Precolonial Philippine Rituals and Dances

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Questions and Answers

What does the Tagbanua's Pagdiwata Ritual primarily celebrate?

A wedding ceremony

The anniversary of the babaylan

A bountiful rice harvest (correct)

The birth of a child

Which ritual involves offerings to heal the sick according to the Ibanag tradition?

Simbang Gabi

Atang-atang (correct)

Tawag na Oult

Pagdiwata

What is the primary function of the bamboo raft in the Atang-atang ritual?

To transport participants

To hold offerings representing the soul of the sick person (correct)

To serve as a stage for performances

To symbolize the heavens

What does the term 'Singkil' specifically refer to in the context of the dance?

To twist the feet with disturbing objects Signup and view all the answers

What is the cultural significance of the Singkil dance in Maranao tradition?

It defines courting rituals among royalty. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the babaylan in the Tagbanua Pagdiwata ritual?

To communicate with the spirits Signup and view all the answers

Which offering is NOT mentioned as part of the Atang-atang ritual?

Red roses Signup and view all the answers

What is the context in which tribal dances like Singkil are typically performed?

During religious ceremonies or festivals Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining characteristic of the Komedya as a dramatic form during the Spanish Colonial period?

It incorporates magical effects and choreographed fighting. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the Komedya de Santo is true?

It features epic battles between Christian and pagan kingdoms. Signup and view all the answers

What social function do playlets serve in the context of Spanish Colonial theater?

To reinforce community values and strengthen societal commitment. Signup and view all the answers

Which historical event is considered pivotal to the introduction of Komedya in the Philippines?

The first performance in Cebu in 1598. Signup and view all the answers

What thematic element is essential in the play Tibag or Arakyo?

The search for the Cross of Christ and the obstacles faced. Signup and view all the answers

What is the original performance from which the Sinakulo derives?

Mahal na Passion Signup and view all the answers

Which historical figure is associated with the promotion of zarzuela performances in the mid-17th century?

King Philip IV Signup and view all the answers

How is Sarswela distinct from traditional zarzuela in terms of its content and style?

Sarswela incorporates prose with songs and dances. Signup and view all the answers

Which two theaters were notably burned down in 1878, impacting the Sarswela scene in the Philippines?

Teatro Espanol and Teatro del Principe Alfoso Signup and view all the answers

In which town was the Pampanga’s first Sarswela, ‘Ing Managpe (The Patcher)’, organized?

Pampanga Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Precolonial Period

Pre-Hispanic Philippine drama was a form of performance that included rituals, mimetic songs and dances.
The Tagbanua Pagdiwata Ritual is a feast of thanksgiving for a plentiful rice harvest.
The Tagbanua Ritual involves food offerings to deities and departed kin, and men and women partaking of rice wine to appease the spirits.
The Tagbanua Ritual is held on the last 3 days of the last moon to ask for a bountiful harvest and well-being for the community.
The Ibanag Atang-Atang Ritual is performed to heal the sick.
The Atang-Atang Ritual involves the construction of a bamboo raft with offerings representing the soul of the sick person.
The Atang-Atang Ritual features offerings of a white chicken, native eggs, coconut oil, rice, betel nut, rice cake, a white candle, and a three-day-old chick whose leg is tied to the raft.
The Atang-Atang Ritual includes Catholic prayers.

Tribal Dances

Singkil (Sayaw sa Kasingkil) is a dance signifying twisting and disturbing objects with the feet.
The Singkil dance was originally performed for festivals and rites of passage by the Maranao prince and princess as a form of courtship.
Singkil is only danced by women, particularly those of noble blood.
The Torayan Dance is known as the Eagle Dance.

Spanish Colonial Theater (1565-1898)

Miguel Lopez de Legazpi conquered the Philippines in 1565 and established Manila as the capital.
Spain ruled the Philippines for over 333 years.
Spanish colonization goals were economic and spiritual.

Dramatic Forms

Komedya:
- Verse play with conventions such as marching, choreographed fighting, and magic.
- First appeared in Cebu in 1598 and featured the Martyrdom of Santa Barbara.
- Performances run for 2-3 days.
- Komedya de Santo (Religious): Life of Patron Saints.
  - Examples: Komedya de San Miguel (Iligan) performed annually on September 28th.
- Moro-moro (Secular)- earliest known form of organized theatre in the Philippines.
  - Example: Tibag or Arakyo (Nueva Ecija) revolves around the search for the Cross of Christ.
Playlets:
- Stories of Christ and Saints.
- Short plays that reaffirm community values and beliefs.
- Examples: Boac's Via Crucis (Way of the Cross), Battle of Covadonga (718 AD), Moro y Christianos
Sinakulo:
- Cenacle or Passion play.
- First performance was Mahal na Passion (1703).
- Dramatized history of salvation.
- Written in verse and prose.
Sarswela:
- Spanish Zarzuela: Musical comedy form.
- Spanish musical theater emerged during the 15th century.
- Zarzuela name comes from a royal hunting lodge, La Zarzuela.
- Zarzuelas are musicals of the type hosted at the lodge.
- Sarswela in the Philippines: Prose with songs and dances.
  - Considered "enlightened" drama for its realistic portrayal of Filipino life.
  - Two theaters burned down (Teatro Espanol & Teatro del Principe Alfoso) in 1878.
  - Teatro de Novedades was created in the Philippines.
  - “Ing Managpe (The Patcher)" was Pampanga's first Sarswela.
  - Popular from 1900-1940, due to mass support and elite sponsorship.
  - Examples: Walang Sugat (1902), Paglipas ng Dilim (1920), Sa Bunganga ng Pating (1921).
The Drama:
- Introduced after the opening of the Suez Canal (1869).
- Prose plays without music.
- First Drama: Cuadros Filipinos (1882), Joseph the Carpenter (1880)
- Babai nga Huwaran (1878, R.I.P 1901): Themes and storylines based on current issues (political, religious, social).
- General Types of Drama:
  - Romantic Drama: Love and family stories, with happy or tragic endings.
  - Symbolic Drama: Allegories with characters used to comment on political/social institutions.
  - Comedy: Any plot designed to create funny situations (satirical, farcical/slapstick).
    - Examples: Esperanza (1916), Kahapon, Ngayon at Bukas (1903), Mga Santong Tao (1901).

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Description

Explore the rich cultural heritage of the Precolonial Philippines through its rituals and dances. This quiz delves into the Tagbanua Pagdiwata and Ibanag Atang-Atang ceremonies, emphasizing their significance in the community and their offerings. Test your knowledge of these traditional practices and their roles in Filipino culture.