Manobo Agung (ahong) ensemble, Philippines, 1960s

The Manuvu/Manobo are an indigenous proto-Austronesian people inhabiting the highland regions of Mindanao island in the southern Philippines. They are somewhat culturally akin to the neighbouring Bagobo, Bukidnon, Mandaya and Mansaka peoples, and among the shared musical traditions of these groups is the "Agung", a gong ensemble consisting of hung gongs played during ritual or social ceremonies. Agung ensembles are played by various groups in the Philippines and Borneo. This video was taken by famed Ethnomusicologist and Anthropolgist Robert Garfias on Mindanao island in the southern Philippines in the 1960s. Further information on Mr. Garfias and his research can be found at: aris.ss.uci.edu
agung gong agong magagung manobo mindanao philippines manuvu lumad filipino kulintang music indigenous sabah sarawak












