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149 Dahlia St., Alido Hgts. Subd., City of Malolos, Bulacan

Tel. Nos.: (044) 769-0420 / 0905 - 381 - 5898
E-mail add: senior.hs@mylams.edu.ph

CONTEMPORARY PHILIPPINE ARTS FROM THE REGIONS

Module No. 5
I. Title of the Lesson
Significance of Various Art Forms from the Regions

II. Introduction or the Overview of the Lesson

As for today’s introduction, I would like to quote this statement that I found online to wit; “Art
transcends time. It transcends the artist who was responsible in its creation. It shatters barriers and goes
beyond them to be able to share its message and speak of its meaning. Art rises above everything; language,
class, religion, gender, and other factors that seem to divide the world. Art brings people together. It elicits
different reactions and emotions but everyone can agree that it moves them to think, to feel, and to act. Art is
there to remind us of the values that we uphold. It reminds us that there are more important things in life. It
makes us realize the importance of pursuing our passion and expressing ourselves.” 1
What does it mean? How is it related for our today’s topic? Why did the author say that art transcends
time; rises above everything, brings people together, and how does it remind us the value that we uphold?
If you are curious enough, today, I will be teaching you the importance of arts, especially the
contemporary arts that our country has, by knowing its major forms such as the Fine Arts (sculpture,
architecture, and painting); Visual Arts (installation, public, and mixed media arts); and Performing Arts (music,
theater, and films). Let’s begin!

III. Objectives:
At the end of our lesson on Significance of Various Art Forms from the Regions, you should be able to:
1. classify the three (3) major forms of Philippine contemporary art;
2. examine each of the three (3) major form of arts;
3. investigate how these various forms affects our society; and
4. evaluate your critical knowledge by critiquing a theatre production.

IV. Pre-test
DIRECTIONS: KWL Chart. Fill in the space provided in the chart below the K (knowledge you know); W (what
you want to know); and L (what you have learned after the discussion) about our today’s topic.

1
See http://artshanties.com/the-importance-of-art-in-our-society/
1|Page CONTEMPORARY PHILIPPINE ARTS FROM THE REGIONS // Prepared by: Sir Enrico Z. Santiago // Module No. 5
V. Discussion
Significance of Various Art Forms from the Region

CONTEMPORARY FINE ARTS IN THE PHILIPPINE REGIONS

When we say Fine Arts, we are talking about painting, sculpture, and architecture. Based on our
previous discussions, we have focused ourselves more on paintings made by contemporary artists here in the
Philippines, and we have almost forgotten that there is still sculpture and architecture that we should have
discussed as well.
Anyway, since we have discussed paintings before, and assuming that you have had understood its
significance, we’re now going to skip that part and discuss the contemporary sculptures and architectures
instead.
I. SCULPTURES
According to Ramirez (2016) on her book entitled Contemporary Philippine Arts from the Regions,2
sculpture is an art form that requires the artist creative use of balance, skill in
the use of materials, and physical strength. For many centuries, the common
subject matter of sculptures was human figures, with material limited to marble,
metal and wood. This has changed in contemporary sculpture where new
materials and technology have given the sculptor more choices and flexibility in
art making.
When we talk about sculpture, it could either be subtractive, where the
material is removed or carved out until the desired form is visible or additive,
wherein the material is added part by part until the form is completed.3
According to Ramirez, there are four (4) basic techniques that sculptors use
in forming their art:

 Modeling: It is an additive process which means a soft material is

“Sarimanok” Photo grabbed from
worked by the artist to build up a shape or form rather than scraping or https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/524106
material away as in carving. Also 475378831537/
Modeling and Carving unlike carving, soft materials such
as clay and wax can be changed and reworked;4
 Carving: It is a substantive process that involves
using tools to shape a form by cutting or scraping away from a
solid material such as stone, wood, marble or even bones;5
 Casting: It is a process which involves making a
mold and then pouring a liquid material, such as molten metal,
plastic, rubber or fiber glass into the mold. A cast is a form
made by this process. This is then used to create a mold to cast
from. A mold can be cast more than once, allowing artists to
create editions of an artwork;6 and
 Assembling: It is a form of sculpture comprised of
Casting and Assembling "found" objects arranged in such a way that they create a piece.
These objects can be anything organic or man-made.7
In succeeding order, the first one is the statue of Pacita Abad made by Iligan artist, Julie Luch, is an
example of modeling.8 The second one is an example of carving made by Franco Cagayat.9 The third sculpture

