Module 1 : History of Philippine Architecture (Prehistoric to Islamic)

Philippines

Strategically located in Pacific fringe of Asia.

Cultural influences

Influences from Southeast Asian countries.

Commercial influences

Trade connections with China, Siam, Vietnam.

Colonial influences

Impact from Spain, U.S.A., Japan.

Luzon

Major island with several mountain ranges.

Visayas

Central group of islands in the Philippines.

Mindanao

Southernmost major island in the Philippines.

Caraballo Mountains

Mountain range located in Luzon.

Cordillera Mountains

Major mountain range in northern Luzon.

Sierra Madre Mountains

Longest mountain range in the Philippines.

Katanlungan Mountain Range

Mountain range located in Mindanao.

Kitanglad Mountain Range

Mountain range in Bukidnon, Mindanao.

Pacific Ring of Fire

Region with volcanic activity affecting architecture.

Igneous rocks

Used in construction, e.g., volcanic tuff.

Climate

Hot, humid, and tropical conditions.

Tag-init

Dry season from March to May.

Tag-ulan

Rainy season from June to October.

Tag-lamig

Cool season from December to February.

Amihan

Northeast monsoon bringing rains to eastern Philippines.

Habagat

Southwest monsoon affecting the western side.

Animism

Worship of nature in precolonial beliefs.

Antis

Good spirits in precolonial belief systems.

Mangles

Bad spirits in precolonial belief systems.

Talismans

Superstitious objects believed to provide protection.

Precolonial architecture

Architecture before written records and colonization.

Traditional architecture

Continuity of building types and technology.

Folk architecture

Communal effort in building practices.

Indigenous architecture

Native methods and styles of construction.

Bamboo

Lightweight, renewable material used in construction.

Rattan

Climbing plant used for various crafts.

Nipa

Material with strong wind permeability.

Philippine hardwood

Includes ipil, molave, and narra.

Coral stones

Common masonry material in precolonial buildings.

Kaingin system

Destructive slash-and-burn agricultural method.

Wet method

Dike construction for water management.

Balangay

First wooden watercraft excavated in Southeast Asia.

Karakaw

Visayan warship used in precolonial times.

Paraw

Visayan outrigger canoe for fishing.

Vinta

Type of paraw used in Zamboanga.

Southeast Asian traditions

Cultural roots of Philippine precolonial architecture.

Stilts

Elevated structures for protection from flooding.

Steeply pitched roof

Architectural feature for rain runoff.

Bamboo

Light material used for posts and flooring.

Coconut wood

Used for roofing and structural elements.

Bakawan

Mangrove wood used in roofing materials.

Pinewood

Common timber for construction and roofing.

Rattan

Vine used for binding materials together.

Pile construction

Building technique using stones for walls.

Informal construction

Crafted by locals without formal training.

Intuitive design

Based on owner's sensibilities and needs.

Steeply pitched roofs

Common feature for effective rainwater drainage.

Elevated structures

Built on stilts to avoid flooding.

Slatted flooring

Allows air circulation in lowland houses.

Tight-fitting planks

Provides insulation in highland structures.

Multi-purpose spaces

Designed to serve various functions.

Vernacular wisdom

Knowledge passed through generations in building.

Indigenous space organization

Reflects cultural values in spatial layout.

Ornamentation

Decorative elements indicating social status.

Ifugao skulls

Symbol of status in traditional houses.

Maranao panolongs

Colorful decorations in Maranao architecture.

Anitos statues

Religious figures in Cordillera homes.

Crescent motifs

Symbolic decoration in mosque domes.

Building rituals

Practices for prosperity and health during construction.

Cave dwellings

Earliest shelters in the Philippines.

Callao Man

Earliest human species found in Callao Cave.

Tabon Man

Second earliest human species from Tabon Caves.

Manunggul Jar

Neolithic burial jar, National Cultural Treasure.

Golden Garuda Pendant

Gold artifact suggesting ancient trade connections.

Angono Petroglyphs

Oldest known prehistoric art in the Philippines.

Lean-to shelters

Simple structures used by Negritos and Agtas.

Tree houses

Elevated shelters for protection from animals.

Houseboats

Floating homes used by Sama-Bajao people.

Barangay

Precolonial settlement of 40-45 families.

Balanghai

Boats used by precolonial Filipinos.

Austronesian

Ethnic group related to early Filipinos.

Datu

Political ruler in precolonial society.

Babaylan

Religious leader in precolonial communities.

Panday

Weapons maker in precolonial society.

Timawa

Freemen in the social hierarchy.

Alipin

Servants or slaves in precolonial society.

Maynilad

Palisaded settlement near Manila Bay.

Baybayin

Early writing system of Filipinos.

Antonio de Pigafetta

Chronicler of Ferdinand Magellan's expedition.

Boxer Codex

Illustrated manuscript of early Filipino life.

Caracoa

Precolonial warship used in battles.

Ivatan

Inhabitants of Batanes, descended from immigrants.

Nigadagada a vahay

Traditional Ivatan house made of lime and mortar.

Rakuh

Big house component of Nigadagada.

Kusina

Kitchen component of Nigadagada.

Abbu

Basement in Ivatan houses.

Sahad

Upper storey in Ivatan houses.

Maytuav

Roof with four sloping sides.

Sinadumparan

Gable type roof with two sloping sides.

Chivuvuhung

Thatched cogon walls with a hearth.

Kamadid

Low wooden structure for fishing boats.

Mayhurahed

Mud and stone house introduced by Spaniards.

Nituavan

Trapezoidal shaped structure with a basement.

Idjang/Ijiang

Precolonial stone fortress in Batanes.

Savidug idjang

Largest preserved stone fortress in Batanes.

Rice Terraces

Terraced fields in the Cordillera region.