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Maglasig-lasig kitabi! (Pesta lgal 2016): Celebrating Sama-Bajau Music and Dance

The Pesta lgal concert series returns to the GT-Toyota Asian Center Auditorium stage, University of the Philippines Diliman on 22 October 2016. This year’s theme is Maglasig—lasig kitabi! (Let us all celebrate together!). The concert enjoins audiences to partake of the rich performance traditions of the Sama-Bajau people of the Southern Philippines.




This rare festival-concert features igal and pansak dance pieces and kulintangan ensemble music pieces from four Sama-Bajau performing groups from Semporna, Malaysia; Bongao, Tawi-Tawi; Apalit, Pampanga; and, San Andres, Manila. lgal and pansak are two dance labels used by Sama-Bajau groups to refer to their traditional dances. These dance forms are characterized by fluid and graceful arm movements that evoke the swaying of palm fronds, the drifting of see grasses, and the curling of the waters of the ebbing and flowing tides reflecting the marine environment of its birth place. The kulintangan ensemble (aka tagunggo‘an ensemble) is composed of a kulintangan instrument, which is basically a set of graduated knobbed gongs; a tambul, which is an indigenized version of the Spanish martial drum; and one, two or three hanging gongs. The interlocking rhythmic patterns of kulintangan ensemble music have been noted as one of the most complex and sophisticated expressions in the region of maritime Southeast Asia.

Dean Macrina H. Morados of the UP Institute of Islamic studies says that “the Pesta lgal series has provided an avenue forthe development and transformation of positive discourses relating to bangsamoro culture in the country. I realize that presenting our cultural traditions can be an effective way to promote understanding among peoples of different cultures. As a space of convivial celebration, it undoubtedly contributes to achieving peaceful co-existence…” (Humanities Diliman, 2015, Vol. 12, No.2, 180-190).

Spearheading the cultural event is the Bunga Arts Link (BAL) under the artistic direction of Dr. MCM Santamaria of the Asian Center, University of the Philippines Diliman. BAL is a group composed mostly of non Sama-Bajau researchers, writers, dancers and musicians engaged inthe study of the igal dance tradition and in the production of contemporary choreographic creations.

Funds raised from the concert will be used to buy kulintangan instruments for Sama-Bajau communities in Metro Manila and nearby provinces. The BAL has so far donated musical instruments to Sama-Bajau communities in Apalit, Pampanga; Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija; Dauis, Bohol, and San Andres, Manila.

The event is produced by the Bunga Arts Link, the University of the Philippines Asian Center, and Geochris Foundation Inc. For sponsorship and tickets, please contact Ms. Luna Fojas (0917-853-4009). 22 October 2016, Matinee: 2:00 pm, Evening Performance: 6:00 pm.

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