About: Itik-itik

Itik-itik is a mimetic folk dance in the Philippines that mimics the movement of ducks. It originated in Cantilian, Surigao del Sur in Philippines. Itik-itik was discovered in this town by National Artist for Dance Francisca Reyes-Aquino. Originating from a dance called Sibay and performed to the tune of Dejado, the story was told that an expert young dancer named Cayetana at a barrio of Cantilan during a baptismal party had become so carried away with the rhythm that she began to improvise short, choppy steps similar to ducks and then splash water on their backs. The dance immediately became popular in the province for stage performances and social dancing. Later, Mr. Antonino Arreza, a native of Cantilan and a grandfather of Prospero Pichay, Jr. was believed be the one who compose the ly