Page 14 - SINING SAMAHAN 44 PROOF_Neat

The Royal Sultanate

The people of the flooded plain come together and celebrate Photography by May Vukotich
with the performance of indigenous gong ensemble music and
dances, the kalilang features the most highly skilled dancers
and musical virtuosos. The suite is opened with a performance
of the KUTIYAPI—is a Philippine two-stringed, fretted boat-
lute. The instrument is carved out of solid soft wood such as
that from the jackfruit tree. The stage is then blessed with
the movements of SAGAYAN A DILAPET, a warrior dance
performed for the kuyog—a procession given by the
groom’s family to present the dowry to the bride. Warriors
wear a decorated helmet, a colorful skirt, and dance
with a sword and shield as they dance in a frenzy to
drive away evil spirits. The neighboring Iranun ethnic
group makes a visit to the Maguindanao people in
KADSANDUAYAN. This friendship dance showcases Photography by Kingsley Ramos
the unity between the two different groups as
they trade fans and scarves with one another. In
celebration of a lively event, young men perform
with PANDALA. They wing their large hand
held flags with rumors saying it was adapted
from natives imitating US color sergeants.
Shrouded in mystery, female relatives to the
sultan performs ASIK. Said to be the oldest
dance of the Maguindanon women, each
representing the three royal houses of
Maguindanao. While popularized by
Manila-based choreographers, The
SINGKIL is said to have originated
from the Maguindanao people
as contemporary versions have
evolved into its new version with
an augmented cast of
performers: a prince, an
umbrella attendant, and
multiple fan and scarf
dancers, producing a grand
spectacle with a dramatic
storyline showing an
earthquake caused by Photography by May Vukotich
spirits in the forest. ~ p a g e n um b er ~

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