The Musical Instruments of Mindanao

A. Chordophones (Stringed Instruments)

1. Kudyapi. It is a guitar with two strings. It is ½ meter long and made of wood.
It has a stick to support in its lower end and is played in the same position
as cello.
2. Karaga. It is a guitar made up of bamboo where the strings are slit from the
bamboo itself.
3. Seronggagandi. A guitar-like made of bamboo, cut before one nod and
after next. Two cords are slit loose side by side from the outer skin fibers of
the bamboo itself and these are given tensions by means of bridges. Locally
called agaldang.
4. Kubing. It is a type of Philippine jew harp from bamboo found among the
Maguindanoan and other muslim tribes in the Philippines and Indonesia. It
is traditionally considered an intimate instrument usually used as
communication between family or a loved one in close quarters. Both
genders can use the instrument. Males use it for short distance courtship.

B. Idiophones (Hitting or Shaking Instruments)

1. Dabakan. It is a single-headed Philippine drum, primarily used as a

supportive instrument in the kulintang ensemble. It is the only non-gong
element of the Maguindanao ensemble.
2. Gabbang. It is a native xylophone in Sulu, a bamboo keyboard on top,
constructed out of wood. Its main body is shaped like a coffin, keys are struck
with two mallets, each with a strip of rubber fastened to its underside.
3. Gandingan. It is a set of four graduated gongs with thin rims and lower
central knobs. They hang in pairs with the knobs of the lower pitched gongs
facing each other. The player is usually a woman who stands between the two
pairs of gongs.
4. Agung. A large, deep-rimmed gong, vertically suspended, hanged in
wooden frames.
16. 5. Kulintang. It is an important social property. An instrument of ensemble
which is a highly valued priceless heirloom that can command a high price as
dowry.

C. Aerophones (Wind Instrument)

1. Sahunay. A bamboo flute, leaving six holes for the fingers and trumpet
made of coconut leaf. This is a bamboo flute of the Tausugs in Sulu.
2. Suling (Maguindanao and Yakan’s). It is made mainly of “tamiang”
bamboo, a long, thin-walled bamboo tube. Its mouthpiece is circled with a
thin band made of rattan near a small hole.

The Vocal Music of Mindanao

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 A. Chants. It is a lyrical rendition of different improvised text.
Yakans has three famous everyday style chants. These are the
following:
1. Lugu - used in reading his/her Qu’ran and other books they use in Islam
religion.
2. Kalangan – serenading songs to his/her loved ones.
3. Sa-il/ Lunsey – an important chant to be sung by the wife - to- be during
the ceremony that talks about married life.
Maranaos have extensive vocal repertoire such as:
1. Dikker – a sacred song highlighted by quotations from the Qu’ran.
2. Bayok – semi-generic term for a lyrical rendition of different improvised
text. Traditionally performed during wedding rites

B. Lullaby – a chant- style or chant formula use in rocking a baby to sleep.

1. Ya-ya – is a song of the Yakan’s to put the baby to sleep, sung in a relax/
slow manner, soft and soothing while rocking the baby.
2. Bayok – is also a Maranao term for lullaby.

Instrumental Music

2. Kulintang Ensemble - gong-based ensemble used by the Maguindanao

and Maranao of Western Mindanao, the Tausug, the Yakan and the
SamaBajao of the Sulu Archipelago. They have varied functions but are
mostly used for celebrations/ rituals and are mainly divided into two types:

A. Hanging melody gongs in a row, hung on ropes in pyramidal order,

with the smaller and higher – pitched gongs near the top.
B. Tahunggo, Agung, Salmagi,BlowonSemagi – suspended gong
ensembles (9-11 gongs played a melody and drone player) in
various names according to each tribe; ensemble may be completed
with 1 or 2 drums.

3. Bamboo Ensemble
A. Gabbang – a native xylophone in Sulu, a bamboo keyboard on
top, constructed out of wood. Ordinarily, its main body is shaped
like a coffin; keys are struck with 2 mallets, each with a strip of
rubber fastened to its underside.

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 B. Seronggagandi – a guitar-like made of bamboo, cut before one nod
and after next. Two cords are slit loose side by side from the outer
skin fibres of the bamboo itself and these are given tension by means
of bridges. A hole is then cut into the bamboo under the 2 cords, to
serve as resounding holes.
4. Solo Instruments
A. Kudyapi – it is a 2-string plucked lute instrument made of wood which
resembles and elongated guitar usually having 2 strings. It varies in
sizes, but normally it is about one and a half meters long. B. Suling –
(Maguindanao and Yakan’s) made mainly of “tamiang” bamboo, a long,
thin-walled bamboo tube. Its mouthpiece is circled with a thin band made
of rattan near a small hole.

