PHILIPPINE FOLK DANCES 5.

Singkil

While a dance means to move rhythmically to music,  Singkil is a Mindanao folk dance that originated
typically following a set sequence of steps, there’s in Lake Lanao
certainly more to it than its literal meaning. Dance is a  Singkil is a Mindanao folk dance that originated
source of entertainment and a good healthy lifestyle. from the Maranao people and is based on the
But as for the Philippine folk dances, we see a bigger story in the Darangen, the pre-Islamic Maranao
picture and a deeper meaning. interpretation of the ancient Hindu Indian epic,
the Ramayana.
A traditional dance in the Philippines connects us to a
place’s culture. It is about history, traditions and 6. Kappa Malong-Malong
majestic beauty of the place it is associated with. The
cultural dances in the Philippines evolved from different  A tribal dance in the Philippines that originated
regions which are distinct from one another as they are from the Maranao tribe in Mindanao
affected by religion and culture.  The Kappa Malong-Malong is a cultural dance
in the Philippines influenced by Muslims. The
12 Most Popular Philippine Folk Dances malong is a tubular garment, and the folk
dance essentially shows the many ways it can
When talking about dance in the Philippines, we can’t
be worn. This traditional dance in the
help but think of the classic Filipino folk dance that put
Philippines is not only for women though, there
the country on the world map. Here’s a list of folk
is also a men’s version of the dance since they
dances in the Philippines you should know if you want
wear malongs in different ways.
to learn more about the country’s culture:
7. Cariñosa
1. Tinikling
 A local dance in the Philippines that originated
 A Philippine folk dance that originated in Leyte
in Panay Island
 Tinikling is one of the most famous dances in
 If there’s one type of folk dance in the
the Philippines. The movements of this Filipino
Philippines that will surprise you, it’s Cariñosa
folk dance imitate the movements of the tikling
Philippine folk dance. You might think that
bird as it walks around through tall grass and
most of the Philippine folk dances include
between tree branches. People use bamboo
women characters that have a shy and Maria
poles to perform this Filipino traditional dance.
Clara personality. While it’s true, Carinosa
Tinikling is composed of three basic steps which
dance is a Filipino cultural dance made for
include singles, doubles, and hops.
flirting, hence it’s a courtship dance in the
2. Itik-Itik Philippines.

 A cultural dance in the Philippines that 8. Sayaw sa Bangko

originated in Surigao del Sur
 A traditional folk dance in the Philippines that
 The itik-itk is named after a species of duck
originated in Pangasinan
(itik), whose movements the dance imitates.
 Another example of Philippine folk dance that
This example of Philippine folk dance from
will test your skills is the Sayaw sa Bangko
Surigao del Sur mimics how the itik walks and
(dancing on a chair). It is performed on top of a
splashes water to attract a mate.
narrow bench. To ace this ethnic dance in the
3. Maglalatik Philippines, dancers need good balance as they
go through a series of movements that include
 An example of Philippine folk dance that
some impressive acrobatics.
originated in Biñan, Laguna
 Maglalatik, a folk dance in Luzon, is not just any 9. Pandanggo sa Ilaw
other traditional dance in the Philippines that
 An ethnic dance in the Philippines that
mimics the movements of animals. This dance
originated in Lubang Island, Mindoro
in the Philippines has a meaning. It is a mock
 Just like Binasuan, Pandanggo sa Ilaw is a game
war dance that depicts a fight over coconut
of balancing glasses, only with candles inside.
meat, a highly-prized food.
Dancers have to balance three oil lamps: one
4. Binasuan on the head, and one in each hand. It’s a lively
Philippine folk dance that originated on Lubang
 Binasuan is a tribal dance in the Philippines that
Island in Occidental Mindoro. The music is in
originated in Pangasinan
3/4 time and is usually accompanied by
 The word “binasuan” means “with the use of
castanets. So if you’re always game for
drinking glasses.” It is one of the most
challenging Filipino dances, try Pandanggo sa
challenging Filipino dances as the dancers need
Ilaw.
to balance glasses on their heads and in their
hands as they move. What makes it more
difficult is that the glasses are filled with rice
wine, which makes any misstep a messy
mistake.
10. Pandanggo Oasiwas

 A folk dance in the Philippines that originated

in Lingayen, Pangasinan
 The Pandanggo Oasiwas is a type of dance in
the Philippines similar to the Pandanggo sa
Ilaw, and is typically performed by fishermen to
celebrate a bountiful catch. In Pandanggo
Oasiwas folk dance, the lamps are placed in
cloths or nets and swung around as the dancers
circle and sway.

11. Kuratsa

 A type of folk dance in the Philippines that

originated in Samar Island
 The Kuratsa is considered a courtship dance in
the Philippines. This Filipino dance has three
parts. First is where the couple performs a
waltz. Second, the music sets a faster pace as
the man pursues the woman around the dance
floor in a chase. Lastly, the music becomes even
faster as the man wins over the woman with his
mating dance.

12. Pantomina

 A type of dance in the Philippines that

originated in Bicol
 Pantomina is another courtship dance in the
Philippines. It is a regular feature of festivities
in Bicol, and is said to mimic the movement of
doves in courtship