Module 4 Unit 4 Philippine Folk Dances and Festivals

Objectives:

At the end of the unit, the learners should be able to

1. Recognize the cultural heritage of the Philippine through folk dances

2. Acquire a better understanding of the purpose and benefits of folk dancing
3. Promote our culture through folk dances
4. Execute with proficiency selected folk dances with 2/4 and 3/4 time signature.

WOW Pilipinas!
 Every nation all over the world has its own way of showcasing their tradition and culture
through dance. These dances, complete with intricate movements and colorful costumes of
dancers, reflect the uniqueness of the beliefs and values of a certain country. The dragon
dance of China, the Bon Odori of Japan, the terantella of Italy, and the square dance of
America are some examples of distinct dances form around the world.
In the Philippines, Francisca Reyes Aquino, known as the “Mother of Philippine Folk
Dancing,” spearheaded the development of Philippine folk dances. She searched for folk
dances from all over the country. She was supported by her husband, Ramon P. Telentino, in
promoting Philippine folk dances in physical education classes. Her friend, Antonio
Buenaventura, assisted her composing and recording the music for the dances.

The Philippines is comprised of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Each region has different
ways of narrating their history, religion, language, arts, crafts, and traditional dances.

LUZON

Tradition and Heritage

Luzon is in the northern part of the country. It includes the different Cordillera tribes as
Ifugao, Benguet, Bontoc, Apayao, and Kalinga which contributed much to the dance tribe of
the Philippines.

Dances from Luzon

 Idaw depicts the hunting ritual performed

before a tribal war. Tribesmen would search
and watch the scares idaw bird which is believed
to lead the tribe to victory.

 Banga shows the Cordillera women on their way

to the river to fetch water for their families. This
dance projects the skill, strength, grace, and
agility of the women as they carry five or six
clay pots full of water on their heads.

 Idudu presents a typical Itneg/Tinggian

couple who takes turns in taking care of their
children while doing their daily work in the fields.
VISAYAS

Tradition and Heritage

The Visayas is a group of islands in the central Philippines. It is considered the melting
pot of diverse cultures and traditions. Most Visayan dances have western, Arabian, and
Spanish influences. The upbeat rhythm of the dances reflects the happy character and
outlook of the people. Their dances frequently draw from the inspiration from animal
movements.

Dances from Visayas

 Tinikling originated from the province of Leyte

and is considered the national dance. It mimics
the movements of the tikling bird hopping over
shrubs, grasses, or bamboo traps set by farmers.
Dancers display remarkable grace while jumping
and hopping between two bamboos poles.

 Kuratsa, from Bohol province, is performed

using a moderate waltz style. It tells the story
of a young, free-spirited couple who attempt to
get each other’s attention.

 Itik-Itik, from Surigao del Norte, imitates the

duck movements.

 Inalimango, from Panay and Capiz, depicts

the mud crab’s movements.
MINDANAO

Tradition and Heritage

Mindanao lies in the southern part of the country. Its dances often reflect the religion
and culture of Muslim Filipinos.

Dances from Mindanao

 Singkil represents the epic legend “Darangan”

of the Maranao people. It tells the fateful story
of Princess Gandingan who was caught in the
middle of a forest during an earthquake caused
by fairies. The crisscross rhythmic clapping of
bamboo poles signifies falling trees which the
princess gracefully avoids. Her loyal slave
accompanies her throughout the ordeal and
finally a prince save her. The dancers wear
serious and regal faces signified posture from
a slow pace progressing to a fast tempo while
skillfully maneuvering the fans which symbolize
the wind.

 KiniKini or the royal walk depicts the social elite

upbringing of Maranao women. The dancers
display grace in their movements with scarves.

 Pangalay is a Badjao dance. The Bajaos are known

as the sea gypsies. Their dance demonstrates the
agility of the upper body, the rhythmic bounce of
the shoulders, and the simultaneous alternate
waving of the arms. It is commonly performed
at weddings and other social gatherings.
 Asik is danced solo by a maiden ornamented with
fine beads, makeup, and a long head scarf. She
gives her whole heart and soul throughout the
dance to soften and win the favor of her Sultan
master or to make up for a wrongdoing.

