Pandamgo

 

 The Talaingods are a group near Davao del Sur believed to stem from the Manobo tribe. They are animists, and dancing and music-making characterize weddings and other religious festivals. This Talaingod dance, performed to the beat of four drums by a female, portrays a virgin-mother bathing and cradling her newborn baby, named Liboangan. She supposedly had a dream, or damgoBold text, that she was to bear such a child. This concept of a virgin-birth may have been derived from the Catholic faith. The dance progresses through different stages of the child's growth, from birth to maidenhood. As a young woman, she must deal with competing suitors, one of whom is favored by the mother. A heated encounter between the suitors ultimately results in their death.

Another beautiful version of the Pandamgo is the one performed by the Matigsalug Manobo people of Agusan and Bukidnon provinces. The same story from a dream is interpreted into dance.