Lapay Bantigue Dance Festival It is celebrated annually during the City Anniversary on 30th day of

September. This event highlights the traditional folk dance created by "Lola Felisa" many years ago,
when she imitated the graceful movement of the seagull (locally known as Lapay). The dance has
evolved and is now recognized by the Cultural Center of the Philippines as one of the official folk dances
of the country. This dance w as also recognized during the
Spanish Colonization.

LAPAY-BANTIGUE DANCE
The hovering of birds more commonly known as seagulls or the LAPAY, is one of the most typical and
beautiful scenes in Barangay Bantigue, Masbate. The boats laden with abundant fish caught by small-
scale fisher folks eagerly awaited by fish buyers and the LAPAYS makes an engaging portrait of the
people"s everyday simple way of life.

1st Step: LUPAD

Flutter your arms gracefully and step sideways for 16 counts. After this, face your partner and do
this step again for 16 counts.

2nd Step: KUMINTANG

Raise your right arm and do a horizontal thumbs up. Rotate your hand and wrist four counts
clockwise, and another four counts counter-clockwise. While doing this, your partner will go around
you while doing the “Lupad” step. After completing each of the four counts, you and your partner will
change positions, meaning, your partner will do the Kumintang and you will dance around him.

3rd Step: STEP TUKA

While facing your partner, place the back of your palm on your forehead and do a pecking motion
with your back bent. Do this for 8 counts. Then, while still doing this step, go opposite ways eg. you
going to the front and your partner going to the back. Do this for four times.

4th Step
You and your partner should bend and face opposite directions while stomping for eight counts then
raise your arms while twirling to face your partner. Do this for four times.

5th Step
Move your arms in front of you up and down for 16 counts. Then, jump lightly in front of your
partner and move your arms up and down in synchronization. Do this for 16 counts too.

6th Step: LUPAD

Again, flutter your arms gracefully and step sideways for 16 counts. After this, face your partner and
do this step again for 16 counts. Pose for your final position right after.