Contemporary Art Forms and Practices in the Philippine

Bahay na Bato

A house based on bahay kubo architecture but made with more stable and durable materials, influenced by Spanish and Chinese architecture.

Bahay Kubo

The epitome of Filipino vernacular architecture, a house made of plant materials like bamboo and dried coconut leaves.

Bangka

Collective term for diverse maritime crafts used for transport, fishing, and trading.

Harana

Traditional act of courtship in the form of a serenade.

Kundiman

A love song written in Tagalog used in courtship.

Neovernacular Architecture

Combination of vernacular architecture with modern architecture.

Original Pilipino Music (OPM)

Songs composed by Filipino artists in various genres and styles.

Pasyon

A retelling of the Passion of Jesus Christ through readings, chants, and performances.

Senakulo

A dramatic play or reenactment of the Passion of Jesus Christ performed during holy week.

Tanaga

Filipino poetry based on the Japanese Haiku, consisting of 4 lines with 7 syllables each.

Zarzuela

A lyric-dramatic play introduced by Spaniards blending theatrical drama, singing, and dancing.

Bolinao Mats (Pangasinan)

Mats made from dried buri or palm leaves, woven with distinct patterns.

Burnay (Ilocos Sur)

Jars made from clay, traditionally used for aging vinegar, wine, and bagoong.

Inabel (Ilocos)

Traditional weaving from Ilocos that may be plain or patterned.

Pandango Oasiwas

A Spanish fandango dance performed by fishermen celebrating a good yield.

Sayaw sa Bangko

Folk dance performed on multiple benches.

Vigan Architecture (Ilocos Sur)

Preserved Spanish Renaissance architecture established in the 16th century.

Batok (Kalinga)

A tattooing practice using a thorn and a charcoal-water mixture.

Gangsa (Kalinga, Ifugao)

A handheld smooth-surfaced gong with a narrow rim.

Ikat (Ifugao)

Dyeing technique applied to cotton yarns before weaving.

Labba (Ifugao)

A wide bamboo basket used to carry produce.

Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras (Ifugao)

Rice terraces built on hills and fields in Ifugao Province.

Bakwat (Nueva Viscaya)

A woven cotton belt worn by mothers after childbirth.

Butaka (Isabela)

A wooden chair with long armrests originally used by women during childbirth.

Sambali (Cagayan)

War dance depicting the conflict between Christians and non-Christians.

Vakul (Batanes)

Headgear made of dried Voyavoy leaves worn by women.

Pabalat (Bulacan)

Intricate paper art used to wrap pastillas.

Parol (Pampanga)

An ornamental star-shaped lantern symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem.

Pyrotechnics (Bulacan)

The craft of creating fireworks.

Singkaban (Bulacan)

The art of producing decorative materials from bamboo.

Balsa (Batangas)

A bamboo boat decorated during the Balsa Festival.

Barong Tagalog (Laguna)

Official formal wear for men in the Philippines.

Higantes (Rizal)

Giant paper mache figures used during the Higantes Festival.

Kiping (Quezon Province)

Decal made of glutenous rice, shaped into leaves for Pahiyas Festival.

Maglalatik (Laguna)

An indigenous dance using halved coconut husks.

Taka (Laguna)

Art of making paper mache crafts from wooden molds.

Ambahan (Mindoro)

A poem chanted and often carved on bamboo by Hanunuo Mangyans.

Morion (Marinduque)

A large mask resembling Caucasian features for street plays.

Pandanggo sa Ilaw (Mindoro)

Dance balancing oil lamps on hands and head.

Pantomina (Bicol)

Dance known as the ‘dove dance,’ performed during weddings.

Balay (Sorsogon)

Crafts made from buri, a native palm.

Capiz (Capiz)

Crafts and decorations made from seashells.

Cariñosa (Panay Island)

A flirtatious dance introduced by Spaniards.

Dandansoy (Iloilo)

Visayan folk song about leaving a boy named Dandansoy.

Hablon (Iloilo)

Fabric-making process using piña, abaca, or cotton.

Patadyong (Antique, Iloilo, Negros Occidental)

Colorful plaid or checkered weaved cloth.

Hinilawod (Panay Island)

Epic poem of 29,000 verses from the heroes of Panay.

Pagrara (Iloilo)

Hand-woven bamboo baskets.

Piña (Aklan)

Fabric made from mature pineapple leaves.

Sinamay (Negros Island)

Fabric woven from abaca fibers.

Gapnod (Negros Oriental)

A dance reenacting the discovery of St. Anthony.

Guitar (Cebu)

A six-stringed musical instrument.

Kuradang (Bohol)

A wedding dance performed with rondalla accompaniment.

Mazurka Boholana (Bohol)

Spanish ballroom dance featuring a Maria Clara costume.

Sinulog (Cebu)

Dance representing the river current, performed during Sinulog Festival.

Surtido Cebuano (Cebu)

A square dance combining Spanish, Mexican, French, and indigenous influences.

Basey mats (Samar)

Woven sleeping mats known locally as banig.

Kuratsa (Leyte)

A courtship dance performed during various celebrations.

Tinikling (Leyte)

Dance incorporating bamboo poles and coordination.

Bunga Sama

Highest form of Yakan weaving representing the universe.

Gong

A percussion musical instrument made of metal.

Semmek

Collective term for dresses made by Yakan women.

Tanyak Tanyak

Custom of face painting using flour and water mixture.

Kudyapi

A boat-like instrument with two strings.

Hinabol (Bukidnon)

Hand-woven fabric by the Higaonon tribe.

Idangdang (Bukidnon)

Ballad song recalling historical events.

Panika (Bukidnon)

Headdress worn during festivities.

Dagmay (Davao Region)

Fabric traditionally woven by the Mandaya tribe.

Bagobo Inabal (Davao Region)

Traditional textile made from abaca with beeswax shine.

Ginakit (Sarangani)

Brightly colored boats used by Muslim royals, showcased in festivals.

Tabih (General Santos City, Sarangani, South Cotabato)

Hand-woven cloth made by the B’laan people.

T’nalak (South Cotabato)

Woven abaca method inspired by dreams of T’boli people.

Butuan boats (Agusan del Norte)

Edged-pegged plank boats made from hardwood.

Itik-Itik (Surigao del Sur)

Dance mimicking duck gestures.

Suyam (Agusan del Sur)

Embroidery technique used by Manobo people.

Malong (Sulu, Mindanao)

Large wrap-around skirt displaying okir design.

Okir (Tawi-Tawi)

Geometric and flowing plant designs in Moro art.

Pis Syabit (Sulu)

Headdress symbolizing rank in society.

Seputangan (Basilan)

Woven fabric representing one of the earliest techniques.

Singkil (Lanao del Sur)

Folk dance depicting the epic poem, Darangen.

Sarimanok (Lanao del Sur)

A legendary bird symbolizing good fortune in Maranao art.