Tribal Suite

Pockets of cultural minorities live in the style of their forefathers in the hills and mountains throughout the Philippine Archipelago. The hillside and interior of Mindanao in the southern part of the Philippines are inhabited by non-Christian Filipino tribes whose culture and animistic beliefs predate both Islam and Christianity. Dance for them is a basic part of life, still performed essentially "for the gods." As in most ancient cultures, unlike the Muslim tribes in their midst, their dances are nonetheless closely intertwined with ceremonials, rituals, sacrifice, and life.

Pangalitawo

(pahng-AH-lee-TAH-woh)
From the Subanon tribe of Zamboanga del Sur in Mindanao comes this courtship dance, typically performed during harvest time and other social gatherings. The female holds shredded banana leaves in each hand, while the male wields a kalasay, a type of shield.

Pagdiwata

(pahg-dee-WAH-tah)
The Tagbanuas of Palawan perform this dance to show gratitude for a good harvest and to implore continued protection and favor from the deities.

Tagabili

(tah-gah-BEE-lee)
A story about a datu, or prince, who is cursed for killing his brother in jealously over one of his wives. The Datu's daughter is to be wed by a likely suitor, but dies as a result of the curse. In rage, the Datu sets his village in flames.