Continued
Long before the Spaniards came, the Southern part of the Philippines, on the island of Mindanao, many of these Filipinos embraced Mohammedanism as early as the 14th century and have successfully resisted attempts at Christianity.
They differ markedly in customs, music and dance from the balance of the Philippine population. Mindanao tapestries represent the regal and colorful south presenting dance which depict their way of life - as graceful as the ocean waves.
The dance begins with the diwata of the sea, cleansing the ocean from evil spirits and paving the way for a successful voyage across the eastern seas.
This dance evokes the nautical prowess of the Filipino Moslem and their intimate involvement with the sea. The dancers balance atop bamboo poles which imitates the movement of the "vinta".
*Mangalay*
A dance in which four ladies portray the sea waves through languid graceful movements of their hands and arms.
The ladies-in-waiting pave the way for the entrance of the Princess through a traditional fan dance ("apir" is the Moslem word for "fans").
A solo dance performed by the umbrella-bearing attendant to win the favor of her sultan.
"Singkil" takes its name for the anklets worn by the dancers. The Prince and Princess perilously dance through four criss-crossed bamboo poles in which the excitement mounts to an explosive finale. According to Maranao legend, diwatas, or fairies, started an earthquake which caused trees and rocks to fall. The Princess skipped nimbly from one place to another so that her feet did not touch the fallen trees and rocks. The Prince saw the frightened princess and he ran and jumped over the trembling rocks in an effort to take her to safety. Originally, this dance was only performed for members of the Maranao Royal Family.
The "Palace of Terraces" refers to the 8th wonder of the world - the BANAUE RICE TERRACES. These terraces were built by ancient tribesmen from the mountain province of Northern Luzon. In this region of the Philippines live a number of tribes which still preserve their identity, customs and lore. These tribes remain untouched by other cultures and outside influences. Their dances celebrate victories in battle, festivals, religious rituals, and thanksgivings.
A group of village maidens perform a dance based on the fetching of water. A banga is a water jar. As the dance progresses, the village men join in with their "gangsa" or gongs in preparation for the Mangmangayan.
*Mangmangayan*
A war dance drama depicting a duel between two warriors armed with shield, axe, and spears. The dance ends when the defeated warrior is beheaded.
A rousing festival dance to celebrate their recent war victory. Here, the women crown the warriors by presenting them with the "lawi" an elaborate headdress which give honor to the victorious warriors. The ifugaos provide the inspiration for this culminating dance of victory of war.
