Three peoples, one island. The Mindanao spirit captured.
Christian settlers, the Islamized natives, and the
indigenous peoples share the wealth of the land.
The cross, the minaret, and rituals to Magbabaya, (like
the valse, kapmalong, and dugso) merge to paint a
collage of one ancient island.
This is Mindanao’s story.
TATLO SA ISA. Three peoples, one island. The Mindanao story, its spirit captured. Christian settlers, Muslim M’ranaos, and the indigenous (lumad) peoples share the land’s resources. Scenario & Music: Steven P.C. Fernandez. Choreography: Nolly Ceballos
MAGUINDANON ADAT. Adat and music occasions that portray their long and proud heritage. In this suite are the Maguindanon’s more popular dances and music: Silung sa Ganding, the sagayan. Scenario by Steven P.C. Fernandez. Facilitation by Nolly Ceballos from the choreography of the IPAG Creative Collective based on traditional Maguindanon dances and music
SUBANEN SUITE. From the inhabitants of the Zamboanga peninsula, this suite celebrates with the all-female thalek, the all-male sot, the courtship pangalay, and highlighted with harvest in the kinlisung (with the bamboo poles), to the accompaniment of the agung pon and the kumpass (curled rattan leaves). Developed from a workshop by Elmie M. Itumay (MSU Marawi, 2005) with further revisions and enhancements after consultations with dance leaders from Pagadian and Zambo Sur. Choreography by Amado C. Guinto, enhanced by the IPAG Collective, with music adapted from the traditional Subanen.
MADAL TAHAW. The female birds watch over their community. The “tahaws” (birds) mince and prance around. The Madal (“dance”) Suite opens with an interpretation of the dance of the birds among the T’bolis of South Cotabato that prologues their dances of harvest, defense, and celebration. Choreography by Wilven Pinili from the T’boli community. Enhanced by the IPAG Creative Collective.
LAPAY BANTIGUE. in the island of Bantigue, Masbate, the folk and lapay (seagulls) await the fishermen who arrive from sea with boats of fish. Choreography: Nolly Ceballos from Ramon Obusan
THE TALE OF THE BIRD & FISH. Once upon a time, a bird made friends with a fish. Their friends in the forest were happy too. Despite their being different animals, they adjusted to the ways of each other’s lifestyles. But Man came along and altered their homes.Adapted from the M’ranao “The Story of the Shrimp and Sparrow” by Steven P.C. Fernandez as retold by Nagasura Madale. Choreography by IPAG Creative Collective with music by Fernandez
PILIMON. Pilimon is a fisherman. Finding the biggest catch for a large profit should buy him a whole night’s drinking of tuba. His means are unusual… Script: STEVEN P.C. FERNADNEZ, from the Cebuano folksong. Choreography: NOLLY CEBALLOS
TINULTUGAN, During harvest time, farmers celebrate bounty. They pound short bamboo poles on the ground to produce music and signify the rhythms of the earth. Choreography: Cayetano H. Leal and reblocked by SP Fernandez
LAWANEN. the M’ranao story of Arkat a Lawanen from the epic Darangen. Prince Bantugan and his archenemy Salindagaw fight over the Lady. The story is featured around the singkil – the skillful interplay of the rhythm of clicking bamboo poles and the ubiquitous, versatile malong (rectangular woven costume) manipulated by the dama (lady attendants) with their the apir (fans) as backdrops. The warriors provide the rhythms with the poles and their kampilans (swords). The scene ends in a Kalilang: celebration. Scenario by Steven P.C. Fernandez, inspired by the Darangen. Music adapted from Maranao music. Choreography adapted from traditional Maranao “singkil” and “panggapir” by Nolly Ceballos and the IPAG
photo credits: Bong Aniceto, Ronald Salazar, IPAG