CHAPTER 4

THE FILIPINO ARTS AND CULTURE

(Week 4)

MY JOURNEY

The Fishermen by Ang Kiukok, 1981

Filipino Arts refer to the various forms of the arts that have developed and
accumulated in the Philippines from the beginning of civilization in the country up to the
present era. They reflect the range of artistic influences on the country's culture, including
indigenous forms of the arts, and how these influences have honed the country's arts.

In this chapter, you will have a deeper appreciation of the arts in the Philippines
from the pre-colonial period. You also need to reflect on its implications to our cultural
heritage.

MY EXPECTATIONS

At the end of this chapter, the students should be able to:

1. understand the Pre-Colonial Art forms in the Archipelago;

1. identify the famous indigenous musical instruments in the Philippines;
2. demonstrate knowledge about importance of Philippine Artistic Handicrafts;
3. determine the common handicraft materials and the traditional handiwork in the
Philippines; and
4. recognize the importance of the Philippine GAMABA Awards and its awardees.

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 MY INITIAL TASKS

Directions: Choose the correct region/s these Filipino handicrafts originate. Then, write
a 10-sentence essay about your perceptions on the importance of these
handicrafts.

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a. Cordillera and Southern Luzon Regions

b. Mindanao Regions
c. Ilocos Region

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 MY READINGS

ike in any other country, art influenced the life of the Filipinos and the things

L that surround them. The Philippine arts reflect a Filipino society with diverse
cultural influences and traditions of the Malayan peoples such as the Chinese
and Indians. Islamic traditions were introduced to the Philippine Islands in the
14th century.

Likewise, Europe and the United States intensely influenced Filipino artists. However,
while drawing on Western forms, the works of Filipino musicians, painters, and writers
are imbued with distinctly Philippine themes. By expressing the richness of the culture of
the archipelago in all its diversity, Filipino artists have helped in shaping a sense of
national identity. Many Malay cultural traditions have continued until this time despite
foreign rule. Muslims and tribal groups maintained distinct traditions in dance, music, and
sculpture.

Indigenous arts in the Philippines are labors of love and patience. The intricate
carvings on wood, metal, stone or glass are products of skillful hands and imaginative
minds of the different tribes of the archipelago. Indigenous musical instruments like the
flute, drums, rainsticks, native guitars, and bells made of bamboo, animal skin, seeds,
and seashells. The careful manipulation of these materials produces sounds and unique
instruments used mostly in tribal dances and rituals (Ramirez, 1999).

Pre-Colonial Art forms in the Archipelago

The arts in the Philippine archipelago had its past and continued to develop by
numerous modern artists. With their different context regarding history, style, cultural
symbols, and meanings, these artworks are portrayed (Estrella, 2017).The following are
some known artforms in the Philippines:

Agung. It is a musical instrument of the Kulintang ensemble which is played by one

or two persons depending on its number. By using a rubber-padded beater, this
instrument is performed on both the boss/knob and the face of the gong.

Banog-banog. It is a dance that portrays hunters shielding in their chickens from

the famishing hawk.

BlitB’laan. It is a courtship dance of the Bilaan of Davao del Sur mimicking birds
during mating season. The females scurry to safety, burying their heads under their wings
(using the malong), but the aggressive males follow them wherever they go.

Cañao. It is a ritual-dance performed during native feasts or celebrations in the

highlands of the Cordilleras in the Luzon area of the Philippines. It is a symbol of triumph
or expectation for abundant crops.

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 Gangsa. It is an indigenous musical instrument of the Bontoc tribes of Kalinga,
Ifugao in the mountain regions (the Cordillera) of the northern Philippines.

Inamong. It is an ethnic dance among Tigwahanon Manobos in the Province of

Bukidnon and performed during their harvest time. This type of dance shows a couple,
with their bodies and arms slightly bent forward, mimicking the movement of a pair of
flirting among monkeys.

Kadal Iwas. It is a dance performed by the T-boli and Tausug tribes respectively
which mimic a mealtime of monkeys in removing nits and lice from each other. A variation
of this dance is to mimics a monkey who sits on an anthill by mistake and is attacked by
angry ants all over his body.

Kashawing. It is a ritual among the Maranaos and is performed to ensure a good

harvest.

Kinabua. It is ritual dance among the Mandaya tribes in Northern Mindanao. This
type of dance portrays the Hawks’ use of sweet songs to lure out the hen and the chicks
that are made into a meal.

