Mindanao Hong Kong Workers Federation
Showcasing the dance costumes of the Philippine ‘Singkil’ dance, a folk dance of the Maranao people from Lake Lanao, originating in the Muslim Autonomous Region of Mindanao's Lanao del Sur. Performed with a royal entourage, dancers weave through crisscrossed bamboo poles, creating a rhythmic clapping sound. The dance narrates the legend of a princess trapped in a forest during an earthquake caused by diwatas (guardian spirits). The female lead dancer embodies the princess's grace amidst falling bamboo, while the male lead represents the legendary Prince Bantugan, dancing with a sword and shield around the bamboo poles.
The ‘Singkil’ costumes are vibrant and intricate. The Maranao Prince wears a long silk shirt adorned with gold threads and matching pants, complemented by an ornate cap, and carries a wooden shield and a traditional sword. The Maranao Princess wears a lavish outfit made of silk or cotton, decorated with metallic embroidery, sequins, and pearls, along with exquisite jewelry and a stunning headdress made of silk and brass. She also uses bamboo fans as accessories, beautifully embellished with appliqués.