SELECTED PHILIPPINE

FOLK DANCES
Selected Philippine Folk Dance

The Philippine folk dances of the various regions showcase the

culture and traditions, as well as the meaningful and treasured
memories from the Primitive time up to now. Thus, it is important for
each student to know some of these dances to show our love for our
mother land.
Selected Philippine Folk Dance

 Cordillera Suite
 Maria Clara Suite
 Muslim Suite
 Rural Suite
Cordillera Suite

Cordillera was the name given by the Spanish Conqistadors when

they first saw the mountain ranges in Northern Luzon. The ethno-
linguistic people live on the rice terraces and whose way of life existed
long before any Spaniard or other foreigners stepped foot on the
mountain terrain reigned over by the Bontocs, Ifugaos, Apayaos,
Kalingas, Ibalois and Kankanaeys. To date, if one anyone calls any
ethno-linguistic tribes men/woman as Igorot, it is considered
degrading.
Cordillera Suite

Most of the Cordillera people are pagans. They live simple to

appease their gods. Their rituals and traditions have survived the
changing times in the Philippines including those depicting a good
harvest, health, peace, war and the like such as:
Cordillera Suite

1. Banga 6. Ragragsakan
2. Bendean 7. Salidsid
3. Idaw 8. Salip
4. Manmanok 9. Turayan
5. Lumagen/Tachok 10.Tarektek
Maria Clara Suite

It was during the Spanish period when the Western European

ways of life spread throughout the Philipppine Islands. Along with their
existence in our archipelago, were the European dances such as the
waltz, fandango, mazurka, polka, and the jota. The Filipinos welcomed
those dances with some kind of flare and style. Maria Clara was
named in the honor of the heroine in Dr. Jose Rizal's novel, Noli me
Tangere.
Maria Clara Suite

The Maria Clara Suite captures the elegance and charm of the
mestiza Filipina as well as the gallantry and boldness of the mestizo
Filipino. Courtship, love, and flirtation are all evident in this suite of
romantic dances such as:
Maria Clara Suite

1. Aray 6. La Jota Manilena

2. Carinosa 7. Pampilpelalecan
3. Chotis 8. Sinakiki
4. Imunan 9. Havanera Jovencita
5. La Estudiantina 10.Paseo de Iloilo
Muslim Suite

Apart from the colorful contributions of its regional tribes,

Mindanao is home to the largest cultural minority in the Philippines
known as the Muslims. Brought by Javanese and Middle Eastern
traders, Islam is the religion of about 20 percent of the
Philippine population.
Although largely Christianized like the rest of the country,
the sprawling island of Mindanao to the south still possesses
various ethnic groups professing different faiths, among which the
Muslim culture dominates.
Muslim Suite

This suite shows exotic dances performed as homage to the

sultan with very strong Indo-Malayan and Arabic influences. They are
known for their mysticism, royalty and beauty which are evident in
their music and dances. Accompanied by the agong and kulintang,
Filipino Muslim dance is marked by intricate hand and arm
movement along with shimmering costumes. The Muslim Suite may
be as follows:
Muslim Suite

1. Asik 6. Pangalay
2. Burong Talo 7. Pangalay sa Pattong
3. Tahing Baila 8. Pangalay sa Agong
4. Kapa Malong Malong 9. Singkil
5. Kinakulangan 10. Sagayan
Rural Suite

Folk dances are developed from one specific region. They stem
from the creativity of the individuals that aim to reflect their way of
life in a recreational manner. Usually, these dances are held in social
gatherings or events. They are performed for the sake of
entertainment and to emphasize the essence of one's own nationality.
By embodying a region's culture and tradition, folk dances can hold a
significance in history.
Rural Suite

The rural suite is known to depict dances that exhibit the way of
life throughout our country. They embody the minds and hearts of
every Filipino by portraying their manner of living. By holding strong
symbolisms, they represent notable routines, habits and culture
through the art of dancing. These are often performed on streets
having town fiestas or to give gratitude after a good harvest. Through
utilizing bright and colorful costumes, they emphasize the love of life
and work in various aspects. The typcal Rural Dances include:
Rural Suite

1. Bakya 6. Bulaklakan
2. Salakot 7. Pandango sa Ilaw
3. Labahan at Palo-palo 8. Binatbatan
4. Sayaw sa Bangko 9. Kalatong
5. Kalapati 10. Maglalatik