5 Cultural Dances in the Philippines

1. Kappa Malong-Malong

Our 6th grade class group photo after

the Kappa malong-malong dance.
presentation.
The Kappa Malong-Malong dance reminded me of our 6 th grade Linggo ng Wika
presentation, in which I was (thankfully) able to retrieve our class photo. For as long as I can
remember, our presentation mainly incorporated the different style ways and uses of wearing
the malong. While dancing, we initially wore it as a cover up until we made it into a waist band
then through a head piece. However, as kids who were merely assigned to this dance, we were
not able to know the dance’s origin.

As what I’ve come to know now, the Kappa malong-malong dance is originated from the
Maranao tribes of Mindanao. “kappa”—a derivation of the prefix “ka” which means that
someone has the “ability to act” or “manipulate” the ‘malong’, a highly functional piece of cloth
that is worn in many ways. The dance also symbolizes its navigations through the Maranao
culture and is a depiction of Maranao manners (Fernando, 2021).

2. Tinikling
 When we think about Philippine cultural dances the very first thing that can definitely
come into mind is the famous “Tinikling’. It is also something that I just can’t let go on the list as
this dance also shaped our identity. No wonder, this is also considered as the Philippine national
dance.

The dance originated during the Spanish colonial era in the island of Leyte. Tinikling is
said to be named after the long-legged bird called the tikling in the Philippines. Someone who
dances the Tinikling imitates the movements of a tikling bird (hence, tikling-like) as the bird
walks over the grass or dodges bamboo traps set by Filipino farmers on vast rice fields. Some say
that this dance represents most Filipinos’ two main character traits: resilient and fun-loving
(Valdeavilla, 2018).

3. Bulaklakan

My sister’s turn to have her

bulaklakan dance presentation.
 In view of the fact that Philippines is distinguished to be an archipelago, it is then to be
known as abundant with natural resources along that it’s bountiful of cropland and fisheries. On
the other hand, we must also not ignore the fact that we are abundant with the beauty of
nature specifically, the beauty of being able to produce flowering plants.

A cultural dance that is performed during Santa Cruz de Mayo in the month of May with
girls carrying each a garland of leaves and flowers attached to a wire, bamboo or rattan arched
when held overhead is called Bulaklakan. “Bulaklakan”, originated from the numerous flowers in
the area of Bulacan refers to green orchids and other flowering plants. These arcs of garlands
are danced by gently swaying to gracefully give honor to the Blessed Virgin Mary (Kim, 2019).
The first time I was amused to get to see an actual performance was from my little sister’s
Linggo ng Wika presentation.

4. Maglalatik
 Previously, the Bulaklakan is popularized as it is danced by women. How about we also
give a well-known Philippine cultural dance that is mainly performed by men?

The “Maglalatik”, translated as “latik maker” is a dance created to represent a fight between
the Moros and the Christian community over “latik” --- a product obtained after the coconut milk
has been boiled. The costume worn by the performers are usually white vest and red trousers
(representing Moros community) or blue trousers (representing the Christian community) and
of course the coconut shells worn and held by them while performing (Maglalatik Dance -
Philippines, n.d.). Up until today, it is still a popular traditional dance performed in schools,
festivals, events, or in theater.

5. Pandanggo sa Ilaw

I always fancied on how

elegant the Pandanggo sa Ilaw is performed and how gracefully it is seen by the eye, never not
knowing the struggle behind in balancing both candles while dancing still, it became a key
feature of the dance.

“Pandanggo sa Ilaw” came from Lubag Island, Mindoro in the Visayas region. Indeed,
this dance requires skills in balancing three lighted oil lamps or “tinghoy”, one on the head and
at the palms of each hand presented popularly with grace and balance. The lights of the lamps
are said to represent fireflies that are fluttering in the night and the dance is characterized by
lively steps and clapping that varies in rhythm in 3/4 time (Pandanggo sa Ilaw, n.d.).

References
Fernando, C. (2021, May 14). 12 Most Noable Philippine Folk Dances That Will Get You Grooving.
Retrieved from Zenrooms: https://www.zenrooms.com/blog/philippine-folk-dances/

Kim, A. (2019, November 27). What kind of dance is Bulaklakan? Retrieved from The Burning of Rome:
https://www.theburningofrome.com/contributing/what-kind-of-dance-is-bulaklakan/

Maglalatik Dance - Philippines. (n.d.). Retrieved from Danceask: https://danceask.net/maglalatik-dance-

philippines/

Pandanggo sa Ilaw. (n.d.). Retrieved from danceanddance.com:

https://www.danceanddance.com/239/Dance_styles_review.php

Valdeavilla, R. (2018, June 2022). Tinikling: The National Dance of The Philippines with Bamboo Poles.
Retrieved from The Culture Trip: https://theculturetrip.com/asia/philippines/articles/tinikling-
the-national-dance-of-the-philippines-with-bamboo-poles/