BASIC INFORMATION OF SOME PHILIPPINE DANCES FROM THE REGION

Bakya Dance - "Bakya" means wooden shoes. They are the common footwear of the poor
in the "barrios". During the rainy season almost all people wear them. They are made in
different materials, colors, and shapes. This dance is very interesting and lively.
Apparel: Girls wear "balintawak" and
Boys "barong tagalog" with red trousers.
All have on "bakya".
Music: Is divided into four parts: A, B, C, and D.
Count: one, two, three to a measure of พ time and one, two to a measure in 2/4 time.
Formation: Partners stand opposite each other about six feet apart. The girl stands at
partner's right when facing the audience. From two to any number of even pairs may take
part.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyj2c1PFppc

Pandango sa Ilaw - (dance with oil lamps), this version from Mindoro, is the most
difficult of the all the Pandangos. It is quite unusual and colorful. The female dancer
gracefully and skilfully balances three lighted "tinghoy" or oil lamps - one on her head and
one on the back of each hand. A few boys and girls may take part as townsfolk or onlookers.
They clap their hands in time to the music, adding life and gaiety to the dance.
Apparel: The girl is dressed in "balintawak",
Boy in long red trousers and "barong tagalog".
Music: Is divided into three parts: A, B, C.
Count: one, two, three to a measure.
Formation: Partners stand about six feet apart facing the audience. The three lighted oil
lamps are placed on the floor between them. The girl stands at partner's right. The oil
lamps are of two sizes, the one to be placed on the head being larger than the two for the
hands.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wu8XqO0knYg
Cariñosa - Is a Philippine dance of colonial era origin from the Maria Clara suite of
Philippine folk dances, where the fan or handkerchief plays an instrumental role as it
places the couple in romance scenario.
Apparel: Girl wears Maria Clara dress
Boy’s wears Barong Tagalog
Music: It is 3/4 in rhythm like some of the Spanish dances.
Count: 1. three steps and point time signature: 3 4 count : 1,2,3 to a measure.
Movement : with the R (L) foot; take three steps sideward right, ct.1 (count 1,2,3)
point L (R) foot in fourth position in front (ct.1,2,3)
2. Touch step.
Time signature: 3 4 Count : 1,2,3 – 2m.
Movement : point R (L) foot in fourth position in front (ct. 1,2,3)
3.Waltz step movement : touch R (L) toes forward (cts. 1,2) close R (L) ct.3
4. Manipulation of fan.
Formation: The basic step of Cariñ osa is similar to waltz and the music is 3/4 signature.
When the music starts, the female holds her skirt with one or both hands, swaying the
fabric of her skirt at the side while moving around the floor by swaying to the side with a
left foot, then stepping your right next to the left foot.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEbC7ttawOg

Tinikiling - Tinikling is a traditional Philippine folk dance which originated during the
Spanish colonial era. The dance involves two people beating, tapping, and sliding bamboo
poles on the ground and against each other in coordination with one or more dancers who
step over and in between the poles in a dance
Apparel:  Females traditionally wear a dress called balintawak or patadyong
Males wear an untucked embroidered shirt called the barong Tagalog
Music: Rondalla
Count: one, two, three to a measure.
Formation: 1. Stand, boys have their hands behind their backs, girls hold their skirts (or
put their hands on their waists).
2. As music begins, bow to the opposite pole person, then the pole person beside you.
3. Continue with four toe touches (Count 1-2, tap right foot twice; Count 3, lift right
foot...This gives everyone an opportunity to establish the timing.)
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WLfqDMwA_o

Aetana - A dance from Sta. Cruz, Marinduque. The "jaleo" and "la mano" (shaking hands)
are the two interesting figures of this dance.
Apparel: The female wears balintawak style while the male wears barong tagalog and
white trousers.
Music: is divided into two parts: A and B
Count: one, two, three to a measure.
Formation: Take three steps forward (R,L,R), arms hanging loosely at the sides (ets. 1,2,3).
Points L foot in front. Raise R arm high in fifth and L bent forward at shoulder level with
elbow in front (cts. 1,2,3)……………… 2M.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hduzw5Mo864

Kuratsa - Is one of the traditional dances in Leyte and Samar province. It is widely danced
especially during fiesta, family reunions, and weddings. It is referred to as a
courtship dance where dancers imitate courtship movements of rooster and a hen in a
creative way.

