Melo Villareal
List of Philippine Folk Dances
Folk dances are performed by locals, accompanied by traditional music and worn in traditional costumes, during cultural gatherings and festivals. In the Philippines, folk dances are performed during intimate events, such as weddings, and celebratory gatherings, like festivals. The Philippines is rich in cultural heritage, and each of these traditional dances has its origin stories. They reflect the culture, tradition, and history of the regions they come from. After centuries, popular folk dances in the Philippines have developed and evolved, yet they remain true to their roots.
Traditional Dance from Mindanao
Regarding Philippine folk dances, it’s important to know Francisca Reyes-Aquino, the Mother of Philippine Dancing and the first National Artist for Dance. If it weren’t for her and her research in 1926, there would not be any records of religious and ritualistic dances in the country.
Philippine folk dance is a rich and vibrant part of the country’s cultural heritage. These dances are performed to celebrate events and express cultural traditions, often accompanied by traditional music and songs. They vary in style and include both indigenous and Spanish-influenced forms. Some of the most popular Philippine folk dances include the tinikling, a rhythmic dance performed with bamboo poles, and the cariñosa, a romantic dance that showcases the grace and fluidity of traditional Philippine movements. Other popular folk dances include the maglalatik, a Philippine folk dance performed with coconut shells, and the singkil, a dance that tells the story of the Maranao people.
Philippine folk dance is an important aspect of the country’s cultural identity and is still performed and celebrated today. Here are the 15 of the most popular folk dances in the Philippines;
1. Tinikling
Tinikling is the most popular folk dance in the Philippines, with roots in Leyte province. Officially, the National Dance of the Philippines, Tinikling, is inspired by the movement of the tikling birds, which the dance is aptly named after.
The dancers, traditionally two male and two female, perform with 9-foot-long bamboo poles, held parallel to each other. The native dance is composed of combinations of singles, doubles, and hops determined by the beat of the bamboo poles.
2. Cariñosa
Cariñosa, a famous Philippine folk dance, is celebrated for its vibrant depiction of Maria Clara-like grace and the gentle, reserved traits of Filipina women from the Spanish Colonial era.
Originating from Panay Island and introduced by Spanish colonizers, this courtship dance is distinguished by its playful, flirtatious gestures using fans and handkerchiefs. The male and female dancers artfully peek at each other, their props serving both as barriers and invitations. Through subtle movements and expressive glances, they create an atmosphere of gentle pursuit and bashful affection that mirrors traditional Filipino courting customs.
3. Pandanggo sa Ilaw
Originally from Lubang Island, Occidental Mindoro, Pandanggo sa Ilaw is a Filipino cultural dance of balancing oil lamps or glasses with candles inside.
One of the lamps or glasses is perched on the head, and the other two on the palms of each hand. This native Filipino folk dance is performed in 3/4 time and accompanied by castanets.
4. Pandanggo Oasiwas
Similar to Pandanggo sa Ilaw, Pandanggo Oasiwas is performed by fishermen to celebrate when they catch a lot of fish. Instead of balancing oil lamps or glasses with candles inside on the palms of each hand, they are placed inside nets and swung around during the dance.
5. Sayaw sa Bangko
Sayaw sa Bangko, or “dancing on a chair,” is performed by experienced dancers on top of a six-inch-wide wooden bench. The popular folk dance is native to Pangasinan and was traditionally performed by newlyweds during their wedding feasts.
6. Kuratsa
Often performed at weddings, Kuratsa is another courtship folk dance from Samar Island that imitates a rooster’s mating movements with a hen. Kuratsa has three parts: the first is a waltz between a male and female dancer, the second is when the male dancer pursues the female dancer in a chase, and the last part is when the male dancer finally wins over the female dancer with his dance.
7. Subli
Subli is a cultural dance from Bauan, Batangas, performed for the Holy Cross of Alitagtag, the patron of the Municipality of Alitagtag.
The religious folk dance is performed by experienced male and female dancers who hop and slide, where the male dancers beat their castanets, and the female dancers sway in a circle while holding their brimmed hats.
