Media-Based Arts and Design in the Philippines

Explore key terms and figures in Philippine media arts, photography, film, and music, in one complete flashcard set for easy mastery and exam success.

Photography

The art and science of capturing light to create images using a camera.

Photography as Art

Discerning a significant moment or unique expression, framing it with composition, and capturing it through a camera.

Photography as Communication

The use of photography in journalism, advertising, education, and social commentary to express messages.

Photography as Process

The technical act of focusing a camera on a subject and clicking the shutter to record an image.

Photos

Greek word meaning "light"

Graphos

Greek word meaning "writing.

Film

A medium that uses moving images to tell stories, express ideas, or present artistic visions.

Cinema

The industry and art of making motion pictures.

Film Directing

The process of conceptualizing scenes, directing actors, and supervising technical elements such as cinematography and editing.

Acting

The art of delivering scripted lines naturally and believably on screen.

Cinematography

Capturing the director's vision through camera angles, movement, lighting, and other techniques.

Editing

The art of selecting, sequencing, and joining film segments to create a cohesive visual and emotional experience.

Production Design

The creation of physical and visual elements like sets, costumes, lighting, and props that match the director’s mental image.

George Tapan

Award-winning Filipino travel photographer and PATA Gold awardee; 1st place winner in the 2011 National Geographic Photo Contest.

John K. Chua

Veteran advertising and commercial photographer with 40 years of experience and numerous local and international awards.

Levi Celerio

Filipino composer known for writing 4000 songs; listed in the Guinness World Records for playing music with a leaf.

Julián Felipe

Composer of the Philippine National Anthem, Lupang Hinirang, and director of the National Band during the First Philippine Republic.

Nicanor Abelardo

Known as the Father of Filipino Sonata and a prolific kundiman composer during the 1920s.

Antonio J. Molina

National Artist and musical pioneer known for his work as a composer, conductor, teacher, and cellist.

George Canseco

Multi-awarded composer who began composing during Martial Law without formal musical training.

Francisco Santiago

Known as the Father of the Kundiman Art Song and a major figure in Filipino classical music.

Freddie Aguilar

Folk rock icon famous for songs like “Anak” and “Bayan Ko,” the latter became an anthem of anti-Marcos protests.

Joey Ayala

Contemporary pop musician blending indigenous instruments with modern pop; known for songs with social messages.

Apo Hiking Society

Influential musical group founded in 1969, originally composed of 13 members from Ateneo de Manila High School.

Gary Granada

Voice and on-cam talent for various media networks, known for his socially relevant musical compositions.

Willy Cruz

Composer of hits like “Araw-Araw, Gabi-Gabi” and “I’ll Never Ever Say Goodbye,” which launched the careers of singers.

Ryan Cayabyab

The most popular contemporary Filipino composer; known for work across jazz, pop, theater, and ethnic music.

Jose Mari Chan

Singer-songwriter and businessman known for classics like “Christmas in Our Hearts” and “Beautiful Girl.”

Ely Buendia

Lead vocalist and songwriter of the band Eraserheads, a key figure in Philippine rock music.

Ogie Alcasid

Multi-talented performer—singer, songwriter, comedian, actor, and host with a long-standing career in entertainment.

Yoyoy Villame

Singer of novelty hits like “Mag-Exercise Tayo” and “Philippine Geography”; known for humorous and educational songs.

Lito Camo

Composer known as the “King of Novelty Songs” in the Philippines, famous for upbeat and humorous tracks.

Pacific Asia Tourism Association

PATA, an international travel industry organization that gave George Tapan a Gold Award.

National Geographic Photo Contest

A prestigious photography competition won by George Tapan in 2011.

Lundiman

A traditional Filipino musical form that evolved into poetic and romantic kundiman songs.

Kundiman

A traditional Filipino love song characterized by soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics.

Sarsuela

A Filipino musical theater form combining dialogue, music, and dance.

Social Artistry

The use of art for social change and advocacy, as practiced by Joey Ayala.

Benigno S. Aquino Jr. Award for Social Artistry

Recognition awarded to artists like Joey Ayala for contributions to society through art.

The Outstanding Young Men

TOYM award, rcrecognizingoung Filipinos for exceptional contributions to their fields.

Datu Bago Award

Davao City’s highest cultural award received by Joey Ayala.

Leaf-Playing

A unique musical skill of Levi Celerio that earned him a Guinness World Record.

Sound Dubbing

The process of replacing or adding sounds and voices during film post-production.

Set Design

Visual creation of scenery and environments in film or theater based on the director’s vision.

Props

Objects used by actors or as part of the set to enhance realism in film or theater.