This ability to imitate tones of the Maguindanao language using this instrument has given the gandingan connotation: the “talking gongs.”[2] The instrument is usually described as four, large, shallow-bossed, thin-rimmed gongs, vertically hung, either from a strong support such as a tree limb or housed in a strong wooden framed stand.

[5] Comparatively, these newer gongs have a higher pitch and are smaller in size than those made in older times.

In olden style of play, strictly done by women, the patterns used function to feature/highlight/reinforce the rhythmic modes already established by the singular babendil and dabakan.

Women players would use a limited number of patterns that were repeated to provide a sonorous foundation to the entire ensemble.

One type of play called kulndet requires players to perform highly dense, complicated rhythmic patterns upon the gandingan.

Because of the strenuous type of play, male musicians usually perform this style during contests held at weddings where players would demonstrate their virtuosity, considered a sign of masculinity, on the gandingan.

[2] Using the gandingan, young men and women would spend hours[7] teasing, flirting, gossiping, playing guessing games, trading friendly insults and simply conversing with one another.

Locals says much of this jovial talk even contained sexual innuendoes,[4] where all kinds of dirty words could be heard penetrating the night air.

[7][11] For instance, if the young man wanted to ask the young women “to come here,” the man would play on the gandingan, “Singkaden Ka Singkaden.” Another common message couples would play is, “Pagngapan ko seka,” literally meaning, “I am waiting for you.” Along with those trivial messages, gandingans were also used in more seriously matters when signaling to others of imminent danger.

But like Marcos’ soldiers, the police bought a translator and so they were finally able to arrest the theft for stealing and the brother on the gandingan for obstruction of justice.

For instance, one folk tale states the Malailai Gandingan is a place known for a powerful sultan and his beautiful daughter[12] while in another epic, Raja sa Madaya, Gandingan is the proper name of a place where hostile datus (who attempted to abduct a princess from the prince of Madaya) live.

[14] However, other sources suggest the gandingan came to the Philippines via Indonesia or Malaysian Sarawak due to similar gandingan-type instruments found among the Tausug of Sulu.