english1 research
TRANSCRIPT
Mariano Marcos State UniversityCOLLEGE OF BUSINESS, ECONOMICS AND ACCOUNTANCY
Batac City, Ilocos Norte
PERCEPTIONS OF ILOCANOS ON THEIR TRADITIONAL MUSIC AND DANCES
ELOISA JOY B. BADUACELESTE DESIREE P. PADAONG
BSBA – Tourism Management I
March 2011
INTRODUCTION
“The attainment of a nation identity can only be possible if the individual tribes forming a nation are able to assert their own distinctive identities. The Ilocano showed first being an Ilocano before he can consider himself a Filipino and in turn, before his country can be accepted in the growing family or nations”
(Pascual, 1987)
The Ilocano or Ilokano people are the third largest Filipino Ethno linguistic group.
Ilocanos refer to themselves as Samtoy, form the phrase “sao mi ditoy”, meaning ‘our
language here’. On the other hand, the term “Ilocano” came from the word “Iloco” or
“Yloco”.
The Ilocano people are dominant to coastal areas of northern Luzon in the
Philippines. Their language (Ilocano) has become the lingua franca of the region. Region
1 encompasses through 3 distinct provinces Ilocos Provinces, Cagayan Valley and some
part of Central Luzon, as well as the Cordillera Administrative Region.
They are characterized as being hardworking and frugal, and they engage
primarily in farming and fishing. Moreover, the Ilocano culture represents very simple,
spending only on necessities and not on so much on ostentatious material possessions.
Ilocano also exemplify a great degree of respect and humility in their everyday dealings.
Furthermore, Ilocanos boast of a healthy diet heavy in boiled or steamed vegetables and
freshwater fish. They flavor their dishes with bagoong (fermented fish that is often used
instead of salt). Local specialties include the “bous”, soft white larvae of ants, and
“jumping salad” or tiny live shrimp with kalamansi juice
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ilocano_people ).
Ilocos Norte has various native dances which mostly depict the customs, beliefs
and practices of an Ilocano. Its native songs are expressions of the characteristics,
aspirations and occupations of its music-loving and industrious people. The Ilocanos
possess a unique way of life, arts and culture. Their activities still reflect their customs
and traditions. They possess a variety of folklore and music which is demonstrated in
their legends, songs, ballads, musical instruments, and artifacts.
Folk dance is a form of art which reflects the Ilocano spirit- his love for
merriment, his religiosity, his fatalism, his love for ceremony, his joy of living, and his
love for showing off. Traditional music is folk music or what may be called music of the
people. It belongs equally to people of all levels of musical ability. As defined by Willi
Apel, (n.d), folk music “develops anonymously usually among the lower classes, together
with artless poems dealing with phases of life: work, love, the nursery, drinking, patriotic
endeavor, the dance, mourning, and storytelling”. The rhythm is affected by the words,
and the melody is conceived without harmony. It is not written down and hence is known
as traditional.
Our noted Ilocano composer Pajaro has defined the folk music of as the
“unconscious expression in melody of the racial feelings, characters and interests of the
people.” It may be a lullaby, a love song, or a wedding dance. He further stated that a folk
song is spontaneous music derives from the culture of its own people and contributing to
it. A folk song draws its inspiration and materials from its own environment, which
makes it typically an expression of life itself.
This study aimed to determine the “Perceptions of Ilocanos on their
Traditional Music and Dances”. Specifically, it aimed to answer the following questions:
1. What are the music and dances particular to the Ilocanos?
2. How do these music and dances reflect Ilocano Culture?
3. What changes did Ilocano music\dances undergo overtime?
DISCUSSIONS
Man has danced almost since the world began. He has danced for joy, hate, love,
anger and fear. Dance has been related to his religious life and to his social life. Almost
every occasion has called for dance, and some dances exist for no reason but to use stored
energy and emotion. The art of dance has lived through the centuries and probably, as
long as man can move, man will dance. Dance has had a long and honorable history in
education. The values of dance to total education are numerous and varied.
Folk dance is a primitive, tribal, or ethnic form of the dance sometimes the
survival of some ancient ceremony of festival. Folk dances are traditionally performed
during social events by people with little or no professional training. New dancers often
learn informally by observing others and\or receiving help from others. Folk dancing is
viewed as more of a social activity rather than competitive, although there are
professional and semi-professional folk dance groups, and occasional folk dance
competitions.
