Itik-itik

Itik-itik is a mimetic folk dance in the Philippines that mimics the movement of ducks. It originated in Cantilan, Surigao del Sur in the 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 Kanang at a barrio in 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 to be the one who composed the lyrics of Itik-itik. Below is the 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 that are known to have originated in Cantilan and Surigao provinces are Sumyajaw, or Monkey Dance, Manujo-Panujo, or Manobo courtship dance, and the Sirong war dance.

External Video

 * The National Artists of the Philippines, Volume 1
 * Philippine Travel Guide
 * Visayan Dances