Budots as a reflection of Davaoeño identity

Abstract

This thesis is a descriptive and ethnographic study of the budots, which is a Visayan electronic dance music originating in J. Camus St. in Davao city that has become popular in certain parts of Visayas and Mindanao. This study will document the budots music and dance, and understand its meaning according to the Davaoeños. A geographical analysis of Davao City and documentation of the Camusboyz dance group will detail the fieldwork of this study, followed by an analysis of the budots form and its creation and dissemination process through the use of digital and online technology. Finally, responses collected through interviews and casual conversations with the Davaoeños will be thoroughly evaluated using phenomenological theory in order to articulate the meaning of budots. Research shows that budots is produced using digital audio workstations and video editing software, and is distributed through file hosting websites and social media sites by the creators themselves. Response data indicates that budots is unanimously recognized by the Davaoeños, proving its popularity in Davao City. Majority of the feedback is positive, with some expressing Davaoeño regional pride due to the nationwide popularity of budots.