Music has accompanied virtually every kind of human activity at some time or
place (Aurelio 2009). There is a song for every occasion in the human life cycle. There
are lullabies, puberty ceremony songs, courting and marriage songs, family and funeral
songs. There are also work songs, songs for war and peace, and a variety of religious
songs. Moreover, music is woven into the Ilocano way of life. Our own folk music is an
audible sign of the soundless flow of time about man. Aurelio (2009), claims that our
Philippine melodies serve as a living and dynamic force by our singing them in every
phase of our daily life and imparting them to our children so that they will continue to
perpetuate them. Folk music is not commonly the music of the socially and economically
lower classes and of rural population.
MUSIC PARTICULAR TO THE ILOCANOS
Ilocanos love to sing. They can express their feelings through singing traditional
songs. Ilocanos have unique music, because they used their native language to come up
with songs that portrays different situations. They have songs that are characterized by
situations, there is a song for courtship, expressing one’s love, religious songs and the
like.
The kutibeng, a native guitar with five strings, was the faithful companion of the
love –struck Ilocano in his nightly serenades (Hufana 2009). A folksong is a song handed
down from generation to generation among the people of the country. It begins always
with a single composer (generally unidentified). It is passed on from age to age by word
of mouth and thus undergoes a process of evolution by vary of content and constant
repetition with slight variations gradually achieving a permanently popular version. The
folksong is valuable for its honesty, its directness, and often for its melodic invention
which is enriched by its evolution.
Ilocanos are rich in their musical heritage, the songs are handed down from
generation to generation thus, these songs are still evident nowadays and these are being
preserved for future generations. Here are some examples of traditional songs of the
Ilocanos.
“Dardarepdep” is a sung marked by a combination of regular rhythmic pulses
based on poetic meter, recurring tune and motivistic patterns. “Dardarepdep”, shows the
creativity of the Ilocanos in expressing their emotions. From the early serenaders to the
Ilocanos in contemporary society, they have a special fondness for love songs which
reflect their character traits as a people. “Dardarepdep”, is an example of a tapat .It is a
harana in Tagalog, which means serenading a woman through love songs. Usually when
there is a young woman visitor in a certain town, the gentlemen serenade her to gain
acquaintance. When they visit her again, the host or hosts would invite the serenaders
into their homes to socialize with them (Aurelio 2009).
The next musical genre is the courtship sample of the dallot or the panang-as-
asawa. It is a poetic joust between two singers about love, courtship and marriage.
Believed to have originated in ancient pre-Hispanic times, especially among the rural
folk, it is a duel of words carried on between a representative of the groom’s side and a
representative of the bride’s party (Aurelio 2009).
Included in this Iloko music repertoire is the “Cantameros” or the Sung Prayer of
the Rosary. As recounted by Mr. Marciano Aurelio, a retired school principal, this started
in Barangay 7-B, Laoag City. The late Mr. Bernardo Domingo, a musician and French
horn player, is said to have been the organizer of this activity. He tried to mimic the Latin
songs of the priest. The “Cantameros” was sung in Latin during the nine-day novena to
pray for the poor souls in purgatory.This practice which started in the middle of the
1920’s spread to other barangays in the poblacion of Laoag City and to all the towns of
Ilocos Norte (Aurelio 2009).
Ayat ti Ina (Love of a Mother) expresses how a mother loves and takes care of her
child. The narrative song, Napateg a Bin-I (Cherished Seed), utilizes metaphor in
comparing a woman to a ‘bin-I’ or seed. Pamulinawen (Hardened Heart) is the most
popular Ilocano love song which equates the heart of a girl, who does not heed the
pleading of her lover, to a hardened flint. Duayya ni Ayat (Love’s Lullaby) expresses a
man’s tender loving care for his ladylove to be careful in changing her mind and
choosing another man. Siasin ti Agayat Kenka (Who is in love with you?) expresses an
insistent love. No Duaduaem Pay (if You Still Doubt) gives the idea that the lover feels
that his loved one doubts him, so he asks for understanding and also reiterates his love
(http://ilocosnorte.ph/tourism-and-culture/ilocano-culture).
