Photo Albumby admin07

PALAWAN MUSIC

In the Central West highlands, is the Palawan Island. One of the tribes in Palawan are the TAGBANUAS.The Tagbanuas has retained their ancient culture. Tha Calamianes Group of Islands hol elaborate funeral celebrations. Five days after interment, the relatives goes to the homes of the deceased to perform funeral rites.

Then the participants chant the Batac, a lengthy song recounting the significant adventures of a mythical person named DUMARACOL. The singing goes on for three successive nights for evening till dawn.

The Tagbanuas believe that music has power to heal the sick. To cure a Tagbanua who is very ill his companion drive off the evil spirits by beating the gongs and drums. During the ceremony, nobody is permitted to come near the patients bed.

Aside from their funeral rites, the Tagbanuas of Palawan also have festivals. One of these is called the MACASLA festival. This is done through music, dance and feast.

The musical instruments of the Tagbanuas consists of drums with shark skin heads (gimbal). It leads the ensemble and has a preparatory rhythm, falling into an ostinato. Bamboo flutes (beberak), jews harp (aroding), guitars and banjos are also used.