CATHOLIC SCHOOLS IN IFUGAO

PHYSICAL EDUCATION 8
FOURTH QUARTER A. Y. 2022-2023

LESSONS AND COVERAGE: Philippine Folk Dance with Asian Influences

A. Sua-Ku-Sua
B. Sakuting
C. Pangalay

ENHANCED COMPETENCIES:
ELC 1: distinguish the nature and background of the dance
ELC 2: executes the skills involved in the dance
ELC 3: perform a Philippine folk dance with gracefulness.

LESSON 1: Philippine Folk Dance with Asian Influences: Sua-Ku-Sua

Before the Philippines was colonized, the Malays and Chinese were already trading their products such
as porcelains wares, minors, utensils, paper, textiles, silk and dyes. Without tapping their own traditions,
including their dances. The acculturation effect is evident in the design and colors of the costumes worn by the
dancers, as well as in the materials used props, such as chopsticks and fan. The instruments and music used
in the dances were partially influenced by other culture.
Malays also introduced Islam to the islanders. The first mosque was built in Tawi-Tawi even before
Magellan planted a wooden cross on the island of Cebu. The Tausugs in Sulu and other islands started on
embrace not only Islam, but also the culture and tradition of the Malays. Those influences are seen the
folkways, including their dances.

Background of Sua-Ku-Sua
Aside from fighting, the Tausugs were into farming
coconut, rice, root crops, and pomelo fruits (suha or sua).
Because the fruits brought much more income to the Tausugs.
They developed a close attachment to the fruit. The relationship
is romanticized by comparing the leaves, slender branches, fruits
(round, greenish, and yellowish), and fragrant of the sua to the
virtues of a lady.
Like most Tausug traditional performances, Sua-Ku-Sua, which is a courtship dance, is a song-and-
dance affair. During the performance. The couple waves oversized colored fans to the beat of the kulintang (a
xylophone crafted from slim bamboo slats). The movement of the fans resembles that of rustling leaves in the
wind. During celebrations, men and women come to the festivals with their faces thickly covered with
powdered rice. Eyebrows and sideburns are enhanced with soot for artistic effect. Sua-Ku-Sua can be loosely
translated as “My Pomelo Tree.” The word ku means “mine” and sua means “pomelo”.

Dance Properties
The music is divided into four parts: A, B, C, and D. This dance is accompanied by singing.
Music A
Sua-ko; Sua-ko, yampa tia num Music C
Sua-ko; Sua-ko, yampa tia num Kan ka pilaran, cambia sara-ra
Ah-Mag dahoon pa unom unom Di ka duan han, di ka imanan
Ah-Mag dahoon pa unom unom Ah mag pe-pin-tas, ha-la-man
Ah magpe-pin-tas, da koman
Music B
Bang ma-ka tum-tum panon Music D
Bang ma-ka tum-tum panon Kan kapilaran-inam
Ah atay ko mag ka gamon
Ah atay ko mag ka gamon
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Formation and Dance Steps
Sua-Ka-Sua is usually danced by couple, but others may participate as well. The dancers hold the open
fans, with the second and third fingers on one side towards the top, and the thumb, fourth, and little fingers
are on the other side. Partners stand opposite each other about eight feet apart, with the girl at the right side
of her partner when facing the audience.

Count: One, two (to a measure)

Foot step: Point your right (on your left) foot in front (count 1), and then slide the toes of the same
foot forward and pout the weight on the whole sole of the foot at the end of the slide (count 2). The
movement is repeated with other foot. This step is used throughout the dance.
Arm movement: With an open fan each hand, hold arms in second position or at shoulder level and
turn the hands (from wrist only) in a horizontal figure-eight motion. It takes two counts to complete a figure-
eight motion.

Formative Assessment 1: Oral Recitation

LESSON 2: Sakuting

Before the Spaniards came, the Ilocanos were using stick made from bamboo, wood, or rattan canes
for their self-defense. With the arrival of the colonizers, many were converted to Christians and settled at the
lowlands. Those who refused to embrace the religion moved up the mountains and remained nature
worshippers. There were occasions when the highlanders raided the garrison of the conquistadores in the
municipality of Abra. The sakuting dance interprets the pocket battles between the mountains attackers and
the Christian defenders.