The early Filipinos have songs of a great variety expressive of a gamut of human
experiences and feelings. The native sang at almost every occasion at work, at worship,
and at play. And all occasion, both trivial and eventful, inspired the spontaneous creation
of songs. Thus, they had lullabies, street songs and funeral dirges.
ILUKO MUSIC AND DANCES AND ILOCANO CULTURE
Ilocanos have a rich culture, they’re still embracing it and they still practice it
even thou these practices/cultures are established long time ago. Ilocanos are affected by
their culture in their lives. If you dance there are certain steps, gestures, that you must
know. You must possessed the personality a good dancer have Ilocanos are also affected
by their dances. Because a dance has a story there is what we call “Ti Pakasaritaan iti Ili
ken dagiti Agnanaed”. Every dance depicts a particular form a culture. By dancing or just
watching you can relate the dance to your peace and that reflects your personality. It
gives enough knowledge to the people. If you love dancing your folk dances meaning
you are proud to be what you are (Ines 2008). Same is through with the Iluko folk music
it depicts the culture and traditions of Ilocanos. They used their language in such music.
EXAMPLES OF ILOCANO DANCES PARTICULAR TO THE ILOCANOS
There are many Ilocano Dances that depicts the life of Ilocanos. Here, they
express their feelings in creating a dance that would satisfy their emotions. Uniqueness is
present in folk dances that narrate their culture and traditions.
There are classifications of Iluko folk dances in Ilocos Norte. Iluko dances are
classified into six categories. These are Occupational Dances; these dances depict the
actions of certain occupations, industries or human labor. Among these are Agdamdamili
an Ilocano term which means pot making. This dance originated from San Nicolas, Ilocos
Norte, which is famous for its pottery industry. Next is the Agabel, occupational dance
from Paoay, Ilocos Norte, based on the cloth weaving industry for which the inhabitants
are noted. The Binatbatan, depicts the beating of cotton pod to separate the seed from the
fibers with the use of two sticks called “batbat”. Then, Dinaklisan, comes from
Currimao, Ilocos Norte, where fishing is the chief occupation. Moreover Dinaklisan is an
Ilocano term meaning with a net called “daklis”. And Hardinera, the dance reveals or
depicts the hardworking trait of the Ilocano.
The Wedding Dance is the second category; these dances are performed by the
bride and the groom, friends and relatives, and the in-laws. Under this is La Jota, usually
danced with song accompaniment which is characteristic of many Ilocano dances. And
Pandanggo Laoaguena, a wedding dance from Laoag City. Furthermore, Pandanggo
evolved from the Spanish Fandanggo
The third category is the Ballroom Dances, example of which is Chotis Vintarina,
this version of chotis is originated from Vintar, Ilocos Norte. The chotis dance was one of
the popular ballroom dances in the Philippines during the Spanish regimes.
The fourth is the Religious Dances, performed in relation to religious vows,
practices or ceremonies. Examples of this are, Jota de Paoay, traditional dance of Paoay,
Ilocos Norte.
Fifth category is the Courtship; depict in pantomime the process of courtship.
Examples are Esticarro, courtship dance from Santa Rosa, Sarrat, Ilocos Norte.
Moreover, the unique part of this dance is the placing of the ring on the girl’s finger by
the male partner. Kundiman, refers to a beautiful girl who is very much admired for her
beauty and grace of movement. Lablabaan, means two hawks circling each other in the
air. Furthermore, this is a dance of the Itnegs of Banna and Nueva Era, Ilocos Norte.
Pandanggo Vintarina, courtship dance from Vintar, Ilocos Norte. Osi-Osi, courtship
dance found in San Lorenzo Village, Laoag City. Sileledaang, means “in grief” or “laden
with sorrow”. And the last category is the Festival Dances; these dances are performed in
connection with a celebration, a feast, a barrio or town fiesta, good harvest and good
fortune. Festival dances are common. Furthermore, people come together in merriment
and dance to their hearts delight (Ines 2008).
CHANGES ILOCANO MUSIC/DANCES UNDER WENT OVER TIME
This world gave birth to modern technology, and this technology plays a big role
in the lives of every people especially the Ilocanos. Technology makes our life easier.
