SAGAYAN FESTIVAL (MARANAO WAR DANCE)

STARTING DATEJuly 4, 2015

Sagayan is a Philippine war dance performed by both the Maguindanao and Maranao depicting in
dramatic fashion the steps their hero, Prince Bantugan, took upon wearing his armampents, the war he
fought in and his subsequent victory afterwards. [1] Performers, depicting fierce warriors would carry
shield with shell noisemakers in one hand and double-bladed sword in the other attempting rolling
movements to defend their master.[2]

 January 13, 2016

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte, January 13 (PIA) – The Lanao del Norte contingent collectively known as
‘Land of Beauty and Bounty’ will be performing a Maranao war dance-inspired routine in the Free
Interpretation category of the Sinulog Festival of Cebu City on January 17, 2016.

The Lanao del Norte contingent showcased its ‘Sagayan’ dance. Sagayan is a Maranao-war dance
performed to ward off evil spirits. The dancers of the contingent performed a modernized version of the
Darangen, a Maranao epic story, depicting two warring groups that were eventually reconciled and united
by Bai-A-Labi who succeeded in bringing lasting peace. (Camcer Ordoñez Imam)

Sagayan Festival

It showcases the Maranao culture of the South which draws the crowd, a cultural event where men clad in
warrior-like costumes of three-tiered skirts, brightly-colored headgears, and carrying painted shields in
details along with the kampilan or a double-bladed sword, accompanied by women also garbbed in
colorful costumes performing the fan dance of graceful movements of their arms known as the
kasiduratan.

A colorful and spectacular war and reconciliation festival every first week of July, depicting the maranao
epic

Sagayan: The Dance of Meranao Royalty

Abstract

The paper examined the origin and historical background of Sagayan war dance, the dance of Meranao
Royalty. Specifically it sought to answer the following aspects of Sagayan war dance 1) To determine the
meaning of Sagayan war dance; 2) To describe how Sagayan war dance is being performed by the players
including its traditional costumes and significance; and, 3) To describe the implications of Sagayan war
dance in terms of good leadership and governance. The study used the descriptive design involving
research techniques with the support of various Meranao materials found in the libraries of Mindanao
State University maincampus, but other public and private schools located in Marawi City and Lanao Del
Sur, which is the setting of the study. Aside from the materials found in the library, the researcher
conducted personal interview to key informants who are knowledgeable on Sagayan war dance. The
results show that in most occasions, Sagayan war dance is performed before any celebration or gathering.
The study concludes that the Sagayan war dance conveys masculinity and bravery, attributes needed by
leaders in the discharge of public duties.
 Sagayan
Tribe: Maguindanao
Origin: Cotabato

Performed by very fierce warriors carrying a shield elaborately painted with curlicues, rounds,
twirls and mirrors which are attached with shell noisemakers. In their other hand, they carry a
double-bladed sword (kampilan) of metal or wood. Sagayan dancers are dressed in three tiered
skirts, brightly colored topper and headgear embellished with all the imaginable colors of twine
trimmings formed into flowers, balls, sunbursts etc. Long, yellow playful tassels almost hiding
the face surround the headgear.

The dance involves leaping, turning, jumping, kicking and the rolling movements of a warrior
ready to defend his master in battle. Kamanyang fumes inhaled by the sagayan moves him to
perform in a magic-like trance. On most occasions, this dance is performed before any
celebration or gathering to drive away evil spirits (tunong) and to welcome good fortunes or
omen.

Sagayan Festival

Sagayan Festival at Buluan, Maguindanao

KORONADAL CITY -- Red wasn't the color of Valentine's Day in Maguindanao Province. Instead, it was a
beautiful mix of colors of the Muslim culture as the local government, private sector and residents
celebrate their first Sagayan Festival. Organizers said the staging of the fi ve-day Sagayan Festival, which
started on February 10, is a move to boost this Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (Armm)
province's ecotourism. It is also geared to promote a better image for Maguindanao. Although all 32
towns of Maguindanao will be participating in the festival, all Sagayan activities were held at the interim
provincial government seat, Buluan town.

Raquel Magalona, overall festival coordinator, said the opening day was be highlighted by a civic parade,
opening of the agri-trade fair and a grand kanduli and thanksgiving banquet. At the kanduli, Muslim
delicacies and dishes made from tilapia, one of Buluan town's primary products, were served. Medical
and veterinar y services, livelihood trainings, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority
(Tesda) demonstrations and social welfare services were also given last February 10 and lasted until
February 14.

Other activities included carabao race, horse fight, drum and lyre competition, rubber and palm oil
technology forum and cultural presentations. February 11 was exclusive to two important festival
competitions such as Sayagan dancing and kulintang competition. A street dance, a showdown and a
tribute program highlighted February 14. Sagayan is a Muslim war dance traced from both Maguindanao
and Maranao tribes. It depicts the steps of their hero Prince Batugan from wearing his armaments, the
war he fought in and his victory. Dancers carry a shield with shell noisemakers on one hand and a kris
(double-bladed sword) on the other. PIA
DOT-ARMM Delegates led by Assistant Secretary, Shalimar Candao and guest, Assistant Secretary
Pearlsia Dans of DILG-ARMM for the Sagayan Festival 2012, at Buluan, Maguindanao.