2
See Veronica E. Ramirez, 2016, Vibal Group Inc, Contemporary Philippine Arts from the Region pg. 54
3
See Veronica E. Ramirez, 2016, Vibal Group Inc, Contemporary Philippine Arts from the Region pg. 56
4
See https://www.tate.org.uk/art/art-terms/s/sculpture
5
See https://www.tate.org.uk/art/art-terms/s/sculpture
6
See https://www.tate.org.uk/art/art-terms/s/sculpture#:~:text=1928-,Casting,clay%2C%20wax%20or%20plaster).
7
See https://www.thoughtco.com/assemblage-definition-183154#:~:text=(noun)%20%2D%20As%20one%20familiar,anything%20organic%20or%20man%2Dmade.
8
See http://www.art-foundry-philippines.com/pacita%20abad.html
9
See http://www.autotimesnews.com/a-piece-of-wood-turned-into-an-exact-copy-of-toyota-land-cruiser-prado/
2|Page CONTEMPORARY PHILIPPINE ARTS FROM THE REGIONS // Prepared by: Sir Enrico Z. Santiago // Module No. 5
is Ed Defensor’s The Battle, made in terracotta clay, is an example of casting,10 and the last one is an example
of assembling made by Josephine Toralba, General Mariana.11
Learning the significance of studying contemporary sculpture is a no-brainer. Sculpting would help you
develop self-discipline because making a sculpture requires a lot of patience and industry. You would be able
to recognize that nothing really comes without hard work and industry creates the greater things in life. You
would be able to discover things about yourself when you gave importance to sculpting. Things such as your
perspective about the world you live into and what are the simple ways you would be able to do to transform
it. You would be able to think about things that could tell who you really are. 12
After studying the significance of contemporary sculptures, let’s now go to another form of fine arts which
is the architecture.

II. ARCHITECTURE
The exposure of Filipino architects to the prevailing western styles of the 1930s and 1950s gave birth to
localized strains of Art Deco and the International Style. This architectural renaissance continued until the
1970s where local architecture giants like Carlos Arguelles, Jose Zaragoza, and Leandro Locsin created
memorable structures that were modern yet culturally and climactically responsive. Political turmoil and brain
drain of the 1980s, however, put a brake on this development. And today, we are still gripped with an
unfortunate case of colonial mentality, an inferiority complex that has resulted in themed-subdivisions and
copycat architecture.13
However, in the book Random Responses14 of a contemporary architect Jason Buensalido, he listed four
(4) points of Filipino culture that is evident in our Contemporary Architecture:

 Responsive vernacular models: Typologies that

respond to existing cultural and climate
conditions15 (Polygon House inspired of
traditional bahay kubo);
 Weaving: Philippine culture has a wealthy
tradition in craft of weaving. It can also be
taken as our propensity to gather together as a
family and as a community16 (CIIT Tower
adapting traditional filipino weaving style);
 Personalization: The acknowledgment that
there is no one-size fits all solution, and of the
need for individual expression. 17 Personalizing
certain aspects of architectural experience
All photos grabbed from https://www.buensalidoarchitects.com/projects/
would make architectural design more intuitive
for occupants.18 (cost-efficient design of Sofia
Townhouse); and
 Optimism: The Filipinos’ inherent positivity even in the midst of disaster and our penchant for
celebrations in the form of fiestas and holidays filled with vibrant colors were all illustrated in our
contemporary architecture.19 (Terraces at Dao mimicking the Banaue rice terraces).
Our culture, as evident by the photos above, can also be appreciated through architecture. The culture of a
society can be projected in a simple piece of architecture through the talented hands of an artist. Whenever
this is done, the culture of a society or a group of people cannot only be appreciated by the one who did the
art, but also the people who will be able to see it. 20 Also, studying the significance of architecture would let
10
See https://www.eddefensor.com/STIGNATIUSMONUMENT.html
11
See https://josephineturalba.com/Venice_Press_Kit/20General-Mariana.pdf
12
See https://www.teach-nology.com/teachers/subject_matter/arts/sculpture
13
See https://bluprint.onemega.com/jason-buensalido-contemporary-filipino-design/
14
See https://artbooks.ph/products/random-responses-a-crusade-to-contemporize-philippine-architecture
15
See https://bluprint.onemega.com/jason-buensalido-contemporary-filipino-design/
16
See https://bluprint.onemega.com/jason-buensalido-contemporary-filipino-design/
17
See https://bluprint.onemega.com/jason-buensalido-contemporary-filipino-design/
18
See https://www.mlldesignlab.com/blog/personalizing-architecture-through-interface-design
19
See https://bluprint.onemega.com/jason-buensalido-contemporary-filipino-design/
20
See https://www.teach-nology.com/teachers/subject_matter/arts/architecture
3|Page CONTEMPORARY PHILIPPINE ARTS FROM THE REGIONS // Prepared by: Sir Enrico Z. Santiago // Module No. 5
you appreciate the nature and environment. Through this form of art you are able to see the real beauty of
your surroundings including the places, animals, people, and things around you.
This form of art simply shows you that beauty can be found anywhere in the world. You just need a
creative eye and mind to see it.21