8. Maglalatik
Maglalatik is a folk dance that only includes male dancers with coconut shell halves secured onto the dancers’ vests. Its history and origins vary by region. One of its stories is that it is a mock war dance from Biñan, Laguna, that represents a fight over coconut meat, a highly coveted food, and is danced during a religious procession to San Isidro de Labrador, the patron saint of farmers.
The other story is that it tells the fight between the Christian and the Muslim Moro tribespeople where the performers that represent the Christians wear blue trousers. In contrast, the performers that represent the Moro community wear red trousers. Maglalatik has four parts, two dedicated to the battle and the other to reconcile.
9. Itik-Itik
Itik-itik, which translates to “duck,” imitates the movements of the itik species, such as how they walk, fly and splash water. The folk dance comes from Surigao del Sur.
According to the tale of its origins, a young woman considered the best dancer in the region performed Itik-itik during a baptismal ceremony. The ceremony guests were entertained by her steps; they copied her movements and have since passed them along.
10. Kappa Malong-Malong
Kappa Malong-Malong is a tribal dance from the Maranao tribes in Mindanao. The dance involves a malong, a tubular garment, and the dancers show the versatile ways it can be worn, such as a headdress, shawl, or skirt.
Its cultural significance to the Maranao tribes is also depicted, like how a tribesman will use the same malong from birth to death.
11. Singkil
Singkil originates from the Maranao tribes in Mindanao and translates to “getting a leg or foot entangled in an object” or “to entangle the feet with disturbing objects such as vines or anything in your path.” It was originally performed by a solo female dancer accompanied by the beating of bamboo poles.
The lead dancer is typically propped by a fan or scarf as she graciously in and out of the crisscrossed bamboo poles. According to stories, Singkil was based on Darangen, a pre-Islamic Maranao interpretation of the ancient Hindu Indian epic Ramayana, and was traditionally danced by maidens who wished to attract suitors.
12. La Jota Moncadeña
La Jota Moncadeña, or Jota Florana to the people from Moncada, Tarlac, is the Filipino adaptation of Jota, a traditional courtship dance from Aragon, Spain. La Jota Moncadeña combines Spanish and Ilocano dance steps accompanied by castanets and traditional Spanish music. It is performed at special celebrations, and a solemn version of the dance is performed at funeral processions.
13. Surtido
Surtido, or Surtido Cebuano, is a square dance from Bantayan, Cebu, with Spanish, Mexican, and French influence. The folk dance means “assortment,” where the costados perform in different quadrille formations led by the cabeceras.
14. Pantomina
Pantomina is a traditional courtship dance performed by newlyweds during wedding feasts in Bicol. Wedding guests customarily throw coins or place cash on a plate placed on the ground as the couple dances.
The regional folk dance mimics the dance of the doves using courting movements. It was first featured by Francisca Reyes-Aquino, the Mother of Philippine Dancing, in her research in 1926.
15. Binasuan
Binasuan is a folk dance from Pangasinan where the dancers balance drinking glasses on their heads and hands, similar to Pandanggo sa Ilaw. Binasuan is among the most challenging Philippine folk dances because the drinking glasses are filled with rice wine. The dance is typically performed at weddings and festivals, sometimes as a competition between dancers who can balance the rice wine-filled glasses.
16. Agogocoy
Agogocoy, a mischievous crustacean from the lobster family, is notorious for its destructive tendencies. Scientifically known as Thallislma species, this feisty creature thrives in the muddy dikes surrounding fishponds and murky mangrove swamps where it burrows holes, leading to leaks and seepages.
Despite its bothersome reputation, the agogocoy inspired the creation of a unique dance in its honor. In Romblon, this lively and mimetic dance celebrates the pinching, crawling, biting, and other playful antics of the agogocoy.
Supporting and promoting Philippine folk dances are crucial to keep their relevance for future generations. These forms of entertainment have deep cultural, historical, and religious roots that reflect the traditions of a region or a country. It’s important to appreciate and recognize these folk dances as it gives the current society a way to look back and learn more about their cultural identity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 5 types of folk dance in the Philippines?
