Mariano Marcos State UniversityCOLLEGE OF BUSINESS, ECONOMICS AND ACCOUNTANCY

Batac City, Ilocos Norte

PERCEPTIONS OF ILOCANOS ON THEIR TRADITIONAL MUSIC AND DANCES

ELOISA JOY B. BADUACELESTE DESIREE P. PADAONG

BSBA – Tourism Management I

March 2011

INTRODUCTION

“The attainment of a nation identity can only be possible if the individual tribes forming a nation are able to assert their own distinctive identities. The Ilocano showed first being an Ilocano before he can consider himself a Filipino and in turn, before his country can be accepted in the growing family or nations”

(Pascual, 1987)

The Ilocano or Ilokano people are the third largest Filipino Ethno linguistic group.

Ilocanos refer to themselves as Samtoy, form the phrase “sao mi ditoy”, meaning ‘our

language here’. On the other hand, the term “Ilocano” came from the word “Iloco” or

“Yloco”.

The Ilocano people are dominant to coastal areas of northern Luzon in the

Philippines. Their language (Ilocano) has become the lingua franca of the region. Region

1 encompasses through 3 distinct provinces Ilocos Provinces, Cagayan Valley and some

part of Central Luzon, as well as the Cordillera Administrative Region.

They are characterized as being hardworking and frugal, and they engage

primarily in farming and fishing. Moreover, the Ilocano culture represents very simple,

spending only on necessities and not on so much on ostentatious material possessions.

Ilocano also exemplify a great degree of respect and humility in their everyday dealings.

Furthermore, Ilocanos boast of a healthy diet heavy in boiled or steamed vegetables and

freshwater fish. They flavor their dishes with bagoong (fermented fish that is often used

instead of salt). Local specialties include the “bous”, soft white larvae of ants, and

“jumping salad” or tiny live shrimp with kalamansi juice

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ilocano_people ).

Ilocos Norte has various native dances which mostly depict the customs, beliefs

and practices of an Ilocano. Its native songs are expressions of the characteristics,

aspirations and occupations of its music-loving and industrious people. The Ilocanos

possess a unique way of life, arts and culture. Their activities still reflect their customs

and traditions. They possess a variety of folklore and music which is demonstrated in

their legends, songs, ballads, musical instruments, and artifacts.

Folk dance is a form of art which reflects the Ilocano spirit- his love for

merriment, his religiosity, his fatalism, his love for ceremony, his joy of living, and his

love for showing off. Traditional music is folk music or what may be called music of the

people. It belongs equally to people of all levels of musical ability. As defined by Willi

Apel, (n.d), folk music “develops anonymously usually among the lower classes, together

with artless poems dealing with phases of life: work, love, the nursery, drinking, patriotic

endeavor, the dance, mourning, and storytelling”. The rhythm is affected by the words,

and the melody is conceived without harmony. It is not written down and hence is known

as traditional.

Our noted Ilocano composer Pajaro has defined the folk music of as the

“unconscious expression in melody of the racial feelings, characters and interests of the

people.” It may be a lullaby, a love song, or a wedding dance. He further stated that a folk

song is spontaneous music derives from the culture of its own people and contributing to

it. A folk song draws its inspiration and materials from its own environment, which

makes it typically an expression of life itself.

This study aimed to determine the “Perceptions of Ilocanos on their

Traditional Music and Dances”. Specifically, it aimed to answer the following questions:

1. What are the music and dances particular to the Ilocanos?

2. How do these music and dances reflect Ilocano Culture?

3. What changes did Ilocano music\dances undergo overtime?

DISCUSSIONS

Man has danced almost since the world began. He has danced for joy, hate, love,

anger and fear. Dance has been related to his religious life and to his social life. Almost

every occasion has called for dance, and some dances exist for no reason but to use stored

energy and emotion. The art of dance has lived through the centuries and probably, as

long as man can move, man will dance. Dance has had a long and honorable history in

education. The values of dance to total education are numerous and varied.

Folk dance is a primitive, tribal, or ethnic form of the dance sometimes the

survival of some ancient ceremony of festival. Folk dances are traditionally performed

during social events by people with little or no professional training. New dancers often

learn informally by observing others and\or receiving help from others. Folk dancing is

viewed as more of a social activity rather than competitive, although there are

professional and semi-professional folk dance groups, and occasional folk dance

competitions.

