PHILIPPINE FOLK DANCES FROM LUZON

1. Banga
Tribe: Kalinga
The Banga or pot dance is a contemporary performance of Kalinga of the Mountain
Province in the Philippines. This dance illustrates the languid grace of a tribe otherwise
known as fierce warriors.

2. Maglalatik
Maglalatik was originally performed in Biñan, Laguna as a mock-war dance that
demonstrates a fight between the Moros and the Christians over the prized latik or
coconut meat during the Spanish rule, this dance is also shown to pay tribute to the
town’s patron saint, San Isidro Labrador.

3. Pandanggo sa Ilaw
Pandanggo sa Ilaw - The word pandanggo comes from the Spanish dance
“fandango”characterized with lively steps and clapping while following a varying ¾ beat.
Pandanggo requires excellent balancing skill to maintain the stability of three tinggoy, or
oil lamps, placed on head and at the back of each hand. This famous dance of grace
and balance originated from Lubang Island, Mindoro.

Other dances in Luzon:

4. Balse
Balse was a popular dance in Marikina, Rizal during the Spanish times. Balse (valse in
Spanish) means waltz. This dance was performed after the lutrina ( a religious
procession) and the music that accompanied the dancers was played by the musikong
bungbong (musicians using instruments made of bamboo).

5. Jotabal
It is derived from the words Jota and valse. Jota is a popular dance introduced in the
Philippines by the Spaniards. Valse means waltz, a step or a dance in 3/4 time. This
lively festival dance originated in Camohaguin, Gumaca, Quezon (formerly Tayabas).