Apparel: Girl wears patadyong, camisa with stiff sleeves or kimona, and a soft kerchief
over one shoulder
Boy wears barong tagalog and trousers of any color.
Music: Is derived into two parts: A and B
Count: One, two, three, or one, and two and three to measure.
Formation: Partners stand side by side, Girl at right of Boy, when facing audience. One to
any number of pairs may take part in this dance.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-GLbV-epZQ
Maglalatik o Ba-o -  (also known as Manlalatik or Magbabao) is a folk dance from the
Philippines. Coconut shell halves are secured onto the dancers' hands and on vests upon
which are hung four or six more coconut shell halves. The dancers perform the dance by
hitting one coconut shell with the other; sometimes the ones on the hands, the ones on the
body, or the shells worn by another performer, all in time to a fast drumbeat.
Apparel: Maglalatik dance is performed by men. Usually, red coloured trousers are worn
by the Moro dancers whereas blue coloured trousers are worn by the Christian dancers.
Coconut shells are attached to the chest’s hands, back, thighs and hips with the help of a
harness.
Music: Is divided into five parts: Introduction, A,B,C and D. It was composed by the late Dr.
Francisco Santiago especially for this dance. The original music for this dance was rhythmic
sounds roduced by two bamboo sticks against each other with guitar accompaniment.
Counts: 1, and , 2, an or 1,2,to a mueasure in 2/4 time and 1,2,3 to a in ¾ time.
Formation: The dancers stand in two columns facing the audience, the Christians at the left
side and the Moros at the right side. The two columns are six feet apart and the dancers on
each side are four feet from each other. From four to six pairs may compose a set. The
dancers opposite each othe, when facing, are partners.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-MJZEJ9T5U

Lubi- Lubi - This Ballroom-folk dance is very popular in the Bicol regions. It has many
variations. The one described here is a different version from the one given in the
Philippine National Dances. This dance may be introduced as a social mixer.
Apparel: Any Filipino costume that can be used.
Music: Is divided into two parts A, B.
Counts: One, two, to three to measure.
Formation: Partners hold as in ballroom dance position. From one to any number of
couples may take part, the more the merrier. Partners starts to dance at any time and may
go in any directions.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-iS8-kD_Sls
Mazurka Boholana -  Is a Spanish-inspired ballroom dance from the Bohol province of the
Philippines. The country was under the rule of Spain for more than three hundred years,
during which time local culture was markedly influenced. Although the mazurka is the
Polish national dance, it was wildly popular throughout Europe in the 19th century and
even in colonized lands overseas. The Philippine dance is ordinarily performed by men and
women partners.
Apparel: Girls wear Maria Clara
Music: ¾ mazurka timr
Count: 1,2,3.
Formation: Glide R(L) foot in second (ct.1), cut R(L) sideward with the L (R) foot (ct.2),
hop on the L (R) foot and beat R (L) in rear or in front the R (L) foot close to the ankle of the
L (R) foot (ct. 3). This step may be executed forward or going around also.

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IzepIUESB-8

La Jota – Is one of the Spanish inspired dances that become a traditional folk dance in the
Philippines and unlike other folk dances, La Jota dance was being dance in different
provinces and each province has their own version of La Jota dance
Apparel: Girls wear Maria Clara
Boys wear Barong Tagalog and Black trousers
Music: Divided into three parts: A, B, and C
Count: One, two, three to a measure
Formation: Partners face each other about six feet apart. When facing the audience, the
girl stands at partner’s right side. One or more pairs may take part in this dance.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FuX323YojY

Esperanza – A lively dance originating from the province of Camarines Sur on the Southern
part of Luzon must have been named after a lovely lady.
Apparel: Girls wear Balintawak or Patadyong
Boy’s wear Barong tagalog and White Trouser
Music: Divided into three parts: A, B, and C
Count: One, two, three to a measure
Formation: Partners stand side by side about three ft from each other, facing audience,
Women stands at partners right facing audience.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=re2PXYcwsSI

Aburay - Is a contraction of the words “Aba” and “Ruray”. “Aba!” is an exclamation which is
equivalent to “Hey!”,”Hi!”, or “Hail!” in English. “Ruray” is a nickname for Aurora.This dance
is known in the Philippines be several names, suchas “Hapayan”, “Tagayan”, “Pandango sa
Baso”, and “Abaroray”.In any social gathering in the remote “barrios” of the Philippines,it is
customary to offer wine to the visitors. The offering isusually made by a young lady. She
goes around with a glass and abottle of native wine offering a drink to the visitors. This
wine offering is a signal for the beginning of folk dancing and singing.The musicians play
the introduction of “Abaruray” music. The girl who is offering the wine picks out a young
man from among the guests and offers him a drink. This is her way of hinting at her
desireto dance with him. The young has to accept it or he commits a breach of etiquette and
the girl is offended. His acceptance of the drink will signify that he will dance with the girl.
He then stands and they begin dancing, with the girl leading him on. The girl dances with
the glass of wine on her head from which the young man drinks.Her dancing skill is shown
in her ability to keep the glass on her head and in not spilling a drop of the wine. The
audience sing and clap their hands in time with the music. The description given below is
the “Abaruray” from Tayabas.
Apparel: The girl is dressed in “balintawak” and the boy in “barong tagalog” and long red
trousers.  Both dancers are bare footed.
Music: Is divided into three parts: Introduction, A and B.
Count:  One, two, three to a measure.
Formation. Partners stand opposite each other about eight feet apart. The girl stands at
her partner right side when facing the audience. A few boys and girls may take part in this
dance to represent the townsfolk attending a social gathering girl are dressed like the
dancer. The boys are dressed in “barong tagalog” or “camisa de chino” and long trousers.
They clap hands in time with the music.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFIH-gIipcI

