"Pandanggo sa Ilaw" is a folk dance of grace and balance originated from Lubang Island, Mindoro in the Visayas region of the Philippines. The term “pandanggo” was derived from the Spanish word fandango, which is a popular dance characterized by lively steps and hand-clapping that varies in rhythm in 3/4 beat or triple meter.
This unique and colorful dance requires skill in balancing three lighted oil lamps or “tinghoy”, one on the head and at the palms of each hand. The beat is just like the Spanish fandango and it is also characterized by lively steps and hand-clapping. The lights of the lamps are said to represent fireflies that are fluttering in the night.
A good number of Philippine folk dances were originally patterned after European dances during the Spanish colonial rule in the country. But despite its adaptation to western dances, Filipinos still pay tribute to their cultural roots. In fact, every region in the islands has its own folk dances which were performed attractively in various festivals. These have been added to the country’s apparent contribution to the world’s illustration of traditional culture and arts.
To appreciate the beauty of this dance, please watch the video below from likha.org.
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