PHILIPPINE FOLK DANCE The Philippines' multifaceted history from years of colonization paved the way for the peculiar and beautiful traditional dances in the country, with hints of Hispanic, European, and Asian cultural influences. Each region has its own unique dance variations that are staged during festivals and local shows. Although today’s popular folk dances have evolved, they still honor our cultural roots. Filipino folk dances are colorful, beautiful, and vibrant. Their movement, dress, and music reveal the unique Filipino culture and are important in building a national Filipino identity. Most dances in the country were inspired by everyday activities, such as working in the fields and harvesting rice, as well as celebrations such as feasts, weddings, and births. Philippine folk dances consist of five major suites, namely Cordillera, Maria Clara, Muslim, Lumad, and Rural. A. 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. Maglalak Maglalak was originally performed in Biñan, Laguna as a mock-war dance that demonstrates a fight between the Moros and the Chrisans over the prized lak 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 nggoy, 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 mes. Balse (valse in Spanish) means waltz. This dance was performer aſter 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 me. This lively fesval dance originated in Camohaguin, Gumaca, Quezon (formerly Tayabas). 6. Makonggo