Tagonggo


In the southern Philippines, tagonggo or tagunggo is a type of music traditionally played by male musicians dressed in their festive fineries.
It is considered to be outdoor music, while the related kulintang ensemble, by contrast, is chamber music. The main instrument of tagonggo music is the tagunggoan, from which it takes its name. The tagunggoan consists of six to eight hanging gongs in a pentatonic scale.
In addition, 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 ; and one or more garagara or panda'opan. The last two are either of Chinese or European origin. Tagonggo is associated with the Sama, Bajau, and Tausug ethnicities of the Sulu archipelago.
Occasions or purposes for playing 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. Tagonggo 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.