GENERAL CLASSIFICATIONS OF PHILIPPINE DANCES

A. According to Nature

1. Occupational dances show movements of a certain industry or human labor.

2. Religious or ceremonial dances performed in connection with spiritual vows and
ceremonies
3. Game dances performed with play components
4. Wedding dances performed during nuptial feast
5. Courtship dances depicting a man expressing his love for a woman.
6. Festival dances suitable for special occasions or social gatherings
7. War dances showing imaginary combat or duel

B. According to Movements

1. Active with fast energetic movements

A. Tinikling
B. Maglalatik
C. Sakuting
D. Polkabal

2. Moderate

A. Carinosa
B. Habanera

3. Slow

A. Pasakat
B. Kundiman

4. Slow and fast

A. Putritos
B. Alcamfor
 C. According to Formation

1. square or quadrille
2. long formation
3. Set

D. According to Types of Philippine Dances

1. Cordillera dances
2. Muslim dance
3. Maria Clara dance
4. Rural dance

Benefits of Philippine folk Dances

1. Help cultivate a sense of nationalism and patriotism through dance

2. Increase appreciation of Philippine music and folk dances
3. Serves as a healthy form of relaxation and recreation
4. Develop and improve posture through graceful and rhythmic coordination of body
movements.
5. Preserve indigeneous folk dance and music in the different regions of the Philippines for
the future generation.
6. Show the development of Filipino culture through the evolution of Philippine dances

Characteristics of Philippine Folk Dances

1. Dancers generally stand away from each other.

2. There is little body contact if any.
3. Pairs or couples do most of the dances.
4. Hand movements and gestures play a significant part.
5. Most dances are in long formation.
6. Most dances begin and end with a saludo or bow.
7. Dances from the lowlands have more foreign features than those found in the uplands.
8. Non-Christian dances commonly depict and rivalry.

Factors Affecting Philippine Dances

1. Geographic location
2. Economic conditions
3. Climatic conditions
4. Customs and traditions
Do’s in Philippine Dances

1. Perform in a natural, simple, and direct manner.

2. Execute steps with ease and smoothness.
3. Wear the proper and prescribed costume for the dance.
4. Strictly follow directions and dance instructions as closely as possible.
5. Perform the dances with suitable feeling and expression.

Dont’s in Philippine Dances

1. Prevent exaggerating the dance steps.

2. Avoid dancing in a too flowing, graceful, and ballet-like manner.
3. Avoid long entrance and exits.
4. Avoid performing too elaborate and complicated steps.
5. Avoid calling a dance a folk dance unless steps come from traditional dances.

Steps in Learning Philippine Folk Dances

1. Know the title and background of the dance.

2. Listen and be acquainted with the rhythm.
3. Be familiar with the dance terms and practice the basic dance steps.
4. Interpret the dance according to figures, and continuously repeat before going to the
next figure.
5. Perform first by counting, then with music.
6. After learning the entire dance, practice the appropriate expression and interpretation.

Fundamental Rhythmic Patterns

Rhythmic Terms
TERMS DESCRIPTION
Beat the underlying pulse of a rhythm
Tempo rate of speed of a movement
Intensity variation of stress of movement
Pitch lowness or highness of a tone
Accent emphasis on certain beats
Meter the regular recurrence of beats that divides a musical design into measure
Phrase measures grouped together
Bar in music a vertical line across a staff dividing it into equal measures of
time
Count a pulse beat, a time limit

Note a printed symbol of a musical tone

Measure a group of pulse beats
Time Signature the upper number denotes the number of beats in a measure and the lower
number denoted the kind of note that receives one beat
Step Pattern the movements or movements done for each dance step
Festivals in Luzon

1. Pahiyas Festival. Farm families decorate their houses with kiping or bright-colored rice
wafers to thank San Isidro Labrador for a bountiful harvest. The festival is celebrated every
May 15 in Lucban, Quezon, it is also held in Sariaya and Tayabas.

