Singkil

My first film (non-dialogue) created for my TH 153 Beginning Film Production Class, Summer 2008.

[DISCLAIMER: so i just realized that there might be some noise/talking on some scenes that there shouldn't be (only if you're watching this with the volume full blast). the movie editing program i used in class really suckked. watch this film with mid-level volume and you should be fine.]

Background: Singkil is a dance representative of the Muslim/Moro Culture of the Southern Philippine Region. The are many versions of this dance, most involving a Prince, a Princess, and a servant girl. The stories also vary too ranging from the Prince trying to rescue or help the Princess to the Prince trying to hunt or kill the Princess.

This presentation of Singkil is done objectively, but paralleled with a passionate fight between a couple. The viewer is left with the challenge to interpret their own story for the dance and to decide for themselves whether the dance is done for love or for hate.

Written, Directed, Produced & Edited by Justin Ryan Madriaga
Dance Choreography by Kaywan Shiraz, Gladys Boltron & Justin Madriaga
Starring Gladys Boltron, Marc Mangapit, and Melanie Velasco

Presented by BakitWhy Films
http://www.BakitWhy.com

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• art
• filmmaker
• reel
• short
• film
• filipino
• pilipino
• pinoy
• pinay
• cultural
• kaba
• kababayan
• jaahsten
• independent
• indie
• student

[CJrizzle2008]

nice job dude!

[jaahsten]

thanks!

[stefunki]

terrific job, justin!

[jaahsten]

yay thanks stef! thanks for watching!

o and btw, u need to start making more vids!! =D

[natztheflip]

wow great video justin and bakitwhy team! i honestly don't know much about these dances or other tradional Pilipino dances, besides watching my sister's PCN performances, but its great that there was a little storyline, it helps to understand the meaning of the dance (even though you you did explain that there are different interpretations) great job!! whoo hoo!

[jaahsten]

haha, well glad we can help natalie... that could be the first topic you talk about when you form ur fil-am club at school! lol.

[hetismij21]

I've never had such a positive reply before. I'm quite surprised, when it comes to singkil I'm so protective because I think it's one of Philippine's treasures. Due to economic hardship and political problems (south) this dance has been put out of context by some people, including Westerners. However I should be more open minded about various media projects and productions. And I'm quietly happy that you performed it anyway in simple attire but with dignity!

[obiwankaynobi]

woo hoo watch it in high quality

[fmtrapero]

nagshopping man daan before nanayaw

[ChBiGa]

NYC 1!

[YuChuuber]

to add some:

usually, the singkil is a dance to show how a moro prince tries to save a moro princess from a demon that controls bamboo.. and sometimes ends with the prince and princess leaving the stage together (i think it means that the prince saved the princess in the end)..

angat ang pinoy!..

[jaahsten]

i totally agree with you there. like many things (other dances, myths, stories, laws, religious texts (the list goes on)) it is hard to stick to what is "original" because of the many interpretations and changes that occur throughout the years. part of the beauty of it all tho is that people are still proud to display this dance, in some way shape or form, and the heart of storytelling is still there just like how it was originally intended for, and so im still glad to label it "pilipino".