Music has accompanied virtually every kind of human activity at some time or

place (Aurelio 2009). There is a song for every occasion in the human life cycle. There

are lullabies, puberty ceremony songs, courting and marriage songs, family and funeral

songs. There are also work songs, songs for war and peace, and a variety of religious

songs. Moreover, music is woven into the Ilocano way of life. Our own folk music is an

audible sign of the soundless flow of time about man. Aurelio (2009), claims that our

Philippine melodies serve as a living and dynamic force by our singing them in every

phase of our daily life and imparting them to our children so that they will continue to

perpetuate them. Folk music is not commonly the music of the socially and economically

lower classes and of rural population.

MUSIC PARTICULAR TO THE ILOCANOS

Ilocanos love to sing. They can express their feelings through singing traditional

songs. Ilocanos have unique music, because they used their native language to come up

with songs that portrays different situations. They have songs that are characterized by

situations, there is a song for courtship, expressing one’s love, religious songs and the

like.

The kutibeng, a native guitar with five strings, was the faithful companion of the

love –struck Ilocano in his nightly serenades (Hufana 2009). A folksong is a song handed

down from generation to generation among the people of the country. It begins always

with a single composer (generally unidentified). It is passed on from age to age by word

of mouth and thus undergoes a process of evolution by vary of content and constant

repetition with slight variations gradually achieving a permanently popular version. The

folksong is valuable for its honesty, its directness, and often for its melodic invention

which is enriched by its evolution.

Ilocanos are rich in their musical heritage, the songs are handed down from

generation to generation thus, these songs are still evident nowadays and these are being

preserved for future generations. Here are some examples of traditional songs of the

Ilocanos.

“Dardarepdep” is a sung marked by a combination of regular rhythmic pulses

based on poetic meter, recurring tune and motivistic patterns. “Dardarepdep”, shows the

creativity of the Ilocanos in expressing their emotions. From the early serenaders to the

Ilocanos in contemporary society, they have a special fondness for love songs which

reflect their character traits as a people. “Dardarepdep”, is an example of a tapat .It is a

harana in Tagalog, which means serenading a woman through love songs. Usually when

there is a young woman visitor in a certain town, the gentlemen serenade her to gain

acquaintance. When they visit her again, the host or hosts would invite the serenaders

into their homes to socialize with them (Aurelio 2009).

The next musical genre is the courtship sample of the dallot or the panang-as-

asawa. It is a poetic joust between two singers about love, courtship and marriage.

Believed to have originated in ancient pre-Hispanic times, especially among the rural

folk, it is a duel of words carried on between a representative of the groom’s side and a

representative of the bride’s party (Aurelio 2009).

Included in this Iloko music repertoire is the “Cantameros” or the Sung Prayer of

the Rosary. As recounted by Mr. Marciano Aurelio, a retired school principal, this started

in Barangay 7-B, Laoag City. The late Mr. Bernardo Domingo, a musician and French

horn player, is said to have been the organizer of this activity. He tried to mimic the Latin

songs of the priest. The “Cantameros” was sung in Latin during the nine-day novena to

pray for the poor souls in purgatory.This practice which started in the middle of the

1920’s spread to other barangays in the poblacion of Laoag City and to all the towns of

Ilocos Norte (Aurelio 2009).

Ayat ti Ina (Love of a Mother) expresses how a mother loves and takes care of her

child. The narrative song, Napateg a Bin-I (Cherished Seed), utilizes metaphor in

comparing a woman to a ‘bin-I’ or seed. Pamulinawen (Hardened Heart) is the most

popular Ilocano love song which equates the heart of a girl, who does not heed the

pleading of her lover, to a hardened flint. Duayya ni Ayat (Love’s Lullaby) expresses a

man’s tender loving care for his ladylove to be careful in changing her mind and

choosing another man. Siasin ti Agayat Kenka (Who is in love with you?) expresses an

insistent love. No Duaduaem Pay (if You Still Doubt) gives the idea that the lover feels

that his loved one doubts him, so he asks for understanding and also reiterates his love

(http://ilocosnorte.ph/tourism-and-culture/ilocano-culture).

