DIDDIGA in Bodong Festival: Several Kalinga dance traditions performed by tribal communities

Tabuk City, Kalinga – There is no denying that Kalinga has vibrant and diverse cultural practices, passed down by the iKalinga forefathers to the generations of today; these practices were highlighted in the ‘Diddiga’, one of the main activities of the 2025 Kalinga Bodong Festival.

The Diddiga which was held on February 12 was composed of 10-minute performances from participating tribes, representing the municipalities and the city.

What are these traditional dances and what are they for?

FUNONG of TINGLAYAN

The first one to be presented during the event is the ‘Funong’ which was showcased by the iTinglayans. The Funong is a ritual of welcome, respect, and unity. It is said to be a tribute to the enduring spirit of the Bodong and the unbreakable ties of the Kalinga people. Among the instruments used by the ensemble in their performance is the ‘saggaypu’ or bamboo flute.

PAKIDUM of PASIL

As for Pasil, they delivered ‘Pakidum’ which reflects the celebration of unity among villagers and their shared stories. Among the highlights of the Pakidum is the banga dance wherein women balance banga pots on their heads, mirroring the daily task of fetching water from mountain springs in Pasil while navigating rugged terrains.

ILLA-UD of PASIL

The practice of ‘Illa-ud’ was portrayed by the ensemble from Balbalan. The Illa-ud dance depicts how men in the said town courted their spouses back in the days. The practice required men to win over not just the heart of their beloved but also their family and relatives. 

TORAYAN of TANUDAN

The ‘Torayan’ or Eagle Dance of Tanudan is a joyful dance is performed by the community along with the ‘Dinnayan’ song after winning a battle. It is usually done after successfully avenging the death of a family member or relative before.

TADOK of PINUKPUK

The ‘Tadok’ was likewise presented by the performers from Pinukpuk. Said unity dance is performed as a gesture of welcoming visitors. The Tadok of the iPinukpuks is distinct from other municipalities because it is played with six gongs (Balbal, Solbat, Kaclo, Kapat, Anungus, and Umot) that resonate ‘Sapol’, a distinct rhythm which sets Pinukpuk apart from other places in the province.

LILAY of LUBUAGAN

As for the iLubuagans, they carried with them the ‘Lilay’ or Laga which is the most significant culmination rite of the Bodong celebration as it marks a renewed peaceful relationship. The rite includes exchange of cultural gifts or tokens which reflects sharing of one’s joy in a newly established peaceful bond.

MATAGOAN of TABUK CITY

The ‘Matagoan’ of Tabuk City was represented by the Inanongs where they performed the ‘Matagoan Manggappiyaan Tadok’ to honor their indigenous roots and sacred land, fostering peace and progress in Tabuk City as the ‘Zone of Life’.

PAMANA of RIZAL

The ‘Pamana’ of the Municipality of Rizal which stands for ‘Palay, Mais, and Nateng’ was also embodied in the event. This showcased Kalinga’s rich agricultural and sustainable livelihood practices which contributes to local progress.

Completing the Diddiga is the performances from other ethnolinguistic groups in Kalinga – Ga’dang, Bago, and the Maranao. The performances from these three groups emphasized peace, coexistence, and cultural integration in the province.