Prepared by:

Anna June C. Tecne, Leo Patrick E. Niñalga, Peejay C. Natiola

Frances Kenneth C. Antonio and Maria Ruzzel J. Rogel

This module is an intellectual property of the University of the Cordilleras Senior High School.

Unauthorized reproduction, modification, distribution, display or transmission in any form, medium

and manner of any of the contents of the modules (digital or printed) for whatever purpose is
strictly prohibited.
 Subject: HOPE 3a
Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600
Bendian Dance
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268 Grade Level/Section: Grade 12
Email: email@uc-bcf.edu.ph; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph

Subject Teacher:

Dear Student,

Welcome to the HOPE 3a Course offered by The University of the

Cordilleras, Integrated School, Senior High School. This course module
emphasizes on self-directed and outcome-based learning. The key in
successfully passing this subject lies in your commitment in learning and
complying with the requirements. It is our desire that you pass this subject
fully equipped with the necessary 21st Century skills.

This module was designed to provide you with a fun and meaningful
learning experiences and opportunities. You will be enabled to process the
content of this module while being an active learner.

Enjoy and maximize the learning while in your own homes.

In this module, you will be encountering the following parts and icons.

This part enumerates the objectives of the module.

This part shall give you an idea of the skills or
TARGET
competencies you are expected to acquire upon
completion of this module.

This part includes an activity that aims to check

TESTER
what you already know about the lesson to take.

In this portion, a new lesson will be introduced. This

section provides a discussion of the lesson. This
TEACHING
section aims to help you explore and understand
new concepts and skills.

HOPE 3a
Module 2: Bendian Dance
 Subject: HOPE 3a
Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600
Bendian Dance
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268 Grade Level/Section: Grade 12
Email: email@uc-bcf.edu.ph; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph

Subject Teacher:

Good day UCians! This module will help you understand the following
concepts about Traditional Dance (ethnic and folk).

1. Background of Bendian Dance

2. Attires and Music
3. The eight dance steps of Bendian Dance:
a. Pinesbikan
b. Salawasaw
c. Kinitangan
d. Kinikiyan
e. Inoshongan
f. Inudiyan
g. Pinadjosan
h. Innabaya

Before we continue, let us assess first your prior knowledge about our
topic. Let me see if you can able to answer the following questions.

PRETEST
Instruction: Write A if the statement is True, B if otherwise. Put your answers on a
clean sheet of paper.

1. Bendian is an Ibaloi word bedey which means “dance ‘till exhausted.

2. The bendian dance originated in Bokod, Benguet.
3. Bendian dance originally performed as a ritual in celebration of a successful
head hunting.
4. Only those of legal age are allowed to perform the dance.
5. Gongs and solibao are the primary instruments in playing music for the
bendian dance.
6. There are six dance steps of Bendian.
7. Bendian is dance in a circle formation.
8. Bendian is dance by limited number of performers.
9. Today, dancing Bendian requires performers to wear the traditional Ibaloi
attire.
10. Sedsed is the leadman participant of Bendian dance.

Submit your work to your subject facilitator for checking.

How did you find the pre-test? Was it easy or difficult?

Okay! To know your score, kindly approach your teacher in any of the modalities
you have, surely, they will be glad to assist you may it be online or modular.

How did you fare well? Did you get a perfect score?
Let us move on.

HOPE 3a
Module 2: Bendian Dance
 Subject: HOPE 3a
Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600
Bendian Dance
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268 Grade Level/Section: Grade 12
Email: email@uc-bcf.edu.ph; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph

Subject Teacher:

Good! I guess you have several answers based on your own ideas and
understanding.

Can you follow students? This topic will introduce you to the one of the most popular
ethnic dances of Benguet- the Bendian dance.

Learning objectives

1. To know the Bendian dance- its history, traditional attires and music used in
performing the bendian, and the dance steps.

2. Appreciate and understand the culture where and how the Bendian rooted.

3. Practice and do the different dance steps of Bendian.

Lesson 1:
Local Dance – Ethnic Dance – Bendian
Background

BACKGROUND OF BENGUET DANCES

Based on observations and interviews, the traditional dances of the Cordilleran have no definite
number of steps any fixed patterns and directions to follow. But for the purposes of setting a
model pattern of dance routines, a definite number of steps, formation, rhythmic patterns, and
directions are described and provided without altering
the original hand and foot movements. (Aplaten,
2012)

- Benguet dances signify a lot of things; the distinctive

arms and hand’s positions and movements symbolize
meanings. Independence and freedom are the
interpretation of putting the arms in lateral position.
With the arm movement, it can mean two things: first, if
arms are raised with the palm facing skyward with your
head tilted upward, it proclaims honour and blessing
to their godhead, Kabunyan; second, if arms are
positioned down diagonally with fingers wrap
together while placing downward to the ground, it
means reverence for the dead ancestors. Fingers
wrap together manifest unity and kinship in the midst
of them.