Mamakar. It is a Bontoc War Dance performed during the planting season and a
bountiful harvest.

Man-manok. It is a dance performed in Vigan, Ilocos Sur. This type of dance mimics
fowls wherein a tribal blankets that represent the colorful plumage of wild cocks are shown
off by the warriors who intend on winning the attention of the maiden hen.

Mayvanuvanua. It refers to a sacrificial rite performed at the beginning of the

summer fishing season among mataw fishers in Batanes Island. This type of dance is
an act of invitation to capture the fish dorado successfully.

Mumbaki. It is a local term which refers to the “sayer of prayers” among the Ifugaos
in Northern Luzon. These prayers are performed during funerals, wedding, Thanksgiving,
and other celebrations. This is offered to the supreme deity, Maknongan.

Ngilin. It is a cultural dance performed among the Kalinga tribe during Marriage
rituals and other celebrations like the budong (peace pact). This type of dance is played
to simulate the romantic or peaceful interactions of a rooster and a hen.

Pagdiwata. It refers to a ritual performed among the ethnic group in the north and
central Palawan. The ceremony is held on various occasions including bountiful harvests
and weddings.

Pangalay (also known as Sea Gypsies).It is a native dance of the Badjao performed
during weddings and other social gatherings. This type of dance emphasizes the agility

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of the upper body wherein the rhythmic bounce of the shoulder with the simultaneous
alternating waving of arms is the essential movement.

Sampak. It is a war dance performed by the Mandaya tribe. This type of dance
requires excellent skill in the handling of a shield, spear, and a sword.

Saut. It is a ritual dance performed by a male Talaanding tribe presenting their

expertise in style and arts in fighting their opponent. This ritual dance is also an offering
to their magbabaya (god).

Talip. It is a courtship dance among the Ifugao. This is performed during the
celebration of the intaneg (wedding). In this dance, the man traps a woman with an
attractive blanket to place on her shapely shoulders.

Famous Indigenous Musical Instruments in the Philippines

Aerophones. It refers to any musical instrument which produces sound without the use
of strings or membranes. Examples of these are as follows:
a. Baliing- Nose flutes of the Apayao
b. Bansik - Bamboo flute of the Negrito
c. Kaleleng- a Long bamboo tube of the Bontoc
d. Bulungudyong -Vertical & long flute of the B'laan
e. Kalaleng - Bamboo flute of the Tinggian
f. Lantoy– Nose flute of the Mangyan
g. Palandag (Palendag) – Lip-valley flute of the Bagobo
h. Paldong and Tongali – Lip valley flutes of the Kalinga
i. Pulalo – Lip valley flute of the Mansaka
j. Sahunay - Pipe with reed (clarinet) of the Tausog

Chordophones. It refers to any musical instrument which makes sound by way of

trembling strings stretched between two points. Examples of these are as follows:
a. Faglong – Two-stringed, lute-like instrument of the B'laan
b. Kolitong – Bamboo guitar of the Kalingga
c. Kudlong - Two stringed boat lute of the Bagobo
d. Kudyapi -Two stringed boat lute of the Maranao
e. Kulit-en – Guitar of the Tinggian
f. Pas-ing – Guitar of the Igorot
g. Serongagandi – a Decorated bamboo tube of the Maranao
h. Saludoy –Bamboo guitar of the T’boli

Idiophone. It refers to any musical instrument which produced sound primarily by way
of the instrument's vibrating, without the use of strings or membranes.
a. Afiw –Jaw Harp of the Bontoc
b. Agung - Bossed gong of the Maranao
c. Balingbing – Bamboo buzzer of the Kalingga
d. Bangibang – Percussion bar of the Ifugao
e. Gabbang – Bamboo xylophone of the Tausog

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 f. Kinaban – Jaw Harp of the Hanunoo
g. Kubing –Jaw Harp of the Ata and Maranao
h. Kulintang - Metal xylophone of the Maranao
i. Kumbing – Jaw Harp of the Manobo
j. Palipal – Bamboo clapper of the Ifugao
k. Tagutok – Decorated bamboo scraper of the Maranao
l. Tanggunggu – Gong chime of the Kalagan, B'laan, Manuvu, Bagobo
m. Tongkaling - Pellet bells or crotal bells of the B’laan

