Sugod Uno

The usual beginning of the dance Sugod Uno is a chanted prayer called Pag-ampo to the Maaslag na Amay (the Great Fire Giver) by a Bagobo leader asking the Gods for guidance in choosing the best planting fields. This is followed with clearing of the grounds (usually forest patches slash burnt). The burning of fallen trees or other cut-downs follow the the amla, kamto and so forth and so on. The dance is ended with a celebration for good harvest.

One distinctive feature of the dance is the use of a bamboo pole called talapak, which is normally used in digging small holes in the ground into which pinches of rice grains are dropped. The top of the talapak consists of small bamboo pieces that strike against the pole when the pole is knocked to the ground. The hissing sound produced scares forest birds that might eat the dropped rice seed.

Once every 13th moon, the Bagobo people living Mt. Apo call upon Falimac Manubo to spare them from famine. This big event, called Gin-um, usually coincides with the appearance of an ominous constellation of stars. Old clothes that bear bad luck, diseases, family problems and death are thrown into the river while a shaman assists them in putting on new jackets or dresses.