Abysha Elreich R.

Vicente
Grade-5 Prudence

RESEARCH ON FOLK DANCE AND ETHNIC DANCE IN THE PHILIPPINES

FOLK DANCE - ITIK ITIK

1. History/background of the dance. Itik-itik is a mimetic folk dance in the Philippines. It

originated in Surigao in Philippines. Itik-itik was discovered in this town by National Artist for
Dance Francisca Reyes-Aquino. Originating from a dance called Sibay and performed to the tune
of Dejado, the story was told that an expert young dancer named Cayetana at a barrio of Cantilan
during a baptismal party had become so carried away with the rhythm that she began to
improvise short, choppy steps similar to ducks and then splash water on their backs. The dance
immediately became popular in the province for stage performances and social dancing. Later,
Mr. Antonino Arreza, a native of Cantilan and a grandfather of Prospero Pichay, Jr. was believed
be the one who compose the lyrics of Itik-itik. Below is original version of Itik-itik in native
Cantilangnon dialects.

2. Costumes:
ETHNIC DANCE – TURAYEN (CAGAYAN VALLEY) GADDANG

1. History/background of the dance. The word Gaddang originated from the combination of
two words which are “ga”, meaning heat, and “dang” which is to burn. The Gaddang people live
in the center of Cagayan Valley. Furthermore, some of their groups have resided in Isabela,
Kalinga, and Eastern Bontoc. They are mostly Christian, and are agricultural in nature. Those
that have resided in the areas stated mostly preserved their culture which is rooted in indigenous
and swidden agricultural traditions. For an instance, they commonly practice the burning of
existing crops to construct short-term plots for farming. Additionally, they also practice hunting
and fishing. In the Gaddang dance, the people emulate the movements of birds that are drawn to
tobacco trees.

2. Costumes: