Mascota

Mascota is a beautiful couple dance performed during wedding celebrations among the Ibanag people of northeastern Philippines. The Ibanag people inhabit a large part of the Cagayan province. The Mascota as a wedding dance is aimed to solicit money from visitors and relatives that could be helpful in the wed couple finances as they start their lives together. There is a beautiful fast habanera (almost similar to the Ilocana a Nasudi) song that is sung while the Mascota dance is performed. A male and female singer sings lines alternately to accompany the dancers. The lyrics of the song may tackle from the parent-in-laws' eagerness to welcome a new addition to the family; or simple countenance from married relatives.

The Mascota is said to have derived its name from a style of skirt that has become popular during the Spanish times. The mascota skirt is a formal skirt which has a longer train as compared to the "saya de cola". The mascota is hence, from "mas cola" or "more tail". The favorite textile for the mascota are big checkered ones and those with large floral motifs. The mascota was also one favorite skirt style among the Chavacano people of Zamboanga.