Appliances, cell phones, radios, televisions, computers and the like, these are all factors
that can influence us in our lives especially in our daily life. It updates us “what’s new”,
“what’s in” for us to become “in” in the society. In relation to folksongs and dances, they
can just play these by the radio or by the player.
Despite its advantages, having technology also has some disadvantages. Through
technology using computers, radios and others, they learn and love more these foreign
music and dances. Of the songs that have come down to us through the centuries, those of
the high land tribes like our ancestors, traditional people that lived in mountains and
valleys are still sung in the old chanting manner. Those of the lowlands who lived in
plains, like the Ilocanos already show influences of western culture, especially in melody.
The researchers conducted interviews on elderly persons about the changes on
Ilocano music and dances. According to the elders, Iluko music and dances are going
through changes. In the olden times, Ilocanos are used to sing and dance their traditional
ones. These Iluko music and dances are highlights in activities such as fiestas, pageants,
dance parades and the like. But as time pass by, these Iluko music and dances are
disregarded by the younger generations, mainly because of the birth of foreign music and
dances, such as pop, jazz, rock, ballad, r and b, and contemporary music. These kinds of
music are of great influenced to the youth because of its melody, lyrics that portrays
different situations such as falling in love, heartbreaks, thanksgiving and a lot more.
According to the elders, our traditional music and dances are now replaced by the foreign
and local music and dances. The people nowadays do not appreciate our traditional music
and dances; moreover they prefer such new music and dances.
This chapter deals with the results gathered by the researchers for the study
“Perceptions of Ilocanos on their Traditional Music and Dances”. The researchers
conducted a survey among 50 respondents, 39 of which are students, 8 of them are
teachers and 3 are others.
Table 1
Most Familiar Dances of Ilocanos
Dances of Ilocanos n % Rank
Pandanggo 41 21.93 1
Sabunganay 16 8.56 6
Binatbatan 30 16.04 2.5
Ilocana a Nasudi 19 10.16 4.5
Kuratsa Pasuquiña 9 4.81 8
Innalisam 5 2.67 10
Tambora 6 3. 21 9
Dinaklisan 19 10.16 4.5
Surtido Norte 12 6.42 7
Guling-Guling 30 16.04 2.5
Table 1 present the most familiar Ilocano dances.
Based from the table above, it can be determined that the most familiar Ilocano
dances, is Pandanggo with 21.93% of votes. Pandanggo is performed in many events
like in wedding reception, danced by the bride and the groom (Pandanggo Laoaguena).
Another is a courtship dances originated in Vintar, Ilocos Norte and it is called
Pandanggo Vintarina and Pandanggo sa Ilaw, it is showed during entertaining the
guests.
Then, both Binatbatan and Guling-Guling having 16.04%. Binatbatan and
Guling-Guling are dances are dances in Paoay, Ilocos Norte. Guling-Guling is the name
of their festival while Binatbatan is always performed during Guling-Guling festival.
Next are Ilocano A Nasudi and Dinaklisan gathering 10.16%. Every year in
Dingras, Ilocos Norte, Ilocano A Nasudi is danced by their traditional dances it is known
as a dance depicting a chaste and virtuous Ilocano and performed by four pair while
Dinaklisan is an occupational dance of fishermen and it is also familiar because it came
from the term “daklis” meaning a fishing net.
While Inalisan is not that familiar which the respondents answered 2.67%. It is
only performed sometimes and almost forgotten.
It can be concluded that the top 5 most familiar dances of Ilocanos are
Pandanggo, Binatbatan, Guling-Guling, Ilocano A Nasudi and Dinaklisan. According to
the result of the researchers survey, Pandanggo comes in many ways, like Pandanggo Sa
Ilaw, Pandanggo Sa Banko and the like, it became famous because they danced this
whenever there is a wedding and for entertaining purposes. Binatbatan is always
performed during Guling-Guling festival in Paoay, Ilocos Norte. While, Guling-Guling is
the
name of Paoay’s festival. Ilocano A Nasudi is performed during the festival in Dingras,
Ilocos Norte depicting a chaste and virtuous Ilocano. Dinaklisan is familiar to Ilocanos
because it is an occupational dance for fishermen.
