cultural suites |
KordilyeraIn 1572, the mountain people were discovered by the Spanish Conquistadors. The hard fought battles between the Benguets and the marauding tribes of the Kiangan Ifugaos against the Spanish garrison and their Christian slaves in Nueva Vizcaya earned them the name Igorotes, meaning "warlike mountain people." Inhabiting the mountain region of northern Luzon are the five tribes that are generally known as Igorots.The Benguets derive their ancestry from the early wave of Malay settlers to the Philippines. They were the first to be called Igorotes by the Spaniards. Benguets are generally not warlike and do not practice headhunting as a way of life. They are mainly farmers and miners who are industrious, powerful, and gentle in nature. The Ifugaos are the builders of the famous Banaue Rice Terraces, known to some as the "eight wonder of the world." Ifugaos are also known for their artistic wood carvings that are traded all around the world. Bontocs are believed to be the most ferocious warriors of the mountain
tribes. Headhunting is a way of life and a part of their culture. Bontocs
are very protective of their land and will engage in battle with any
foreigner that disrupts their lives. Maria ClaraAfter almost four hundred years of Spanish colonial rule, foreign rule has had a great impact on Filipino culture. While Christianity was being taught, Filipinos egan to develop their own versions of the dances they saw being performed by the Spaniards. Maria Clara, the name of a character in José Rizal's literary masterpiece Noli Me Tangere, was used to call the beautiful dresses worn by the women as they were being courted by men who wore the traditional barong tagalog.MORE MuslimThe Muslims are the largest group of non-Christian people in the Philippines, comprising eight percent of the population. There are nine tribes which embraced Islam: Sanggil, Yakan, Samal, Jama Mapun, Molbog, Palawani, Badjaos, Tausug, Maranaw, and Magindanaw. They have been influenced by Hindu, Arabic, and Malayan cultures. In 1565, Philip II sent fleets to settle in Cebu and convert the indigenous peoples. The Muslims, who had settled in Mindanao and the Sulu Islands at this time, had spread as far as Manila. Their beliefs were rejected by the Roman Catholics, and were confronted with a movement similar to the Crusades by the Spanish against the Moors in the Mediterranean. Christian Filipinos inherited the Spanish attitude toward the Muslims and called them Moros.Muslim dance links them to Indo-Malayan worlds and Islamic cultures of
the East. These have an emphasis of the upper torso, the use of hands to
express feelings, bent knees, and upturned toes, the dances are
characterized by the vivid colors and rhythmic movements. RuralTo reflect the multi-faceted character of a nation composed of over seven thousan islands, the rural suite is a lively potpourri of dances brought together from the different regions of the Philippines. Mainly present in the rural Christian lowlands, the rural dances express the people's joys in work, love for music, gratitude for a good harvest, or simply an appreciation for a beautiful day. Many dances also imitate the movements of nature or articles used in everyday life. The rural dances are performed at local barrio fiestas for simple pleasure or to mark a special occasion. Typical attire in the rural suite consists of the colorful balintawak and patadyong skirts for the women and camiso de chino and colorful trousers for the men.MORE TraditionalistsThe Traditionalist tribal groups of the Philippines, located mainly in the southern regions, continue to live as their ancestors, their rituals and celebrations similar to those performed in ancient times. Their dances combine grace and vigor, often reflecting their rich natural environment. In these Traditionalist rites, dancers imitate the graceful movements of the wildlife around them, including birds and fish. These rites are also expressions of the many milestones in life: birth, courtship, and even death.MORE |