Physical Education 2 (Rhythmic Activities)

Introduction to Philippine Folk Dances

Folk dances are traditionally dances of a country which were evolved naturally and
spontaneously in connection with everyday activities and experiences of the people. These
are traditional dances handed down from generation to generation that describe the
traditions, belief, occupations, and ways of life and characteristics of people living in a
certain nation through body movements.

Brief History of the Philippine Folk Dances

When the Philippines was discovered by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521, it hand been
inhabited by differential groups: The Indonesians, Malays and Pygmies. The offering of the
Pygmies were the Negritos whose dances describe their daily activities like Sinulog, a dual
dance where two men use bolos.

For centuries, dancing and singing have been the principal past time of the people.
The early Filipinos considered dancing as a religious activity. They performed dances in
thanksgiving for a fruitful harvest, a victorious battle and prosperous voyage or recovery
from sickness.

During the Spanish period, dancing played an important part in the social activities
of the Filipinos. Kumintang, a pantomimed song and dance was oldest recorded activity
among the Christianized Filipinos.

The Spaniards introduced different dances such as Fandangos, Lanceros, Rigodon,

Cariñosa and curacha. Western cultures and dances of other European countries during
the 16th century were also introduced, absorbed and blended in our native culture which
later became our traditional folk dances.

Nowadays, folk dancing has been increasing in popularity. There are numerous
fascinating Philippines dances which have already been documented and performed not
only in school but also in various dance groups, both for amateurs and professionals.

The University of the Philippines’ Folk Song and Dances paved the way for the birth
of Philippine dances and dance troupe as well. Organized by Mrs. Tolentino, the UP Folk
Song and dances have performed and showed their prowees in several towns and
provinces nearby in Manila.
Furthermore, the Bayanihan, Filipinescas, Filipiniana, and others like the Barangay,
Ramon Obusan Folkloric Dance troupes have performed outside the country, and their
success obtained admiration and appreciation of Filipino culture by the foreigners. Thus,
they have brought pride and prestige to the country.
Singkil or Sayao sa Kasingkil
is a famous Muslim traditional dance by Maranaos that originated in Lake Lanao in
Mindoro, Southern Philippines. Popularized by Bayanihan Dance Company when they
performed it in the mid-1950s—Singkil, from then on, was branded as the 'Princess Dance',
'Royal Maranao Fan Dance', or ‘Dance of Muslim Royalty’. Singkil is named after the
accessory that a Maranao princess is wearing; heavy leg bracelets and anklets of silver,
nickel, or brass with chiming bells.
Singkil is an act of voluntarily or accidentally entangling one's feet either vines or
tall grass because singkil literally means "to twist the feet with disturbing objects" (Spike,
2022).

Originally, Singkil is mainly performed for celebration and festivals by

the Maranaos to define their courting. Its storyline is based on the Maranao epic poem
called Darangen or Darangan, which is inspired by the ancient Indian epic called
“Ramayana” that deals with the story of Prince Rama rescuing his wife, Sita. Singkil
narrates a scene of the epic in which an initially unnamed princess, eventually introduced
as Putri Gandingan or Princess Gandingan, was rescued and courted by Rajah Bantugan or
Prince Bantugan. However, it was changed because it is prohibited in their religion for a
woman to dance with a man or for a woman to dance in front of them. Especially for a
woman who is part of a royalty; that is why it became that only noble blooded women
dance Singkíl (Spike, 2022). It is performed by them to present themselves to potential
suitors for their future marriage. But now, during the present time, most of Singkil
performances are still based on the original version of a man and woman—representing a
prince and a princess—dancing together. There are many versions of Singkil when
performed, nevertheless, the storyline still revolves around courtship.

