BROCHURE TITLE: Thriving Artistry of Novo Ecijanos

1. Photos of artwork and definition

Rice Grain Mosaic

Nueva Ecija is known as “The Rice Granary of the Philippines” for its mass production of rice grains which were
mostly found in every Filipino’s table during meals. Throughout the years, Novo Ecijanos found a way to use the
product they are renowned for into a contemporary artwork like this “Last Supper” rice mosaic.

Rice Paddy Artwork

Another artwork that utilizes rice as a medium is this rice paddy art that features the Miss Universe Philippines 2018
Catriona Gray. The rice paddy artwork was designed by the hardworking personnel of PhilRice by using two
varieties of rice.

Blood Painting

One of the most well-known artist from Nueva Ecija is Elito Circa. His exceptional artworks were made by using his own
blood as the medium, and his hair as the brush. This expresses his utmost dedication about his crafts.

Slippers and Bags

Nueva Ecija initiated the planning and conception of this livelihood project. These bags and slippers are made from
naturally grown water lilies and hyacinths and hand-woven by our kababaihans or "Ladies of Nueva Ecija".
2. Local Materials and definition (name, origin, techniques)

Cogon

It is a perennial weed that grows in thick circular patches. It has flat, rigid and yellowish-green leaves that can be up to 6
feet long. This local material originated in Carranglan, Nueva Ecija and can be used in making baskets, bags and other
handicrafts by the process of weaving.

Bamboo

It is a very tall grass that is abundantly found in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija. Most known bamboo crafts are furniture,
placemats, bowl, craft boxes, instruments, baskets and many more. Bamboo can be crafted by means of cutting,
scraping, marking splitting, splinting, width sizing, thickness shaving, bleaching and dyeing.

Water Hyacinth

It is a free-floating perennial herb abundantly found in creaks, lakes, ponds and rivers. The municipality of Cuyapo,
Nueva Ecija is home to bags, slippers and other crafts that are made up of weaved water hyacinth.

Buri/Buli

It is the tallest palm tree in the Philippines that has a big leaf with a strong stem. Fans, baskets, bags, mats and wallets
can be designed through weaved buri leaves.

Coconut tree or buko

“Known as the tree of life” for its infinite uses. This tree belongs to the palm family; it has a fibrous husk and big-hard
fruit. Its leaves can be weaved into fans, baskets and mats while the hard outer layer of its fruit can be used to make
lampshades, ashtrays and bowls. It can be found on almost all parts of Nueva Ecija.

Corn Husks

These are leaves located on the outer part of the corn’s ear and non-edible. It can be crafted into artificial flowers, bags,
placemats and dolls by the means of dyeing and weaving. These materials are produced in Cabiao, Cuyapo, and Licab,
Nueva Ecija.

Tambo

It is a coarse erect grass; its stem is cylindrical and hollow, has panicles that can be used as a dust broom. Its hollow stem
can be used in making fences and garden decorations. San Antonio, Nueva Ecija is rich with these materials and the
municipality is known for its Tambo Festival for making the most number of walis tambo in Central Luzon.
3. Performance practice and definition (festival, date, place, reason of celebration, product)

Pandawan Festival

Pandawan Festival is held every April 28. The Pandawan Festival is about the fishing industry because it is the primary
livelihood in Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija. The term "pandaw" means that there will be a catch each time you fish.

Tsinelas Festival

This festival commemorates cityhood of Gapan City and is celebrated every August 6-25. The products exhibited in this
festival are crafted slippers or tsinelas.

Kapagayan Festival

This festioval promotes the “palay” which is the main crop of Llanera, Nueva Ecija. Kapagayan festival is celebrated every
May 7 to 11.

Kariton Festival

This anticipated festival in Nueva Ecija takes place in Licab every March 28. The event features a parade of colorfully-
dressed kariton floats, beauty pageant, and trade fairs boasting the agricultural products of the town.

Sibuyas Festival

Sibuyasan Festival is celebrated in town annually, in the month of April. This festival aims to celebrate the prosperous
harvest of the farmers through the year though many disasters come in their way.

Pagibang Damara Festival

This festival is annually celebrated every 19 th to 22nd of April at San Jose City, Nueva Ecija. Pagibang Damara is adopted
through demolishing the shelters of farmers after harvest time. These shelters are made up of bamboo and nipa.

Tambo Festival

San Antonio, Nueva Ecija commemorates their town fiesta to give honor of St. Anthony Abbot for the good harvest of
‘tambo’ which is abundant in their area. Dancers exhibit their costumes that are crafted using tambo during their
performance. This festival is celebrated every January.