Subli is derived from “Subsob,” which means to fall with one’s head down, and “bali,” which means broken (accent on the second syllable). Others claimed it derives from the word “Sobli,” which means “Salisi,” or the switching of places, a key element of the dance. Subli is a Philippines traditional dance and is extremely popular in provinces such as Batangas and Luzon. Apparently, this dance is performed to honour the “Holy Cross of Alitagtag” usually during the month of May. Furthermore, this dance at times also consists of a chant to the “Holy Cross”.
Subli is a pre-Spanish era religious practice that existed in the Philippines before Christianity. The Subli, a traditional dance from Bauan, Batangas, was performed as a form of homage to the cross, affectionately known as Mahal na Poong Alitagtag (Beloved Holy Cross of Alitagtag). The dance’s origins can be traced to Bauan, Batangas. Subli recalls how the Manunubli, one of the earliest tribes to settle in Bauan, made their first journey in search of the miraculous cross through the fields, hills, and rivers.
History and origin of the Subli Dance:
According to the cultural history of the Philippines, this dance style was created to honour the “Holy Cross of Alitagtag” also known locally as the “Mahal Na Poong Santa Cruz”, in the native language, according to the Cultural History of the Philippines and is performed mainly in the month of May.
The dance first appeared around 300 years ago in the Dingin neighborhood of Alitagtag, Batangas. Previously, it was only danced there and in front of the Holy Cross; today, it is danced all over.
How is the Subli Dance celebrated:
The province of Batangas capital, Batangas City, hosts the festival known as Sublian. The festival lasts for two weeks and ends on July 23, which also happens to be the city’s founding day. In Bauan, Agoncillo, and Batangas City, the Sublian is held in honor of the town’s patron saint, either the Holy Cross or the Sto. Nio.
During the festival, the locals’ devotion to their religion is expressed through dance. They perform the Subli, which is the centerpiece of the Sublian Festival, to the rhythm of the drums and chants.
The Sublian festival now includes incredible street dancing performances, native Filipino games, Harana (serenades), the Lupakan, Awitan, and Sayawan in addition to devotional dance and song numbers.
Also Read : ITIK-ITIK- PHILIPPINES: A dance inspired by ‘movements of a duck’.
Costumes used in the Subli Dance:
The costume used in the Subli varies according to the gender, and they are as follows:
1. For men:
The attire worn includes the barong tagalog, and red trousers.
2. For women:
The attire worn mainly includes a balintawak dress, tapis, panyo, and a buri hat.
Music involved in the Subli Dance:
The musical instruments mainly used in the dance include drums, and wooden castanets.
Training availability and technique involved in the Subli Dance:
In terms of technique, this dance involves the use of dramatic movements