Singkil dance is guided by set of steps, thus movements and flow of most Singkil
performances are done in like a same manner, where in the first part of the dance is done
by using hopping and stepping patterns to move around while making body and hand
movements; for the princess role, positioning oneself in a set of bamboos being held by
two men. The second part includes slow fan movements; moving the wrist to swirl the fan.
And the third part is to enter and dance to the center of the stage; swirl the fan in both
hands while moving hips and arms. Men will begin to click the bamboos; move along them,
avoid the clicking of bamboos. Entrance of the male dancer; dance together to show the
courting aspect of the dance (Culture of the Philippines, n.d.). These steps are repetitively
applied throughout the entire performance. Starting from the Asik, where the mag-aasik
or maidservant with an umbrella is introduced and will perform her solo part. Followed by
the arrival or entrance of the princess and entourage of other ladies, carrying either
scarves or fans. The arrival of the prince or the suitor shows up next while bearing his
dagger and shield. Then, they will be dancing opposite each other at a slow to fast pace.
The final part, which is the climax, features a group dance by every dancer as the music,
bamboo, and movement speed up. The dance normally concludes with the princess and
prince being together at the center, and it marks the end of the performance (Spike, 2022).

 Singkil outfits are the most vibrant and elaborate Maranao clothing. Cotton or silk
is used to create the Maranao prince and princess’ outfits.

 The clothing is elaborately decorated with embroidery threads, sequins, pearls, and
long beads. The dancer also wears jewelry, such as bangles, necklaces, cap and
headpiece.

 A "sarimanok" headpiece may also be worn by the princess to represent the

mythological bird from the epic Darangen of the Maranao.

 The Princess' "singkil" or bells are also essential in a singkil dance. A shield as well
as a traditional Maranao sword known as "kris" are among the prince’s props.

 The lead dancers are also accessorized with fans and outfits decorated with
patterns. The maidservant or mag-aasik, which is also a key figure in singkil dance,
wears a long dress decorated with beading and patterns and has a notable
accessory—a silk umbrella embroidered with tassels or coin-like decorations and
typical Maranao embroidery patterns (Intricate costumes used by Filipino Singkil folk
dancers, 2018).

Binasuan
is a folk dance that originated in Bayambang, Pangasinan,. The word “binasuan”
means “with the use of drinking glasses.” The dancers balance glasses on their heads and
in their hands as they move. The glasses are filled with rice wine, which makes any misstep
a messy mistake. People dance binasuan at weddings and festivals. A group of dancers
generally performs binasuan, moving in unison, but occasionally breaking into smaller
groups and performing different choreography. For example, they can begin in a circle,
then form two columns, which then bend into semicircles, and one follows the other to
reform the circle. The music is in three-quarter time.

Binasuan Cups
At the beginning of a binasuan performance, one of the dancers may fill each
individual cup with rice wine and pass them out to the other performers. The dancers can
also come onstage with the cups already filled and balanced on their heads and hands. For
your binasuan dance, make sure you fill each cup about half full of rice wine. You can also
use water. To balance the cups, place one on the flattest part of your head, just behind the
crown of your head. Now place another on one palm. You’ll need another person to place
the last glass on your other palm. Keep your head level and high, and look straight ahead.
Keep your palms facing up and slightly cupped, to hold your glasses in place.

In performing this dance you will rotate your arms over and under the shoulder in
order to keep their palms facing upwards (allowing the radius to cross over the ulna via
pronation). Furthermore, while dancing you have to hold wine filled glasses in both hands
(left and right) and on the top of your head. Furthermore, in this dance the performer has
to ensure that the wine does not spill over during a performance. You may practice with
empty glass to balance your cups slowly until you master the basic skills of Binasuan.

These basic steps you may follow steps by steps:

1. Step in a flowing motion onto the center of your performance area. As you step,
balance the wine glass carefully on your head. Also, keep your hands turned up to
balance both wine glasses.
2. Sway your hips to the right while lifting the wine glasses high above your head.
3. Sway your hips to the left while lifting the wine glasses high above your head.
4. Twirl in place quickly while balancing the wine glasses for thirty seconds,
concluding the twirl with your face to the audience.
5. Step forward with your right foot and bring your right arm forward in a flowing
motion.
6. Step forward with your left foot and bring your left arm forward in a flowing
motion.
7. Rotate your arms over your shoulder in small, circular motions as you step from left
to right in small, quick motions for 30 seconds.
8. Twirl and rotate your arms below shoulder height.

Pandanggo sa Ilaw
is a very popular folk dance in the Philippines. 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.