The early Filipinos have songs of a great variety expressive of a gamut of human

experiences and feelings. The native sang at almost every occasion at work, at worship,

and at play. And all occasion, both trivial and eventful, inspired the spontaneous creation

of songs. Thus, they had lullabies, street songs and funeral dirges.

ILUKO MUSIC AND DANCES AND ILOCANO CULTURE

Ilocanos have a rich culture, they’re still embracing it and they still practice it

even thou these practices/cultures are established long time ago. Ilocanos are affected by

their culture in their lives. If you dance there are certain steps, gestures, that you must

know. You must possessed the personality a good dancer have Ilocanos are also affected

by their dances. Because a dance has a story there is what we call “Ti Pakasaritaan iti Ili

ken dagiti Agnanaed”. Every dance depicts a particular form a culture. By dancing or just

watching you can relate the dance to your peace and that reflects your personality. It

gives enough knowledge to the people. If you love dancing your folk dances meaning

you are proud to be what you are (Ines 2008). Same is through with the Iluko folk music

it depicts the culture and traditions of Ilocanos. They used their language in such music.

EXAMPLES OF ILOCANO DANCES PARTICULAR TO THE ILOCANOS

There are many Ilocano Dances that depicts the life of Ilocanos. Here, they

express their feelings in creating a dance that would satisfy their emotions. Uniqueness is

present in folk dances that narrate their culture and traditions.

There are classifications of Iluko folk dances in Ilocos Norte. Iluko dances are

classified into six categories. These are Occupational Dances; these dances depict the

actions of certain occupations, industries or human labor. Among these are Agdamdamili

an Ilocano term which means pot making. This dance originated from San Nicolas, Ilocos

Norte, which is famous for its pottery industry. Next is the Agabel, occupational dance

from Paoay, Ilocos Norte, based on the cloth weaving industry for which the inhabitants

are noted. The Binatbatan, depicts the beating of cotton pod to separate the seed from the

fibers with the use of two sticks called “batbat”. Then, Dinaklisan, comes from

Currimao, Ilocos Norte, where fishing is the chief occupation. Moreover Dinaklisan is an

Ilocano term meaning with a net called “daklis”. And Hardinera, the dance reveals or

depicts the hardworking trait of the Ilocano.

The Wedding Dance is the second category; these dances are performed by the

bride and the groom, friends and relatives, and the in-laws. Under this is La Jota, usually

danced with song accompaniment which is characteristic of many Ilocano dances. And

Pandanggo Laoaguena, a wedding dance from Laoag City. Furthermore, Pandanggo

evolved from the Spanish Fandanggo

The third category is the Ballroom Dances, example of which is Chotis Vintarina,

this version of chotis is originated from Vintar, Ilocos Norte. The chotis dance was one of

the popular ballroom dances in the Philippines during the Spanish regimes.

The fourth is the Religious Dances, performed in relation to religious vows,

practices or ceremonies. Examples of this are, Jota de Paoay, traditional dance of Paoay,

Ilocos Norte.

Fifth category is the Courtship; depict in pantomime the process of courtship.

Examples are Esticarro, courtship dance from Santa Rosa, Sarrat, Ilocos Norte.

Moreover, the unique part of this dance is the placing of the ring on the girl’s finger by

the male partner. Kundiman, refers to a beautiful girl who is very much admired for her

beauty and grace of movement. Lablabaan, means two hawks circling each other in the

air. Furthermore, this is a dance of the Itnegs of Banna and Nueva Era, Ilocos Norte.

Pandanggo Vintarina, courtship dance from Vintar, Ilocos Norte. Osi-Osi, courtship

dance found in San Lorenzo Village, Laoag City. Sileledaang, means “in grief” or “laden

with sorrow”. And the last category is the Festival Dances; these dances are performed in

connection with a celebration, a feast, a barrio or town fiesta, good harvest and good

fortune. Festival dances are common. Furthermore, people come together in merriment

and dance to their hearts delight (Ines 2008).

CHANGES ILOCANO MUSIC/DANCES UNDER WENT OVER TIME

This world gave birth to modern technology, and this technology plays a big role

in the lives of every people especially the Ilocanos. Technology makes our life easier.

