Linggawen refers to a mountain range in the interior part of the island of Samar that have been a favorite hiding place of bandits that harass neighboring towns. Borongan has not been freed from these bandits. Boronganon people have plotted an attack of the said hideout to end the harassment. Able bodied men were recruited to join. As the plan finally ensued, the wives of those men joining were worried of the uncertainty of returning back. Red scarves supposed to contain a talisman for protection were given to these men to help them anyway.
The Waray folk song that goes with the dance recounts those dramatic moment:
Di ko karuyag an mga luha
nga sa mga mata nanarabigay
Kay asay an haplas san kamapintas ug
kaabtik han kalawasan kon aadto ha pag-awayan
I dont want those tears in your years
It only make me less potent
Help me for I need swiftness
at the battlefield.
The dance Linggawen is probably a late choreographic adaptation to the very popular folk song from the town. It is originally a courtship dance of the town but in time, it has become more of a festival dance performed during weddings, fiestas, and other celebrations. Female dancers wears patadyong with a stiff camisa. She carries a colored scarf (preferably red) in her right hand. On the other hand, the males wear barong tagalog and white or colored trousers.
nga sa mga mata nanarabigay
Kay asay an haplas san kamapintas ug
kaabtik han kalawasan kon aadto ha pag-awayan
I dont want those tears in your years
It only make me less potent
Help me for I need swiftness
at the battlefield.
The dance Linggawen is probably a late choreographic adaptation to the very popular folk song from the town. It is originally a courtship dance of the town but in time, it has become more of a festival dance performed during weddings, fiestas, and other celebrations. Female dancers wears patadyong with a stiff camisa. She carries a colored scarf (preferably red) in her right hand. On the other hand, the males wear barong tagalog and white or colored trousers.
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