Pandanggo sa Ilaw is one of the most popular folk dances in the Philippines. It is a
waltz-style, playful folk dance that demonstrates a distinct fusion of indigenous dance
styles from the local and western regions. Pandanggo sa Ilaw simulates the light and
flight of fireflies at dusk or dawn. It depicts a young man's courtship of a maiden who
captivates his interest. It originated from Mindoro, the seventh-largest island in the
Philippines. The term pandanggo derives from the Spanish word "fandango," a 3/4-time
dance. The phrase sa ilaw means "in light" in Tagalog and refers to the three oil lamps a
dancer must balance — one on the head and one on the back of each hand. Tinghoy is
the name given to an oil lamp. Instead of an oillamp, candles in glasses are sometimes
used when dancing it.

Accordingly, the following are the basic steps applied in performing Pandanggo sa Ilaw:
1. Native Waltz
2. Waltz with hand sway
3. Turn
4. Waltz, hand sway with light
5. Cross step
6. Waltz with spin
7. Point turning wrist
8. Side step with turning wrist
9. Kneel with turning wrist
10. Accented running waltz

Tinikling
The Tinikling dance from Philippines is a very intriguing dance style said to have
originated by imitating the movements of a bird – the Tikling bird. This folk dance
originated from the Leyte island in the Philippines. This dance is said to be traditionally
performed to ‘Rondalla’ music and involves two people tapping and moving bamboo
poles on the ground and against each other with the dancers hopping and dancing in the
blocks thus formed by the bamboo poles. This folk dance in the Philippines, basically
involves imitation of movements seen in a bird known as ‘Tikling’. Apart from being
performed in the Philippines, this dance style is also extremely popular in the United
States of America and is taught in schools as a component of physical education.

Tinikling is originated on the island of Leyte located in the Visayas region. It was
developed during the colonial rule of the Spanish. Apparently, this dance was created by
imitating body movements seen in a bird called Tikling, and hence has aptly been named
Tinikling. 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. The
tinikling dance is considered the national dance of Philippines and is performed during
special occasions such as Independence Day and Filipino festivals.

A. How to dance Tinikling?

 Dancers stand on opposite sides of two bamboo poles.
 Tap together the bamboo poles on the ground 2 times and slightly lift it up and
tapping it together 1 time creating a 3/4-time signature.
  Dancers hop with their feet between the bamboo poles when they are open,
and then hopping out to the side as they are about to close.
 Depending on the choreography, Tinikling can be danced with variations of steps
like hopping and stepping. And it can be performed in different order.

B. What are the steps commonly used in in Tinikling?

1. Dip Step – The dancer steps in and out of the bamboo poles with one foot at a time,
while the other foot remains stationary.
2. Basic Step – The dancer hops on one foot and then on the other foot, in between the
bamboo poles.
3. Cross Step – The dancer crosses one foot in front of the other in between the bamboo
poles while hopping, then crosses the opposite foot back behind while hopping again.
4. Turn Step – the dancer rotates their body and changes direction while stepping or
hopping.
5. Double Step – The dancer steps in and out of the bamboo poles with both feet in a
rhythmic pattern (sirj mastermind, 2019).
C. Costumes

In Tinikling, certain costumes are used to perform the traditional dance. For
women, they usually wear Balintawak or Patadyong. Balintawak is a colored dress with
wide-arched sleeves, while Patadyong is a blouse that is made with pineapple fibers. For
the men, they typically wear the Barong Tagalog—a light, embroidered shirt that is
partnered with red trousers. And in addition to that, dancers have to dance barefoot
(Tinikling dance, National Dance of the Philippines, 2023).

Cariñosa
is a South East Asian dance style from the Philippines. Cariñosa in english literally
means ‘Loving or affectionate one’. This ‘romantic’ Philippine dance originated in Panay
island in the colonial-era from the Maria Clara suite of Philippine folk dances and is
supposed to be heavily influenced by Hispanic culture. This dance is considered to be part
of the María Clara Suite of Filipino dances, which were named in honour of María Clara,
one of the main characters in Dr. José Rizal's famous epic novel called Noli Me
Tángere ("touch me not" in English). Despite the Spanish influence behind the
dances in this suite, they were very much adapted to the local culture. A fan or a
handkerchief plays an important role in this dance form. Furthermore, this form of dancing
is said to comprise elements belonging to styles such as Bolero and Jarabe Tapatio.
The cariñosa depicts the courtship between a man and a woman during the colonial
era. Because of that, it's usually danced by a pair of dancers—one male and one female—
who face each other while dancing. It can also be performed by a group, but each group
member needs a partner.
The movements in the dance resemble a game of hide-and-seek. The female dancer
portrays a shy, modest character and holds a fan, waving it to the beat of the music.
Meanwhile, the male dancer holds a handkerchief, and the couple uses this handkerchief
to enhance the idea of hiding from each other and sneaking flirtatious peeks at each
other.
Costumes and Props
The female dancer wears patadyong with a soft panhuelo. The male dancer wears
barong Tagalog or kamisa de chino in any colors.
The props for this dance are essential: The woman must have a fan, and the man must
have a handkerchief. These accessories can come in a variety of colors and patterns, as
you can see in the photos and videos in this article.

