Tribal Dances

(mga katutubong sayaw)

Mindanao, the Philippines' southernmost island, is the

country's cultural melting pot. It houses influences from
Spain, China, Indonesia, and the Middle East. Although
Mindanao carries a strong flavor from other lands, there
are people who have lived there before it became a
breeding ground of foreign trade. Tribes such as the
T'boli, Bilaan, Manobo, Bagobo, and other groups inhabit
the vast regions of Mindanao.
Like their Northern Luzon counterparts, these groups honor
pagan gods for the fruits and trials of daily life. What
distinguishes them from other tribes in the Philippines is their
intricate craftsmanship in metal, clothing, and jewelry. These
tribes pride themselves in their concept of beauty and are
known for creating colorful sets of jewelry and clothing out of
dyed pineapple and banana fibers with are showcased in their
traditional dances.

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M alakas at M aganda

(Click on the image)

Malakas at Maganda
(a national folklore)

Cradled amidst thick rain forest, shrouded with the mists of legend and ancient traditions, one folklore has it that a weary
bird perched on a large bamboo heard strange noises inside. It pecked the bamboo, split open and from inside came the
first man and woman, Malakas the strong, Maganda the beautiful, the parents of all peoples of the island.

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 K adal Blelah

Kadal Blelah
Tribe: T'boli
Origin: Lemlosnon, South Cotabato

Dancers perform a simulation of movement of birds.

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T'Boli maiden
(click on the image)

K
Kadal Tahaw
Tribe: T'boli adal Tahaw
Origin: Lake Sebu, South Cotabato

A bird dance performed by the T'boli during planting and

harvesting which simulates the flights and hops of the
tahaw bird.

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(click on the image)

B inaylan and B agobo Rice Cycle

Binaylan
Tribe: Higaonon
Origin: Agusan

The Bagobo tribe from the central uplands of Mindanao

originated this dance which imitates the movement of a hen,
her banog, or baby chicks, and a hawk. The hawk is sacred, and
it is believed that the hawk has the power over the well-being
of the tribe. The hawk tries to capture one of the chicks and is
killed by the hunters.

Bagobo Rice Cycle

This Bagobo tribal dance protrays the cycle of planting and

harvesting of rice.

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(click on the image)

D ugso
Dugso
Tribe: Talaindig
Origin: Bukidnon

A dance of thanksgiving.
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