FILIPINO ARTS AND CRAFTS opportunities for older generations to connect with the evolving cultural
Filipino arts and culture are not merely expressions of creativity and tradition;
they are fundamental aspects of identity and heritage that shape the Filipino
people's collective consciousness. Studying Filipino arts and culture goes beyond
mere curiosity; it provides invaluable insights into the country's history, values,
and societal dynamics. Here's why delving deeper into Filipino arts and culture is
essential:
Preservation of Heritage: Filipino arts and culture serve as repositories of the
nation's history, traditions, and beliefs. By studying them, we preserve and honor
the legacies of our ancestors, ensuring that future generations remain connected
to their cultural roots.
Cultural Identity: Understanding Filipino arts and culture helps individuals, both
Filipinos and non-Filipinos, appreciate the complexities and nuances of Filipino
identity. It fosters a sense of pride and belonging, reinforcing the bonds that unite
the Filipino people across diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Promotion of Diversity: The Philippines is a mosaic of cultures, languages, and
traditions. Studying Filipino arts and culture highlights this rich tapestry of
diversity, fostering cross-cultural understanding and respect. It promotes
inclusivity and appreciation for the unique contributions of each cultural group
within the Philippines.
Insights into Society: Filipino arts and culture offer profound insights into societal
values, norms, and challenges. Through literature, music, and visual arts, we gain a
deeper understanding of Filipino perspectives on issues such as family,
community, religion, politics, and social justice.
Creative Inspiration: Filipino arts and culture inspire creativity and innovation
across various fields. From literature and music to cuisine and design, Filipino
cultural expressions provide fertile ground for artistic exploration and
experimentation. They serve as wellsprings of inspiration for artists, scholars, and
entrepreneurs alike.
Bridge Across Generations: Studying Filipino arts and culture bridges generational
divides by fostering intergenerational dialogue and understanding. It allows
younger generations to learn from the wisdom of their elders while providing
expressions of youth.
Global Perspective: In an increasingly interconnected world, understanding Filipino
arts and culture contributes to global dialogue and mutual understanding. It allows
individuals from different cultural backgrounds to appreciate and learn from the
unique perspectives and contributions of Filipino culture to the global tapestry of
human experience.
In essence, studying Filipino arts and culture is not just an academic pursuit; it is a
journey of self-discovery, appreciation, and enlightenment. It enriches our lives,
deepens our understanding of the world, and fosters a sense of unity and
interconnectedness within the global community.
Art influenced the life of the Filipinos and the things that surround them.
The Philippine arts reflect a Filipino society with diverse cultural influences and
traditions of the Malayan People such as Chinese and Indians. Islamic Traditions
were introduced to the Philippine Islands in the 14 th century.
Likewise, Europe and the United Sates intensely influenced Filipino artists.
However, while drawing on Western forms, the works of Filipino musicians,
painters, and writers are imbued with distinctly Philippine themes. By expressing
the richness of the culture of the archipelago in all its diversity, Filipino artists have
helped in shaping a sense of national identity. Many Malay cultural traditions have
continued until this time despite foreign rule. Muslims and tribal groups
maintained distinct traditions in dance, music and sculpture.
(Ramirez, 1999). Indigenous arts in the Philippines are labors of love and
patience. The intricate carvings on wood, metal, stone or glass are products of
skillful hands and imaginative minds of the different tribes of the archipelago.
Indigenous musical instruments like the flute, drums, rain sticks, native guitars,
and bells made of bamboo, animal skin, seeds and seashells. The careful
manipulation of these materials produces sounds and unique instruments used
mostly in tribal dances and rituals.
 Indigenous arts provide a means of cultural expression and are a vehicle for
the maintenance and transmission of culture.
  In line with the subject art appreciation we as a student would be able to
explore different cultures with artworks, examine different forms of arts,
and portray appreciation to craftsmanship.
Philippine GAMABA Awards
Gawad sa Manlilikhang Bayan Awards or GAMABA is an award that recognizes
folk and indigenous artists who remain loyal to their traditions. This award is
managed by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) through 2. Masino Intaray (1993).
Gawad ng Bayan Committee. It began as a project of the Philippine Rotary Club * Intaray was a Filipino poet, bard artist and musician who exemplary shared his
Makati- Ayala but was adopted by the Philippine government in 1992 and become skills in basal or gong music ensemble. He is a musician and epic chanter (Kulilal
an institution through a Republic Act 7335. and Bagit).
This award aims to support and motivate these artists to preserve their artistic * He is also known for playing multiple indigenous instruments namely the basal
heritage for the present and future generations. These artists are recognized as (gong), aroding (mouth harp), and the babarak (ring flute).
the Country’s Intangible National Living Treasure. * Basal- is a kind of musical ensemble played during the tambilaw (offering to the
To become a National Living Treasure, the candidate must have the following Lord of Rice); a rice wine drinking ceremony.
qualifications: * Kulilal- a lyric poem about love being sung to the accompaniment of kusyapi,
1. Must be an occupant of an indigenous/traditional cultural community anywhere two-stringed lute, and pagang bamboo zither.
in the Philippines that has preserved native customs, beliefs, rituals, and traditions * Bagit- is an instrumental music reflecting the sound and movement of nature.
and has syncretized whatever external elements that have influenced it.
2. Must have involved in a folk art tradition that has been in existence and
documented for at least 50 years.
3. Must have consistently performed or produced over a significant period, works
of superior and distinctive quality.
4. Must acquire a mastery of tools and materials needed by the art, and must have 3. Samaon Sulaiman (1993). A Maguindanao of Mama SaPano who showed
an established reputation in the art as master and maker of works of extraordinary outstanding artistry and dedication to his chosen instrument, the Magindanao
technical quality. kutyapi.
5. Must pass on and will pass on to other members of the community their talents
in the folk art for which their group is traditionally known.

