Muslim MindanaoThe Land of Promise

MELODY V. BABIA

• Aside from the colorfulcontributions of its regionaltribes, Mindanao is home to thelargest cultural minority in thePhilippines - the Muslims.Brought by Javanese andMiddle Eastern traders, Islam isthe religion of approximately 20percent of the Philippinepopulation.

• They are known for theirmysticism, royalty, and beautywhich are evident in their musicand dances. Accompanied bythe agong and kulintang,Filipino Muslim dance ismarked by intricate hand andarm movement along withshimmering costumes.

A form of self defense. The dance like

movements show a fight between a hawk

and a cat.

A solo slave dance

performed by the

umbrella-bearing

attendant to win the

favor of her sultan

master. The girl

wears long metal

fingernails and

dances and poses in

doll-like motions.

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.

Yakan dance for a

bountiful fish catch

where they imitate

their 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.

a popular festival dance in Sulu. This is a

traditional fingernail dance that is

performed at wedding celebrations held by

affluent families.

a dance performed by a royal couple

balancing on top of bamboo poles and

imitating the movements of a southern boat

with colorful sails or the so-called vinta

a traditional dance of

the Tausug wherein two

warriors compete

against each other for

the attention of a young

woman. They use

gongs to show their

prowess and skill

. 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.

Performed by very fierce warriors

carrying a shield elaborately painted

with curlicues, rounds, twirls and

mirrors which are attached with shell

noisemakersThis dance is

performed before any celebration or

gathering to drive away evil spirits

(tunong) and to welcome good

fortunes or omen.

This dance shows the

many ways of wearing a malong, a simple tubular yet

highly

functional piece of cloth.