The Philippines is home to some of the most amazing things that can be found in this world. That’s right! From the breathtaking creations of nature, mouthwatering Filipino dishes, and their unbeatable hospitality to the country’s extremely rich and diverse culture, you certainly can’t run out of things to love!
Yes, the Philippines is one of the few countries in the world where you can catch a glimpse of other countries’ influence through their rich culture and interesting history. Even before the Philippines was colonized by Spain in the year 1521, its cultural heritage is already amazing and one-of-a-kind.
However, after the country was colonized by the US, Japan, and Spain, its already rich culture was taken to a greater level of diversity. And in what way do you think Filipinos best display their beautiful tradition and culture?
The Philippines is home to hundreds of folk dances. Each of these has its own history, depending on what tribe it belonged to, what region did it originate from, from what era was it made, and many more.
But the best thing about these folk dances is that they’re all unique and can beautifully represent the Pearl of the Orient Seas like no other. And although these folk dances have changed and evolved throughout the years by being passed down from generation to generation, Filipinos make sure that each dance stays true to its roots.
So, are you ready to know more about the famous folk dances in the Philippines? Well, maybe it’s your lucky day! In this article, we’re gonna dive deeper into the origins and meanings behind the fifteen (15) most famous Philippines folk dances!
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1. Tinikling
Ah, Tinikling! This is probably the most popular folk dance in the Philippines. I think every Filipino student had the chance to perform the Tinikling dance at least once in their lives, especially during Buwan ng Wika (Filipino Language Month). The dance originated from the province of Leyte, a Visayan Island.
Photo Credit: sites.gsu.edu
The dance imitates the movements of a Tikling bird as they hop and jump across grass stems, run over tree branches, or escape from the bamboo traps set by farmers.
Traditionally, the dancers imitate the movements of the bird by skillfully maneuvering between two (2) large bamboo piles being operated by two (2) other dancers. It contains unique steps and timing depending on the dance routine. Yes, a Tinikling dancer’s footwork is really out of this world!
Oh, speaking of footwork, did you know that the great Kobe Bryant once performed a Tinikling dance? Yes, you read that absolutely right! The Black Mamba himself! During his visit to the country in the year 1998, he gave his Filipino fans an awesome treat by dancing their national dance.
Are you surprised? No wonder he’s got the best footwork in the league, huh? Well, go and watch the video here. Rest in peace, Kobe! CHECK THE BEST HOTELS IN THE PHILIPPINES HERE
2. Singkil
The Singkil dance originated from the Maranao people of Mindanao. It is based on the story of Darangen, a pre-Islamic Marano interpretation of the popular Hindu epic, the Ramayana.
Credit: nationalclothing.org
It is an ancient dance traditionally performed by single women to attract potential suitors. It is somehow similar to the Tinikling because the dancers perform a series of graceful movements as they go in and out between big bamboo poles. However, the bamboo poles in this one have been arranged either in parallel, rectangular, or criss-cross fashions.
3. Cariñosa
The Carinosa dance is also one of the most popular Filipino folk dances. In fact, it has also been considered as the national dance of the Philippines under the Marcos regime.
Credit: Pinterest
Carinosa, which translates to “affectionate one”, first originated from the Panay Islands, specifically the Visayan and Bicol regions. The famous dance represents the shy mannerisms of Filipina women during the Spanish colonial era.
The fans and handkerchiefs are important props as these represent the shyness of the woman. It is a courtship dance where the man does his best to get the approval of his loved one in creative ways.
4. Itik-Itik
This popular folk dance in the Philippines represents the literal translation of its name Itik, which means a duck. That’s right, a duck dance! The dancers do their best to imitate the movements of a duck such as flying, wading, and even short steps in the most creative way possible.
Credit: pinoy-culture.tumblr.com
Itik-Itik originated from the province of Surigao, but it’s also popular in other areas like Cebu, Samar, and Tibiao. However, the Itik-Itik Surigaonon is still the most popular version of the iconic folk dance.
5. Pandanggo sa Ilaw
Number 6 on the list is also one of the most popular and visually aesthetic folk dances in the Philippines, the Pandanggo sa Ilaw. It is sometimes referred to as the “Dance of Lights”. Basically, the dance is performed with three (3) oil lamps that the dancer has to balance, a lamp is placed on each hand, and the other one is balanced on the top of the head. Moreover, the marking time which is ¾ is signified using castanets or finger-snapping.
