plaza or from house-to-house as a caroling show. As a return,
the dancers receive presents or money locally known as “aguinaldo”
Pantomina - Meaning "Dance of the Doves", this dance is the highlight of Sorsogon’s
Kasanggayahan Festival every third week of October. Groups of participants, mainly elderly
in colourful costumes, dance to the tune of Pantomina song. It is a courtship dance
originated from immitating the courtship and lovemaking of doves that then showed during
the dance where men attempt to please the women.