ARTS AND CRAFTS OF MINDANAO

Mindanao, referred to as “The Land of Promise,” is the second largest and

southernmost island in the Philippine archipelago.

Before Islam came to the Philippines, early Filipinos worshipped nature and
believed that plants and inanimate objects are home to ancestral spirits. This
indigenous belief system is called animism. The conversion of the natives and the
arrival of Muslim traders and merchants resulted in new forms of artistic expressions.
This fusion of beliefs created a unique blend of spirituality and creativity.

LESSON 1: ATTIRE, TEXTILES, AND TAPESTRIES

A. Traditional Clothing of the B’laan

The Bilaan or B’laan are known for embroidery, brass

ornaments and beadwork that are integrated in their
traditional clothing.

They wear clothes woven from abaca embellished with

embroidery, buttons, and beads. The women wear heavy
brass belts with numerous tiny bells that hang around their
waistline and produce pleasing chiming sounds when they
move. They also cut mother-of-pearl into small shapes that
look like sequins called takmun to form geometric patterns.

The B’laans, like the Bagobos and the T’boli’s, weave

highly-polished abaca textiles using the ikat process. Ikat
is a process of dyeing the fabric where the yarns are tightly
wrapped with strings and dyed before weaving. The
textiles usually contain three colors – shades of black or
brown, red or ochre (darker shade of orange), and ecru

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(the color of the undyed abaca). The B’laans put high value on their textiles like blankets
are considered as an important part of the bride’s
dowry.

B. Traditional Clothing of the Bagobo and the

T’boli

The Bagobos are a group of people living in

Davao. The name of this ethnolinguistic group comes
from the words “bago” (new) and “obo” (growth).

The ceremonial attire of the Bagobos are

elaborate. They make these clothes from abaca
fibers called t’nalak that is woven from deep brown
abaca treated in ikat process to obtain intricate
designs. Only the women are allowed to weave this
fabric.

The men wear t’nalak shorts, an undershirt, and a t’nalak coat. The bagani
(hero/warrior) wear bloodedred clothes and a head kerchief called tangkulu.
These articles of clothing represent their courage.

The women wear wrap-around t’nalak skirts and blouses. Their blouses are adorned
with floral pattern, checkers, or paisley prints. It has short bell sleeves and the waist area
that falls right above the abdomen. They also wear rows of bells around their waists and
ankles that produce tinkling sounds when they walk.

The T’boli are known for their complicated beadwork, wonderful woven fabrics, and
beautiful brass ornaments. Similar to the Bagobos, they regard the t’nalak as sacred.
Traditional wedding rituals involve the exchange of this textile. During births, it is used as
a cover.
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 The most famous T’boli dream weaver is Lang Dulay who received the National Living
Treasures – Gawad Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) award by the National Commission
and the Arts (NCCA) in 1998.
T’nalak production is a painstaking process that requires patience, a lot of creativity,
good memory, and range of skills learned from a young age by the weavers. Natural
vegetable dyes produced by the T’boli weavers themselves are used to stain the
handspun abaca fibers. The common colors are
tones of red, brown, and black. Each t’nalak
design has its own meaning such as snake,
flowers, or people’s names.

C. Traditional Clothing of the Maranao and

Yakans

Maranao means “People of the Lake” and are

famous for their artworks, intricate weaving, wood
carving, metal craft, and their epics.

The Maranaos are known for their malong

which is a traditional Filipino tube skirt that is
made of hand-woven or machine-made
multicolored cotton cloth, bearing a variety of
geometric or floral designs. Women wear it as a
skirt, a dress, a blouse or a gown. Depending on
how it is folded, it can also be used as a
hammock, a basket, a sleeping bag, a bathrobe,
or a baby carriage.

The malong is similar to the sarong worn by peoples in Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia
but is longer and is stitched together at both ends to make a tube. A newborn is wrapped
in it and, as he or she grows, it becomes a part of his or her daily life as clothing and as
material for everyday use. When a person dies, he or she is once again wrapped in a
malong. Even in areas where people wear contemporary clothing during the day, the
malong is commonly used as sleepwear.

A traditional dance called Kapa Malong Malong or Sambisa Malong, demonstrates the
various ways of wearing a malong and its uses.

