Aside from the colorful contributions of its regional

tribes, Mindanao is home to the largest cultural

minority in the Philippines - THE MUSLIMS.

Brought by Javanese and Middle Eastern traders,

Islam is the religion of approximately 20 percent
of the Philippine population.

They are known for their mysticism, royalty, and

beauty which are evident in their music and
dances. Accompanied by the agong and kulintang,
Filipino Muslim dance is marked by intricate hand
and arm movement along with shimmering
costumes.
 SINGKIL
Tribe:Maranao
Origin: Lanao, Mindanao

Singkil dance takes its name from the bells worn on the ankles of the Muslim
princess. Perhaps one of the oldest of truly Filipino dances, the Singkil recounts
the epic legend of the "Darangan" of the Maranao people of Mindanao. This
epic, written sometime in the 14th century, tells the fateful story of Princess
Gandingan, who was caught in the middle of a forest during an earthquake
caused by the diwatas, or fairies or nymph of the forest.
The rhythmic clapping of criss-crossed bamboo poles represent the trees that
were falling, which she gracefully avoids. Her slave loyally accompanies her
throughout her ordeal. Finally, she is saved by the prince. Dancers wearing
solemn faces and maintaining a dignified pose being dancing at a slow pace
which soon progresses to a faster tempo skillfully manipulate apir, or fans
which represent the winds that prove to be auspicious. The dancers weave
expertly through criss-crossed bamboos.
When performed by ladies of the royalty of Lanao, the dancer is usually
accompanied by a waiting lady, who holds a beautifully decorated umbrella
over the Princess' head wherever she goes. Royal princesses to this day in the
Sulu Archipelago are required to learn this most difficult and noble dance.
S
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 PANGALAY
Tribe: Badjao
Origin: Zamboanga del Sur

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.
P
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 PANGSAK
Tribe:Yakan
Origin: Basilan

The Yakan are a Muslim ethnic group in the

highlands of Mindanao. They wear
elaborately woven costumes tightly on their
bodies. Their dances involve complicated
hand and foot movements. In this dance, a
man unties a wrap from his wife-to-be's
waist to wrap around her body and dance
with. Both of their faces are dotted with
white paint, to hide their identity from evil
spirits.
P
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 PANGALAY HA
PATTONG
Tribe: Badjao

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.
PANGALAY HA PATTONG
 PAGAPIR
Tribe: Maranao
Origin: Lanao del Sur

Pagapir depicts a royal manner of "walking"

among the Maranao people who live mainly
around Lake Lanao. Ladies of the royal court
perform this stately dance in preparation for
an important event. The ladies gracefully
manipulate the Aper (apir) or fan, while
emphasizing their small steps, or "kini-kini",
which is a sign of good upbringing.
P
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 SAGAYAN
Tribe: Maguindanao
Origin: Cotabato

Performed by very fierce warriors carrying a shield elaborately painted

with curlicues, rounds, twirls and mirrors which are attached with shell
noisemakers. In their other hand, they carry a double-bladed sword
(kampilan) of metal or wood. Sagayan dancers are dressed in three
tiered skirts, brightly colored topper and headgear embellished with all
the imaginable colors of twine trimmings formed into flowers, balls,
sunbursts etc. Long, yellow playful tassels almost hiding the face
surround the headgear.
The dance involves leaping, turning, jumping, kicking and the rolling
movements of a warrior ready to defend his master in battle.
Kamanyang fumes inhaled by the sagayan moves him to perform in a
magic-like trance. On most occasions, this dance is performed before
any celebration or gathering to drive away evil spirits (tunong) and to
welcome good fortunes or omen.
SAGAYAN
 Kapa Malong Malong
Also called Sambi sa Malong, this Maranao dance shows the
many ways of wearing a malong, a simple tubular yet highly
functional piece of cloth. The traditional women’s version
shows this cloth of countless colorful designs; used mostly
as a skirt, woven in many different ways, depending on the
purpose of the wearer. Other ways the women wear
malong is as a shawl, a mantle, or a head-piece.

During more recent dance documentation, a men’s version

was derived. This version shows in masculine rendition,
how men don the malong—displaying its use as a sash or
waist-band, shorts or bahag, and a head-gear that can be
either functional while working in the fields, or decorative
as a turban.
KAPA MALONG MALONG