Filipino Wedding Glossary › Kulintang
Kulintang
Pronunciation: koo-leen-TAHNG
Origin: Maranao, Maguindanao, and Tausug gong-and-drum ensemble; central to Bangsamoro ceremonial music
A gong-and-drum ensemble central to Maranao, Maguindanao, and Tausug ceremonial music, including weddings.
The kulintang is a tuned-gong-and-drum ensemble found across Maranao, Maguindanao, Tausug, and other Bangsamoro communities. The lead instrument is a row of small horizontal gongs played with mallets, accompanied by larger gongs (gandingan, agung) and drums.
In weddings, kulintang ensembles play during processions, the Walima, and ceremonial dances (e.g., pangalay among Tausug). Repertoires vary widely by community and tradition.
Mastery of kulintang is typically passed through family or community lineages. Booking a kulintang ensemble for a wedding is a way of welcoming Bangsamoro cultural continuity into the celebration; arrangements should go through community-rooted musicians.