M1088: Sagayan Postcard

The postcard shows the Philippine war dance Sagayan, performed by the Far Eastern University Dance Troupe. Sagayan is a Philippine war dance performed by both the Maguindanao and Maranao. The term Sagayan comes from the Tausug word of sagay, meaning head-hunter. The war dance depicts in dramatic fashion the steps their hero, Prince Bantugan, took upon wearing his armaments, the war he fought in and his subsequent victory afterwards. On most occasions, this dance is performed before any celebration or gathering to drive away evil spirits (tunong) and to welcome good fortunes or omen.

M1088: Sagayan Postcard

The back of the postcard reads:

A dance of royalty, Sagayan portrays a Maranaw warrior who anticipating combat, displays his valor and prowess in the handling of the kampilan (bladed weapon) and the shield before the ladies of the court.

The dance involves leaping, turning, jumping, kicking and the rolling movements of a warrior ready to defend his master in battle. Performers, depicting fierce warriors would carry elaborately painted shield with curlicues, rounds, twirls and mirrors which are attached with shell noisemakers in one hand. In their other hand, they carry a double-bladed sword (kampilan) of metal or wood. Dancers are dressed in three tiered skirts, brightly colored topper and headgear embellished with all the imaginable colors of twine trimmings formed into flowers, balls, sunbursts etc. Long, yellow playful tassels almost hiding the face surround the headgear.

SOURCES:
Sagayan Wikipedia Entry
Dance 3: Sagayan and other warrior-like dances
Likha Pilipino Folk Ensemble

M1085: Rizal Monument Postcard

The postcard shows another view of the Rizal Monument in Luneta Park, Manila. Also seen in the postcard are two soldiers guarding the monument. Some say that guards are present by the monument's side 24/7, although on the M1084: Rizal Monument Postcard there seems to be no soldier guarding the monument. Again seen in the postcard is the National Library.

M1085: Rizal Monument Postcard

RELATED ENTRIES:
M31: Rizal Monument Postcard
M1084: Rizal Monument Postcard

M1084: Rizal Monument Postcard

The postcard shows a night view of the Rizal Monument (not Rizal Shrine as identified in the postcard) in Luneta Park, Manila.

M1084: Rizal Monument Postcard

RELATED ENTRY:
M31: Rizal Monument Postcard

M1080: Pagsanjan Falls Postcard

The postcard shows the "Pagsanjan Falls" in Cavinti, Laguna. The real name of the waterfalls is actually "Magdapio Falls." However, the falls has been popularly known as "Pagsanjan Falls" because the trip to the waterfalls starts from Pagsanjan, passes through part of Lumban, then to Cavinti. The Magdapio Falls is a 120 m/393 ft horsetail type of waterfall. The descending water maintains some contact with bedrock.

M1080: Pagsanjan Falls Postcard

The back of the postcard reads:

Pagsanjan Falls, Laguna. A two-hour drive from Manila, and to reach the falls, one has to shoot the rapids which is walled by the serene virgin tropical forest some 300 ft. high.

To reach Magdapio Falls, one has to ride on bancas manned by skilled boatmen (bankeros). The upstream trip to the falls lasts more than one hour. One can shoot 14 roaring rapids during the return trip, which is less than one hour.
Before reaching the falls, one may behold many mini-falls like the Talahib Falls, Kaluykuy Falls and Bridal Veil Falls, and 19 unnamed falls that can only be seen during the rainy months. Behind the curtain of the cascading waters is the mysterious Devil's Cave, so named because its opening looks like the profile of a devil's face.

SOURCES:
Pagsanjan Falls and Shooting the Rapids
Pagsanjan Falls Wikipedia Entry

M1073: Jotabal Postcard

The postcard shows the Philippine dance Jotabal, performed by the Far Eastern University Dance Troupe. Jotabal is a lively festival dance in Camohaguin, Gumaca, Quezon. It is derived from the words Jota and valse (means waltz, a step or a dance in three-four time). The male wears Barong Tagalog and black trousers and female wears Maria Clara dress.

I was not able to find the history of the dance.

M1073: Jotabal Postcard

SOURCE:Jotabal WikiPilipinas Entry