Table 2
Most Familiar Songs of Ilocanos
Songs of Ilocanos n % Rank
Kanaganan 14 7.49 4
Pamulinawen 45 24.06 1
Manang Biday 40 21.39 2
Duayya ni Ayat 11 5.88 6
O, Naranyag a Bulan 39 20.86 3
Ayat ti Ina 13 6.95 5
Agdamdamili 9 4.81 7.5
Duaduaem Pay 9 4.81 7.5
Napateg a Bin-i 4 2.14 9
Dinak Kad Dildillawen 3 1.60 2.5
Table 2 gives the most familiar songs of Ilocano.
24.06% of the respondents are familiar with Pamulinawen. Pamulinawen
(Hardened Heart) is the most popular Ilocano love song which equates the heart of a girl,
who does not heed the pleading of her lover, to a hardened flint. It is the name of the
festival in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte. It is the highlight song during the said festival, many
people strive to attend such festival to witness the beauty and uniqueness of the festival.
Second is Manang Biday which has 21.39%. Manang Biday is one of the favorite
songs of Ilocanos because of its lively melody that portrays a love story about how
Ilocano woman is so conservative and an Ilocano man who is faithful and very patient to
wait for his girl.
The third is the song, O Naraniag A Bulan gathering 20.86%. Of its soft melody,
Ilocanos always want to listen to this song especially if the Ilocanos are heartbroken or
the Ilocanos need someone to love. O Naraniag A Bulan depict loneliness of an Ilocano
because they are alone and they are finding the right person to love. It has also been
integrated into the national mainstream.
The fourth one is the Kanaganan (Ilocano traditional birthday song) having
7.49%. It is a traditional song during birthdays.
Fifth is “Ayat Ti Ina” having 6.95%. “Ayat Ti Ina” (Love of a Mother), expresses
how a mother loves and takes care of her child. This s a song with educational values.
Most of the respondents are not familiar with the song Dinakkad Dildilawen
having the lowest percentage having 1.60%. Dinakkad Dildilawen (Do Not Criticize Me),
is a patriotic song conveys service to love of country.
It can be concluded that most of the Ilocano knows the song Pamulinawen,
because it is one of the festivals of their province, and it is the highlight song of their
dance parade. They said that you are not Ilocano if you don’t know how to sing
Pamulinawen.
Table 3
Statements Concerning the Perception of Ilocanos on their Traditional Music and
Dances
StatementsStrongly
AgreeAgree Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Undecided
n % N % n % N % N %
1. Ilocano music and dances depict the culture of the Ilocanos.
37 74 10 20 0 0 0 0 3 6
2. Ilocanos love music. 27 54 18 36 2 4 0 0 3 6
3. Ilocanos love dances. 24 48 22 44 0 0 0 0 4 8
4. Ilocano music and dances also has interacted with other nationals’ regional culture
16 32 31 62 1 2 0 0 2 4
5. Showcasing the Ilocano music and dances can be one of the tourist attractions of Ilocos.
24 48 20 40 4 8 0 0 2 4
6. Traditional, Ilocano music and dances are being surpassed/replaced by modern ones.
14 28 26 52 9 18 1 2 0 0
7. Majority of the Ilocanos are familiar with the Ilocano music and dances.
12 24 19 38 15 30 3 6 1 2
8. The availability of recorded Ilocano music and dance videos helps preserve Ilocano culture.
25 50 25 50 0 0 0 0 0 0
9. Ilocano music and dances enthusiasts must continue composing Ilocano music and creating Ilocano dance steps.
23 46 25 50 2 4 0 0 0 0
10. Ilocano music and dances must be taught in Philippine schools.
14 28 25 50 4 8 0 0 7 14
11. The traditional music and dances of Ilocanos must be shown during their festivals.
31 28 15 30 2 4 0 0 2 4
12. The economy of the Ilocos provinces is greatly affected by the traditional music and dances.
11 22 20 40 6 12 4 8 9 18
13. Traditional Ilocano music and dances ate better than modern ones.
10 20 22 44 9 18 2 4 7 14
14. Traditional Ilocano music and dances are useless in modern times.
3 6 10 20 22 44 8 16 7 14
Table 3 gives some statements concerning the perceptions of Ilocanos on their
traditional music and dances.
Majority of the respondents answered Statement 1 in strongly agree having 74%.