Kandingan – Moro wedding dance

Apparel: The barefoot dancers are dressed in typical Joloano costume

Music: is divided into two parts: A and B. It is played continuously until the dancers finish.
The tempo increases on the last figure or when the performers are about to and the dance.
Count: one, two to a measure.
Formation: Partners stand side by side facing the audience. They are about eight feet
apart. The girl stands at the right side of the boy.

Jota Quirino - A version of the jota that became popular in the 19th century, the La Jota
Quirino is dedicated to the province of Quirino. This is distinguished from other versions
of the jota by the use of elongated bamboo castanets that are not strung together, unlike
the traditional Spanish bamboo castanets
Apparel: Girls wear elaborate Maria Clara, bell-sleeved blouses, embroidered on edge of
sleeves; boys wear barong Tagalog of the elaborate kind, pina, jusi or thin sinamay with
black or dark pants.
Music: Composed of three parts: A, B, and C.
Count: 1,2,3 to a measure in % time.
Formation: Partners stand opposite each other about six feet apart. When facing audience,
girl stands at partner 's right side. One to any number of couples may take part in this
dance.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cr11I0-IVY

Kadal Tahu - This is a true dance of the T boli, the indigenous hill community of Lake Sebu,
South Cotabato of the T"boli.
Apparel: Traditional everyday T boli outfit
Music: 2/4 composed of two parts A and B
Count: one, two; one, and two and to a measure.
Formation: No definite formation. One to any number may participate in the dance.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvC0u1jIHS8

Karatong - It means the bamboo musical instrument of the lowland Christians, from Cuyo,
Palawan.

Apparel: Visayan rural kimono.

Music: Composed of seven parts: A, B, C, D, E, F, and G…
Count: 1,2 or 1 and 2 to a measure.
Formation: Any desired formation.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCTYeHyPJMs
Konan - The origin is an old one-peso silver coin of the 1900 vintage; from the lowland Christians
of Pangasinan.

Apparel: Moderately elaborate baro't saya.

Music:2/4 composed of four parts: Introduction, A, B, and C.
Count: One, two or one and two to a measure.
Formation: Partners stand opposite each other about six feet apart. When facing audience,
girl stands at the right side of the boy. One to any number pairs may take part in the dance.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fE8Ce-nglLs

Lapay Bantigue - Its place of origin is at Bantigue Island, Masbate, classified as Comic, Mimetic.
Apparel: Girls wear a peasant barot saya and the boys', camisa de chino, as they dance
barefoot.
Music: 2/4; composed of three parts: A, B and C.
Count: 1,2 or 1, and, 2 to a measure
Formation: Partners are about six feet apart. One to any number of pairs may take part in
this dance.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zs9MS-tsTjw

Garambal - The name of this dance came from two Spanish words, "gran and "valse" which means
grand waltz, corrupted into one word, garambal. This dance came from Camiling, Tarlac. Two girls
and one boy perform it.

Apparel - The girls are dressed in lIlocano costume, the boy in barong Tagalog and black
trousers. The girls have buri hats on.
Formation - The boy stands between the two girls who are about six feet from each other.
All face the audience.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcBzsuAn35Q

Habanera Narcisena - In Zambales province the hatbanera, initially a dance step from Havana,
Cuba was introduced here in Spain. The Step blended perfectly with Ilocano and other Spanish
introduced the steps. Habanera Narcisena expresses the town's sentiment and feelings.
Apparel - The girls are dressed in Short blouse, full bell sleeves embroidered on the edges,
the boys wear barong tagalog.
Music: 2/4 and 4 composed of three parts: A, B, and C
Count: 1.2, and to a measure in 2/4 time. 1, 2, 3 to a measure in 3/4 time.
Formation: Partners stand opposite each other six feet apart. Girl is at the right side of boy
when facing the audience. Any number of pairs may take part in the dance.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPpZxZ07Do8