PAINTINGS
ARTIST
Elmer Borlongan
Elmer Misa Borlongan (born January 7, 1967)
is a prominent contemporary Filipino painter
best known for his distinctive use of figurative
expressionism.
Ronald Ventura
Ronald Ventura (Filipino, b.1973) was
born in Manila, Philippines. A
contemporary Filipino artist known for his
dynamic melding of realism, cartoons, and
graffiti.
Emmanuel Garibay
Emmanuel Garibay (Born 1962) is
active/lives in Philippines. Emmanuel
Garibay is known for Social
commentary painting. The son of a
Methodist pastor, Emmanuel Garibay was
raised in Davao, the multicultural city that
nurtured his early interest in art.
Rodel Tapaya
Rodel Tapaya was born in 1980, in
Montalban, Rizal, Philippines, known for
his large-scale canvases, narrative murals
and sculptural installations that evoke the
primordial rainforests of indigenous
folklore as allegories for the present
reality.
ARTWORK INTERPRETATION
Quiapo (2004) The painting represents the
yearly procession of the Black
Nazarene of Quiapo Church
around Manila and the people
pushing one another to get
within touching distance of the
famous ancient Catholic icon
believed to be miraculous.
Crack in the Hull (2001) This painting is a
representation of the souls's
struggle in obtaining eternal
life or salvation. The crack in
the hull symbolizes the sins
that the departed committed
during his time living as a
human. It serves as a
hindrance in the quest of
salvation.
Mother and Child This artwork portrayed a
powerful image of a woman
embracing a child. The hands
of the subject is both symbolic
and expressive wherein the
grasp of the subject’s hands
radiates warmth accompanied
with the hues smeared to the
canvas - perfectly exhibiting a
mother’s love.
Lost in the Woods This painting shows the
problem of humankind’s
insatiable desires and man-
made catastrophes and in the
end, we are left with a
fascinating puzzle on
imagination, enquiry, action,
ambition—and consequence.
 Louie Cordero Narok Eyes The work illustrates that war
can also exist in our heads.
War entails suffering and
suffering is something that is
often more felt than seen.

Louie Cordero was born in 1978 in

Manila, Philippines.In his paintings,
sculptures, and installations Cordero uses
anatomical innards, muscle tissue, veins,
and eyeballs to construct a new,
unclassifiable species that has evolved
through forms, shapes, and patterns
 ARCHITECTURE

Leandro V. Locsin UPLB public Library The structure resembles the Cultural
Center of the Phillippines (CCP)
building as they are both designed
by the same person Leandro Locsin,
a proclaimed National Artist of the
Philippines for Architecture.

Francisco Mañosa Coconut Palace Coconut Palace, also known

as Tahanang Pilipino (lit. 'Filipino
Home'), is a government building
located in the Cultural Center of the
Philippines
Complex in Manila, Philippines.
Coconut Palace is made of several
types of
Philippine hardwood, coconut shells,
and a specially engineered coconut
lumber apparently known as Imelda
Madera.
Fernando Ocampo Manila Cathedral The beauty and wonder of marble as
a building material stand out in the
Manila Cathedral. Ocampo’s
cathedral is the product of his own
creativity and talent, the child of his
sensitive appreciation and respect
for the older cathedral structure, the
design and plan of which he adapted
to the postwar period’s modernist
trend in architecture. Indeed, the
present Manila Cathedral is the
product of its own age and time.
Pablo Antonio White Cross Orphanage The architectural style resembles a
large white cross, a sanctuary and
temporary shelter for children it also
stands as a beacon of hope.

Dominador Lacson Lugtu Araneta Coliseum The Big Dome is commonly referred
as the iconic centerpiece of the
historic Araneta City. It is among the
first establishments built in Araneta
City since the land was purchased
by Don J. Amado Araneta. The
coliseum was Don J. Amado’s bid to
give his countrymen something
extraordinary, something
spectacular – but within the reach of
ordinary Filipinos.

SCULPTURE
 ARTIST ARTWORKS INTERPRETATION

Guillermo Tolentino Oblation The Oblation (Filipino: Pahinungod,

Oblasyon) is a concrete statue by
Philippine National Artist Guillermo
Tolentino which serves as the iconic
symbol of the University of the
Philippines. It depicts a man facing
upward with arms outstretched,
symbolizing selfless offering of
oneself to his union.

Anastacio Tanchanco MacArthur Leyte Landing Commemorates the historic landing

Caedo Memorial National Park of General Douglas MacArthur in
Leyte Gulf at the start of the
campaign to recapture and liberate
the Philippines from Japanese
occupation

Eduardo Castillo People Power Monument The People Power Monument by

Eduardo Castillo is a significant
artwork commemorating the historic
People Power Revolution in the
Philippines. The sculpture features
stylized human figures rising and
intertwining to form a dynamic and
unified mass. This represents the
collective strength and unity of the
Filipino people in overthrowing an
oppressive regime. The monument
serves as a powerful symbol of
democracy, freedom, and the power
of ordinary citizens coming together
to effect change.
Abdulmari Imao Sarimanok Abdulmari Imao's "Sarimanok"
artwork is a vibrant representation of
a legendary bird in Philippine
mythology. The sarimanok is often
depicted as a symbol of hope, good
fortune, and harmony. Imao's
interpretation likely emphasizes the
intricate and colorful design
elements, showcasing the rich
cultural heritage of the Philippines.
The artwork may also aim to evoke a
sense of wonder and connection to
the country's folklore.
Arturo Luz Spiral This stainless steel sculpture
features a dynamic spiral form that
represents the continuous cycle of
life and growth.

music

Artist Artforms Interpretation

Ben&Ben Sa Susunod na Habang Buhay "Sa Susunod Na Habang Buhay"

by Ben&Ben is a heartfelt song
that explores the concept of
eternal love and commitment. The
title translates to "In the Next
Lifetime" in English, and the song
conveys a deep sense of longing
and hope for a love that
transcends time and space.

