Module 2 PHILIPPINE FOLK DANCE

Learning Activity Sheet in Physical Education and Health- Grade 12

PHILIPPINE FOLK DANCE

o Dance is a form of expression of oneself through rhythmic movement.
o Folk dances are the indigenous dances of any specific “folk” or common people.
o Folk dance is the oldest form of dance and the earliest form of communication. The traditional dance of a
given country which evolved naturally and spontaneously with everyday activities. e.g. occupations,
customs, festivals, rituals It is handed down from generation to generation It has more or less a fixed
movement in their pattern, but may differ in various areas or provinces.
o Francisca Reyes- Aquino is the Mother of Philippine Folk Dance because of her invaluable work as the first
researcher in Philippine Folk dancing.
o Lopez (2006) further stated that Philippine folk dance, to be called such, should have the following
characteristics:
o It is traditional.
o It has an expressive behavior.
o Simple, basic rhythm dominates the folk dance and establishes the pattern of movement.
o It is created by an unknown choreographer or through communal efforts.
o It performs a function in the life of the (folk) people.

Ethnic dances or ethnological dances are folk dances performed in indigenous tribes and have retained their
close kinship with religious ritual and community custom.
5 MAJOR CLASSIFICATIONS OF PHILIPPINE FOLK DANCES
o Cordillera Dances
o Spanish Influenced Dances
o Muslim Dances
o Tribal Dances
o Rural Dances
CORDILLERA DANCES SPANISH INFLUENCED DANCES
o Bontoc, Ifugao, Benguet, Apayo, & Kalinga o Philippine aristocrats created Filipino
tribes. adaptations
o A people whose way of life existed long of European dances
before any o Jotas, fandanggos, mazurkas, waltzes
o Dances reflects rituals Spaniard or other o Danced by young
which celebrate o Dances reflects socialites to the
their foreigners stepped daily lives - a good Christianity,
foot on the harvest, health, peace, Philippines and stringed music of European art and the
war, and other. rondalla culture
o Gongs, ganza symbols of living

RURAL DANCES
o Shows gaiety & laughter, festivities
o Performed in fiestas to honor patron saints
give homage to the barrios namesake for a good harvest, health, &
o Reflects the simple life of perseverance the people in the barrio
o Indigenous materials,
o Depicts common work, clapping, rondalla, daily activities
of the percussion peasants instruments

TRIBAL DANCES MUSLIM DANCES

o Intricate craftsmanship in metal, clothing, and jewelry o Influenced by Malay, Javanese
o Reflects rituals & animals, belief in “spirits” & shamans, & Middle Eastern Traders (Islam)
o Also known as Ethnic nature – “anito” dances; Ethnic o Mysticism, royalty, and beauty
minorities o Uses intricate hand & arm movement
o Animal sounds, found in different parts of human singing, o The fingers express feelings & emotions
the Philippines o Uses shimmering costumes
(T’boli, Bilaan, Manobo, Bagobo, indigenous materials e
 COSTUMES INPHILIPPINEFOLK DANCE
Typical Spanish Elite Female: MARIA CLARA Male: Barong Tagalog & Black Pants
Rural (Tagalog)Female: BALINTAWAK with soft panuelo & taps
Male: Camisa de Chino & trousers of different colors
Rural (Visayan) Female: Kimona & Patadyong with soft kerchief
Male: Barong or Camisa de Chino and trousers of any color
Cordillera/Tribal Male:- G-string, short jacket & shoulder band, feathered head dresses - “bahag”
Females:- Hinabi na tela (hablon)- Accessories (beads)
Muslim  “Sigpit” or “Sablay”, patadyong, Malong, pants
Rural (Ilocano)“Chambra” – blouse“Siesgo” – A-line skirt

III. EXAMPLE/SITUATION
o Cordillera Dances Bontoc – “Pattong”Kalinga – “Banga”
o Spanish Influenced Dances “Jota” “Habanera”
o Muslim Dances Maranao – “Singkil”Tausug – “Pangalay”
o Tribal Dances T’boli – “Madal Tahaw”Manobo – “Bangkakaw”
o Rural Dances “Maglalatik”,“Saut sa Rarug” ,“Oasioas”