The socio-economic and political dimensions of subli among Batanguenos

The tradition of subli is a complex cultural heritage. It is a form of devotion, a game, a dance, a song, and poetry. The diversity of subli as a popular folk dance among the Batanguenos resulted further to the evolution of various dance renditions from the different towns of Batangas and even nearby provinces. Its existence has helped in defining the nature and uniqueness of the Batangueno way of living, history and culture. In this study, the socio-economic and political dimensions of subli is discussed. This is determined through interviews with the local residents of Bauan and Batangas City and selected participants in the annual Sublian festival in Batangas City. It gives a brief history of its place or origin, its geographical location and boundaries and its socio-economic conditions. It also presents an overview of the nature and various forms of subli based on the pioneering studies made by Dr. Elvira Rivera-Mirano. The author also analyzes the similarities and differences of the existing renditions of the dance from Barangay Sinala in Bauan Barangay Pook in Agoncillo and Barangay Talumpok in Batangas City. In its methodology, the author uses library research and actual observation. Actual observation is done by visiting the towns of Agoncillo, Bauan and Batangas City. In addition, oral interview is employed in the study and Spengler\u27s theory is adopted in the interpretation and analysis of data