Moira Dela Torre Paubaya "Paubaya" by Moira Dela Torre is

a powerful and emotive song that
delves into the complex emotions
of letting go, moving on, and
finding closure in a romantic
relationship.
December Avenue Sa ngalan ng Pag-ibig "Sa Ngalan ng Pag-ibig" by
December Avenue is a poignant
song that delves into the complex
and sometimes painful aspects of
love. The song's lyrics explore
themes of longing, sacrifice, and
the deep emotional connection
that comes with love. The song
tells a story of two individuals who
are willing to endure challenges
and hardships in the name of their
love for each other. It reflects the
idea that love can be both beautiful
and challenging, and that it often
requires sacrifices and
compromises.

Sarah Geronimo Tala "Tala" by Sarah Geronimo is a

lively and empowering song that
celebrates self-confidence,
individuality, and embracing one's
true identity. The lyrics revolve
around the idea of shining brightly
and standing out in a crowd.

Silent Sanctuary Sa Piling mo "Sa Piling Mo" by Silent Sanctuary

is a heartfelt song that captures
the essence of yearning and the
bittersweet longing for a loved one.
The title translates to "In Your
Embrace" in English. The song's
lyrics and melody work together to
convey a sense of melancholy and
deep emotional connection.
LITERATURE

Felisa Batacan Smaller and Smaller Circles This novel tackles the gruesome
topic of serial killings in a small
Philippine town. It delves into the
complexities of crime
investigation, social issues, and
corruption within the context of a
tightly-knit community.

Gina Apostol Insurrecto This novel weaves together

history, fiction, and postcolonial
critique. It explores the
Philippine-American War through
the eyes of two women from
different generations, offering a
thought-provoking commentary
on the blurred lines between truth
and fiction in storytelling.

Glenn Diaz The Quite Ones This novel presents a darkly

humorous and introspective
portrayal of Manila's underbelly. It
explores the lives of a group of
misfits who navigate the chaotic
urban landscape while grappling
with personal struggles and
societal challenges.

Eros S. Atalia Ligo na U, Lapit na Me This novel delves into the lives of
young adults in the Philippines,
exploring themes of love,
relationships, and modern Filipino
culture. It offers a candid and
relatable glimpse into the
challenges faced by the younger
generation.
Merlinda Bobis Bananan Heart Summer Bobis weaves a tale of family
dynamics and cultural clash in a
small Philippine village. The
novel addresses the tension
between tradition and modernity,
as well as the struggles faced by
women in a patriarchal society.

PERFORMING ARTS\DANCE

ARTIST ARTFORMS INTERPRETATION

Lea Salonga Ms. Saigon A renowned singer and actress,

Lea Salonga gained international
fame for her roles in musical
theater, most notably as Kim in
"Miss Saigon." Her powerful
vocals and emotive performances
have made her a global
sensation, representing the
Philippines on the world stage.

Eisa Jocson Princess, 2017 Eisa Jocson's performance piece

" Princess" is a thought-provoking
exploration of gender, power
dynamics, and identity within the
context of popular culture and
traditional Filipino dance. In this
performance, Jocson embodies
and deconstructs the figure of the
Disney princess, using her body
as a medium to challenge
societal norms and question the
implications of these iconic
characters.Through her
movements and choreography,
Jocson exposes the constructed
nature of femininity, highlighting
the performative aspects that
often define how women are
expected to behave.
 Felix “Nonon” Padilla Tanghalang Pilipino This theater company, founded
by Nonon Padilla, has been
instrumental in promoting Filipino
plays and playwrights. They
stage a diverse range of
theatrical performances that
showcase the depth and breadth
of Philippine culture.

Founder of Tanghalang
Pilipino

Alice Reyes Ballet Philippines This dance company has been a

major contributor to the
development of contemporary
ballet in the Philippines. They
have showcased both traditional
and innovative ballet
performances.

Ea Marie Torrado Daloy Dance Company Founded by Ea Torrado, Daloy

Dance Company is known for
their contemporary and
experimental dance works that
incorporate elements of
traditional Philippine dance and
culture.

FILM

ARTIST ARTWORKS INTERPRETATION

Erik Matti On The Job "On the Job" explores corruption

and crime within the Philippine
justice system, depicting a
gripping tale of prisoners
temporarily released to become
contract killers.
Jerrold Tarog Heneral Luna The film delves into the life of
General Antonio Luna, a Filipino
military leader during the
Philippine-American War,
highlighting his courage, struggles,
and the challenges of unity among
Filipinos.

Antoinette Jadaone Fan Girl "Fan Girl" portrays the obsession of

a teenage girl with a fictional
celebrity, while also commenting
on issues of power dynamics and
the blurred lines between fandom
and reality.

Sigrid Andrea P. Kita Kita "Kita Kita" is a romantic comedy

Bernardo that explores love, friendship, and
life's unexpected turns. It tells the
story of a woman who loses her
sight and forms a unique
connection with her neighbor.

Mikhail Red Eerie Directed by Mikhail Red

Interpretation: This horror film is
set in an all-girls Catholic school
and delves into the supernatural
occurrences and dark secrets within
its walls, while also addressing
issues of power, abuse, and justice.