Credit: princessangel.home.blog
Pandanggo is said to have originated from the province of Mindoro but there are many versions scattered all around the country. All in all, the Pandanggo sa Ilaw portrays the courtship of a young man to a maiden who caught his love and interest.
6. Maglalatik
Another popular folk dance of the Philippines is called the Maglalatik or sometimes, Magbabao. Wonder why? Well, for one, “latik” refers to the sweet delicacy achieved by boiling coconut milk. Another is because the main prop and instrument for the dance are called the “bao” or coconut shell. Unlike all of the other dances before, this one only includes male dancers.
Credit: lovefolkdance.wordpress.com
It is said that the popular dance Maglalatik originated from the wonderful province of Laguna, in Binan. Basically, the dance portrays the heroic battle between the Christian and Muslim Moro tribesmen. Traditionally, it is also performed as a homage to the patron saint of Binan Laguna, San Isidro Labrador.
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7. Kuratsa
Next up, it’s the Kuratsa Dance which originated once again in the province of Leyte and Samar. It is usually danced during fiestas, family reunions, weddings, and even birthday parties! The version of the dance is slightly different from one province to the other.
The most popular version is called the Kuratsa Menor, while other versions such as Kuratsa Mayor, Kuratsa-han Kadam-an, and Kuratsa nga Pinayungan.
Photo Credit: An Waray Fb Page
Kuratsa is referred to as a courtship dance where the dancers creatively imitate the courtship movements of a rooster and a hen. Of course, the meaning of Kuratsa also slightly differs depending on the occasion it’s danced.
8. Sayaw sa Bangko
Sayaw sa Bangko literally translates to “dance on top of a bench”, which is a folk dance that originated from the province of Pangasinan. Normally, the width of the benches is only 6 inches. Imagine how hard it is just to stand on that chair, right?
Credit: sutori.com
During the routine of Sayaw sa Bangko, the dancers inch and hop from one end of the bench to the other. Dancers also show off their skills by throwing the woman upwards in the air while the man creatively maneuvers across the bench.
9. Binasuan
Next up! Originating once again from the province of Pangasinan is the Binasuan folk dance. Just like the famous Pandanggo sa Ilaw, this is also a dance featuring the balancing skills of the dancers. “Binasuan” literally means “with the use of drinking glasses”. The dancers execute the routine with glasses filled with rice wine placed on each of their hands and on top of their heads.
Credit: Bayambang.gov.ph
Usually, the Binasuan dance of Pangasinan is performed during weddings and festivals as a way to express the Filipinos’ gratitude to the gods.
10. Pantomina
Pantomina is originally a wedding dance performed by the newlyweds themselves to show their unwavering love to their family and relatives. The visitors usually throw coins at the couple and sometimes a plate is placed on the ground so people can put money on it.
Credit: Goodnewspilipinas.com
The Pantomina dance originated in Biicol, especially during weddings and festivals in the province. It is said that weddings in Bicol are not complete without the performance of Pantomina!
11. Pandanggo Oasiwas
Another popular folk dance in this list comes from the province of Pangasinan, it’s called the Pandanggo Oasiwas. Yup! This one’s also similar to the Pandanggo sa Ilaw, the difference is just that the oil lamps are placed in nets or cloths and the dancers swing them around (“Oasiwas” means “to be swung around”) as they sway and circle around the dance floor.
Credit: Tradionaldances.wordpress.com
The Pandanggo Oasiwas is traditionally performed as a symbol of fishermen’s gratitude to the gods for their wonderful catch of fish.
12. La Jota Moncadena
Next up, it’s the La Jota Moncadena dance of Moncada, Tarlac. It is a combination of Spanish and Ilocano dance with Spanish music and castanets dictating the routine. This dance is usually performed at festivals and weddings but sometimes its more solemn version is also used to accompany funeral processions.
Credit: Pinterest
It is said however that the people of Moncada, Tarlac, prefer to call the dance by a different name which is Jota Florana. It is performed using an Ilocano instrument called the tallelet. The dance is traditionally performed to accompany the bereavement of a family who just lost a loved one.
13. Habanera Botolena
Another popular folk dance in the Philippines is yet again performed during weddings. The Habanera Botolena combines both Filipino and Spanish techniques to showcase the beautiful love and happiness existing between the newlyweds. The dancers, of course, are composed of the bride and groom, and their respective bridesmaids and groomsmen.