2. Panagbenga Festival. The word panagbenga translates to “the season of bloom.” The
popular festival is held every February to celebrate the abundance of flowers in Baguio City.
There are performances by tribes such as Igorots and Ibalois.

3. Bangus Festival. This festival pays tribute to Dagupan City’s industry and features various
activities that highlight the milkfish or bangus, such as parade and competitions. It is held for
19days in the month of April, ending on the 28th.

4. Pagoda sa Wawa. The fluvial pagoda festival commemorates the legendary rescue of the
Holy Cross from the Bocaue River 200 years ago every first Sunday of July in Bocaue, Bulacan.
The cross is paraded with beautiful trimmings and guided by colorful bancas and hundreds
of people join the procession for a nine-day novena.

5. Bacao Festival (corn Festival). Celebrated in Echague, Isabela every third week of March,
the festival honors St. Joseph. The patron saint of workers and serves as a way to express
gratitude for a fruitful harvest. Echague is considered the country’s biggest corn hub as it
produced 20 percent of the Philippines’ total corn output in 2011, and march is the season
of harvesting corn.

The festival, which started in 2003, also aims to help the younger generation
appreciate Filipino traditions like the bayanihan and spread awareness about the Yogad
people where the term word bacao or “corn” came from.
6. Obando Fertility Rites. The festival is usually attended by couples who hope to have
children by performing an ancient folk dance that is said to encourage reproduction. The
festival is celebrated every May 17 to 19.

7. Feast of Black Nazarene. Every January 9, the feast honors the Black Nazarene or Nuestro
Padre Jesus Nazareno, the dark-colored wooden sculpture of Jesus Christ that came all the
way from Mexico. The intense devotion to the miraculous Black Nazarene has attracted a
huge following among the public.

The statue is currently located at the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo,
Manila. During the feast, the devotees accompany the statue in a procession from Quirino
Grandstand (where it is transferred a few days a prior to the event) to the Basilica; this is
called translacion, which literally means “transfer.” Devotees also throw towels or
handkerchieves to the people guarding the Nazarene to wipe them on the statue as they
hope to be able to carry its “power” with them.

FESTIVALS IN VISAYAS

1. Sinulog Festivals. This is held every third Sunday of January in Cebu City. The festival
honors the former patron saint of the Cebu province, Santo Nino. Sinulog comes from the
Cebuano adverb sulog which means “like water current movement.” The meaning of the
term perfectly describes the forward-backward movement of the Sinulog dance.

2. Ati-Atihan Festival. It is celebrated every third week of January in honor of Santo Nino at
Kalibo, Panay. Participants paint their faces wear indigineous costumes, and dance to drum
rhythm beats similar to the carnival drumming in Brazil.

3. Dinagyang Festival. Dinagyang is the Ilonggo for merry making. The festival is for the holy
child and is celebrated every fourth Sunday of January in Iloilo. It features a colorful parade
as well as participants offering prayers, dances, and chants of “Viva Senor Santo Nino!” The
warriors are dressed in fashionable and colorful Aeta costumes and dance artistically and
rhythmically with complicated formations along with loud thrashing and sound of drums.

4. Masskara Festival. It is the Festival of Smiles from Bacolod City, Negros Occidental.
Unlike other festivals, it is not religious or tribal in nature. The term masskara comes from
two words: mass meaning “crowd” and the Spanish cara, which means “face.” Ely Santiago,
a devoted painter, cartoonist, and cultural artist, coined the term masskara, which means
many faces. Every October, locals and foreigners look forward to the differnt activities
prepared the festival organizers. Colorfully masked dancers gyrate to rhythm of Latin beats.
The festival instills the culture of escapism and obscurantism, where they have to accept and
forget their sufferings caused by the exploration and oppression of the landlords.

