GaMaBa Awards Study Notes

Also known as the National Living Treasures Award.
- Conferred on Filipinos who lead in practicing, preserving, and promoting the nation's traditional folk arts.
Formalized in 1992 through Republic Act No. 7355, known as the Manlilikha ng Bayan Act.
Oversight: The National Commission for the Culture and the Arts (NCCA) is responsible for its implementation.
Main Objective:
- To honor and support traditional folk artists.
- To ensure the preservation of their skills and crafts.
Award Program:
- Ensures the transfer of skills to new generations.
- Promotes the craft locally and internationally.
Award Logo:
- Represents a human form used in traditional clothing.
- Features the phrase "Manlilikha ng Bayan" written in Baybayin, an ancient Filipino script from the 16th century.

Eligibility:
- Should be a Filipino citizen or a group from an indigenous/traditional cultural community within the Philippines.
- Must be engaged in Filipino traditional art across various categories:
  - Folk architecture
  - Maritime transport
  - Weaving
  - Carving
  - Performing arts
  - Literature
  - Graphic and plastic arts
  - Ornament, textile or fiber art
  - Pottery and other artistic expressions of traditional culture.
Experience Requirement:
- Should have been engaged in the tradition and craft for a significant period, at least 50 years documented.
Quality of Work:
- Should have produced artistic works that are distinctive and of superior quality.
Mastery:
- Should possess mastery of the tools and materials for the art; must have a reputation as an art master and craft maker in their community.
Teaching:
- Should have passed on, or will pass on, traditional crafts and skills to others in the community by virtue of teaching.
Inability to Teach:
- In cases where a candidate is incapable of teaching their craft due to age or infirmity, other provisions may apply.

Ginaw Bilog
- Hanunoo Mangyan poet from Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro.
- Master of Ambahan poetry, key to understanding Mangyan soul.
- Recognized for his contributions as a folk literature artist.
- In Memoriam: January 3, 1953 - June 3, 2003.
Masino Intaray
- Birthplace: Near Makagwa Valley.
- Skilled in basal (gong), aroding (mouth harp), and babarak (ring flute).
- Well-versed in kulilal (songs) and bagit (vocal music).
- A prolific epic chanter and storyteller.
- In Memoriam: April 10, 198 - November 2013.

Samaon Sulaiman
- Kutyapi master and teacher in Mindanao.
- Proficient in kulintang, agong, gandingan, palendag, and tambul.

Lang Dulay
- T'boli artist from Lake Sebu, South Cotabato.
- Traditional weaver of "t'nalak" cloth; known for work quality and dye integrity.
Salinta Monon
- Tagabanwa-Bagobo traditional weaver.
- Recognized for abaca ikat weaving called inabal during its endangered status.

Alonzo Saclag
- Kalinga master of dance and performing arts.
- Founder of the Kalinga Budong Dance Troupe.
Federico Caballero
- Sulod-Bukidnon epic chanter.
- Focused on documenting oral literature and serving as a manughusay (arbiter of conflicts).
Uwang Ahadas
- Yakan instrumental music teacher and proponent of cultural significance through music.

Darhata Sawabi
- Weaver of pis syabit cloth, head covering for Tausug people from Jolo, Sulu.
Eduardo Mutuc
- Artist specializing in religious and secular artworks in multiple materials.
Haja Amina Appi
- Master mat weaver from the Sama community of Tawi-Tawi.

Teopilo Garcia
- Tabungaw (gourd casque) maker recognized for preserving traditional craftsmanship.
Magdalena Gamayo
- Master weaver of "inabel" fabric in Ilokano tradition.

Apuh Ambalang Ausalin
- Recognized for intricate textile weaving techniques from the Yakan community.
Estelita Bantilan
- Renowned for creating large, beautiful mats from Blaan weaving techniques, opened a center in Malapatan to teach weaving.
Fu Yabing Masalon Dulo
- Master ikat weaver, dedicated to preserving the mabal tabih tradition of Blaan weaving. Retired in 2018 post-accident, passed away in January 2021 at 106 years old.