Appliances, cell phones, radios, televisions, computers and the like, these are all factors

that can influence us in our lives especially in our daily life. It updates us “what’s new”,

“what’s in” for us to become “in” in the society. In relation to folksongs and dances, they

can just play these by the radio or by the player.

Despite its advantages, having technology also has some disadvantages. Through

technology using computers, radios and others, they learn and love more these foreign

music and dances. Of the songs that have come down to us through the centuries, those of

the high land tribes like our ancestors, traditional people that lived in mountains and

valleys are still sung in the old chanting manner. Those of the lowlands who lived in

plains, like the Ilocanos already show influences of western culture, especially in melody.

The researchers conducted interviews on elderly persons about the changes on

Ilocano music and dances. According to the elders, Iluko music and dances are going

through changes. In the olden times, Ilocanos are used to sing and dance their traditional

ones. These Iluko music and dances are highlights in activities such as fiestas, pageants,

dance parades and the like. But as time pass by, these Iluko music and dances are

disregarded by the younger generations, mainly because of the birth of foreign music and

dances, such as pop, jazz, rock, ballad, r and b, and contemporary music. These kinds of

music are of great influenced to the youth because of its melody, lyrics that portrays

different situations such as falling in love, heartbreaks, thanksgiving and a lot more.

According to the elders, our traditional music and dances are now replaced by the foreign

and local music and dances. The people nowadays do not appreciate our traditional music

and dances; moreover they prefer such new music and dances.

This chapter deals with the results gathered by the researchers for the study

“Perceptions of Ilocanos on their Traditional Music and Dances”. The researchers

conducted a survey among 50 respondents, 39 of which are students, 8 of them are

teachers and 3 are others.

Table 1

Most Familiar Dances of Ilocanos

Dances of Ilocanos n % Rank

Pandanggo 41 21.93 1

Sabunganay 16 8.56 6

Binatbatan 30 16.04 2.5

Ilocana a Nasudi 19 10.16 4.5

Kuratsa Pasuquiña 9 4.81 8

Innalisam 5 2.67 10

Tambora 6 3. 21 9

Dinaklisan 19 10.16 4.5

Surtido Norte 12 6.42 7

Guling-Guling 30 16.04 2.5

Table 1 present the most familiar Ilocano dances.

Based from the table above, it can be determined that the most familiar Ilocano

dances, is Pandanggo with 21.93% of votes. Pandanggo is performed in many events

like in wedding reception, danced by the bride and the groom (Pandanggo Laoaguena).

Another is a courtship dances originated in Vintar, Ilocos Norte and it is called

Pandanggo Vintarina and Pandanggo sa Ilaw, it is showed during entertaining the

guests.

Then, both Binatbatan and Guling-Guling having 16.04%. Binatbatan and

Guling-Guling are dances are dances in Paoay, Ilocos Norte. Guling-Guling is the name

of their festival while Binatbatan is always performed during Guling-Guling festival.

Next are Ilocano A Nasudi and Dinaklisan gathering 10.16%. Every year in

Dingras, Ilocos Norte, Ilocano A Nasudi is danced by their traditional dances it is known

as a dance depicting a chaste and virtuous Ilocano and performed by four pair while

Dinaklisan is an occupational dance of fishermen and it is also familiar because it came

from the term “daklis” meaning a fishing net.

While Inalisan is not that familiar which the respondents answered 2.67%. It is

only performed sometimes and almost forgotten.

It can be concluded that the top 5 most familiar dances of Ilocanos are

Pandanggo, Binatbatan, Guling-Guling, Ilocano A Nasudi and Dinaklisan. According to

the result of the researchers survey, Pandanggo comes in many ways, like Pandanggo Sa

Ilaw, Pandanggo Sa Banko and the like, it became famous because they danced this

whenever there is a wedding and for entertaining purposes. Binatbatan is always

performed during Guling-Guling festival in Paoay, Ilocos Norte. While, Guling-Guling is

the

name of Paoay’s festival. Ilocano A Nasudi is performed during the festival in Dingras,

Ilocos Norte depicting a chaste and virtuous Ilocano. Dinaklisan is familiar to Ilocanos

because it is an occupational dance for fishermen.

