On February 17, Wimler
scholars from M’lang and Bansalan, - 46 elementary pupils and 20 high school
and college students - attended the “Reclaim our Cultural Heritage Workshop” to
foster awareness, understanding, and appreciation for traditional arts. The
workshop was conducted by Potri Ranka Manis of Kinding Sindaw Heritage
Foundation of New York City. Lanka was
assisted by a combined team of T’boli from Lake Sebu, Maguindanao from Cotabato
and Tausug cultural groups from Davao City. 
The workshop
which was held today (February 17) opened with each ethnic group showcasing
their respective traditional dances, traditional musical instruments, and their
costumes. Maranao or Maguindanao women wear malong, a simple tubular cloth. “Kappa Malong-malong is a dance depicting the
many uses of malong such as cape, coat, blanket, umbrella, etc.” An interesting
information is the meaning on the way malong is worn. They also demonstrated the
different ways to play the large gongs and kulintang.
The T’bolis
show traditional musical instruments such as ngs), Hegalong (2-string guitar),
S’loli (traditional flute), Kumbing (bamboo jaw harp), and Tenonggong (deerskin
drum). “The T'boli ritual dance is used to appease the gods; solicit good
harvest; seek deliverance from pestilence; mark birth, weddings and death;
prepare for war; celebrate victories; affirm social unity and identity.”
The Tausugs
showcased Pangalay, a
traditional "fingernail" dance of the Tausug people of the Sulu
Archipelago usually performed by a solo female dancer imitating the movement of
a bird in flight. “It is usually performed during weddings, social gatherings
and other festive events. Pangalay is characterized by elaborate body postures
and gestures and the graceful arm and hand movement of the dancer, amplified by
the use of janggay or metal claws.”
After
lunch, the participants were divided into groups and in a most entertaining
way, all of them were able to dance and play with some of the traditional instruments.
Around 3:30 pm, they held an outstanding performance.
The
workshop which took place at Dugong Elementary School gym in M’lang, North
Cotabato is a collaboration of Kinding Sindaw, Dugong Elementary School, local
government unit of Dugong and WIMLER Philippines.
More pictures here: Reclaim our Cultural Heritage Workshop Album
