Tagonggo

In the southern Philippines, Tagonggo is parade or entourage music played by male musicians dressed in their festive fineries. It is outdoor music, while the kulintang ensemble is considered as chamber music. The instrumental ensemble consists of a number of medium-sized gongs called mamalala; a number of small, high pitched, and shallow gongs called pong; one or more tambor (snare drums); and one or more garagara or panda'opan (cymbals). The last two are either of Chinese or European origin.

Occasions or purposes for playing the tagonggo include sending off or welcoming dignitaries, honorific serving of betelquid, and wedding celebrations. Tagonggo players go at the head of the parade either on foot or aboard a vehicle or motorboat. The tagongko is also played in ceremonies called kalilang sa tong to appeal to the spirits for a bountiful harvest or for a rich catch of fish.

References

The Maranao Man. Mindanao Art and Culture, Number Four (1980); Marawi City: University Research Center, Mindanao State University; 130pp.