Table 2

Most Familiar Songs of Ilocanos

Songs of Ilocanos n % Rank

Kanaganan 14 7.49 4

Pamulinawen  45 24.06 1

Manang Biday 40 21.39 2

Duayya ni Ayat  11 5.88 6

O, Naranyag a Bulan 39 20.86 3

Ayat ti Ina 13 6.95 5

Agdamdamili  9 4.81 7.5

Duaduaem Pay 9 4.81 7.5

Napateg a Bin-i  4 2.14 9

Dinak Kad Dildillawen  3 1.60 2.5

Table 2 gives the most familiar songs of Ilocano.

24.06% of the respondents are familiar with Pamulinawen. Pamulinawen

(Hardened Heart) is the most popular Ilocano love song which equates the heart of a girl,

who does not heed the pleading of her lover, to a hardened flint. It is the name of the

festival in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte. It is the highlight song during the said festival, many

people strive to attend such festival to witness the beauty and uniqueness of the festival.

Second is Manang Biday which has 21.39%. Manang Biday is one of the favorite

songs of Ilocanos because of its lively melody that portrays a love story about how

Ilocano woman is so conservative and an Ilocano man who is faithful and very patient to

wait for his girl.

The third is the song, O Naraniag A Bulan gathering 20.86%. Of its soft melody,

Ilocanos always want to listen to this song especially if the Ilocanos are heartbroken or

the Ilocanos need someone to love. O Naraniag A Bulan depict loneliness of an Ilocano

because they are alone and they are finding the right person to love. It has also been

integrated into the national mainstream.

The fourth one is the Kanaganan (Ilocano traditional birthday song) having

7.49%. It is a traditional song during birthdays.

Fifth is “Ayat Ti Ina” having 6.95%. “Ayat Ti Ina” (Love of a Mother), expresses

how a mother loves and takes care of her child. This s a song with educational values.

Most of the respondents are not familiar with the song Dinakkad Dildilawen

having the lowest percentage having 1.60%. Dinakkad Dildilawen (Do Not Criticize Me),

is a patriotic song conveys service to love of country.

It can be concluded that most of the Ilocano knows the song Pamulinawen,

because it is one of the festivals of their province, and it is the highlight song of their

dance parade. They said that you are not Ilocano if you don’t know how to sing

Pamulinawen.

Table 3

Statements Concerning the Perception of Ilocanos on their Traditional Music and

Dances

StatementsStrongly

AgreeAgree Disagree

Strongly Disagree

Undecided

n % N % n % N % N %

1. Ilocano music and dances depict the culture of the Ilocanos.

37 74 10 20 0 0 0 0 3 6

2. Ilocanos love music. 27 54 18 36 2 4 0 0 3 6

3. Ilocanos love dances. 24 48 22 44 0 0 0 0 4 8

4. Ilocano music and dances also has interacted with other nationals’ regional culture

16 32 31 62 1 2 0 0 2 4

5. Showcasing the Ilocano music and dances can be one of the tourist attractions of Ilocos.

24 48 20 40 4 8 0 0 2 4

6. Traditional, Ilocano music and dances are being surpassed/replaced by modern ones.

14 28 26 52 9 18 1 2 0 0

7. Majority of the Ilocanos are familiar with the Ilocano music and dances.

12 24 19 38 15 30 3 6 1 2

8. The availability of recorded Ilocano music and dance videos helps preserve Ilocano culture.

25 50 25 50 0 0 0 0 0 0

9. Ilocano music and dances enthusiasts must continue composing Ilocano music and creating Ilocano dance steps.

23 46 25 50 2 4 0 0 0 0

10. Ilocano music and dances must be taught in Philippine schools.

14 28 25 50 4 8 0 0 7 14

11. The traditional music and dances of Ilocanos must be shown during their festivals.

31 28 15 30 2 4 0 0 2 4

12. The economy of the Ilocos provinces is greatly affected by the traditional music and dances.

11 22 20 40 6 12 4 8 9 18

13. Traditional Ilocano music and dances ate better than modern ones.

10 20 22 44 9 18 2 4 7 14

14. Traditional Ilocano music and dances are useless in modern times.

3 6 10 20 22 44 8 16 7 14

Table 3 gives some statements concerning the perceptions of Ilocanos on their

traditional music and dances.

Majority of the respondents answered Statement 1 in strongly agree having 74%.

