Kandatu: Reliving Meranaw Tradition Through Performance

by Andrea Alexa Barga


In a rapidly evolving world, traditions often fade into the background, forgotten or overshadowed by the demands of modern life. Yet, they remain important to understanding who we are and how we came to be. Culture is the wind that has carried humanity through the tides of time, shaping societies and grounding identities. Even when traditions are no longer practiced as they once were, remembering them ensures that the stories, values, and lessons of the past continue to inspire the present.


On November 15, the MSU-IIT Kalilang Musical Ensemble showcased a glimpse into one of the Meranaws’ most sacred traditions: the selection of a new sultan, with their performance of “Kandatu”.


For the Meranaw people, the kandatu is not just a ceremonial event; it is a key ritual in the process of enthroning a new sultan. It represents the qualities of leadership and characteristics required of a ruler: bravery, wisdom, and an unyielding sense of justice. To participate in the kandatu ceremony is to embody these qualities and to prove one’s readiness to lead with the strength and integrity of the community. In this spiritual process of choosing a new Sultan, the kandatu is both a test of leadership and a confirmation of one's ability to guide the people toward unity and prosperity.


The Kalilang Ensemble’s performance captured the essence of this tradition in vivid detail. Performers dressed in colorful traditional attire brought the sultanate ritual to life, filled with movement and rhythm through traditional dances. The strong presence of the performers, combined with the steady beat of the kulintang ensemble, transformed the performance space into an image of a Meranaw royal court. Every movement felt deliberate, and every sound echoed with history, offering the audience a deeper appreciation of this time-honored tradition.


What made this performance particularly captivating was its ability to balance authenticity with artistry. While staying true to the cultural essence of the kandatu ritual, the ensemble added a sense of drama and spectacle that drew in even those unfamiliar with Meranaw customs. The audience was not just witnessing a reenactment; they were immersing themselves in the culture and heritage of the Meranaw people, feeling the weight of history through the powerful storytelling embedded in each gesture and sound.


In a time when many traditions are at risk of being forgotten, performances like this remind us of the importance of cultural practices. The kandatu, once a key part of selecting a sultan, still evokes respect and pride. Through the Kalilang Ensemble’s performance, the legacy of the kandatu isn’t just preserved; it is brought to life, shared, and celebrated, ensuring its continued resonance for generations to come.