Mu. of Maranaos

Music of the Maranao

KOLINTANG

The popular kolintang (gong melody) is played in different instrumental combinations, but the Maguindanao ensemble is said to have the most developed melodic permutation.

The ensemble is composed of a set of eight gongs of graduated sizes arranged in a row (kolintang), a suspended gong with a thin sound (babendir), a drum (debakan), one or two suspended gongs (agong), and a pair of gongs with narrow rims (gandingan).

The kolintang is a counterpart of the Malaysian or Indonesian gamelan, except that it is an ensemble strictly of percussion instruments.  No wind or string instrument is played to accompany it.  The principal eight-gong series (kolintang) is used to play a variety of meaningful compositions; the other gongs and the drum follow its beat.

n Maranao the musical or poetical compositions played on the kolintang usually have dual meanings: literal and "cultural."  Here are some examples: |

KaseladengPalagoy kaseladeng

Ka kerarab a kalasan. | DeerRun, run away, deer

For the forest is burning. |

TAGONGKO and KAPANIRONG

Besides the kolintang, other musical ensembles popular among the Maranao are the tagongko and the kapanirong.

Tagongko is parade or entourage music played by male musicians dressed in their festive fineries.  It is outdoor music, while kolintang is indoor 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 tagongko include sending off or welcoming dignitaries, honorific serving of betelquid, and wedding celebrations. Tagongko 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...