MUSLIM SUITE
Regal, Majestic, Mystical
In the Southern part of the Philippines, there lives approximately two million Filipino Muslims. This population, while distinct from the other major cultural groups in the Philippine archipelago, is not comprised of a homogenous people. The Muslim peoples in the Philippines are further subdivided into smaller ethnic groups according to their particular ritual, worldviews, and ways of dress. Such differences are translated into different styles of dance and movement.
PAMANA captures subtle differences in the Muslim portion of their repertoire, bringing together the majestic characters, fluid movements, angular stances, and rich costumes into one colourful performance that is sure to leave the audience in awe. From clicking bamboos, to twirling apir (fans), to graceful scarves, to powerful sword and shield, PAMANA captures it all in order to reveal the exquisite exoticism of the Muslim region in the Philippines. Below are some of many dances in this suite that PAMANA perform.
Scroll down, to know more about the musical instruments for this suite!
Kini Kini
Description: Named after the particular walk and movements, kinikini is a translated as "the royal-like walk". The scarves accentuate the female performers' graceful and fluid movements. It is believed that moving with grace is a sign of elite social upbringing. PAMANA stylizes this folkloric dance into modern entertainment for an artistic touch.
Dance variation(s) includes: 4 to 8 female dancers (6 dancers recommended). With or without the bamboo extension choreography (upon availability, additional 4 to 8 male dancers). Note: Please refrain using flash photography as this dance is dangerous. Click HERE for video portfolio of this dance.
Burong Talo
Description: A martial arts style dance form, the male performers depict a fight between cats and hawks.
Dance variation(s) includes: 4 to 8 male dancers. Note: Please refrain using flash photography as this dance is dangerous. *Height requirement: Floor to lowest lighting fixture or hanging objects must be minimum over 12 feet. Click HERE for video portfolio of this dance.
Janggay
Description: Named after the long metal finger nails worn by the female performers. The nails are meant to accentuate the dancers’ articulated form and hand movements. The fingernails also mimic the claws of the birds and is considered one of the “bird” dances.
Dance variation(s) includes: 4 to 6 female dancers Click HERE for video portfolio of this dance.
Asik
Description: This is a solo dance performed by the Singkil Princess’ umbrella-bearing attendant. Her movements depict her preparing herself. The umbrella with which she dances is the ever-present symbol of Maguindanao and Maranao royalty.
Dance variation(s) includes: Solo female dancer; This dance usually precedes a performance of Singkil (see below). Click HERE for video portfolio of this dance.
Singkil
Description: A large-scale production that depicts the Maguindanao and Maranao interpretation of a legend centered around Princess Gandingan and the brave Prince Bantugan. While walking through the forest with her loyal umbrella-bearing attendant, the Princess Gandingan is suddenly caught in the middle of an earthquake unleashed by the forest diwata (or forest spirits). The Princess must gracefully and skillfully maneuver through the closing bamboo poles, which represent falling trees. The apir (or fans) are waved by dancers to represent auspicious winds. The valiant Prince Bantugan enters the scene and rescues the Princess.
Dance variation(s) includes: # of dancers may vary; This dance requires bamboo clickers, fan dancers, the asik girl and the royal couple. Click HERE for video portfolio of this dance.
Kappa Malong Malong
Description: This is a traditional dance of the Maranao people in which they show the many different uses of the malong, a tubular piece of cloth decorated with the typical geometric patterns.
Dance variation(s) includes: 3-6 female dancers.
Video portfolio for this dance coming soon.
Pangalay sa Pattong
Description: Popular among the Badjao, Samal, and Tausug groups, this dance consists of expressive hand movements, performed on top of bamboo poles on the shoulders of two men. The peoples who created this dance live almost exclusively at sea, and so the bamboo poles are meant to recreate the boats they live on.
Dance variation(s) includes: 1-2 female dancers, along with a pair for male dancers to hold the bamboos. Upon availability, it is traditionally dances as one female and one male dancer. Video portfolio for this dance coming soon.
THE SOUNDS OF THE DANCE SUITE
MUSLIM SUITE - PERCUSSION
PERCUSSIONS in the suite:
The music in the Muslim suite is composed of several percussion instruments, notably the kulintang, gandingan, agon and dabakan.
Each instrument has a specific role. For example, the kulintang, usually at the center of the ensemble, will be the one to carry the melody. Together, they create a sound that emphasizes the intricate movements of the dances and is a vital tool to bringing the stories of the dances to life.
Singkil is a perfect example of how a dance uses the music to transition from the different solos of the royal couple and, then eventually, builds to the finale where prince and princess meets and the fan dancers join in.
