BALLANGBANG

Originating from the Mountain Province of the Philippines, the Ballangbang is a celebratory dance for victories in tribal wars and headhunting expeditions. Today, the dance is still performed for celebration but for occasions such as weddings, and other social gatherings. The male dancers play the gongs as they synchronize their artistic graceful steps and body swaying. The female dancers follow with the appropriate steps while executing movements that imitate the carabao or water buffalo. The "arwas" also known as the "elwas", is a contrasting beat which is distinct from regular beats of the rest of the gong players. It is played by two male dancers and leads the sound of the gongs and the grace of the dance.