Yakans are also popular for their skills in weaving for they weave intricate designs

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in their textiles, which they use for their clothes and other accessories.

Yakan hand-loomed fabrics are known for their use of bold colors and geometric
patterns. The traditional Yakan art weaving
originated from their hometown Lamitan in the
island of Basilan.

Yakan fabrics are traditionally used as

garments. The Seputangan is a square cloth
used by the Yakan women as a head cover or
as a belt. The badjulapi is a tight blouse with
long sleeves. It is ornamented with gold, silver
or bronze buttons. The sawal is the traditional
tight-fitting trousers made of Yakan fabric characterized by its vertical stripes. The
pinalantupan, a type of skirt, is layered over the trousers.

LESSON 2: CRAFTS, ACCESSORIES AND BODY ORNAMENTS

A. Crafts

Sarimanok

The Sarimanok is a legendary bird of the Maranao that comes from the word “sari”
meaning cloth or garment and “manok” for chicken.

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 It has become a significant symbol of
Maranao art that is depicted as a fowl
with colorful wings and feathered tail,
holding a fish on its beak or talons.
The head is profusely decorated with
scroll, leaf, and spiral motifs. It is said
to be a symbol of good fortune.

Okir

It refers to traditional and unique

carving and prominent to any design
among the Moro ethno-linguistic
communities. The name comes from
an old Malayan word which means
carve or “ukit” in Filipino. It is referred
to as okir in Maranao and okkil in
Maguindanaon.

A new pattern now known as the

okir motif has evolved from the Indian
stylized bird-like and naga themes and the
Islamic tradition of using flowers, vines, and
geometric patterns as well as local artisan
styles.

Face Makeup and Body Ornaments

A distinct form of visual arts of

the Yakan is the facial make-up applied
on brides and grooms. After
applying a foundation of white
powder, dots, and lines are painted in
various patterns on the faces, creating
the effect of formal and elaborate masks
which match the ornate costumes of the
people.

The bride and groom wear

different accessories during wedding. Male uses pis which is a hand-woven
head

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 cloth; worn as symbolic protection from spears and knives, kandit that is 15-m belt
or sash made of gilim (red
cloth) and skirts that are
believed to be bulletproof
with Arabic script designs
prepared by Imams and
Hadjis while female uses
short skirt over trousers.
Both wears saruk hat to add
elegance.

Ornaments
• Crocodile tooth necklace for fortune
• Triangular amulets with symbols wrapped in black cloth (anti-anting) against
bullets
• Snake bone belts to guard from pain
• Maniktegiyas – a necklace or bracelet of beads from dried fruit seeds to protect
from illness caused by the evil spirits
• Maniksembulan – necklace or bracelets made of bamboo stems cut into short
pieces; serves as added protection
• Pegupaan – bamboo container for chewing betel nut
• Lutuan – a small bronze box with engravings carried at the waist

T’boli Accessories
• Hilot – a heavy brass belt
worn by women during
festivals
• Suwatlmimotis –
a wooden
comb with colored glass
beads hanging from it,
worn toward the back of
the head

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 Brass Making – Kulintang

The kulintang is a musical instrument composed of eight different -sized brass

gongs laid upon a wooden rack.

It is made of brass with intricate designs and embossed top where it can be hit
by wooden mallets to produce music. Other brass instruments include the
gandang, the two headed cylindrical drum, as well as the duahanagong pair
consisiting of the bus (a giant size gong) and pulakan (a narrow shaped knobbed
gong).

Folk Dances are type of dance that depicts culture, heritage and dominated by inherited
tradition. They are in celebration of daily life, health, peace, war, harvest times and other
aspects of life. According to the National Commission for Culture and the Arts Philippine
folk dances imitate nature and life because they are rituals for social and spiritual
expression. Folk dance shows love and respect for the country which gave birth to the
development of Philippine ethnic folk dances. Several of these are
Binasuan, Subli, Itik-Itik, Tinikling, Maglalatik and Carińosa.
The mother of Philippine Folk Dancing is Francesca Reyes Aquino. She organized the
Filipina Folk Dance Troupe in 1945. For many years, she was a consultant to the world
famous Bayanihan Folk Dance Troupe which continues to perform in the major capitols
of the world. The Cultural Center of the Philippines has named one of their lower
basement rehearsals halls “Bulwagang Francesca Reyes Aquino in her honor.” The hall
is for theater, dance, music, arts and occasionally for lecture – demonstrations, artists’
interactions, master classes and workshops.