5. Pintados Kasadyaan Festival. It displays the rich cultural heritage and the native music
and dances of the people of Leyte and Samar. A merry-making event that lasts for a whole
month, the affair includes the Leyte Kasadyaan Festival Ritual Dance Presentation, and the
“Pagrayhak” Grand Parade. This feast held every June 29th the fest day of Senor Santo Nino.

The Leytenos celebrate a religious festival in a unique and colorful way. Since the
Visayans are experienced in the art of tattooing, men and women decorates their bodies
with tattoos.
6. Kaamulan Festival. Kaamulan is from the Binukid word amul which means “to gather”.
The festivals is a gathering of Bukidnontribes for a purpose. It can mean a datuship ritual, a
wedding ceremony, a thanks giving festival during haevest time, a peace pact,or all of these
put together. It showcases the unique indigeneous culture of the people from Malaybalay
City, Bukidnon from the second half of February to March 10.

Graced by cultural groups whose ways have remained untouched throughout the
centuries, the Kaamulan is characterized by the genuine rituals with real aboriginal peoples.
There is the Pangampo (general worship), the Tagulambonghu Datu (ritual for the
installation of a chieftain), the Panumanod (a spiriting ceremony), the Panlisig (rite to drive
away evil spirit), and the Pamalas (sin atonement ritual), among others.

7. Kadayawan Festival. It is a yearly celebration in Davao City during the third week of
August. It is a festivity of life, a thanksgiving for the gifts of nature, the wealth of culture, the
bounces of harvest, and serenity of living. It was believed that Davao’s ethnic tribes living in
the foot of Mount Apo would meet during a bountiful harvest. This ritual serves as their
thanksgiving to the gods particularly to the Manama (the supreme Being).

The festival honors Davao’s artistic, cultural, and historical heritage, its past personified
by the ancestral Lumad people, its people as they celebrate on the streets. Today,
Kadayawan has transformed into a festival of festivals, with a number of spin-off festivals in
the region.

FESTIVAL IN MINDANAO

1. Tuna Festival. The yellow fin tuna fish abound in the waters that surround General
Santos City, effectively making the city one of the leading producers of tuna around the
world. The festival is celebrated every 5th day of September. The festival is an excellent
location to socialize with the locals and learn more about their culture. A celebration of
everything tuna, this is the place to go when you want to taste tuna dishes.

2. Bonok-bonok Maradjao-karajaw Festival. The Bonok-bonok is a ritual dance of ethnic

Mamanwas, is performed during thanksgiving, wedding ceremonies, and worship. The fiesta
from Surigao City, Surigao del Norte held every September 9.

Bono-bonok literally means “rain” while maradjawkaradjaw means “very good” the
festival’s name means “Rain shower, all the very best.” The rain is a symbol of blessing, good
tidings, good harvest, and happiness among Surogainons. The festival is usually highlighted
with high-spirited dancing and chanting in unison of “Viva Senor San Nicolas! Viva Maradjaw
Karadjaw.
3. Hermosa Festival. Every October, the scenic city of Zamboanga known as the “City of
Flowers”, celebrates its grand annual Zamboanga Hermosa Festival, or the popularly known
as Fiesta Pilar with 12 days and nights of events and celebrations. The two-day celbration is
mainly in honor of the miraculous image of Our Lady of the Pilar Nuestra Senoradel Pilar de
Zaragosa. The people of Zamboanga passionately believe that the lady has served as their
unifying cultural and historical symbol.

One of the most amazing parts of the festivitieas is the wonderful regatta with old
sailing ships and yachts sporting red, yellow, and other brightly cplored sails.

4. Lanzones festival.This is held every third week of October and it is a four-day grand
celebration that highlights lanzones, the most important source of livelihood in Camiguin.

The Lanzones Festival in Mambadjao, Camiguin is celebrated with a weekend street

dancing competitions and parties, cultural shows, a parade, a beauty pageant (coronation of
Mutya sa Buahanan), and a trade fair that features local handicraft and products. Mindanao
a cultural tourism destination and for the bountiful harvest of all their agricultural products.