Tribal Dances
(mga katutubong sayaw) |
Mindanao, the Philippines' southernmost
island, is the country's cultural melting pot. It houses influences from Spain, China,
Indonesia, and the Middle East. Although Mindanao carries a strong flavor from other
lands, there are people who have lived there before it became a breeding ground of foreign
trade. Tribes such as the T'boli, Bilaan, Manobo,
Bagobo, and other groups inhabit the vast regions of Mindanao.
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Like their Northern
Luzon counterparts, these groups honor pagan gods for the fruits and trials of daily life.
What distinguishes them from other tribes in the Philippines is their intricate
craftsmanship in metal, clothing, and jewelry. These tribes pride themselves in their
concept of beauty and are known for creating colorful sets of jewelry and clothing out of
dyed pineapple and banana fibers with are showcased in their traditional dances.
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Malakas
at Maganda

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Malakas at Maganda
(a national folklore)
Cradled amidst thick rain forest,
shrouded with the mists of legend and ancient traditions, one folklore has it that a weary
bird perched on a large bamboo heard strange noises inside. It pecked the bamboo, split
open and from inside came the first man and woman, Malakas the strong, Maganda
the beautiful, the parents of all peoples of the island.
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Kadal Blelah
T'Boli maiden
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Kadal Blelah
Tribe: T'boli
Origin: Lemlosnon, South Cotabato
Dancers perform a simulation of
movement of birds.
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Kadal Tahaw
Tribe: T'boli
Origin: Lake Sebu, South Cotabato
A bird dance performed by the T'boli during planting
and harvesting which simulates the flights and hops of the tahaw bird.
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Kadal
Tahaw

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Binaylan and Bagobo
Rice Cycle


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Binaylan
Tribe: Higaonon
Origin: Agusan
The Bagobo tribe from the central uplands of Mindanao
originated this dance which imitates the movement of a hen, her banog, or baby chicks, and
a hawk. The hawk is sacred, and it is believed that the hawk has the power over the
well-being of the tribe. The hawk tries to capture one of the chicks and is killed by the
hunters.
Bagobo Rice Cycle
This Bagobo tribal dance protrays
the cycle of planting and harvesting of rice.
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Dugso
Tribe: Talaindig
Origin: Bukidnon
A dance of thanksgiving.
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Dugso

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