The respondents strongly agreed with the statement, because music and dances can

portray the story, the emotions, the theme and also the art of Ilocano culture. These Iluko

music and dances are categorized by means of situations, they are sang and dance

occasionally because these are made to complement such occasion. They can also express

their feelings and emotions by singing and dancing their traditional music and dances.

Indeed, Ilocanos really love music (54% strongly agree) whether it is old songs or

new song. Ilocanos love to sing. By the Statement 3, Ilocanos love dancing, gathered

48% in strongly agree. Ilocanos believed that dancing can make their life happy and

Ilocanos can make one’s self-entertained.

The statement, Ilocano music and dances also has interacted with others national

regional culture, the respondents agreed with this having 62% Because of the influences

of the neighboring provinces through music and dances, gave birth to the mixed steps of

Ilocanos. It is evident nowadays, especially to the youths because they are more

appreciating other nations culture and musical heritage according to them they are more

interesting to sing and dance because of its melody its tempo and to the message of the

song. With the aid of the modern technology most especially the internet, people can surf

and find what is new today, they can also view and imitate other nations music and

dances.

Showcasing the Ilocano music and dances can be one of the tourist attractions of

Ilocos, the respondents strongly agreed with 48%. The respondents believed that showing

music and dances during festivals, can attract tourists to visit such place to display the

unique culture of the Ilocanos. Hotels, restaurants and other tourist spots in Ilocos can

offer tourists a time to listen to Ilocano renditions while enjoying their stay here in Ilocos.

Ilocanos can perform also by singing their traditional songs upon the arrivals of the

tourists to show our gratitude for choosing such place to explore. They can also improve

their festivals, most especially the dance parades where Ilocanos can showcase their

talents in dancing their traditional dances.

However, the respondents agreed that Ilocano music and dances are being

surpassed by modern ones with 52% of votes. The researchers concluded that songs and

dances are improving, and at the same time it is replaced by the new ones. To the new

generations they prefer the new songs and dances, which the teenagers explained that its

more unique, livelier, and they are hard to understand the old ones. In this generation,

people prefer to listen to the modern ones according to them they can relate to the songs

and dances, moreover they considered traditional music and dances as “corny” because

they used their native tongue in formulating lyrics for the songs. And they considered

traditional dances as “boring” because of its simple and redundant steps. Nowadays,

people, especially the youths will tease others if they do not know the latest song, this

will motivate such people to get into the modern ones and this will lead them to

disregard their own musical culture. With that the respondents are more into the modern

ones because they considered them as latest and entertaining.

Almost of the respondents agreed with the statement, majority of the ilocanos are

familiar with the Ilocano music and dances having 38% of votes. All schools of Ilocos

provinces should teach the students some Ilocano music and dances for them to know and

appreciate their traditions. Schools offers subject that teaches students their traditional

music and dances. Physical education is a subject that caters to teach the students their

traditions, they teach Iluko songs, and afterwards they will conduct a practicum. Likewise

with the dances, they teach students to dance folkdances. Schools also practice having

folkdances as intermission numbers to preserve its beauty, likewise with the opening

prayers, they adapt Ilocano songs.

The statement, the availability of recorded Ilocano music and dance videos helps

to preserve Ilocano culture gathering both 50% in strongly agree and agree. Music stores

offer Iluko music and dances. This can help Ilocanos to preserve their culture by having

available tracks. Some people will tend to buy because these are being played in the

store. Students can buy cd’s for their projects and practicum likewise with the teachers

and others.

The respondents agreed that Ilocanos must continue composing Ilocano music and

creating Ilocano dance steps which the respondents answered 50%. So that it will be

preserved for the next generation to see the beauty of Ilocano music and dances.

The statement, Ilocano music and dances should be taught in Philippine schools

having 50%. The researchers concluded that Ilocano culture like music and dances is

important and should be recognize by the folks of Ilocos Norte and also the people of the

Philippines. It should be taught so that other people can see, can relate and to know the

lifestyle of the Ilocanos.

On the other hand, traditional music and dances of Ilocanos must be shown during

their festivals, were 30% of the respondents agreed with it. As the researchers know,

during festivals there are many activities that should see. During festivals, many tourists

are visiting Ilocos Norte, they want to witness the festivals here in Ilocos. The Ilocanos

must continue to showcase their music and dances so that the tourists can foresee the

lifestyle of Ilocanos then and now.

