Kiara Sophia O.

Tantoy
Grade XII - STEM Faraday
Photo Credits to myxlist.blogspot.com
 TRADITIONAL FOLK
DANCES OF THE
PHILIPPINES

The Philippines enjoys a rich cultural heritage which

includes a diverse collection of traditional dances. From
the well-known national dance, the Tinikling, which pays
homage to the movements of a much-loved bird, to
dances that reflect elements of daily Philippine life,
these folk dances all offer a glimpse into history of the
country.

Our country, the Philippines, has many popular folk

dances which have evolved and changed as they have
been passed down from one genereation to another.
Although a particular dance might be performed slightly
differently from one region to the next, it remains true
to its roots. Here are some of the most popular dances
from the region.
 Itik-Itik
History
A popular Fillipino legend states that this dance was first created
by a young Filipina maiden-dancer of Surigao del Norte named
Kanang who was considered to be best dancer in the Surigao
province. Apparently, due to her dancing prowess she was asked
to perform the Sibay – another important Filipino dance, at a
baptism ceremony. While performing the Sibay, she got inspired
by the music and decided to improvise the dance steps borrowing
from the movements of a duck. This unique dance was then
named “Itik-Itik” since “Itik” means “duck” in the local Tagalog
language.
Costumes
For men: The attire worn generally includes barong tagalog or the
camisa de chino, and trousers. Men also sport a bright colored
‘neckerchief’ (kerchief around their neck).
For women: The attire generally worn includes the baro’t saya,
patadyong or the balintawak. Women wear the bandanna around
their head which makes the overall look very nice.
Music
Itik-Itik is performed to the tune of Dejado. The musical
instrument mainly used in this dance form is the Rondella, a
string instrument ensemble. In addition, instruments such as
bandurrias, mandolins, guitars, basses, drums, and banjos are also
used.
 Tinikling
History
According to the cultural history of the Philippines, this dance
form is said to have been “created and developed” on the island
of Leyte located in the Visayas region. Apparently, this dance was
created by imitating body movements seen in a bird called
Tikling, and hence has aptly been named Tinkling. Furthermore,
this dance over the years has become so popular that it is being
taught in schools in the United States of America as a form of
aerobic exercise. In addition, this dance in the Filipino culture is
mainly performed during certain special occasions such as
Independence Day.
Costumes
For men: The attire worn includes a traditional embroidered shirt
known as “Barong Tagalog” and red trousers.
For women: Balintawak or Patadyong
.Music/Materials
The musical instruments used in this dance includes stringed
instrument such as bandurrias, guitars, laudes, octavinas, and
ukuleles. Furthermore, the music in this dance style involves the
use of a triple meter. This dance uses one pair of bamboo sticks.
 Sayaw sa Bangko
History
It originated and started in the province of Lingayen, Pangasinan,
Philippines. It was originally performed by newlyweds during
their wedding feast for their guests, the dance showcase both
bride and groom and how they complement and help each other
with the intricate steps making sure they don`t fall from the
bench.
Costumes
For men: Camisa de chino with red neckerchief
For women: Baro't saya or Patadyong
Materials
This dance uses wooden chair/s placed on top of four bamboo
sticks.
 Binasuan
History
There is no historical evidence available related to the origin of
this dance style called “Binasuan” in the Philippines. However, it
has been an integral part of the Filipino culture over the years. In
fact since the country is extremely pious, it has been used by
people down the years to express their gratitude towards god. In
addition, this dance is also performed during auspicious occasions
such as a marriage.
Costume
The dancers of this dance uses the traditional “Balintawak”
costume.
Music/Materials
The musical instrument mainly used in this dance form is the
Pitoy Oras. Dancers use full wine glasses while dancing this.
 Pandanggo sa Ilaw
History
It is said to have originated from Mindoro, the seventh-largest
island in the Philippines. This dance of lights simulates fireflies at
dusk and at night.
The word pandanggo is from the Spanish fandango, a dance in
3/4 time. The phrase sa ilaw is Tagalog for “in light” and it refers
to the three oil lamps that a dancer has to balance — one on the
