Chants, Gongs and Ancestral Memories of the Panay Bukidnon, Philippine Islands

Abstract

Sugidanon (Epic Chanting) has been a long time favorite way of spending leisure time among the innermost villages of rugged Central Panay. Its listeners gradually waned with the arrival of transistor radios in the late 1960’s – 70’s and their exposure to modern sound technology, thereafter, in the lowland. The introduction of Christianity and public education also contributed largely to its decline because chanters, babaylan who were mostly ex-binukot (kept maiden), were discouraged to continue as a result of proselytization.