Spartan Clash Reviewer (Culture and Arts)

Bayanihan

A Filipino custom where community members help a family move by literally carrying their house.

Parol

An iconic Christmas lantern in the Philippines symbolizing the star of Bethlehem.

Balagtasan

A traditional Filipino art form involving a debate between two protagonists, each taking opposing sides of a theme.

Bahay na Bato

A traditional Filipino structure from the Spanish colonial era, characterized by its skeletal house on stilts.

Pahiyas Festival

The most colorful harvest festival in the Philippines, honoring the patron saint of farmers.

Singkil

A traditional dance of the Maranao people involving elaborate costumes and rhythmic bamboo poles.

Balangay

The oldest known Pre-Hispanic watercraft in the Philippines, described in the 16th century.

Kudyapi

A two-stringed instrument from Palawan, played by plucking for melody and drone.

Manunggul Jar

An ancient burial jar with a sculpted lid representing souls on their journey to the afterlife.

Salakot

A traditional headgear worn by Tagalog and Kapampangan peoples, made from local materials.

Harana

A traditional courtship practice where a man serenades a woman outside her window.

Alamat

The Filipino word for legend or folktale, featuring unique mythical tales from various regions.

Senakulo

A staged re-enactment of Christ’s passion and death, also known as a passion play.

Sinulog Festival

Cebu’s grandest festival celebrating the Holy Image of Senyor Santo Niño de Cebu.

T'nalak

A hand-woven cloth from the T'boli people, used to celebrate major life events.

Malong

A multi-functional tubular garment from Mindanao, used commonly in traditional Filipino clothing.

Anito

Pre-colonial spirits or deities worshipped by Indigenous Filipinos.

Amanikable

The sea god in Philippine mythology, known for his tempestuous nature.

Pagpag

The practice of making a pit stop after a wake to confuse spirits trying to follow you home.

Anitun Tabu

The fickle-minded goddess of wind and rain in Filipino mythology.

Diyan Masalanta

The goddess of love, conception, and childbirth, protector of lovers in Philippine mythology.

Kalesa

A two-wheeled horse-drawn carriage introduced to the Philippines in the 18th century.

Kulay

The term for the visual perception of hues, symbolizing emotions and social status in Filipino art.

Okir

A traditional decorative motif characterized by flowing curves and floral designs.

Singkaban

Intricately designed bamboo arches used as decorative entrances during Filipino festivals.

Burnay

Large earthenware jars from Vigan, traditionally used for storing food and liquids.

Pintados

Tattooed Visayan warriors of pre-colonial Philippines, signifying rank and bravery.

Banig

Handwoven mats made from palm leaves, used for sleeping or sitting.

Puni

The art of folding palm leaves for decorations, toys, or ornaments.

Kundiman

A traditional Filipino love song known for its smooth melodies and poetic lyrics.

Maglalatik

A musical ensemble from Mindanao featuring horizontally laid gongs played rhythmically.

Pasyon

A narrative chant recounting the Passion of Christ, often sung during Holy Week.

Bodabil

A variety entertainment show influenced by American vaudeville, featuring skits and musical numbers.

Sarswela

A Spanish-influenced theatrical performance depicting social issues through drama, music, and dance.

Tinikling

A national folk dance involving dancers stepping between rapidly clapping bamboo poles.

Tanaga

A Filipino poetry form consisting of four lines with seven syllables each, conveying moral messages.

Epiko (Epic)

A long narrative poem recounting heroic deeds and events, passed down orally between indigenous groups.

Alibata/Baybayin

An ancient pre-colonial script used by Filipinos, consisting of syllabic symbols.

Diona

A traditional form of poetry composed of three rhyming lines with seven syllables each.

Bugtong (Riddle)

A poetic puzzle requiring wit and cultural knowledge, commonly presented at gatherings.

Salawikain

Concise traditional sayings imparting wisdom or moral lessons guiding everyday Filipino life.

Ambahan

A rhythmic poetic form used by the Hanunóo Mangyan people, often expressing emotions.

Karaniwang Anyo

A style of Filipino poetry following a fixed meter and rhyme scheme.

Dalit

Devotional poetry composed of four-line stanzas, usually dedicated to religious themes.

Panulaan

A broad term for Filipino poetry, encompassing various styles, from folk to free verse.

Bahay Kubo

A traditional stilt house made of bamboo and nipa palm, designed for tropical climates.

Bahay na Bato

A stone house from the Spanish colonial era, featuring a wooden upper floor and large windows.

Torogan

The ancestral house of Maranao nobility, known for its intricate carved beams and design.

Ivatan House

A stone house from Batanes, designed to withstand strong typhoons.

Baroque Churches

Spanish colonial churches known for their earthquake-resistant architecture.

Ukit (Carving)

The tradition of woodcarving in Filipino architecture featuring floral and geometric motifs.

Azotea

An open-air terrace found in Spanish-era houses, used for gatherings.

Escayola

A decorative plasterwork technique used to create intricate embellishments in colonial buildings.

Ventanilla

Small wooden windows with decorative grilles found beneath main windows in old Filipino houses.

Palasyo (Palace)

Grand structures serving as official residences for government leaders in the Philippines.

Ang Kiukok

A National Artist known for figurative expressionism and influential works in Philippine art.

Benedicto Cabrera (BenCab)

A leading figure in contemporary Philippine art, known for his diverse artistic contributions.

José Joya

A pioneer of abstract expressionism in the Philippines, renowned for his innovative use of multiple media.