Dance ethnography: [manuscript] an analysis on Ayta Ambala Tribe of Barangay Tubo-Tubo, Bataan / Jay Mark D. Sinag

Thesis (MPES) BPSU, 2021.

The Philippines is known to be a culturally diverse archipelago within the Asia Pacific Region because of its unique traditions, customs, beliefs, culture and even arts. One of the many traditions that the country can be proud of are its folk dances particularly tribe dances which are as old as the history itself. Philippine folk dances can be dated back as early as the pre-colonial period which inherited by our forefathers and passed through several generations of Filipinos. These traditional dances are considered treasures of our homeland for they depict the humble beginnings of our native countrymen and serve as a symbol of national identity. The study utilized focused ethnography and was limited on the documentation of the Ethnic dance of Ayta Ambala's tribe, their cultural values along with its cultural heritage situated at Barangay Tubo-Tubo, Dinalupihan, Bataan which were considered unpublished, especially their respective dance patterns or movements. The dance title, historical background, costumes, music, props, and dance steps served as bases for the development of the creative Ayta dances. There were ten (10) informants involved in the study. Five (5) were key informants (KIs) who represent the emic perspective while five (5) were general informants (GIs) who represent the etic perspective of the paper. Findings revealed that Dances of Ayta Ambala include: Courtship (Sayaw Magligaw), Ceremonial (Sayaw Talipe), and Occupational (Sayaw Pangangaho). The said dances reflect different activities that are commong among the tribe. It also includes vii the historical background, costume, time signature, props, structural formation, dance steps, and figures. Although the values are not directly presented, these are still manifesting through the themes of their dances. Included in the cultural values are bravery, respect, and gratitude which are also part of the embodiment of different dances of Ayta Ambala. The legacy of the Ayta Ambala also reflected in. their dances which are also passed through their lineage. As observed, the other two emerging themes are also connected to the cultural heritage of Aeta Ambala. This means, their dances mirror their surroundings, their daily activities, and their identity as tribes. The emerging themes on cultural heritage are Religious beliefs, courtships, and livelihood.