CONTEMPORARY VISUAL ARTS IN THE PHILIPPINE REGIONS

I. INSTALLATION ARTS
An art installation is a three-dimensional visual artwork, often created for a specific place and designed to
change the perception of space.22 Installation art is a relatively new genre of contemporary art - practiced by
an increasing number of contemporary artists - which involves the configuration or "installation" of objects in
a space, such as a room or warehouse. The resulting arrangement of material and
space comprises the "artwork".23
As in all general forms of visual art, installation artists are more concerned with
the presentation of their message than with the material used to present it. However,
unlike conceptual art, which is supposedly experienced in the minds of those
introduced to it, installation art is more grounded and remains Leeroy New and Oscar
tied to a physical space. Conceptual and installation art are two of Villamiel’s installation arts
grabed from
the most popular examples of contemporary art, a general https://daydreaminginparad
tendency noted for its attempts to expand the definition of art. 24 ise.com/24-philippine-
artists-shaping-local-
contemporary-art/

II. PUBLIC ARTS

Simply put, public art is art in public spaces. The term “public art” may conjure
images of traditional monuments of heroes and religious landmarks. Today, public art
in contemporary world can take a wide range of forms, sizes, and scales—and can be
temporary or permanent. It often interprets the history of the place, its people, and
perhaps addresses a social or environmental issue. Public art can include murals,
sculpture, memorials, integrated architectural or landscape architectural work,
community art, and digital new media.25
Public art instills meaning—a greater sense of identity and understandings of where
you live, work, and visit—creating memorable experiences for all.
Reg Yuson and Reynato It has been found to provide a positive impact on communities by
Paz Contreras’ public
artworks grabed from supporting economic growth and sustainability, attachment and
https://www.artsatbgc.org cultural identity, artists as contributors, social cohesion and
/art_details.php?id=8
cultural understanding, and public health and belonging. 26

III. MIXED MEDIA ARTS

Mixed media art involves mixing different creative mediums to create work that
incorporates two or more art forms. For example, you can add sculpture to your
painting, or draw on top of photography prints. Mixed media is all about breaking the
boundaries between different art forms.27
There is an important distinction between "mixed-media" artworks and
"multimedia art". Mixed media tends to refer to a work of visual Ronald Ventura and Dex
Fernandex mixed-media
art that combines various traditionally distinct visual art media. arts grabbed from
For example, a work on canvas that combines paint, ink, and https://daydreaminginpara
dise.com/24-philippine-
21
artists-shaping-local-
See https://www.teach-nology.com/teachers/subject_matter/arts/architecture contemporary-art/
22
See https://davidcharlesfox.com/what-is-installation-art-description-history-and-prominent-artists/
23
See http://www.visual-arts-cork.com/installation-art.htm#:~:text=Installation%20art%20is%20a%20relatively,space%20comprises%20the%20%22artwork%22.
24
See http://www.visual-arts-cork.com/installation-art.htm#:~:text=Installation%20art%20is%20a%20relatively,space%20comprises%20the%20%22artwork%22.
25
See https://www.americansforthearts.org/by-topic/public-art
26
See https://www.americansforthearts.org/by-topic/public-art
27
See https://www.format.com/magazine/resources/art/beginners-guide-mixed-media-art
4|Page CONTEMPORARY PHILIPPINE ARTS FROM THE REGIONS // Prepared by: Sir Enrico Z. Santiago // Module No. 5
collage could properly be called a "mixed media" work - but not a work of "multimedia art." The term
multimedia art implies a broader scope than mixed media, combining visual art with non-visual elements (such
as recorded sound, for example) or with elements of the other arts (such as literature, drama, dance, motion
graphics, music, or interactivity).28
The more media you work with when you create art, the more chances you’ll have to experiment and try
out things you wouldn’t be able to do otherwise. If you limit yourself to only, let’s say, painting, you might not
be able to create the sharp angles you want in your artwork. At the same time, if you only draw with ink, you
won’t be able to get different hits of color into your work and really bring it to life. Using mixed media is all
about taking bold risks and seeing how they pay off.29