The respondents strongly agreed with the statement, because music and dances can
portray the story, the emotions, the theme and also the art of Ilocano culture. These Iluko
music and dances are categorized by means of situations, they are sang and dance
occasionally because these are made to complement such occasion. They can also express
their feelings and emotions by singing and dancing their traditional music and dances.
Indeed, Ilocanos really love music (54% strongly agree) whether it is old songs or
new song. Ilocanos love to sing. By the Statement 3, Ilocanos love dancing, gathered
48% in strongly agree. Ilocanos believed that dancing can make their life happy and
Ilocanos can make one’s self-entertained.
The statement, Ilocano music and dances also has interacted with others national
regional culture, the respondents agreed with this having 62% Because of the influences
of the neighboring provinces through music and dances, gave birth to the mixed steps of
Ilocanos. It is evident nowadays, especially to the youths because they are more
appreciating other nations culture and musical heritage according to them they are more
interesting to sing and dance because of its melody its tempo and to the message of the
song. With the aid of the modern technology most especially the internet, people can surf
and find what is new today, they can also view and imitate other nations music and
dances.
Showcasing the Ilocano music and dances can be one of the tourist attractions of
Ilocos, the respondents strongly agreed with 48%. The respondents believed that showing
music and dances during festivals, can attract tourists to visit such place to display the
unique culture of the Ilocanos. Hotels, restaurants and other tourist spots in Ilocos can
offer tourists a time to listen to Ilocano renditions while enjoying their stay here in Ilocos.
Ilocanos can perform also by singing their traditional songs upon the arrivals of the
tourists to show our gratitude for choosing such place to explore. They can also improve
their festivals, most especially the dance parades where Ilocanos can showcase their
talents in dancing their traditional dances.
However, the respondents agreed that Ilocano music and dances are being
surpassed by modern ones with 52% of votes. The researchers concluded that songs and
dances are improving, and at the same time it is replaced by the new ones. To the new
generations they prefer the new songs and dances, which the teenagers explained that its
more unique, livelier, and they are hard to understand the old ones. In this generation,
people prefer to listen to the modern ones according to them they can relate to the songs
and dances, moreover they considered traditional music and dances as “corny” because
they used their native tongue in formulating lyrics for the songs. And they considered
traditional dances as “boring” because of its simple and redundant steps. Nowadays,
people, especially the youths will tease others if they do not know the latest song, this
will motivate such people to get into the modern ones and this will lead them to
disregard their own musical culture. With that the respondents are more into the modern
ones because they considered them as latest and entertaining.
Almost of the respondents agreed with the statement, majority of the ilocanos are
familiar with the Ilocano music and dances having 38% of votes. All schools of Ilocos
provinces should teach the students some Ilocano music and dances for them to know and
appreciate their traditions. Schools offers subject that teaches students their traditional
music and dances. Physical education is a subject that caters to teach the students their
traditions, they teach Iluko songs, and afterwards they will conduct a practicum. Likewise
with the dances, they teach students to dance folkdances. Schools also practice having
folkdances as intermission numbers to preserve its beauty, likewise with the opening
prayers, they adapt Ilocano songs.
The statement, the availability of recorded Ilocano music and dance videos helps
to preserve Ilocano culture gathering both 50% in strongly agree and agree. Music stores
offer Iluko music and dances. This can help Ilocanos to preserve their culture by having
available tracks. Some people will tend to buy because these are being played in the
store. Students can buy cd’s for their projects and practicum likewise with the teachers
and others.
The respondents agreed that Ilocanos must continue composing Ilocano music and
creating Ilocano dance steps which the respondents answered 50%. So that it will be
preserved for the next generation to see the beauty of Ilocano music and dances.
The statement, Ilocano music and dances should be taught in Philippine schools
having 50%. The researchers concluded that Ilocano culture like music and dances is
important and should be recognize by the folks of Ilocos Norte and also the people of the
Philippines. It should be taught so that other people can see, can relate and to know the
lifestyle of the Ilocanos.
On the other hand, traditional music and dances of Ilocanos must be shown during
their festivals, were 30% of the respondents agreed with it. As the researchers know,
during festivals there are many activities that should see. During festivals, many tourists
are visiting Ilocos Norte, they want to witness the festivals here in Ilocos. The Ilocanos
must continue to showcase their music and dances so that the tourists can foresee the
lifestyle of Ilocanos then and now.
