History of Subli Folk Dance

Summary

Subli is a traditional folk dance from Batangas, Philippines, performed to honor the Holy Cross of Bauang. The dance is accompanied by rhythmic drumming and castanets and is rooted in a local legend of a miraculous event during the Spanish era. A woman witnessed a blinding light emanating from a tree where a cross was found, leading to its veneration. The dance, symbolizing gratitude and faith, has spread across the country, and is now an integral part of May fiestas, celebrating both cultural and religious heritage.

Takeaways

• 😀 Philippine folk dance includes a wide array of dances from different islands of the archipelago, each with unique stories and origins.
• 😀 One of the most famous folk dances is Subli, originating from Batangas, which involves rhythmic drumming and castanets.
• 😀 Subli is performed in honor of the Holy Cross, especially during the month of May.
• 😀 The word 'Subli' may have several meanings, including 'fall with the head' and 'broken,' or it could refer to an 'exchange of place.'
• 😀 Subli evolved as a ceremonial dance to honor the Holy Cross, particularly the Mahal Napoli Santa Cruz, patron of the municipality of Al-Kart and Bowen.
• 😀 The origin of the Subli dance dates back to 1595 when Bawan was part of Bowen, a region near Bombon Lake and Mount Makulot in Batangas.
• 😀 A local legend tells of a gambler's wife who witnessed a mysterious blinding light and prayed before a cross at the base of an Anubin tree.
• 😀 The blinding light attracted villagers, leading to the discovery of the cross, which became the patron of Bawan after it was effortlessly pulled from the tree by priests.
• 😀 The cross was later divided, with part of it brought to the town of Ulta, and a small chapel was erected at the site of the discovery, now known as Labach.
• 😀 A fiesta celebrating the Holy Cross is held every May 3rd in Bawan, where the Subli dance continues to be performed in honor of the cross, now celebrated beyond Batangas.

Q & A

What is the Sublime Folk Dance, and where did it originate?

The Sublime Folk Dance is a traditional dance from Batangas, Philippines, performed to rhythmic drum beats and clacking castanets. It is performed in honor of the Holy Cross, particularly during the month of May.

What are some of the theories behind the name 'Subli'?

One theory suggests that 'Subli' comes from the Tagalog words 'subsub,' meaning to fall with the head, and 'bali,' meaning broken. Another theory interprets it as an 'exchange of place,' symbolizing a transfer of religious and cultural significance.

Why is the Sublime Dance significant to the community of Batangas?

The Sublime Dance is a key part of the local religious and cultural traditions. It honors the Holy Cross, which is central to the region's faith and history, and it is performed during the annual fiesta in May.

How did the Sublime Folk Dance come to be associated with the Holy Cross?

The dance originated from a miraculous event in the 15th century when a woman witnessed a blinding light coming from a cross in a tree. This event led to the cross being revered and brought to Bawan, where it became the town's patron saint.

When did the Sublime Folk Dance first evolve into its ceremonial form?

The dance evolved into a ceremonial form in honor of the Holy Cross after the miraculous event involving the cross in Bawan. It has since become a staple during religious celebrations, particularly the fiesta in May.

What role does the Holy Cross play in the origin of the Sublime Folk Dance?

The Holy Cross is central to the origin of the dance, as the event surrounding its discovery—where a woman found water flowing from the trunk of the cross—led to the dance's creation to honor this miraculous occurrence.

How is the Sublime Folk Dance performed?

The dance is performed by men and women who execute rhythmic, countertip movements to the beats of drums and clacking castanets. These steps are synchronized to create a graceful and energetic performance.

What does the annual fiesta in Bawan celebrate?

The annual fiesta in Bawan, celebrated every 3rd of May, honors the Holy Cross. It is a religious event that features various cultural traditions, including the performance of the Sublime Folk Dance.

What is the historical context of Bawan's development in relation to the Sublime Folk Dance?

Bawan was originally part of a larger area known as Bawanswer. It was founded near the shores of Lake Bombon, and it was here that the miraculous discovery of the Holy Cross occurred, which later became the town's patron saint and the focus of the dance.

Why is the story of the Holy Cross significant to the local community?

The story of the Holy Cross is significant because it represents a miracle that deeply influenced the faith and culture of the local community in Bawan and the broader region of Batangas. It has been passed down through generations and remains central to their religious and cultural identity.