Kulintang refers to a family of related gong-chime ensemble traditions from Mindanao in the southern Philippines. Rather than a single standardized genre, kulintang encompasses multiple regional practices developed by communities such as the Maranao, Maguindanao, Tausug, Sama, and many others. These traditions share similar cores of instrumentations: A melodic row of tuned knobbed gongs (kulintang), large suspended gongs and drums. Each region has their differences in repertoire, terminology, tuning systems, and instruments.

It's best to note that kulintang is sometimes labeled as being, "Muslim music," due to its strong presence in parts of Muslim communities in Mindanao, but this is a misunderstanding. Kulintang is a regional ensemble tradition shared across multiple communities, with diverse styles and histories, and is not defined with a religious identity. 

Kulintang also continues to be an actively evolving performance practice in Minanao and diaspora communities.

This site aims to document my personal experiences with these living traditions while also emphasizing that kulintang is not one type of music, but many connected gong traditions that have been shaped by different communities with their own histories and lineage.

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Please do reach out if you have any questions, concerns or to share any reactions to the project with me. Happy to connect.