Female Outfit
 Patadyong
 Panhuelo
 Fan

Male Outfit
 Barong Tagalog or kamisa de chino
 Handkerchief

Kuratsa
The word “Kuratsa” is pronounced as koo-rah-cha, it is a dance inspired by the
Mexican La Cucaracha folk dance. The dance also features Flamenco-like movements,
reflecting the fact that the Philippines were under Spanish rule from 1565 to 1868. The
flirtatious and courtly Kuratsa is a dance that is performed with a partner. It makes motions
that resemble a rooster and hen mating.

Kuratsa is one of the traditional dances in Leyte and Samar province. At weddings
and fiestas, the Kuratsa serves as the traditional money dance where guests take turns
pinning money on the bride and groom’s attire. This symbolizes friend, and families’ wishes
for good luck and prosperity in the couple’s future.

COSTUME
Girls costume: The girl wears patadyong with camisa or kimona, with a soft panuelo; white
or any colored trousers and barong tagalog or camisa de chino for the boy.
Boys costume: The Camisa de chino is a collarless shirt with a two or three-button opening
at the front of the neck and sleeves without cuffs. It is attributed to the Chinese sailors,
traders and laborers in the Philippines. The Camisa de chino is often confused with the
Barong Tagalog, which is a distinct and separate garment, but these garments are
connected.

Silong sa Ganding
is a Maguindanao dance that is a favorite among royal courts. The dance is a very
demanding dance of discipline because hand positions and placements required are very
precise. Similar to other Bangsamoro dances, Silong sa Ganding is danced with the wrists
turned in and out in a manner similar to the kumintang .
Dancers go around doing a series of taman bali or agam with their wrists
continuously flicked in and out in front, at the sides, or down and up. Four dancers perform
the Silong sa Ganding each representing one gong in a gandingan set. The dance starts
very slow but gets frenzied after a little while.

Silong sa Ganding derived its name from silong, which is a rhythm of music played
on the gandingan, a set of four shallow rimmed gongs played in a manner "imitating the
human voice", hence, the moniker - 'the talking gongs'. Ganding is obviously derived from
gandingan. Silong sa Ganding should thus be translated like, 'following the rhythms of the
gandingan'. It could have also been that the name of the dance was derived from the
corrugated bamboo musical instrument called silong sa gandi as variant names the dance
are known like Sirong sa Ganding and Sirongsagandi. In fact the researchers of Kaloob:
Philippine Music and Dance Ministry discovered informants of the dance who call it Sirong
sa gandi.

Bakya
"Bakya" means wooden shoes. They are the common footwear of the poor in the
"barrios". During the rainy season almost all people wear them. They are made in different
materials, colors, and shapes. This dance is very interesting and lively. In a playful mood,
young boys and girls are supposed to be teasing each other rhythmically with their
"bakya".

It has a 2/4-time signature and 3⁄4 parts; A,B,C, and D in the count of one, two, three, to a
measure of time signature. One, two to a measure or 2/4-time signature. Each individual
stands opposite to their partner, 6 feet away. When the girl faces the audience, she stands
by the right side of her partner.

COSTUME. Girls wear "balintawak" and boys "barong tagalog" with red trousers. All
have on "bakya".
MUSIC is divided into four parts: A, B, C, and D.

COUNT: one, two, three to a measure of พ time and one, two to a measure in 2/4 time.

FORMATION: Partners stand opposite each other about six feet apart. The girl stands at
partner's right when facing the audience. From two to any number of even pairs may
take part.