Sagayan is a Philippine war dance performed by both the Maguindanao and Maranao depicting in dramatic fashion the steps their hero, Prince Bantugan, took upon wearing his armaments, the war he fought in and his subsequent victory afterwards.
“Sagayan” is a Maguindanao word, and the war dance has always been part of merrymakings during special occasions and weddings among ethnic Maguindanaons.
Performers, depicting fierce warriors would carry shields with shell noisemakers in one hand and double-bladed sword in the other attempting rolling movements to defend their master.
It is a dance of nobility, gallantry, and honor. The movements depict the ferocity of warriors and is descriptive of the Maguindanaoans who hold the reputation of being brave people.
Though it is war dance, the Sagayan does not depict feudalism, Rather, it shows the zeal of the Maguindanaoans to protect their communities from any form of conquest or abuse.
It is also meant to show the resilience of the Maguindanaon communities and their strength to readily rise or bounce back from every and any devastation.