BADJAO

GROUP 12
JADE BUHANHIN
JOSHUA GALORA
JONASH MIRANDA
ROSEMARIE SIMPLICIANO
BADJAO
The Badjao / Bajau tribe
is an indigenous population
whose culture and livelihood
are tied to the sea. Also
widely known as the “Sea
Gypsies” of the Sulu and
Celebes Seas, the Badjao are
scattered along the coastal
areas of Tawi Tawi, Sulu,
Basilan, and some coastal
areas of Zamboanga City.
BADJAO
They are found living on houseboats
where they make their livelihood solely
on the sea as expert fishermen, deep-sea
drivers and navigators. Unique to their
cultural rituals is the concept of life and
their relationship to the sea.
The Badjao are an indigenous group in
the Philippines, known as Sea Gypsies.
They have been in the country since
500AD; described as endemic fisherfolks
who have been using sustainable fishing
methods for over 1,500 years.
CULTURE AND TRADITION
One lifestyle, making use of
small wooden sailing vessels.
Their village is in the southern
Philippines, on a little stretch of
beach on Sarangani Bay, which is
just a few miles south of General
Santos. Traditionally Badjao had
no permanent dwellings and lived
on their boats throughout the
year.
CULTURE AND TRADITION
Badjao was displaced by wars and the death of
their traditional fishing culture. Their homeland
has been taken away from them and their culture is
gradually slipping away. Amongst themselves,
they’re known as Sama Laus (Sea Sama) and are
found living on houseboats where they make their
livelihood solely on the sea as expert fishermen,
deep-sea divers, and navigators.
FOODS
Fresh fish and cassava are the
staple diet of the Badjaos. After
they fled their homes, many had to
adjust to the food provided by the
government and humanitarian
organizations, which generally
consist of rice and canned goods.
For many older people, changing
diet is difficult. Some of them
lived for weeks on nothing but rice
porridge with salt.
LANGUAGE
Sinama is the language of Badjao that is
being used on their way of
communication. The Sinama has a seven
classifications based on their mutual
intelligibility. The seven Sinama
languages are Northern Sinama, Central
Sinama, Southern Sinama, Sinama
Pangutaran, Mapun Badjao West Coast of
Sabah and Badjao Indonesia. These
classifications are rarely recognized by
Sama themselves who instead classify
their Sinama by the village or island it
originates from.
MODE OF DRESSING
Their mode of dressing is
the traditional
attire patadyong, which is
a tube-like wraparound
skirt worn by both men and
women. Women also wear
the sablay and simpay with
the patadyong.
DANCE
DANCE OF BADJAO PANGALAY
A Pangalay native to the Badjao,
sometimes known as the "Sea
Gypsies." Pangalay is a dance that
emphasizes the agility of the upper
body. The rhythmic bounce of the
shoulder with simultaneous
alternating waving of arms are the
basic movement of this dance. The
pangalay is commonly performed at
weddings and other social gatherings.
 Origin: Zambuanga Del Norte
Tribe: Badjao
DANCE
PANGALAY HA PATTONG
A royal couple balance
perilously on top of bamboo
poles imitating the movements of
the picturesque southern boat
(the vinta) with colorful sails
gliding across the Sulu Sea.
Origin: Sulo
Tribe: Badjao
MUSIC
 Badjao traditional songs are handed
down orally through generations. The
songs are usually sung during marriage
celebrations(kandulipagkawin),
accompanied by dance (pang-igal) and
musical instruments like pulau (flute),
(xylophone),tagunggo’
(kulintanggongs), biula (violin), and in
modern times, electronic keyboards.
There are several types of Sama-Bajau
traditional songs, they include: isunisun,
runsai, najat, syair, nasid, bua-buaanak,
andtinggayun
BELIEFS
Badjao or Sea Gypsies have strange beliefs. Believes
indigenous Badjao recognition of their master and having
wisdom is the most beautiful way to having a good life.
They also believe that where the spirits of the dead are kept
in a grave and every period of Shaaban, the soul is allowed
their master to come back to our world.
They also believe that the dead can communicate with the
living through the ritual ceremonies of celebration, worship,
and exorcism. As a welcome, people were cleaning graves
and conduct prayers. A ritual allegedly accepting tribe, the
Badjao throwing newborn in the deep-sea and re-ascent of
the older men in the baby.
BELIEFS
TRADITIONAL GAMES
Sepak Takraw: Similar to volleyball,
players kick a rattan ball over a net
without using their hands. It requires
agility and skill.
 Dakpanay: This is a traditional hide-
and-seek game where one player (the
tagger) tries to catch the others. It's
often played in the water, showcasing
the Badjao's affinity for the sea.
Pakidat: A game involving threading a
needle while blindfolded. It showcases
dexterity and precision.
TRADITIONAL GAMES
Gulat: Traditional wrestling is also a
common activity among the Badjao,
emphasizing strength and agility.
Sugod Bahay: A form of house-
visiting game where participants go
from one house to another, singing
and dancing.
These games not only provide
entertainment but also serve as a way
to pass down cultural values and skills
within the Badjao community
FESTIVLAS
The Badjao people, an indigenous
group in the Philippines, celebrate
various festivals throughout the year.
One notable festival is the "Lepa
Festival" in Sulu, where the Badjao
showcase their traditional boat, the
lepa, adorned with vibrant colors and
cultural motifs. This festival typically
involves parades, traditional music,
dance, and various water-based
activities, celebrating the rich maritime
heritage of the Badjao community.