ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER OF PRE-SPANISH PERIOD STRUCTURES: ETHNIC HOUSES

Which of the following best explains why elevated flooring was a common feature in ethnic Filipino houses?

A. To allow for easier relocation of homes through communal effort

B. To maintain a clear line of sight in forested areas

C. To improve structural strength against earthquakes

D. To protect against floods, pests, and provide ventilation

D

What distinguishes the Ivatan stone house from most other ethnic houses in the Philippines?

A. It is constructed with mortise and tenon joints and built on stilts.

B. It features open layouts and modular parts for easy relocation.

C. It has thick coral and limestone walls with small openings for typhoon resistance.

D. It uses an octagonal shape with thatched roofing for spiritual symbolism.

C

Which pair of structural elements is most associated with Maranao Torogan architecture?

A. Alang and steep roofs

B. Silid and Dapogan

C. Panolong and okir

D. Binayon and bamboo floors

C

How does the construction method using lashing instead of nails benefit ethnic houses in the Philippines?

A. It decreases material costs and increases modern aesthetic value

B. It allows flexibility during earthquakes and avoids structural damage

C. It is faster and more durable than traditional joinery methods

D. It provides better insulation in colder regions

B

Which of the following ethnic houses is not elevated on stilts or posts?

A. Ivatan House

B. Badjao House

C. Torogan

D. Ifugao Bale

A

What feature of the Kalinga Binayon sets it apart in terms of floor plan design?

A. It uses a separate kitchen called kusina

B. It has an octagonal floor plan

C. It features a floating base made of bamboo

D. It has interior partitions for gender separation

B

What is the primary functional purpose of steeply pitched roofs in pre-Hispanic ethnic houses?

A. To express cosmological hierarchy and social status

B. To allow hot air to escape during the dry season

C. To shed heavy rainfall quickly and prevent water damage

D. To make the home appear larger from a distance

C

In the traditional Bahay Kubo, what is the function of the batalan?

A. A separate sleeping area

B. A platform for storing pots and pans

C. An unroofed area for water jars and hygiene purposes

D. A symbolic element to welcome guests

C

Which of the following BEST describes how cultural and environmental factors influenced indigenous house orientation?

A. Houses were always built facing rivers to catch fish easily.

B. Homes were oriented to align with trade winds for comfort.

C. Directional alignment was often based on spiritual beliefs, such as facing east.

D. All houses were rotated annually based on seasonal changes.

C

What does the communal construction practice of Bayanihan illustrate about Filipino pre-colonial society?

A. It shows that houses were poorly anchored and easily displaced.

B. It reveals the lack of permanent materials in ethnic construction.

C. It emphasizes social unity, shared responsibility, and adaptability.

D. It illustrates the influence of Spanish religious rituals in architecture.

C

What does the panolong of the Maranao Torogan symbolize?

A. Strength of the house’s foundation

B. The authority and prestige of the ruling family

C. Protection against evil spirits

D. A passageway for natural ventilation

B

Which material is MOST commonly used in constructing the roofs of traditional Bahay Kubo?

A. Nipa palm leaves

B. Corrugated metal sheets

C. Bamboo slats

D. Cogon grass

A

How does the Ifugao Bale adapt to its mountainous environment?

A. Built with dome-shaped roofs to retain heat

B. Constructed underground to avoid landslides

C. Elevated with stone or wood posts and steep roofs for rain runoff

D. Located near rivers for easy transport

C

Which indigenous house type is characterized by a boat-like structure and is built over water?

A. Ivatan House

B. Torogan

C. Badjao House

D. Binayon

C

Why is the Bontoc Fayu designed with a central hearth?

A. It serves as a spiritual altar for daily rituals

B. It is used for light during long nights

C. It is a source of heat and a gathering place for families

D. It heats water for ceremonial baths

C

What building technique is shared by many ethnic Filipino houses to withstand strong winds and earthquakes?

A. Heavy concrete foundations

B. Rigid steel framework

C. Interwoven bamboo walls and flexible wooden joints

D. Cement plaster and welded metal supports

C

Which house is particularly adapted to frequent typhoons and uses thick limestone and coral blocks?

A. Badjao House

B. Ifugao Bale

C. Ivatan House

D. Binayon

C

Which statement is TRUE about the role of gender in traditional Filipino house spaces?

A. Only men were allowed in the kitchen

B. Sleeping areas were gender-neutral in all ethnic houses

C. Some ethnic groups designated private spaces specifically for women

D. Children were forbidden from entering the main room

C

 What is the purpose of the narrow ladder in many ethnic Filipino homes, such as the Bahay Kubo?

A. To serve as a perch for birds

B. For defensive and safety reasons—easily removed at night

C. To promote airflow beneath the house

D. To store agricultural tools

B

What is a common reason ethnic houses in the Philippines are built with lightweight materials?

A. To reduce the cost of repair during typhoon damage

B. To mimic Western architectural styles

C. To conform to modern building codes

D. To discourage migration from ancestral lands

A