Pandanggo

 

 The pandanggo is so popular that it is found in many places in the Philippines. There are many versions of this dance, and even in one locality, dancers have many ways of performing it. It has gay and sprightly figures. It may be danced at any social gathering and is usually accompanied by clapping. The pandanggo described here was found in the province of Leyte. In some places, the musicians did not stop playing until four to five couples have danced, one after the other. When one couple tires, another takes its place until there are no more who want to dance. The musicians play faster and faster after each repetition until the dancers are exhausted.

It is very interesting to note that two versions of this dance have been notated and published in two separate volumes of Francisca Reyes Aquino’s books.