- Benguet folks’ manifest peculiar expressions. For

men, they characterize aggressiveness and courage,
while women characterize humility, timidity, and
obedience.
- Rituals like shouting, hopping, and running over an ill
individual are convinced to be necessity for the bad

HOPE 3a
Module 2: Bendian Dance
 Subject: HOPE 3a
Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600
Bendian Dance
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268 Grade Level/Section: Grade 12
Email: email@uc-bcf.edu.ph; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph

Subject Teacher:

spirit to depart from the sick body. - One of the most significant
dances in Benguet is the bendiyan/bindiyan of Kabayan. The
term, bendiyan came from the word “bedey”, nabaloi for
“fatigue” or tiredness”. Bendiyan means “dance’til
exhausted”. Men and women, young and old, can
participate in the dance. (Aplaten, Cordillera History and
Festivals, 2012)

- According to Listino (qouted in Fiar-od, 2011), the earliest

written accounts relates the bendiyam performance as
originally a headhunting ritual. It was performed in celebration
for a successful headhunting raid; the dancers perform
around the captured head of the enemy. But since then, it has
evolved in parallel to the life of the people practicing it.
(Perceived from Aplaten, Cordillera History and Festivals, 2012)

- Nowadays, bendian is performed in certain occasions as a

ceremonial dance. It is participated by the following: sedsed
or lead man, the ulol-olol or lead dancer; the instrument
players of gongs and solibao; and the dance performers,
which may consist of the community people.

- Bendian is initiated by the entrance of the sedsed and ulol-

olol at the center carrying spears, shields, and a dummy head.

- Listino (2011) further explains that ideally, the men dance in

one direction in the outer circle, and women dance in an
inner circle of the opposite direction with the men. A smaller
inner circle next to the head composed of girls is formed with
the girls in sync with the women. This concentric formation
should be tight to ensure a bountiful harvest for the
community.

- The dance positions manifest two representations:

headhunting and agricultural prosperity.

HOPE 3a
Module 2: Bendian Dance
 Subject: HOPE 3a
Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600
Bendian Dance
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268 Grade Level/Section: Grade 12
Email: email@uc-bcf.edu.ph; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph

Subject Teacher:

Lesson 2:
Local Dance – Ethnic Dance – Bendian
Music and Traditional Attire/Costume

Traditional Attires of Benguet

One of the basic needs of man is clothing, thus it was

important then that the Cordilleran must learn
weaving. But long before the design of weaving, our
ancestors used to make clothes from dried and
softened tree barks. Yet, the materials used were not
enough to keep their body condition warm usually on
cold days. By then, they found and learned fabric
extract from pahak tree (for Ibalois) to be woven into
textiles. Designs of the clothing mark the great and rich
culture of the Cordilleras.

Today, these attires are being use in common and

formal occasions like weddings, canao, banquets,
festivals, and in performing traditional dances in many
celebrations.

The following are the Traditional Attires of Benguet:

Head Cloth/ Headdress- called “shenget”, “pangjet”, or

“binatjek”. It is used by both male and female, and the
mambonong or high priest.

Wrap around skirt- “devit”, “dibit”, “eten”.

Blouse- “kambal” or “sad-ey”- has several layers at the back

so the user is protected from the edges of the kayabang
basket carried at the back.

HOPE 3a
Module 2: Bendian Dance
 Subject: HOPE 3a
Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600
Bendian Dance
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268 Grade Level/Section: Grade 12
Email: email@uc-bcf.edu.ph; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph

Subject Teacher:

G-string- “pinangsas”, “kulibao”, “kuval”, “kobal”, “bahag”.

Vest (optional)- made of woven textiles.

Blanket- “ules”, or “ketep”

Benguet Bendian Music

Bendian music is in 2/4-time signature through the sound and rhythm of their traditional instruments
namely gangsa, solibao, takik, and bungkaka. Though, takik and bungkaka are optional or
alternative use.

Instruments:
1. Flat Gong- “gangsa”, “ganza”

2. Solibao/Drum

3. Triangle-/ two steel- “takik”

HOPE 3a
Module 2: Bendian Dance
 Subject: HOPE 3a
Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600
Bendian Dance
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268 Grade Level/Section: Grade 12
Email: email@uc-bcf.edu.ph; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph

Subject Teacher:

4.Bamboo buzzer- “bungkaka”

Lesson 3:
Local Dance – Ethnic Dance – Bendian
DANCE STEPS

BENDIAN DANCE STEPS

Enumerated below are the eight dancing positions in the bendiyan, as described by Merino
(1989).