head and one on the back each hand. The oil lamp is called
tinghoy. Sometimes, candles in glasses are used instead of an oil
lamp.
Costume
For men: Barong Tagalog
For women: Mestiza dress or modified Mestiza dress
Music/Materials
The music to which the pandanggo sa ilaw is now commonly
danced was composed by Col. Antonio R. Buenaventura, a
National Artist for Music and a native of Bulacan. He wrote the
music sometime in the early 1930’s while teaching at the
Conservatory of Music at the University of the Philippines.
Dancers use oil lamps or candles in glasses while dancing this.
 Pandanggo Oasiwas
History
Pandango Oasiwas is a Spanish Fandango dance with its origins
coming from the fishing town of Lingayen in Pangasinan.
Following their good catch, the fishermen will usually celebrate
by drinking wine and dancing, and by swinging and circling with
the lighted lamps on the hands of the dancers. The graceful &
lively moves of the dancers gave the name ‘Oasiwas‘ which in the
local dialect is known as ‘swinging‘.
Costume
For men: Barong Tagalog
For women: Mestiza dress or modified Mestiza dress
Music/Materials
The music to which the pandanggo sa ilaw is now commonly
danced was composed by Col. Antonio R. Buenaventura, a
National Artist for Music and a native of Bulacan. He wrote the
music sometime in the early 1930’s while teaching at the
Conservatory of Music at the University of the Philippines.
Dancers use oil lamps or candles in glasses while dancing this.
 Maglalatik
History
Apparently, this dance was created to represent a fight between
the Moros and the Christian community over latik i.e. a product
obtained after the coconut milk has been boiled. Furthermore, this
dance is supposed to be performed during festive occasions such
as feasts and religious processions.
Costume
For performers representing the Moros Community:
white vest with red trousers
For performers representing the Christian Community :
white vest with blue trousers
Music/Materials
The music produced for this dance form is through the use of
coconut shells held by the performers (males) while performing.
 Kuratsa
History
The Kuratsa is a Filipino traditional Dance of Courtship where
the male approaches and courts a lady in a form of a dance. It
depicts the courtship between the rooster and the hen.
The Kuratsa is highly favored by the Visayan people especially
the Waray people of the Eastern Visayas region in the Philippines
and highlights every important occasion in the Eastern Visayas
communities.
Costume
For men: white or any colored trousers and barong tagalog or
camisa de chino
For women: patadyong with camisa or kimona, with a soft
panuelo
Music/Materials
Kuratsa music was played by a rondalla or a live string band.
Traditional musicians have a vast repertoire of kuratsa music –
the menor or mayor (minor or major scale) – in several variations
of the playful running melodies. In Calbayog, Samar, elderly
rondalla musicians would also sing out the kuratsa while they
play on their string instruments. Kuratsa music has now been
popularized in the form of recordings in compact discs.
 La Jota Moncadeña
History
During the Spanish regime, “La Jota” dances were the most
popular dances performed by the Spanish “Señoritas” and
“Caballeros”. The Filipinos saw them dancing and imitated them.
The Jota Moncadena is the interpretation and adaptation by old
people of Moncada, Tarlac. Hnece, the dance is named after the
place from where it originated. It is a combination of Spanish and
Ilocano dance steps and music. The use of bamboo castanets
makes the dance lively, gay and delightful.
Costume
For men: Barong Tagalog with black trousers
For women: Maria Clara style
Music/Materials
The Jota Folrana was danced to the Ilocano/Yogad bamboo
musical instrument ensemble called tallelet. Dancers use bamboo
castanets or clickers which are supposed to represent melancholy
wails.
 Kappa Malong-Malong
History
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 wear-ing a
‘malong’, a simple tubular yet highly-functional piece of cloth.
Costume
It is not so vital in this dance because the main attraction of this is
the malong. But Muslims are known for their shiny and
shimmiering costumes that has to have a touch of any colorful
design. Facial expression is vital, dancers have to look
sophisticated and elegant
Music/Materials
This dance is accompanied by Mindanao traditional music
instruments. Dancers use a “Malong” as the main objective of this
dance is to show how to use this piece of cloth.
 Habanera Botolena
History
