Subli (Sayawan ng Lahi)

Subli is a famous dance in barrios of the municipality of Bauan, Batangas. It is a ceremonial dance performed in fiestas every May in homage to Mahal Na Poong Santa Cruz. The name comes from the Tagalog words “subsub” (stooped) and “bali” (broken).

This is interpreted in the way the male dancers look down and also the way the dancers move in steps. Others said it came from the word “sobli” meaning “salisi” or the exchange of place which is a prominent feature of the dance.

Subli is a dance, a religious ritual, a “panata” or a solemn vow directed to the Holy Cross for all the blessings and the people’s belief that the cross has the power to ward off evil spirits. Subli is also a play and is a long sequence of prayers in verse, songs and dances.