THE YOGAD LIFEWORLD IN THE MUSIC, COSTUMES, AND DANCE STEPS OF BAILE DE BAKAL

Abstract

Music and dance come a long way in the Philippine history. It embodies the sense of cultural identity to most of our minority groups. This ethnographic investigated numerous elements of the Yogad’s cultural dance, the Baile de Bakal in the Municipality of Echague, Isabela. In particular at Echague, Isabela, Mengal Festival Dance/s mirror/s the community cultural festival of Echagueños (the locals of Echague, Isabela). The study employed a qualitative research approach. It was then found out that Baile de Bakal is a historical performance that originated under the Spanish occupation on the outskirts of the Cagayan Valley region. However, the existence of the Yogads in the vicinity of the municipality does not equate to the beginning of the performance. The performance itself is heavily influenced by Catholic beliefs, contrary to the original Pagan idolatry of the people of Isabela. Certain elements of the performance such as music and costume were not physically preserved as there are variations to the actual decorations and ornamentations of the attire. However, there are clear symbols that are kept preserved by the organizers and performers. In terms of music, marching rhythm is considerably existent as well as the continuing dance steps that are handed down onto generations.  Primarily, the Baile de Bakal represents the bravery of Yogad’s life. This is depicted as the reflections of their resilience in terms of coping with the ever-changing society. The elements that are considerably evident in the performance itself symbolizes their utmost will to forge ahead despite conquest to which they valiantly resisted as per records. The researcher recommends that before actually performing the traditional dance, let it be known among the performers of the heritage or cultural background and symbolic representations of the dance so that performers may know its significance by heart.