Documentation of Aetas’ Indigenous Dance Movement and Its Proposed Integration into the K - 12 Curriculum

Abstract

The indigenous dances of the “Mag-Antsi” Tribe in Sapang Bato, Angeles City was living practices that the tribe treasures as witnessed during the Indigenous Peoples Month commemoration. “Dagaw Pamagpahalamat” is a traditional practice performed by Ayta Mag-antsi for thanksgiving ceremony. Each dancer dances freely as they move their whole body based on the mimics to animals (i.e. hawk, monkey, fly). A version of Dagaw Pamagpahalamat consists of a guitarist, wood wind (Balangudyung) and (Kulasisi) player and tribe dancers. No particular dance pattern is followed and any sequence or count may be repeated as many times as desired. The ceremony was divided into three parts: a prayer and offering chanted by a female elder (Magduduruh); the mimicry dances performed by the dancers from the animals, hunting, courtship, offering, and unity dance; and the performance of a ritual where the blood dripping of the sacrificed animal to the surroundings signifies giving back to nature and seeking the protection of the tribe and community. The practice of this ritual is performed after bountiful blessings from “Apo Namalyari” (God the Creator), Nature, and the Community. The culture of the Mag-Antsi symbolizes a recognition, connection, unity, preservation, and harmonious relationship of man to his environment.