CONTEMPORARY PERFORMING ARTS IN THE PHILIPPINE REGIONS

One of the core components of what makes us human is the desire to express our culture, emotions, and
beliefs. That desire for expression teaches us a lot about ourselves. 30 Aside from the fact that it's fun and
challenging, performing arts builds habits of mind that are essential to living well and weathering the
adversities of life. It would hone your creativity and intelligence, fosters your compassion, and brings a higher
understanding of humanity to our awareness.31
I. ART OF FILM
In a time of media misrepresentation and cultural propaganda,
art and film becomes a vital device in awakening people to the
realities of the world that are often misunderstood or
misinterpreted. Film teaches us valuable lessons about the world,
about ourselves, and about our place in and our impact on society.
Films can open doors to new worlds, new cultures, and new ideas
that may otherwise be unavailable.32
The art of film helps to build a more
open-minded world, a world full of people
who can experience the lives of those they
Why is Yellow the Middle of the Rainbow? (1994) and
can’t understand, to see the world from Perfumed Nightmare (1977)
another’s eyes and, if only for just two
Films by a National Artist for Film, Kidlat Tahimik.
hours, leave themselves and their Photos grabbed from
prejudices behind. It’s crucial that we http://theworldviewed.com/2015/quiet-lightning-the-
films-of-kidlat-tahimik-november-16-21-2017/
continue to curate films that challenge
perspectives and broaden minds in order to
create a world that is less ignorant and more accepting of differences, which is
something we are in desperate need of today.33

II. THEATRE AND PERFORMANCE ARTS

In the closing decades of the 20th century, performing arts critics became increasingly despondent about
the longevity of these art forms. Many believed that the performing arts would gradually become obsolete
thanks to the rise of the TV and also of the Internet. 34 In spite of many prophecies of doom, performing arts
have not diminished as expected, and instead evolved to performance arts that is not limited to theatrical
stages, but are taken up to the streets.
Theatre has been an influential factor in many people’s lives. Creativity can flourish, academics can
improve, and means of self-expression can be developed. 35 They benefit significantly, not only in terms of

28
See http://www.mashada.imara.de/mixed-media-art.php#:~:text=Many%20interesting%20effects%20can%20be,than%20with%20traditional%20artist%20media.
29
See https://www.hunakaistudio.org/benefits-of-working-with-mixed-media/
30
See https://www.studyinternational.com/news/the-importance-of-performing-arts-in-an-interconnected-world/
31
See https://wabisabilearning.com/blogs/future-fluencies/6-skills-performing-arts-develops
32
See http://www.uppergroundproduction.com/home/understanding-cinema-the-importance-of-cinematic-art
33
See http://www.uppergroundproduction.com/home/understanding-cinema-the-importance-of-cinematic-art
34
See https://theicmt.com/gb/3-reasons-performing-arts-are-important-for-society/#:~:text=In%20addition%20to%20teaching%20self,people%20about%20their
%20current%20conditions.
35
See https://www.soil.edu.in/learnings-and-importance-of-theatre/
5|Page CONTEMPORARY PHILIPPINE ARTS FROM THE REGIONS // Prepared by: Sir Enrico Z. Santiago // Module No. 5
exploring the unexplored or hidden ability to act, but also by shedding the inhibitions associated with
performing in front of an audience.
III. DANCE
Contemporary dance is a style of expressive dance that combines
elements of several dance genres including modern, jazz, lyrical and
classical ballet. Contemporary dancers strive to connect the mind and
the body through fluid dance movements.36
One important and unique aspect of contemporary dance is that it
rejects the importance of the legs that many traditional dance styles
stress. Instead, contemporary dance focuses on movement of the
torso, which enables much more fluid, languid movement, rather than Norbert Dela Cruz III, a native of Nueva Vizcaya,
and Zachary Tang. Photo grabbed from
sharp and pointed movements.37 Contemporary dance stresses https://www.gettyimages.com/
versatility and improvisation, unlike the strict, structured nature of
ballet.38
People who study contemporary dance develop physical skills and training habits that can help them
maintain better health throughout their lives. They would also gain poise, confidence, emotional stability, and
creative thinking skills that will help them throughout their life and professional careers. 39

