Philippine E-Journals

Preserving Heritage: “Gurung-gong” Beat of Panglao, Bohol

Chrystel Mariz  Gementiza

Discipline: History

 

Abstract:

This research aims to address the need of preservation of the “Gurung-gong Beat,” the Thanksgiving practice that lingers within the island of Panglao, Bohol. The prevalence of this beat was observed during the town’s festival, songs, and customs; however, this practice lacked documentation. Hence, this primary goal of this study is to produce a rhythmic notation of the Gurung-gong beat based on the gathered data through a recorded video and dialogue between the researcher and the focal person. The produced notation aims to safeguard the cultural practices in Panglao through music. Moreover, this descriptive qualitative study underwent the following procedures: (1) transcription – which involves the notation of the recorded beat; (2) data coding – to apply tags and labels of a particular note or beat; (3) thematic analysis – the analysis of the note patterns to determine the rhythm; (4) data interpretation; and (5) data validation. The validation was done by a credible historian from Bohol, a music professor from a distinguished university, and a chorale conductor. This was also presented to the community to check if the notated rhythm is identical to their existing beat. Furthermore, the results show notated elements including note patterns with consistency of eight and sixteenth notes, the 4/4-time signature, the brisk tempo, and the “1-and, 2-ah-and-ah, 3-and, 4-and” rhythmic count. With these results, the researcher of this study implied and emphasized the importance of documenting the local traditions, raising cultural awareness, and encouraging officials to gain a deeper understanding of cultural heritage and preservation. Consequently, the notated rhythmic beats will be utilized for a musical composition for the community’s thanksgiving dance.