Credit: Botolan Zambales FB Page
Basically, the dance is performed in pair with quick-paced movements and footwork, hops, glides, and slides. The participants perform the majority of the dance routine by maintaining an upright posture and eye contact with their partners.
The Habanera Botolena first originated in the beautiful province of Zambales, specifically in the town of Botolan. Hence, the “Botolena”.
14. Surtido
Next up! This one’s probably one of the most culturally diverse folk dances in the Philippines, perfectly representing the diverse culture and history of the country itself. The Cebuano dance Surtido, which literally translates to “assortment” is a creative mix of dance routines featuring the cultures of Spain, Mexico, France, and other indigenous influences.
Credit: Philippinestravelsite.com
The dance is usually performed by several pairs of dancers in varied quadrilateral formations under the wonderful tune of Visayan folk music. Traditionally, the dance is performed in long durations, but modern versions are now more suitable for smaller groups in shorter durations.
15. Kappa Malong-Malong
This beautiful dance originating from the Maranao tribes of Mindanao Island called the Kappa Malong-Malong is probably one of the most aesthetically pleasing dance routines on the list. This is because the costumes, called the malong, are all beautifully and colorfully made by the Maranao tribes. The malong is a traditional “tube skirt” that is hand-woven in multi-colored cotton cloth with geometrically pleasing designs.
Photo Credit: visualtalesblog.wordpress.com
Basically, the Kappa Malong-Malong, which is also called Sambi sa Malong, is a Muslim dance used to portray the significance of Malong to their lives. One example is that the Malong is used by a Marano tribesman from the day he was born until the day he dies.
The dance routine is not really specific, it’s being improved and presented in very different manners from generation to generation. The most important thing for the Kappa Malong-Malong is to portray the different uses and kinds of Malong. For example, a Malong can be used as a headdress, skirt, mantle, tube dress, and so on.
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Conclusion
So, there you have it! These are the fifteen (15) most popular Philippine folk dances. History and culture are what make a country unique in its own way. Without it, a certain trip or tour will never be complete.
It’s just great to see that amidst all of the technological advancements and modernization, the Philippines still manages to preserve and protect its national cultural heritage, specifically its beautiful folk dances. Because of that, more and more people all over the world are starting to admire and be amazed by how beautiful our country really is.
FAQ: Most Popular Folk Dances in the Philippines
1. What are Philippine folk dances?
Philippine folk dances are traditional dances that have been passed down through generations, reflecting the country’s rich history and diverse cultural influences. These dances tell stories of daily life, rituals, and the Filipino spirit.
2. Why are folk dances important in the Philippines?
Folk dances in the Philippines serve as a mirror of the country’s heritage. They showcase historical events, traditions, and values that have shaped the Filipino identity. Moreover, they promote unity, celebrate regional differences, and offer a unique form of artistic expression.
3. What is the most famous folk dance in the Philippines?
The Tinikling is arguably the most famous Filipino folk dance. It is often dubbed as the “national dance” and involves dancers hopping between bamboo poles that are rhythmically clapped together. The dance mimics the movements of the tikling bird, skillfully evading bamboo traps set by rice farmers.
4. Can you name some other popular Filipino folk dances?
Certainly! Some of the notable Filipino folk dances include:
- Carinosa: Known as the “national dance of grace”, it showcases graceful movements between partners using fans and handkerchiefs.
- Singkil: Inspired by the Ramayana, it tells the story of Princess Sita dancing through the forest while dodging fallen trees represented by bamboo poles.
- Maglalatik: A dance depicting a war between the Moros and the Christians over coconut meat, with male dancers wearing coconut shells as costumes.
- Binasuan: A graceful dance involving the balancing of glasses filled with rice wine on the head and hands.
5. How can one learn Filipino folk dances?
Many cultural organizations and dance troupes in the Philippines offer classes and workshops. Schools in the Philippines also teach folk dances as part of the curriculum. For those abroad, Filipino community centers often host dance lessons, and there are numerous online resources and videos available.
6. Are folk dances performed in modern-day Philippine festivities?
Absolutely! Folk dances are an integral part of many Philippine festivals and celebrations, both in rural and urban settings. Whether it’s town fiestas, national holidays, or special occasions, these dances add color, passion, and a touch of tradition.
7. How have Philippine folk dances evolved over time?
While many folk dances have retained their traditional steps and music, they have also evolved with contemporary influences. Some choreographers integrate modern dance elements, costumes, and music to make them more relatable to younger generations while preserving the dance’s essence.