Filipino Contemporary Musician, Joel Ayala.
Photo grabbed from
https://www.facebook.com/JoeyAyalaMusic/
older people to conserve what was good about them.”
IV. MUSIC
According to Victor Mendoza40, contemporary music is, simply put,
“music performed and created with what is rhythmically, harmonically,
and texturally current.”
Music is the medium that most often resonates in contemporary art.
Music has always been of central importance to humankind, and its
influence on performing artists and their work is neither new nor
surprising.41
According to Susan Rogers42, "Contemporary music is by, for, and
about young people,”. "It serves dancing, socializing, courtship, and
signaling how one would like to be seen in the culture. Listening to
contemporary music should be much more about feeling and much less
about analysis, compared to listening to music from earlier times. It is
the job of young people to rebel against musical norms; it is the job of

36
See https://www.liveabout.com/what-is-contemporary-dance-1007423#:~:text=Contemporary%20dance%20is%20a%20style,body%20through%20fluid%
37
See https://takelessons.com/blog/contemporary-dance-for-beginners
38
See https://www.liveabout.com/what-is-contemporary-dance
39
See https://www.astepaboveacademy.net/1671-2/#:~:text=Students%20who%20study%20
40
See https://www.berklee.edu/people/victor-mendoza
41
See https://www.nasjonalmuseet.no/en/exhibitions-and-events/the-museum-of-contemporary-art/exhibitions/2012/i-wish-this-was-a-song.-music-in-
contemporaryart/#:~:text=Music%20is%20the%20medium%20that%20most%20often%20resonates%20in%20contemporary%20art.&text=Contemporary
%20artists%20employ%20music%20or,producers%2C%20band%20members%20or%20composers.
42
See https://www.berklee.edu/people/susan-rogers
6|Page CONTEMPORARY PHILIPPINE ARTS FROM THE REGIONS // Prepared by: Sir Enrico Z. Santiago // Module No. 5
7|Page CONTEMPORARY PHILIPPINE ARTS FROM THE REGIONS // Prepared by: Sir Enrico Z. Santiago // Module No. 5
NAME SECTION
DATE:
: :

DIRECTIONS: I would like you to go to YouTube and search Paalam, Soledad, a theater
production uploaded by Likhaan Center or simply copy and paste the link or scan the
QR code provided herein https://bit.ly/3lSmwwa
I am requesting you to be open-minded and be critical on the video assigned in
this activity, for the video is sensitive, involves various social issues that is happening
and will continue to happen on our society, and susceptible to different interpretation,
depending on how your personal views and opinion would be.
On a separate sheet, preferably on yellow paper, write a three (3) paragraph reaction, with maximum
of ten (10) and minimum of five (5) sentences each, on the assigned video answering the questions below.
1. On the first paragraph:
 What is the title of the play; who is the director; and who are the main characters;
 What are the elements (plot, language, idea) present and how are these employed in the
performance; and
 How do these dominant elements affect you?
2. On the second paragraph:
 What is the significance of the central theme to you in terms of personal, historical, social, or
political value?
3. On the last one:
 What is the theme of the theater production; and
 What are the sub-themes that affect the central theme?
You will be graded accordingly using the rubric provided herein. Good luck!

INDIVIDUAL ACTIVITY RUBRIC

DIRECTIONS: Using the following criteria, choose the appropriate number from the following scale
that reflects your assessment of the students’ individual activity.

1 = Weak; 2 = Moderately Weak; 3 = Average; 4 = Moderately Strong 5= Strong

1. The essay meets the requirement of the assessment; well-written in an extra-

ordinary style and voice;
2. The essay appears to be well-researched;
3. The essay is very informative, well-organized and cohesive;
4. The essay has virtually no misspelling, punctuation, nor grammatical errors;
5. The essay indicates understanding of the assigned topic;
6. The student demonstrates a thorough self-reflective analysis on the topic;
7. The student presents the reaction in a compelling manner;
8. The student uses articulate and appropriate language, sophisticated word choice,
and sentence structure;
9. The student give the reader important information that goes beyond the obvious or
predictable; and
10. The conclusion is strong and leaves the reader with a feeling that they understand
what the student is trying to convey.
TOTAL SCORE:

8|Page CONTEMPORARY PHILIPPINE ARTS FROM THE REGIONS // Prepared by: Sir Enrico Z. Santiago // Module No. 5