Membranophone. It refers to any musical instrument which produces sound by way of

a vibrating stretched membrane.Most membranophones are drums, such as:
a. Dabakan - Glass shaped drum of the Maranao
b. Gandang – Double headed cylindrical drum of the Maranao
c. Libbit – Conical drum of the Ifugao
d. Sulibao – Conical drum of the Ibaloy

Importance of Philippine Artistic Handicrafts

The Philippines is abundant in natural resources that scattered throughout its islands.
Filipino artist used the parts of trees, plants, and other natural resources as the raw
materials and turned them into simple, yet useful tools or instruments. This type of work
is called Artistic Handicrafts (sometimes called artisanry). Although this type of art
changes from time to time it is still imperative to continue and is preserve due to the
following reasons:
1. It promotes our cultural legacy through the use of indigenous materials.
2. It shows an individual's creativity and superior ingenuity.
3. It encouraged producers to produce more raw materials.
4. It generates employment.
5. It developed values of perseverance and resiliency.

Common Handicraft Materials

Every Filipino family owns handicraft products like baskets, brooms, feather dusters,
and other furniture. Likewise, accessories like earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and other
clothing apparel made from native products such as beads, shells, and seeds. These are
clear indications that our handicraft industry is enjoying the patronage of Filipinos.

Filipino handicraft makers fashion them into accessories, bags, bamboo sofa sets,
baskets, cabinets, clothes, lamp shades, wall décor, and others. The following are the
typical materials needed in the making of Filipino handicrafts:

a. Abaca (Musa Textilis) - It is a tree-like herb resembling the banana plant. It is

durable and dyed in different colors.
b. Bamboo (BambusaSpinosa) - It is for the furniture industry because of its strength
and durability. It is also valuable material for basket and hat making.
c. Buri (CoryphaElata)- It is a palm from which three kinds of fibers, namely buri,
raffia, and until, are taken. It can be dyed merely and woven into many shapes.

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 The buri leaf is the most flexible material used for making hats, boxes and other
novelty items.
d. Caragumoy (Pandanus Simplex) - It is greenish grey as it dries and is used
traditionally in making bags, baskets, hats, and mats.
e. Coconut (CocosNucifera) - It is the most utilized palm in the Philippines. Its
cocomidrib is used primarily as handicraft material for the production of baskets,
and brooms (tingting). The coco shells are used for manufacturing articles such
as buttons, coin banks, lamp shades, pins, and others.
f. Kalas- It is a by-product of the buri palm. Locally, the term "kalas" (which means
“to loosen") refers to the loosened strands of a buri rope. It creates an unusual,
rustic pattern with distinct characteristics from its original material when artistically
woven.
g. Leather- It is a material created through the tanning of skins of animals like
carabaos, horses, snakes, alligators, goats, lizards, and others.
h. Pandan-Dagat (PandanusTectorius) - It is a variety of screw pine abundantly
distributed along sandy beaches and coastal brushes in the Philippines.
i. Rattan (Calamus Maximus) - It is the most flexible material used in the
manufacturing industry and been known to extend up to hundreds of meters long.
j. Seagrass (RhynchosporaCorymbosa) – It is a type of grass in shallow salty and
brackish waters. The stems are distinctly triangular, and the leaves are broad and
long.

Traditional Handiwork in the Philippines

The following are some handicrafts in the different regions of the Philippines:

1. Jewelry (Central Luzon, Southern Luzon, and Mindanao Regions). This handicraft
is mostly in Central Luzon region, mainly from the province of Bulacan. You can
also find related of this from Mindanao regions, but down south, you can even get
powerful brass amulets and other accessories.
2. Metal Craft (Southern Luzon and Mindanao Regions). This type of handicraft is
in Southern Luzon region, particularly in the province of Batangas. A very popular
metal craft which is locally and internationally as an excellent source for a portable
knife is called Balisong. Traditional weapons made from brass, bronze, and gold,
are also abundant in the island of Mindanao.
3. Pots and Jars (Ilocos Region).The pots and jars known as burnay can found
explicitly in the province of Ilocos Sur. These creations are made from Grade A
clay through a method that has been practiced by locals since the pre-colonial
times.
4. Woven fabrics (Mindanao Regions). These fabrics are woven traditionally, by
interlacing threads using a manual machine called a loom. One of the common
materials in this region is called malong which is historically used as a skirt and
sometimes as a blanket.
5. Wood Carvings (Cordillera and Southern Luzon Regions). Fantastic wood
carvings produced by the Ifugao in the northern region of the Cordilleras. Often,
these wood carvings are depicting their indigenous gods. Excellent kitchenware
like wooden bowls and utensils are in this region.