It

highlights the stick fight called arnis. Because it is a simulated battle scenario, the original performers were
boys. As time went on, however, girls started to join them. Dancers (including their partners) hold stripped
bamboo sticks of about 0.15-0.30 meters (1 to 1.5 feet), and ta the floor. The dance combines marching as
well as sideward and forward moves, whereas others apply ballet-like movements.
The music that accompanies the movements is produced from rondalla, which is an ensemble of
several instruments that include the guitar and the bandurria. The music has Chinese and Spanish influences.
The sakuting dance is performed during the Christmas season at the town plaza, or in front of houses or front
yards. Similar to what Christmas carolers do. The performance of the dancers is appreciated by home owners
who give them snacks, gifts in kind, or cash.
Nowadays, the dance is performed as an intermission number during programs or cultural celebration
to remind Filipinos about their colorful tradition. Folk dancing is oftentimes promoted as a form of physical
activity to encourage people to be fit and to have fun at the same time.

Dance Properties
For the costumes, girls will wear a balintawak style
garment with siesgo (a line skirt). Boys, on the other
hand, will wear red trousers and barong tagalong,
which is made from coarse materials. Each dancers
holds two sticks (one in each hand) with which to
produce rhythmic sounds, timed with steps. The stick
is about 0.45 meters long and tapers at the end. It is
held at the bigger end.

Music: it is divided into 10 parts: Entrance, A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, and I.

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Count: One, Two, or one, and two (to a measure of 2/4 time signature); and one, two, and three (to a
measure of ¾ signature).
Formation: Partners stand opposite each other approximately 1.2 meters (four feet) apart. They are positioned
according to height, with the shorter couple in front. Four couples make a set or a group. The number of sets
that may participate is unlimited.

Formative Assessment 2: Demonstration

LESSON 3: Pangalay

Pangalay comes from the Sanskrit word pang-alay, or alay, which means “offering”, or a “temple of
dance.” This traditional fingernail dance is performed by a couple during weddings. The characterization
originates from Buddhist concept of male and female celestial angels, which are common symbols in most
Asian dances. The Tausug male version of the dance is known as pangasik. If performed by both genders, it
becomes the pangiluk. Performers must show dexterity and flexibility of shoulders, elbows and wrist, wherein
their movements resemble that of the kuntaw silat martial art. The dexterity required makes it distinctly
Asian.as it is influenced by classic Balinese and Thai dancers.

There is another version of pangalay. The Samals and Badjaos of Sulu

and Tawi-Tawi call this dance umural or igal ha agung. In this dance, the man
rolls, crawls, kneels and follows his partner while beating an agung(a set of
tho wide-rimmed, verticall suspended gongs). In another version called bula-
bula, performers use the bula or clappers crafted from bamboo, wood, or
shells to beat of percussion. In other version called sambulayang, the dance is
performed by bridge while covered by a tabil or a diaphanous curtain. The
groom follows behind the tabil to signify his intention to protect his lady. The
highlight is the flicking of the jonggay, or the fingernail extenders, which are
worn by the bride. The groom retrieves every janggay that falls on the return
the entire set to the bride at the culmination of the performance.
 
Another version of pangalay that originated from Simunul, Tawi-Tawi
is called igal ha taas patung. In this dance, the female performs atop a pair
of bamboo poles that are carried on the shoulders by two men. Two male
dancers join lady at the same time alternately and perform the langka (a
martial dance) while the woman is lowered slowlyto the floor.
Although pangalay has several interpretations, the dance is still
performed during celebrations or festive occasions. It has become an
important part of our culture and tradition. Tradition and folk dancing play a
big part of our festivities. The dancers reflect the values and identity of the
people of a particular region.

Formative Assessment 3: Choose one from the discussed folk dance (Sua-Ku-Sua, Sakuting, and
Pangalay) and practice using own choreography.

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