Lapay Bantigue Dance

Like many small islands, Bantigue in Masbate rely on the sea to supply fish to greater parts of the Bicol Region.

Each dawn, Bantigue village awaits the arrival of boats with their catch. Gathered on the beach with the people are numerous herons called "lapay" flying overhead or moving around waiting for spare fish catch. To while away their time, people turn their attention to the birds, shooing them or imitating their flight, swoops, dives and glides. This playful frolicking started the first steps of a spontaneous dance. Music was brought in later to lend order and form.


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