Your job is to research and compile notes on some aspects of Filipino culture such as language and dances. Your notes will be included in the PowerPoint presentation and in the travel brochure. You can do online and library research.

Language:
Your task: Find out the national language and other languages that are spoken in the Philippines.
Guide Questions:

• What is the national language of the Philippines?
  
• What are the official languages of the Philippines?
  
• Why do Filipinos prefer to speak in English in some cases?
  
• What kind of foreign words are common in the vocabulary of Filipinos?
  
• How many dialects or local languages do the Filipinos have?

Dances:
Filipino traditional dances are usually categorized into the following: Barrio (rural), Paseo or Maria Clara (with Spanish influence), Tribal (mountain) and Muslim.

Your task:
Find at least 4 pictures depicting 4 different dances and write a brief description of each dance.

For starters, here are two Filipino dances:

SINGKIL, a dance originating from Lanao del Sur, Mindanao is said to be a dance of Muslim royalty. To the rythmic clapping of bamboo poles, the dancers weave expertly through crisscrossed bamboos, the ladies dressed in elegant Muslim costumes waving great big fans, the men flipping brightly colored handkerchiefs right and left. The dancers wear solemn faces and maintain a dignified pose while dancing at a slow pace that progresses to a faster tempo. There are many versions of SINGKIL. When performed by ladies of the royalty of Lanao, the dancer is usually accompanied by a waiting lady, who holds a beautifully decorated umbrella over the Princess' head wherever she goes. The dance has no definite number of steps or figures. Even the arm movements are improvised and executed according to the mood and skill of the dancers.

Pandanggo sa ilaw' means 'Fandango with light'. This popular dance originates from Lubang Island, Mindoro in Visayas.

The term pandanggo comes from the Spanish word fandango, which is a dance characterized by marking time with a clack of castanets, snapping of fingers, and stomping of feet in triple-time rhythm.

A dancer of this grace dance is called 'pandanggera', and dances with three oil lamps (tinghoy), or candles in glasses instead, balanced on her head and on the back of each hand.