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Philippine GAMABA Awards
Gawad sa Manlilikhang Bayan Awards or GAMABA is an award that recognizes folk
and indigenous artists who remain loyal to their traditions. This award is managed by the
National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) through Gawad ng Bayan
Committee. It began as a project of the Philippine Rotary Club Makati- Ayala but was
adopted by the Philippine government in 1992 and become an institution through a
Republic Act 7335.

This award aims to support and motivate these artists to preserve their artistic
heritage for the present and future generations. These artists are recognized as the
Country’s Intangible National Living Treasure.

To become a National Living Treasure, the candidate must have the following
qualifications:
1. Must be an occupant of an indigenous/traditional cultural community anywhere in the
Philippines that has preserved native customs, beliefs, rituals, and traditions and has
syncretized whatever external elements that have influenced it.
2. Must have involved in a folk art tradition that has been in existence and documented
for at least 50 years.
3. Must have consistently performed or produced over a significant period, works of
superior and distinctive quality.
4. Must acquire a mastery of tools and materials needed by the art, and must have an
established reputation in the art as master and maker of works of extraordinary
technical quality.
5. Must pass on and will pass on to other members of the community their talents in the
folk art for which their group is traditionally known.

GAMABA Awardees and Nominees

1. Ginaw Bilog (1993).A native of Oriental Mindoro who faithfully helps preserved the
Hanunuo Mangyan script and their Ambahan poetry.
2. Masino Intaray (1993).A native of Palawan who exemplary shared his skills in basal
or gong music ensemble. He is a musician and epic chanter (Kulilal and Bagit).
3. Samaon Sulaiman (1993). A Maguindanao of Mama SaPano who showed outstanding
artistry and dedication to his chosen instrument, the Magindanao kutyapi.
4. Lang Dulay (1998). A T'boli of Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, for her skills in weaving
the abaca ikat cloth known as t'nalak.
5. Salinta Monon (1998). A Tagabawa-Bagobo of Bansalan, Davao del for fully
demonstrating her creative and expressive aspects of the Bagobo abaca ikat weaving
called inabal.
6. Alonzo Saclag (2000). A Kalinga of Lubuagan for his mastery of the Kalinga dance
and the performing arts.
7. Frederico Caballero (2000). A Panay-Bukidnon of Calinog, lloilo for his mastery of
chanting the epic tradition of Central Panay, the Sugidanon.
8. Uwang Ahadas (2000). A Yakan of Lamitan, Basilan for his dexterity in playing Yakan
musical instruments such as the agung, gabbang, tuntungan, and kwintangan.

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9. Darhata Sawabi, (2005). A weaver of Parang, Sulu province for helping preserve the
art of “Pissyabit weaving.”
10. Eduardo Mutuc (2005). A Kapampangan from Central Luzon for reviving the metal or
smithcraft of Plateria which is in Spanish colonial era.
11. Haja Amina Appi (2005). A Sama of Tandubas, Tawi-Tawi, for sharing her skills in mat
weaving among the Sama indigenous community.
12. Teofilo Garcia (2012). A casque maker of San Quintin, Abra, Casquefor his skill
making Tabungaw.
13. Magdalena Gamayo (2012). A master weaver of Pinili, Ilocos Norte for his skill in
Weaving known as Inabel.
14. Yabing Masalon Dulo (2016). A master weaver of Polomolok, South Cotabato for his
contribution Ikat Weaving.
15. Ambalang Ausalin (2016). A Yakan master weaver of Lamitan, Basilan for Tennun
Weaving skills.
16. Estelita Tumandan Bantilan (2016). A B’laan master weaver of Malapatan, Sarangani
for preserving the Igem Weaving skills.
17. Whang-od (2017). A traditional tattoo artist (mambabatok) of Buscalan, Tinglayan,
Kalinga.

