CULTURE AND ARTS NEW REVIEWER

Bayanihan

A Filipino custom derived from the word bayan. It originated from the practice of volunteers in a community helping a family move by carrying the house itself - a tradition that remains the classic illustration for the concept as a whole.

Parol

has become an iconic symbol in the Philippines for Christmas, it reminds the Filipino Christians of the star of Bethlehem that guided the Three Wise Men on their way in search of Baby Jesus. The tails of the lantern mimic the rays of the star.

Balagtasan

A traditional Filipino art form where two protagonists debate the merits of a theme - one supporting it and the other arguing against it.

Bahay na Bato

A Filipino structure developed during the Spanish colonial era, adapted from the local bahay kubo as evidenced by its skeletal structure being a house on stilts.

Pahiyas Festival

The biggest and most colourful harvest festival in the Philippines that takes place anually to honour the patron saint of farmers, San Isidro Labrador. Most people head to Lucban to celebrate, as this is where Pahiyas originated, but festivities can be found across the province of Quezon, in towns such as Tayabas, Sariaya, Gumaca and Tiaong.

Singkil

A very unique Philippine traditional dance of the Maranao people in Southern Philippines. This involves rich ornamental costumes and a female lead and male lead and other dancers elegantly dancing between rhythmically striking bamboo poles held by the fellow dance troupe.

Balangay

A plank boat adjoined by a curved-out plank edged through pins and dowels. It was first mentioned in the 16th century in the Chronicles of Pigafetta, and is known as the oldest Pre-Hispanic watercraft found in the Philippines.

Kudyapi

Instruments from the island of Palawan are noted by having their frets on the front of the neck whereas lutes from other areas can have frets on the sound board. Played by plucking its two strings, one used as a drone and the other for the melody, this family of instruments is used in both solo playing and in small ensembles with zithers, flutes, and fiddles.

Manunggul Jar

From Palawan was used about 2,700 years ago to protect the remains of the dead. This has beautifully sculpted lid, unlike other burial jars that have simple handles on their rounded covers. This lid features a pair of small, three-dimensional figures on a boat. The figures represent the souls of the dead rowing their way to the afterlife.

Salakot

This headgear is known to be worn by the Tagalog and Kapampangan people of the Philippines. Many other helmet variants are found throughout the islands, each interpreted by different ethnic groups in different styles. Mostly were made from the materials found in the area, including bamboo, palms, and rattan leaves.

Bul-ul

is a carved human figurine into which a certain class of anito is said to incorporate itself when worshipped.

Harana

A traditional style of courtship, where the men wooed the women by singing beneath her window at nighttime.

Alamat

The Filipino word for the legend or folktale. The Philippines is rich with these mythical tales that are unique to each region of the country.

Senakulo

The staged re-enactment of Christ’s passion and death. It is also known as pasyon y muerte, passion play (Rizal, Bulacan, Bataan, and Pampanga); centurion or hudhuyan (Laguna); tanggal (Bicol region) ; and pamalandong (Leyte)

Sinulog Festival

Cebu’s grandest festival, the feast is in honor of the Holy Image of Senyor Santo Nino de Cebu

T’nalak

a traditional hand-woven cloth indigenous to the T’boli people from the Cotabato region. It is woven in order to celebrate and pay tribute to major life events such as birth, life, marriage, or death within the community.

Malong

is one of the most well-known and widely-used textiles produced by the weavers of Mindanao. This multi-functional tubular garment from Maguindanao and Maranao has been a staple of Philippine traditional clothing

Anito

Pre-colonial spirits or deities worshipped by indigenous Filipinos.

Amanikable

The revered sea god of Philippine mythology. Known for his tempestuous nature and unyielding anger, Amanikable rules the ocean with ferocity, often manifesting his wrath in mighty storms and fierce waves.

Pagpag

The practice of making a short pit stop before going home after a wake. The belief is that this will confuse any spirits who are trying to make their way home with you.

Anitun Tabu

The fickle-minded goddess of wind and rain. She was the daughter of Idiyanale and Dimangan and the sister of Dumakulem

Idiyanale

the diligent goddess of labor and good deeds

Dimangan

The god of good harvest

Dumakulem

The god of hunting and the strong guardian of the created mountains

Diyan Masalanta

The goddess of love, conception and childbirth and the protector of lovers. She was the daughter of Anagolay and Dumakulem and youngest of all the deities.

Anagolay

The goddess of lost things and the only offspring of Ikapati and Mapulon

Ikapati

The goddess of cultivated land. She was the most understanding and kind among the deities of Bathala. Her gift to man was agriculture. As the benevolent giver of food and prosperity, she was respected and loved by the people. From her came fertility of fields and health of flocks and herds.

Mapulon

The god of seasons and husband of Ikapati.

Kalesa

A two-wheeled horse-drawn carriage, which, according to historical accounts, was first introduced in the Philippines during the 18th century.

Kulay

The visual perception of different hues used in paintings, textiles, and sculptures, often symbolizing emotions, traditions, or social status in Filipino art.

Okir

A traditional Maranao and Tausug decorative motif featuring flowing curves and elaborate floral designs, commonly seen in wood carvings and textiles.

Singkaban

Bamboo arches intricately designed with leaf patterns and calligraphic curves, often used as decorative entrances during Filipino festivals.

Burnay

Large earthenware jars from Vigan, Ilocos Sur, made using ancient pottery techniques, traditionally used for storing water, vinegar, and fermented food.