The Philippines boasts a vibrant tapestry of folk dances reflecting its diverse culture. Among the five prominent types are the Tinikling, a bamboo dance symbolizing agility; the Cordillera’s Binasuan, wherein dancers balance glasses filled with water; the intricate Singkil, a Maranao dance recounting an epic tale; the joyful Pandanggo sa Ilaw featuring dancers with lighted lanterns; and the energetic Maglalatik, a mock battle dance with coconut shells. These dances encapsulate the country’s rich heritage, blending indigenous traditions with Spanish and Asian influences, creating a captivating display of rhythm, storytelling, and tradition.
What are the most popular cultural dances in the Philippines?
The most popular cultural dances in the Philippines include Tinikling, Pandanggo, Cariñosa, Subli, Kuratsa, and Sayaw sa Bangko. These dances reflect the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines and are widely celebrated and performed both locally and internationally.
What are the top 10 popular Philippine folk dances?
The Philippines showcases diverse folk dances reflecting its rich cultural heritage. The top 10 popular folk dances include the Tinikling (bamboo dance), Singkil (Maranao princess dance), Pandanggo sa Ilaw (dance with lighted oil lamps), Maglalatik (coconut shell dance), Sayaw sa Bangko (dance on top of a bench), Subli (devotional dance), Itik-Itik (duck dance), Kuratsa (courtship dance), Binasuan (glass balancing dance), and Cariñosa (affectionate dance). These dances encapsulate the country’s history, traditions, and regional diversity, captivating audiences with rhythmic movements and cultural storytelling.
What are the costumes used in Philippine folk dance?
Philippine folk dance costumes are vivid and symbolic, reflecting the country’s diverse cultures. Women’s costumes often feature vibrant dresses called “Maria Clara” dresses, with intricate embroidery and butterfly sleeves. Men wear “Barong Tagalog,” a lightweight embroidered shirt, often paired with trousers called “Tapis.” Indigenous dances showcase unique outfits made from materials like abaca, banana leaves, and bark cloth, representing local traditions.
Accessories such as fans, scarves, and hats add flair to performances. These costumes emphasize the elegance of movement and celebrate the Philippines’ cultural tapestry through colors, patterns, and materials.
What are some easy Philippine folk dances?
Several easy and enjoyable options are available for those new to Philippine folk dances. The “Pandanggo sa Ilaw” involves dancers gracefully balancing and swirling lighted lamps, while the “Sayaw sa Bangko” showcases couples dancing atop a narrow bench. “Maglalatik” features male dancers rhythmically clashing coconut shells attached to their bodies, and the “Itik-Itik” playfully imitates the movements of a duck.
These dances offer simpler choreography compared to more intricate ones, making them accessible for beginners and allowing participants to appreciate the essence of Philippine culture and dance without overwhelming complexity.
What is the history of Philippine folk dance?
The history of Philippine folk dance traces back to pre-colonial times, shaped by indigenous rituals and celebrations. Spanish colonization introduced European influences, amalgamating local traditions with Christian themes. Dances became a form of resistance during colonization, preserving cultural identity.
Post-independence, efforts to promote folk culture led to a resurgence of interest. Folk dance troupes were established to showcase these traditions nationally and internationally. Each dance holds historical, religious, and social significance, reflecting the country’s diverse ethnic groups and historical experiences. Philippine folk dance remains a vibrant heritage, storytelling, and unity expression.
What is the significance of Philippine folk dance?
Philippine folk dances bear immense cultural importance as they embody the nation’s history, diversity, and values. These dances act as living connections to the past, preserving indigenous traditions, rituals, and stories. They depict various facets of Filipino life, from courtship to daily labor, reflecting the country’s vibrant social fabric.
Beyond their artistic appeal, folk dances foster a sense of national identity, uniting people through shared heritage. They also serve as vehicles of education, allowing future generations to understand their roots and appreciate the richness of Filipino culture. Overall, Philippine folk dance stands as a dynamic testament to the country’s soul and collective memory.
Follow the Out of Town Travel Blog on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest if you want more travel-related updates.
Read:
- How Villa Escudero Promotes Filipino Culture
- Korean Folk Village in Yongin, South Korea
- Cebu included in the UNESCO Network of Creative Cities