Other famous Filipino Artists and their Artwork

1. Ang Kiuko (Painting: The Crucifixion)
2. Diosdado Lorenzo (Painting: Still Life Paintings)
3. Fernando Cueto Amorsolo (Painting: Portrait of Presidents- M.Quezon; M. Roxas;
and S. Ozmeña)
4. Guillermo Tolentino (Sculpture: Oblation and the Bonifacio Monument)
5. Hernando Ocampo (Painting: The Contrast)
6. Juan Luna (Painting: Spoliarium)
7. Napoleon Abueva (Sculpture: Allegorical Harpoon)
8. Solomon Saprid ( Sculpture: Tikbalang)
9. Victorio Edades (Painting: The Builders)
10. Vicente Rivera (Painting: Supplication)

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 MY DISCOVERY TASKS

Essay:

1. How do you describe the Indigenous arts in the Philippines?

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2. What makes Filipino’s arts differs from other arts in the world?
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3. If you are a Filipino artist, what kind of arts you would like to develop? Why?
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4. What is GAMABA Awards?

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5. Do you think that “Tattooing” as a form of art should be promoted? Why and why not?
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Selection: Select the correct answer from the given choices. Encircle the letter of the
correct answer only.

1. Which of the following is not belong to a Malayan raced?

a. Chinese b. Filipino c. American d. Indian
2. It refers to any musical instrument which produces sound primarily by causing a body
of air to vibrate.
a. Aerophones b. Idiophone c. Membranophone d. None of the above
3. The Bamboo guitar of the Kalingga.
a. Paldong b. Koliting c. Pulalo d. Sahunay
4. A Yakan master weaver of Lamitan, Basilan.
a. GinawBilog b. Lang Dulay c. AmbalangAusalin d. Salinta Monon
5. It is a variety of screwpine which is abundantly distributed along seashores of the
Philippines.
a. Pandan-Dagat b. Kalas c. Metal Craft d. Seagrass
6. He was the Painter of the “Crucifixion”.
a. Guillermo Tolentino b. Napoleon Abueva c.Vicente Rivera d. AngKiuko
7. A Hanunuo Mangyan of Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro who faithfully help preserved the
Mangyan script.
a. Yabing Masalon Dulo b. Napoleon Abueva c. GinawBilog d. SamaonSulaiman
8. It is the Vertical & long flute of the B'laan.
a. Bulungudyong b. Serongagandi c. Gabbang d. Afiw
9. It is one of the most notable palm in the Philippines next to coconut.
a. Caragumoy b. Buri c. Abaca d. Pandan-Dagat
10. Known as the master weaver of Pinili, Ilocos Norte.
a. Teofilo Garcia b.Guillermo Tolentino c.Magdalena Gamayo d.HajaAminaAppi
11. He was the sculpture of the “Oblation” and the “Bonifacio Monument”.
a. Napoleon Abueva b.Guillermo Tolentino c.Victorio Edades d. Ang Kiuko
12. A mambabatok or traditional tattoo artist of Buscalan, Tinglayan, Kalinga.
a. Yabing Masalon Dulo b. DarhataSawabi c. Whang-od d. Eduardo Mutuc
13. It is a conical drum of the Ifugao.
a. Libbit b. Dadabuan c. Gandang d. Sulibao
14. It is a conical drum of the Ibaloy.
a. Libbit b. Dadabuan c. Gandang d. Sulibao
15. He was awarded for his mastery of the Kalinga dance.
a. Alonzo Saclag b. Teofilo Garcia c. Frederico Caballero d. Eduardo Mutuc

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 MY TREASURE

Directions: Reflect on what you have learned after taking up this lesson by completing
the chart below.

I thought that…
What were your thoughts or ideas
about intercultural communication
prior to the discussion of this
lesson?

I learned that…

What new or additional ideas did

you learn after taking up this
lesson?

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 Flexible Learning Task No. 4
ARTIST PROFILE CHART

Directions: You are tasked to fill-in the Artist Profile Chart with the information asked
on your chosen Philippine National Artist or GAMABA Awardee. Below the
chart, write you own reflection on the importance of Philippine arts in
enriching the Filipino culture.

Artist Profile Information about the Artist

Name
Brief Biography
Education
Major Works
Awards
Style

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MY SUPPLEMENTS

Gildow, C. (2012). Art Appreciation. Retrieved last August 18, 2020 from
https://learn.canvas.net/courses/24

SBCTC & Lumen Learning. (n.d.) Art Appreciation. Retrieved last August 18, 2020 from
https://courses.lumenlearning.com/masteryart1/

Art Class Curator. (2020). Art Appreciation. Retrieved last August 21, 2020 from
https://artclasscurator.com/principles-of-design-
examples/#:~:text=The%20principles%20of%20design%20are,a%20wide%
20range%20of%20effects.

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