Then, the economy of the Ilocos province is greatly affected by the traditional

music and dances having 40% in the column of agree. Without traditional music and

dances, the Ilocanos can’t perform in their different festivals. And tourism is one of the

best way to improve the economy of one place. If there is no Ilocano music and dances,

Ilocanos will not have their own cultures and traditions in terms of musical.

The respondents also agreed that traditional Ilocano music and dances are better

than the modern ones having 44% of votes. The researchers determined that Ilocanos is

so in-love with their songs or the researchers simply says that Ilocanos can’t get away

their music into their self. Even thou modern music and dances are rampant into this

generation; Ilocanos have their Ilocano blood that amidst of those modern ones they will

also sing and promote them to others.

Furthermore, they disregard that traditional Ilocano music and dances are useless

in modern times having 44%. The researchers say that Ilocanos really love their music

and dances even if it’s too old. And the researchers concluded that the Ilocano music and

dances are important to these days. Ilocanos should preserve the uniqueness and love

their traditional music and dances because these are part of their traditions. They should

embrace and promote to others their cultures. Ilocanos must appreciate their music and

dances for them to become more famous to the younger generations.

CONCLUSION

Majority of the respondents are female students. The most familiar dance of the

Ilocanos is Pandanggo and only few know the dance Innalisan. Most of the respondents

considered Pamulinawen as the most familiar song of the Ilocanos, may be because it is

one of the festivals of their province and it is the highlight song in the dance parade.

Nearly everyone, the perception of the respondents is they are concerned about the

preservation of Ilocano music and dances and should be shown in festivals for awareness

of the Ilocano music and dances.

There are many Ilocano Dances that depicts the life of Ilocanos. Here, they

express their feelings in creating a dance that would satisfy their emotions. Uniqueness is

present in folk dances that narrate their culture and traditions. Iluko dances are classified

into six categories. First, the Occupational Dances. Next is the Wedding Dance. Third to

it is the Ballroom Dances. The fourth is the Religious Dances. Fifth category is the

Courtship.

However, the Ilocano music and dances change through time. By technology, they

can just play these by the radio or by the player. However, technology taught us foreign

songs and now we prefer new songs than the old. But those high land tribes they are still

singing the old chanting music and dance the traditional dances.

The researchers used survey method to gather information for the said research

topic. The researchers made questionnaires related to the research topic and float them to

their respondents. By this method, the researchers defined their respondents as students,

teachers, and elders. These people are essential in the success of the said research,

because the researchers believed that they have ample knowledge to answer the

questionnaire. With this method, they found out the different perceptions of Ilocanos on

their traditional music and dances. Examples of which are, what Ilocano music and

dances they considered most famous? Is Iluko music and dances still evident today?

What are the changes did Ilocano music and dances underwent over time? Using this

method, the researchers got vital information’s towards the research topic, for them to

have an idea and basis for the study.

The Ilocanos should appreciate their musical heritage throughout study of music

and dances, we can trace the richer heritage of ideas handed down to us from our

forefathers then we can understand ourselves better and take pride of being an Ilocano.

Preserving the ideals, customs and traditions of the people. The Ilocanos should continue

developing our culture, for the next generation to see the beautiful culture that they have.

Ilocanos are indeed unique in terms of traditions and culture. Their music and

dances are based in their way of living.

REFERENCES

Aurelio, M. F. (2009). Iloco traditional music and the life cycle. Ilocos Norte Provincial Library

Ethnic songs and dances. (n.d.) Retrieved January 18, 2011, from http://ilocosnorte.ph/tourism-and-culture/ilocano-culture

Hufana, A. (2009). Ilocano dances and songs. Ilocos Norte Provincial Library

Ilocano people. (n.d.) Retrieved March 19,2011, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ilocano_people

Ilocano People. (n.d.) Retrieved March 19,2011, from http://en.wikipilipinas.org/index.php?title=Ilocano_people

Ines, T. P. (2009). Folk dances of Ilocos Norte. Ilocos Norte Provincial Library

Madarang-Raquel, E. B. (1998). Pagbasaan: Nonformal education. Laoag City: Grace Printing Press.