1. Call: Pinesbikan (Slant)

Command: Dimbabaan (Take cover)
Attack and take cover!
The right hand is extended upward; the
left extended downward, the fingers
almost touching the ground. The body
is tilted slightly to the left. The left foot is
lifted two inches above the ground
and kicked in small motions to the side.
Hopping motions are made with the
feet in rhythm with the drums and
gongs. The ulol dancers grip their
spears, with their shields held parallel to
the ground.

2. Call: Salawasaw (Present)

Command: (Wao-hoy….)
Salawasaaaaao!
Announcing to the world, we are the
bravest victorious warriors!
Both hands are raised above the head
like curved carabao horns. The palms
face each other and moved up and
down from the wrist. The arms swing left
to the right as the body, held upright, is
swayed from side to side.

3. Call: Kinitangan (Akimbo)

Command: (Wao-hoy…) Kinitangaaaaan!
Relax, let us rest. Peace is with us. It is time to
enjoy our dance.
Arms akimbo, body swaying from side to side.

HOPE 3a
Module 2: Bendian Dance
 Subject: HOPE 3a
Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600
Bendian Dance
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268 Grade Level/Section: Grade 12
Email: email@uc-bcf.edu.ph; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph

Subject Teacher:

4. Call: Kinikiyan (Scratch)

Command: (Wao-hoy…) Kinikiyaaan!
Challenge, to the enemy: Better that
you serve us than be our slaves.
Right hand is bent from the elbow and
tucked under the armpit, cutting the
hips. The left hand extended forward
facing upward in begging position.

5. Call: Inoshongan (Look down)

Command: (Wao-hoy…) Inushongaaaan!
Protection: Warrior’s protectors of the
community. Men, women, boys and girls are
willing to die to the last man. Both hands are
thrust forward slightly above the head. With
the palms facing downward, the hands are
moved up and down as though in blessing
from a minister. Dancers face front.

6. Call: Inudiyan (Reverse)

Command: (wao-hoy…) Inudiyaaaan!
Turn or Reverse to confuse the enemy.
The dancers maintain their positions as
in the inoshongan. But this time they
reverse directions. At another point, the
men face the women and the women
face the men. Boys face the girls, and
vice versa.

7. Call: Pinadjosan (Alignment)

Command: (Wao-hoy…) Pinadjosaaaan!
Fortune: Warriors carrying the spoils, now we
start for home. Both hands are clipped to the
sides like wings, palms facing upward and the
body bent forward. Heads downcast and
swaying from side to side.

HOPE 3a
Module 2: Bendian Dance
 Subject: HOPE 3a
Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600
Bendian Dance
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268 Grade Level/Section: Grade 12
Email: email@uc-bcf.edu.ph; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph

Subject Teacher:

8. Call: Innabaya (Catch)

Command: (Wao-hoy…)
Inabayaaaaa!
Put up your hands and receive the
spoils to be carried home for your
loved ones.
Hands clipped to the sides, bent at
the elbow, with palms facing
upward. The body held upright,
swaying from left to right. From here
on, the dancers are dismissed. This is
the last bendiyan position.

Foot Dance Step of Bendian:

➢ Step on ball of Left foot and brush-kick Righ foot diagonally/obliquely backward right. Feet
together, while knees are slightly bended. Walk heavily. Repeat.

References:

Photos retrieved from:

• Artist Tor Sagud. Igorotak. Retrieved July 27, 2020 from

• https://news.abs-cbn.com/life/09/05/19/artist-tor-sagud-reintroduces-igorot-culture-
via-illustrated-book-igorotak

• Lauren Alimondo. SunStar Baguio Adivay 2018. Retrieved July 27, 2020 from
• https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1764053/Baguio/Local-News/Benguet-to-stage-
biggest-Bendian-dance

• Ash Velaso. How to dance Bendian. Retrieved July 27, 2020 from
• http://isnatako.blogspot.com/2012/08/how-to-dance-bendian.html

• Jae Rodriguez. Philippine Traditional Costumes. Retrieved July 27, 2020 from
• https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/420453315186822396/

• https://www.homestases.com/shop/ethnique/philippines/benguet-attires/ben guet-ethnic-
female-attire-set-1-adult/

• https://www.bomboradyo.com/baguio/gong-making-facility-pormalen-a-naipaima-kadagiti-
gong-makers-ti-mankayan-benguet/

Lesson:
Aplaten, Maria Catbagan. (2012). Nan Natagowan Tako (Cordillera History and
Festivals: An Introduction). Philiipines.

Aj Alesna. Ibaloi-Kankana-ey Festival Dance-Bendian. Retrieved July 27, 2020 from

https://www.slideshare.net/AjAlesna/bendian-philippine-folk-dance

HOPE 3a
Module 2: Bendian Dance