Paper Title
Perceptions of PNU-Mindanao Physical Education Students Towards Choreographing Manobo-Inspired Mass Dance Demonstrations
Abstract
Dance, like all forms of cultural expression, reflects the society in which it exists. It is considered as the identity
of the culture and society from where it evolves. It plays an important role in the social and religious life of the indigenous
and local communities as it embodies know-how and skills and transmits the core values and beliefs of the community.
Hence, it is but important that this form of cultural expression be protected not just to preserve cultural heritage, but also, to
promote cultural diversity. This idea is in line with the vision of Philippine Normal University-Mindanao (PNU-Min) as the
Multicultural Hub. As a second home to a number of Agusan Manobo students who come from a number of Manobo
communities in Agusan del Sur, the university seeks to introduce and preserve the richness of culture of the ethnic and local
communities in the region. The university’s founding anniversary celebration is in fact one of the avenues to realize this. The
event is always highlighted with mass dance demonstrations performed by different groups of pupils and students of the
university. Central to this annual activity is the Manobo-inspired mass dance demonstration performed by select college
students which is choreographed and trained by the Bachelor of Secondary Education-Major in Physical Education (BSEPE).
This paper then aimed to find out the perceptions of PE majors towards choreographing these Manobo-inspired mass
dance demonstrations. Specifically, these sought to find out what the choreographers need to consider in the
conceptualization of the dance, what preparations they have to undergo to be able to put together the whole dance routine
and what propels them to give a Manobo touch in the mass dance routines that they choreograph. Fourth year BSE-PE
students were the participants of the study. A questionnaire was prepared by the researcher and was then validated by experts
before it was administered to the participants. The data gathered showed that although most of the students were only
exposed to Manobo dances in school, they give importance to the performance of the whole Manobo-inspired dance routine
as it paved the way towards the promotion and preservation of Manobo culture. Students also showed positive feelings and
attitude towards choreographing these mass dance demonstrations. It was also found out in the study that authentic Manobo
culture is the primary aim of the student choreographers as they always take into consideration the Manobo way of living,
authentic Manobo dance steps, original music and clothing in the conceptualization of the dance routine.
Index Terms - Manobo-inspired, mass dance demonstration, choreography, physical education