“Kadal Bungnawa Hukon”

The T’boli culture is richly connected with and inspired by nature, their dances are a

mimic from the action of animals such as monkeys and birds. The T’boli have rich musical

culture with variety of musical instruments, but the T’boli music and songs are not meant for

entertainment only. The tribal songs are a living contact with their ancestors and a source of

ancient wisdom.

Kadal Bungnawa Hukon is derived from the word dance of love. The whole dance

revolves on the courtship and flirtation of two opposite sex. They both show their distinctive

attributes that became a tool for them to end their relationship with marriage. Muhen is a bird

which is one of the most influential figures in T’boli. The girl resembles and imitate the

movement of a bird to show her gracefulness and democracy

Figure 1

The first figure shows the movement of swaying arms which represents the flow of life

when meeting someone new, while the bouncing of the body in up and down motion portrays the

challenges that maybe encountered. The dance itself is influenced by a bird that shows great

characteristics to someone with who it has an interest. Basing from the Filipino culture birds are

highly significant in representing muscularity and felinity in the community.

Figure 2

Step 1: Double step backwards while the girl swings her arms or the boy dance like he is planting

crops. Both will jump two times to the right where the girl is, while swinging both of their arms.

Step 2: With the right arm swinging clockwise, turn the body to the right side with the right arm

swinging counterclockwise.
Step 3: Facing each other while swinging both arms, they will slowly walk to each other to

switch their positions. After that, they’ll face each other. Then facing the front while still

swinging their arms side to side.

Figure 3: Courtship

1st step: Move forward by using both of your feet and slightly hop while your hands are swaying

together with your hips

2nd step: Rotate your right arm in front of your body and turn around.

3rd step: The girl will then gracefully make gestures over her face while the man moves around

her, as if protecting her.

The steps signify courtship. The boy shows he is attracted to be able to get her attention. He

shows his great and story attributes to impress her and show that he is interested to her

Figure 4

In the last figure, the first 32 counts are all about battle that shall claim the heart of the maiden.

The war dance is called Kadal Timulon Lobo, this dance is a narrative performer’s movements

tell how he was killed his adversary, who may have been his rival for a girl’s affection.

Step 1: Tapping of feet and hand position- the natives shuffle their feet while their knees are

slightly bent. The sound of the drums serves as a warning to start Helebong or endless joy, at the

same time, most of the arms are in open position, extended side wards, upwards, obliquely side

wards, upward, downward, the fingers are lightly open as the arms are down and slightly bent or

close as it goes up, while the thumbs hold the side of Lewek (Malong). (32 counts)
The second 32 counts are all about courtship and flirtation. Madal Siwol is a courtship dance, a

boy pursues a girl. The girl uses unfurled kayab or turban to taunt him with as she holds the ends

of the kayab, she sways from side to side as she follows the beat of the drum. Madal Mit Mata is

a flirtation dance by a woman with courting gestures, it is usually danced for entertainment.

Step 2: Turn your body clockwise while your right arm is stretched forward. And then turn

around counterclockwise while your left arm is stretched forward. Trunks are swaying while

tapping of feet. Turn your body clockwise while your right arm is stretched forward. Lastly, the

boy will claim you as his. (32 counts)