Itik-itik

Itik-itik is a mimetic folk dance in the Philippines that mimics the movement of ducks. It originated in Cantilian, Surigao del Sur in Philippines. Itik-itik was discovered in this town by National Artist for Dance Francisca Reyes-Aquino. Originating from a dance called ''Sibay'' and performed to the tune of ''Dejado'', the story was told that an expert young dancer named Cayetana at a barrio of Cantilan during a baptismal party had become so carried away with the rhythm that she began to improvise short, choppy steps similar to ducks and then splash water on their backs. The dance immediately became popular in the province for stage performances and social dancing. Later, Mr. Antonino Arreza, a native of Cantilan and a grandfather of Prospero Pichay, Jr. was believed be the one who compose the lyrics of Itik-itik. Below is original version of Itik-itik in native Cantilangnon dialect:

Itik-itik (original version)

''Itik-itik di-in kaw gikan''

''Itik-itik sa Pandagitan''

''Itik-itik nag uno didto''

''Itik-itik nagpupasiyo''



''Itik-itik unoy taghinang''

''Itik-itik naglangoy-langoy''

''Itik-itik unoy tagkita''

''Itik-itik suban-ong isda''



''Itik-itik hain kaw singod''

''Itik-itik ay magpahuway''

''Itik-itik unoy hingtungdan''

''Luja na an ak' kalawasan''



Other popular dances who are known to have originated in Cantilan and Surigao provinces are Sumyajaw, or Monkey Dance, Manujo-Panujo or Manobo courtship dance, the Sirong war dance.

References

External Video

The National Artists of the Philippines, Volume 1
Dances of the Philippines
Culture of Surigao del Norte
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