Pintados

A term referring to the tattooed Visayan warriors of pre-colonial Philippines, whose intricate body markings symbolized rank, bravery, and accomplishments.

Banig

Handwoven mats made from palm leaves or reed strips, traditionally used for sleeping or sitting, with colorful geometric patterns reflecting regional identities.

Puni

The art of palm leaf folding, used in religious decorations, toys, or ornaments, often associated with the traditional Filipino craftsmanship and Catholic rituals.

Kundiman

A traditional Filipino love song characterized by smooth, flowing melodies and poetic lyrics, often expressing deep emotions and patriotism.

Kulintang

An indigenous musical ensemble from Mindanao featuring a set of horizontally laid gongs played in rhythmic patterns, central to Maranao and Maguindanao culture.

Pasyon

a long narrative chant recounting the Passion of Christ, sung during Holy Week as a form of religious devotion, usually in a call-and-response manner

Balagtasan

A traditional poetic debate in which participants deliver extemporaneous verses in rhyming stanzas, showcasing Filipino linguistic artistry and rhetoric.

Maglalatik

A traditional dance where performers rhythmically strike coconut shells attached to their bodies, mimicking a mock battle between Christian and Moro warriors.

Harana

A romantic serenade performed by a suitor outside a woman’s window, usually accompanied by guitar music, reflecting old Filipino courtship traditions.

Bodabil

A Filipino variety entertainment show influenced by American vaudeville, featuring comedic skits, musical numbers, and dance performances, popular in the early 20th century.

Sarswela

A Spanish-influenced theatrical performance blending drama, music, and dance to depict social issues and everyday life in the Philippines.

Tinikling

A national folk dance that involves dancers stepping in and out of rapidly clapping bamboo poles, imitating the movement of the tinikling bird.

Singkil

A dramatic Maranao dance telling the story of the Darangan epic, performed with fans and gracefully maneuvered bamboo poles to depict a royal courtship.

Tanaga

a traditional Filipino form of poetry consisting of four lines with seven syllable each, often carrying deep philosophical of moral messages.

Epiko

A long narrative poem recounting heroic deeds, mythical events, or supernatural adventures, passed down orally among indigenous groups, such as Biag ni Lam-ang.

Ines Kannoyan

irog ni Lam-ang

Baybayin

An ancient pre-colonial script used by early Filipinos, consisting of syllabic symbols, now revived in artistic and cultural movements.

Diona

A pre-colonial form of poetry composed of three rhyming lines with seven syllables each, traditionally used in songs and expressions of love.

Bugtong

A poetic puzzle represented in metaphorical language, requiring wit and cultural knowledge to decipher, commonly played during gatherings.

Salawikain

A concise, traditional saying that imparts wisdom or moral lessons, often guiding everyday Filipino life and values.

Ambahan

A rhythmic poetic form from the Hanunoo Mangyan people of Mindoro, written in a unique script and recited to express emotions and teachings.

Karaniwang Anyo

A style of poetry that follows a fixed meter and rhyme scheme, commonly used in formal literary compositions in the Filipino language.

Dalit

A type of devotional poetry with four-line stanzas, often dedicated to religious themes and traditionally sung during rituals and processions.

Panulaan

A broad term referring to Filipino poetry, encompassing various styles, from folk verses to modern free verse poetry.

Bahay Kubo

A traditional Filipino stilt house made of bamboo and nipa palm, designed for tropical weather and sustainable living.

Bahay na Bato

A Spanish-era stone house with a wooden upper floor, large windows with capiz shells, and intricate ventanillas for ventilation.

Torogan

The ancestral house of Maranao nobility, known for its intricately carved beams, okir designs, and sloping roof.

Ivatan House

A sturdy stone house from Batanes, built with thick limestone walls and cogon grass roofing to withstand strong typhoons.

Baroque Churches

A group of Spanish colonial churches in the Philippines (e.g., Paoay church, San Agustin church) known for their earthquake-resistant architecture.

Ukit

The detailed woodcarving tradition in Filipino architecture, particularly in houses, churches, and furniture, often featuring floral and geometric motifs.

Azotea

an open-air terrace or balcony found in Spanish-era houses, used for leisure activities and gatherings.

Escayola

A decorative plasterwork technique used in colonial-era buildings to create intricate ceiling and wall embellishments.

Ventanilla

Small, sliding wooden windows with decorative metal grilles found beneath main windows in old Filipino houses for added ventilation.

Palasyo

Grand structures such as Malacanang Palace, which serve as official residences for government leaders, influenced by European and native designs.

Ang Kiukok

is well-known for his works which define figurative expressionism in Philippine art. He was named as a National Artist back in 2001. His work consist of Cubist and Surrealist approached to his visual vocabulary, foremost of which as his still lifes, junkscapes, animals, religious subject matter, and human figurines in various states of emotion. One of his most renowned paintings, Fishermen, shows his interpretation of hard working men hauling a hefty day’s catch under a crimson sun.

Benedicto Cabrera

better known as BenCab, is a leading figure of the modern and contemporary art scene in the Philippines. He earned his fine arts degree at the University of the Philippines and studied under Jose Joya. He also established his eponymously named museum in Baguio.

Jose Joya

former dean at the University of the Philippines College of Fine Art, pioneered abstract expressionism in the country. His use of multiple media, making bold strokes and layerings inspired by landscapes and the forces of nature earned for him widespread renown.