PASUNDAYAW: A Complete Handbook for Cultural Dance Research

This book documents and notates Merida Leyte's local folk dances, because of developing dance literature. As a cultural advocate and a lifetime member of the Samahang Tagapagtaguyod ng Katutubong Sayaw Ng Pilipinas, the author strongly believes that these dances are an outcome of this study be preserved as good material in promoting appreciation and love for Meridanons' cultural heritage. Thus, it needs to be kept and treasured by the people and introduced to the students. This regard contributes to the repertoire of dances pioneered by Mrs. Francisca R. Aquino (F.R.A), who provided a source of materials for schools in dance the allied disciplines that needs a better understanding of our culture. Developing dance literature as an outcome of this study will make it easier to integrate these dances into the lessons, particularly in Physical Education classes. This book is an integral part of the Meridanons' way of life handed down from generation to generation. Similarly, this book promotes awareness of Merida Leyte's local folk dances; awareness of the richness of their cultural heritage through the people's local dances; and awareness of the importance of preserving such dances of character traits and lifeways of the people. Along these lines, it will boost the morale of the Meridanons to make them proud of their distinct cultural identity. It is in this context that the author is motivated to document and notate Merida Leyte's local folk dances depicting the ways of life of the Meridanons, their beliefs, culture, practices, traditions, livelihood, and values to revive the lost portion of the history of Merida and bring it to the new generation through dance literature. The author's sincere hope is that, with the publication of these dances, our countrymen will understand the Meridanons better and appreciate more their aesthetic values as a people of whom little is known, seen, or heard up to the present time.