DANCE TERMS USED IN FOLK DANCE

A. MOVEMENT DONE WITH PARTNERS

1. CLOCKWISE – like the motion on the handle of the clock moving to the left, when
facing the center of an imaginary circle. Right shoulder is toward the center when
moving forward.
2. CLOSE- Partners facing each other
3. COUNTER CLOCKWISE - reverse direction of clockwise, the hands of the clock
moving to the right and return to position walking backward, passing left shoulder.

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 4. FREE FOOT- The foot not supporting the weight of the body.
5. FREE HAND - The hand not doing anything.
6. INSIDE FOOT – foot nearer the partner when the partners stand side by side.
7. OPEN – Partners facing one direction
8. OUTSIDE FOOT - foot away from one's partner when they stand side by side.
9. OUTSIDE HAND - hand away from one's partner when they stand side by side.
10. PARTNER - Girl to right of Boy and Boy to left of Girl.
11. PLACE -put the foot (flat) in any desired position without putting weight on it.
12. SALUDO - Partners bow to each other to opposite dancers or to the audience.

B. ARMS AND HAND MOVEMENT

1. ARMS IN LATERAL POSITION – to bring both arms either to the Right or to the
Left. This could be done in 3 levels namely: shoulder, chest, waist.
2. ARMS IN REVERSE “T” – arms are horizontal elbows bent at Right angles,
forearms parallel to the head palms facing in ward.
3. BILAO – elbows close to waist and forearms parallel, turn hand up and down.
4. HAYON- HAYON - Visayan term meaning to place one forearm in front and the
other behind the waist
5. JALEO - Partners stand with R (L) elbows almost touching. Using walking or any
kind of dance steps they turn once around clockwise (counter clockwise). This is
a Tagalog term of Spanish origin.
6. KUMINTANG -Moving the hand from the wrist either clockwise or in counter
clockwise direction. This is an Ilocano dance term.
7. SAROK- to cross Right hand over the Left hand, vice versa
8. SALOK-(Scoop) to scoop down with slight bending of the trunk and finish upward
with R or L arm overhead.

C. FEET MOVEMENTS
1. BRUSH- a gesture by the feet in which the ball of the foot contacts with the floor
as the foot is swung forward.
2. CUT – Quick change of weight from one foot to the other displacing the support
foot.
3. DRAW - free foot is drawn toward the foot, which supports the body weight, by
pressing the toes against the floor as the close is made. With or without transfer of
weight.
4. PIVOT -Turning on ball, heel, of one or both feet on a fixed place
5. PLACE -put the foot (flat) in any desired position without putting weight on it.
6. POINT- to touch the floor with your toes in any direction.
7. STEP -With the weight on one foot, shift the weight into the other foot.
8. TAP – to touch the floor with foot flexion.

Let us have a review of the fundamental positions of arms and feet in folk dancing. They
are necessary for you to perform a folk dance.

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Fundamental Arms Position

First Position Arms should be rounded that

the elbows are little below the shoulders.

Third Position
Second Position Both Arms extended
sideward
with a graceful curve while hands are
facing the audience.
One arm is raised sideward while the
other arm is slightly in front of the head.

Fourth Position

One arm in a half circle in front while the

other arm is slightly in front of the head.

Fifth Position

Both arms raised overhead.

Fundamental Feet Position

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 Fifth Position

First Position Second Position Third Position

Heels are closed Stride sideward of about Heel of one foot

together and toes 12 inches. close to the instep
apart with an angle of of the other foot.
45 degrees.

Fourth Position

Front heel is next to the toe of One foot is about 12 inches in the back foot. front of
the other.

What Is Mental Health?

The World Health Organization states that mental health is not just the absence
of mental illness. It involves a state of well-being in which people can cope with the
normal stresses they face in daily life. Mental health allows people to recognize
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 their own abilities, work productivity, and make meaningful contributions to their
communities.
Mental health is the psychological well – being of an individual. It is how an
individual thinks, feels, and acts to cope with life. It is also the ability to function
comfortably in society. Emotional health is a component of mental health, dealing
constructively with reality, regardless of whether the actual situation is good or bad.
Mental and emotional health focuses on gaining health knowledge and practicing
life skills.
Importance of Mental Health
A. It affects your relationships with others:
Mental health problems lead to new problems with friends, family, law enforcement
or school officials National Mental Health Association, 1997). B. It affects how you
learn:
Your attentiveness, your concentration, your classroom conduct, your ability to
organize and your ability to communicate.

Characteristics of a Mentally Healthy Person.

