Maglalatik HISTORY
Maglalatik dance was originated from Biñan, Laguna. It is a mocked dance of the war between the Christians and the Muslims over the latik.
The first two parts of Maglalatik dance are the Palipasan and the Baligtaran; it shows the encounter of the two groups while the last two parts are the Paseo and the Sayaw Escaramusa; it shows the reconciliation of the two fighting groups. The Muslims won over the Christians according to the story.
THE DANCE
Maglalatik dance is a four part dance and it is composed of male dancers dress in trousers and has half empty coconut shells attached on their chests, backs, thighs and hips. They have two half empty coconut shells on their hands and they touch each coconut shell on their body to create sounds. The male dancers who represent Muslims wore red trousers while the male dancers who represent Christians wore blue trousers.
MAGLALATIK DANCE IN THE MODERN WORLD
Today, Maglalatik dance is being presented in some programs commemorating nationalism. In Biñan, Laguna, In honor of San Isidro Labrador, Maglalatik dance is being danced every town’s fiesta.
In the school, Maglalatik dance is being taught to the students on their Physical Education classes. It helps to improve students’ flexibility and their awareness to the Philippine Folk dances.