REGION IX – ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA
3 Provinces 5 Cities
Zamboanga del Norte > Dapitan > Zamboanga
Zamboanga Sibugay > Dipolog > Isabela
Zamboanga del Sur > Pagadian
1. VISUAL ARTS
>Traditional Arts & Crafts
1. Weaving
YAKAN WEAVING (Basilan): Renowed for their intricate techniques. They produce textiles
with vibrant colors & geometric patterns. Used for clothes like seputangan (head crafts), badju
(blouse), & sawal (pants). They use natural fibers & dyes.
Characterized: bold patterns, bright colors
Symbolizes: elements of nature & culture
SAMA-BADJAN WEAVING: Also known as sea gypsies weaving tradition that reflects their
seafaring lifestyle. They make mats & textiles using patterns inspired by the sea 7 nature.
2. Brass & Metal works
MORO BRASSWORK: The tausug & yakan crafts decorative items like GONGS, KULINTANG
& BETEL NUT BOXES with intricate designs. Those are used in traditional ceremonies & x
symbol of status and wealth.
SWORDS MAKING: Kris & barong swords is a notable craft in this region. These swords is
made with ornate hits & scabbards, both functional & ceremonial.
3. Basket weaving & Mat weaving
SUBANON WEAVING: The subanon indigenous group in Zamboanga Peninsula, are known for
their basket weaving, using natural materials like RATAN & BAMBOO. This is evident for
everyday items such a baskets, trays & containers often decorated with traditional patterns.
2. PERFORMING ARTS
> Dance
PANGALAY: One of the most prominent traditional dances in Zamboanga Peninsula. Performed
by the tausug people. Characterized by slow & graceful moments of the arms & hands, mimicking
the waves of the sea. Often performed at wedding & other important celebrate. The dancers wear
elaborate traditional costumes & jewelry. Pangalay Ha Agong is accompanied by the gongs.
SUBANON RITUAL DANCES: Often performed during harvest festivals or religious
ceremonies. These dances are tied to their animist beliefs and depicts stories of creation, spirits &
nature.
TULOG-TULOG: A subanon dance that portrays their day to day activities like farming &
fishing. This dance is often performed during festivals.
SAMA-BADJAU DANCCES: The Sama-Badjau people have various folk dances that reflects
their connection to the sea. One example of it is the Sua-Sua, a courtship dance that initiates the
movement of the nomelo tree leaves swaying in the wind.
> Festivals & Cultural Performances
HERMOSA FESTIVAL (FIESTA PILAR): Zamboanga City’s most famous festival, celebrated
every October in honor of ‘Our Lady of the Pilar’. The festivals features street dancing, religious
processions & cultural performances that blends Christians & more traditions. Often dressed in
colorful costumes inspired by Spanish-colonial & indigenous attire.
MAGAYON FESTIVAL: Celebrated in Zamboanga del Sur, this festival showcases the culture of
the subanon people. The festival highlights the traditional subanon dances, music & crafts.