1. Positive Self- concept. Mentally healthy person looks at things positively and give
their best to anything they need to achieve.
2. Sense of Responsibility. Mentally healthy person accept responsibility for their
actions. They do not blame on anyone else when problems arise as a result of
their work.
3. Better Relationships with others. Persons who are mentally healthy get along
well others. They can adjust very well to any group of people they deal with. They
have a deep sense of concern for the well- being of other people.
4. Adaptability to Change. Change is unavoidable. Accepting changes and
adapting to these is a sign of being mentally healthy. A mentally healthy person is
open to changes, especially when these result in his or her development as a
person and improvement of his or her mental and emotional attitudes.
5. Ability to Face Shortcomings or Disappointments. Mentally healthy individuals
learn to cope with unpleasant things and try not to brood over something that they
have not done. It is a matter of dealing with disappointments and learning from
them.
6. Ability to Face Problems Squarely. Mentally healthy individuals face various
trials in life with calmness and broad-mindedness. Facing problems and finding
ways to deal with them is healthy.
7. Ability to Accept Criticism. Mentally healthy individuals take criticism with an
open mind. They analyze criticism and learn from it. They can also rationally
respond and defend themselves from unfair criticism.

DO YOU KNOW?

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 Do you know that stress is not always something negative? Stress can either be
negative or positive! But if stress is constant over time, it can be determined to
your health. Preventing stress is important.
Stress is defined as the physiological (or physical and emotional responses to a
significant or unexpected change or disruption in one’s life (Payne, et al., 2005). Stress
is inevitable and a normal part of life.
Stress can also be defined as a state of mental or emotional strain resulting from
difficult or demanding circumstances. While everyone experiences stress, what stresses
someone out varies from person to person. While one might find joy in something another
might find stress. CT 4, 2019
The word stressor refers to the things that make a person stressed. There are
two different kinds of stress – eustress and distress.

Two kinds of Stressor

1. Eustress refers to a positive and healthy
response of the body from a stressor. It
produces good effects to one’s well- being.
Example:
A student like you studied for long
hours and answered all the activities in your
respective modules and got an outstanding
grade, may feel happiness and enjoyment.

2. Distress refers to a negative reaction of

the body towards a given stressor. It may
cause problems in health, alter the mood
and emotions, and even affect the way a
person thinks.
Example:
Your classmate did not submit his/her
module on time and the teacher did not get
his/her module, he or she may feel anger
and disappointed.

Five (5) Physical responses to stress.

On your body On your mood On your behavior
Headache Anxiety Overeating or undereating
Muscle tension or pain Restless Angry outbursts
Chest pain Lack of motivation or focus Tobacco use
Fatigue Feeling overwhelmed

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 Coping with Stressful Situations

1. Understand the Situation.

 Take some time to think about the situation you're facing
 Notice and accept the feelings you have about the situation. It can help to write
down your feelings, too.
 Learn more. Learn all you can about the situation you're dealing with. This might
include reading about it, talking to others, or finding out what others in your
situation have done and what to expect.

2. Commit to a Positive Attitude

A positive attitude helps stop you from being dragged down by unhappy feelings
while negative thinking narrows our view.
 Do not dwell on the negative. Be aware of any negative thoughts (like "I can't do
this") and replace them with more encouraging words. This is the time to believe
in yourself.
 Notice and appreciate life's good stuff. Each day think of three things you're
grateful for. Gratitude helps fuel a positive attitude and keeps problems in a better
perspective.

3. Take Action
 Decide what you can do. Think of actions you can take to improve any part of
your stressful situation.
 Get support. Find someone to talk to about your situation. Ask for help or advice.
Be with people who believe in you, make you laugh, and help you feel good
about yourself.
 Care for yourself. Eat nutritious foods and minimize junk food. Get daily exercise
and sleep. Do something every day that helps you like listening to music, playing
or walking

Stressful situations can test our strength, for sure. Whatever you are facing, it can help
to think through the situation, accept the emotions you feel, and keep a positive attitude.
Focus your efforts on what you can influence, get support, and care for yourself. All
these things can help you cope with your situation, lessen the stress, and help you
come through feeling strong and confident.

Remember that the positive starts in you. Keep a sense of humor to make things
light. Reframe your outlook. “Reframing is changing your outlook in order to see a
situation in a more positive way” (Meeks, et al., 2011).

For example, if you have been experiencing sadness and frustration because of
stressful situations. Start finding the positive side of things. You start thinking
happy thoughts. Changing your ideas into something happy is part of reframing.

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