The Habanera is a folk dance that originated from Cuba. It is also
known as danza or danza habanera. The habanera is a social
dance in duple time and performed in a ballroom or on a stage.
This dance first became popular in the town of Botolan,
Zambales.
Costume
For men: longsleeve shirts and full-length trousers
For women: long gowns
Music/Materials
This dance is accompanied by 2/4 timed folk music.
 Pantomina
History
Pantomina was originally a wedding dance from the Bicol
provinces. It is also very popular in the northern part of Samar
especially in towns of Allen and Capul - both directly facing
Bicolandia.
Costume
For the couple: traje de boda (wedding costume); if portraying a
wedding feast.
For the guests: any festive Bikolano costume like: Kimona
/camisa and patadyong/saya or baro’t saya for the lady and
barong and dark pants for the man; samdals for footwear
Music/Materials
This dance for this dance is provided by the rondalla that is timed
in 2/4 and 3/4.
 Cariñosa
History
Carinosa a South East Asian dance style when translated literally
means “Loving or affectionate one”. This “romantic” dance is
said to have originated from Philippines, and is supposed to be
heavily influenced by the Hispanic culture. A fan or a
handkerchief is said to play a major role in this dance.
Furthermore, this form of dancing is said to comprise of elements
belonging to styles such as Bolero and Jarabe Tapatio.
Costume
Initially a Maria Clara gown and Barong Tagalong, a formal shirt
was used as costumes for this dance style. Furthermore, attire
such as patadyong kimona (a dress belonging to the Visayan
community), camisa de chino (a white sleeve), Barong Tagalog,
and coloured pants.
Music/Materials
The musical instrument mainly used in this dance form is the
Rondella, a string instrument ensemble. In addition, instruments
such as bandurrias, mandolins, guitars, basses, drums, and banjos
are also used. Performers also use handkerchief for this dance.
 Surtido
History
Surtido literally means "assortment," and this square dance
combines influences of French, Spanish and Mexican dance.
Traditionally the Surtido is performed by a head couple
accompanied by two other couples who lead all the dancers
through various formations that resemble an old-fashioned
quadrille.
The Surtido Cebuano is a square dance said to have originated in
Bantayan, Cebu.
Music/Materials
It used to be a dance of long duration performed by a big group
to the tune of beautiful Visayan folk airs.
 Singkil
History
Singkil originated from the Maranao people who inhabit the
shores of Lake Lanao. It is a re-telling of an episode from the
Maranao epic legend Darangen involving the rescue of Princess
Gandingan (abducted by the diwatas) by the legendary Prince
Bantugan. It is a popular dance performed during celebrations and
other festive entertainment. Originally only women, particularly
royalty, danced the Singkil, which serves as either a conscious or
unconscious advertisement to potential suitors. The dance takes
its name from the heavy rings worn on the ankles of the Muslim
princess. A kulintang and agung ensemble always accompanies
the dance.
Costume
Dancers are dressed in typical Maranaw costume. The girl holds
an open fan in each hand and the boy holds a brightly colored
piece of cloth or handkerchief in each hand by a corner s that he
can easily wave it or snap it back and forth.
Music/Materials
A kulintang and agung ensemble always accompanies the dance.
No musical accompaniment is necessary. The clapping of the
bamboo poles furnishes the rhythm. It is in 4/4 time.
 Polkabal
History
Polkabal dance is another Spanish influenced dance being danced
by the Filipinos. It is believed to be a combination of two old
dances, the bolka and the balse or waltz. Though balse exists on
the name of the dance, Polkabal does not have any waltz steps in
it. The Polkabal dance is originatted in the province of Atimonan,
Quezon.
Costume
For female: Maria Clara costume
For men: Barong Tagalog
Music/Materials
The rondalla ensemble always accompanies the dance.
 Magkasuyo
History
The Magkasuyo is a mix of Spanish, Malay, and Muslim
culture.It's usually performed in traditional ceremonies, like
weddings. It originated from Quezon, and is a simple and easy
dance which literally means good friends or sweethearts. It may
be danced in any occasion.
Costume
For women: Balintawak
For men: Barong Tagalog and White Trousers
Music/Materials
Records: Mico Records, Manila Philippines.
LP TM-107, Side 2, Band 3 3/4 meter
Piano: Francisca R. Aquino, Philippine Folk Dances, Vol.
III, Manila Philippines, 1956.