Then, the economy of the Ilocos province is greatly affected by the traditional
music and dances having 40% in the column of agree. Without traditional music and
dances, the Ilocanos can’t perform in their different festivals. And tourism is one of the
best way to improve the economy of one place. If there is no Ilocano music and dances,
Ilocanos will not have their own cultures and traditions in terms of musical.
The respondents also agreed that traditional Ilocano music and dances are better
than the modern ones having 44% of votes. The researchers determined that Ilocanos is
so in-love with their songs or the researchers simply says that Ilocanos can’t get away
their music into their self. Even thou modern music and dances are rampant into this
generation; Ilocanos have their Ilocano blood that amidst of those modern ones they will
also sing and promote them to others.
Furthermore, they disregard that traditional Ilocano music and dances are useless
in modern times having 44%. The researchers say that Ilocanos really love their music
and dances even if it’s too old. And the researchers concluded that the Ilocano music and
dances are important to these days. Ilocanos should preserve the uniqueness and love
their traditional music and dances because these are part of their traditions. They should
embrace and promote to others their cultures. Ilocanos must appreciate their music and
dances for them to become more famous to the younger generations.
CONCLUSION
Majority of the respondents are female students. The most familiar dance of the
Ilocanos is Pandanggo and only few know the dance Innalisan. Most of the respondents
considered Pamulinawen as the most familiar song of the Ilocanos, may be because it is
one of the festivals of their province and it is the highlight song in the dance parade.
Nearly everyone, the perception of the respondents is they are concerned about the
preservation of Ilocano music and dances and should be shown in festivals for awareness
of the Ilocano music and dances.
There are many Ilocano Dances that depicts the life of Ilocanos. Here, they
express their feelings in creating a dance that would satisfy their emotions. Uniqueness is
present in folk dances that narrate their culture and traditions. Iluko dances are classified
into six categories. First, the Occupational Dances. Next is the Wedding Dance. Third to
it is the Ballroom Dances. The fourth is the Religious Dances. Fifth category is the
Courtship.
However, the Ilocano music and dances change through time. By technology, they
can just play these by the radio or by the player. However, technology taught us foreign
songs and now we prefer new songs than the old. But those high land tribes they are still
singing the old chanting music and dance the traditional dances.
The researchers used survey method to gather information for the said research
topic. The researchers made questionnaires related to the research topic and float them to
their respondents. By this method, the researchers defined their respondents as students,
teachers, and elders. These people are essential in the success of the said research,
because the researchers believed that they have ample knowledge to answer the
questionnaire. With this method, they found out the different perceptions of Ilocanos on
their traditional music and dances. Examples of which are, what Ilocano music and
dances they considered most famous? Is Iluko music and dances still evident today?
What are the changes did Ilocano music and dances underwent over time? Using this
method, the researchers got vital information’s towards the research topic, for them to
have an idea and basis for the study.
The Ilocanos should appreciate their musical heritage throughout study of music
and dances, we can trace the richer heritage of ideas handed down to us from our
forefathers then we can understand ourselves better and take pride of being an Ilocano.
Preserving the ideals, customs and traditions of the people. The Ilocanos should continue
developing our culture, for the next generation to see the beautiful culture that they have.
Ilocanos are indeed unique in terms of traditions and culture. Their music and
dances are based in their way of living.
REFERENCES
Aurelio, M. F. (2009). Iloco traditional music and the life cycle. Ilocos Norte Provincial Library
Ethnic songs and dances. (n.d.) Retrieved January 18, 2011, from http://ilocosnorte.ph/tourism-and-culture/ilocano-culture
Hufana, A. (2009). Ilocano dances and songs. Ilocos Norte Provincial Library
Ilocano people. (n.d.) Retrieved March 19,2011, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ilocano_people
Ilocano People. (n.d.) Retrieved March 19,2011, from http://en.wikipilipinas.org/index.php?title=Ilocano_people
Ines, T. P. (2009). Folk dances of Ilocos Norte. Ilocos Norte Provincial Library
Madarang-Raquel, E. B. (1998). Pagbasaan: Nonformal education. Laoag City: Grace Printing Press.