GAMABA Awardees and Nominees

1. Ginaw Bilog (1993).
4. Lang Dulay (1998). A T'boli of Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, for her skills in
* A native of Oriental Mindoro who faithfully helps preserved the Hanunuo
weaving the abaca ikat cloth known as t'nalak.
Mangyan script and their Ambahan poetry.
* Pres. Fidel V. Ramos conferred the National Living Treasure Award to Ginaw
Bilog on December 17, 1993 in recognition of his people’s preservation efforts of
the ambahan poetry which is recorded on bamboo.
 weaver's creativity and may draw inspiration from traditional Ilocano symbols,
folklore, and everyday life.
Techniques: Inabel weaving often employs a technique called "binakul" or
"patadyong," which involves intricate weaving patterns achieved through the use
of different-colored threads and supplementary weft techniques.

5. Salinta Monon (1998). A Tagabawa-Bagobo of Bansalan, Davao del for fully
demonstrating her creative and expressive aspects of the Bagobo abaca ikat
weaving called inabal.
In summary, while both T'nalak and inabel are traditional handwoven fabrics from
the Philippines, they originate from different indigenous communities and exhibit
distinct design aesthetics, materials, and techniques. T'nalak is known for its
geometric patterns inspired by T'boli cosmology, while inabel features a wide
range of designs influenced by Ilocano culture and creativity.

What’s the difference between T’nalak weaving and Inabal Weaving?

T'nalak Design:

Origin: T'nalak comes from the T'boli people of Lake Sebu in South Cotabato,
Mindanao.
Material: T'nalak is made from abaca fibers, also known as Manila hemp, which
are meticulously processed, dyed, and woven by hand.
Design: T'nalak designs are characterized by intricate geometric patterns, often
featuring zigzags, diamonds, and other geometric shapes. These designs are
derived from the dreams and visions of the T'boli weavers' ancestors, particularly
from the legendary dreamweaver Fu Dalu.
Symbolism: Each T'nalak design holds symbolic meaning for the T'boli people,
representing elements of their cosmology, myths, and natural surroundings.
Inabel Design:

Origin: Inabel originates from the Ilocos region in Northern Luzon, particularly
among the Ilocano people.
Material: Inabel is traditionally woven using locally sourced cotton threads,
although modern variations may incorporate other fibers.
Design: Inabel designs vary widely, ranging from geometric patterns to floral
motifs and abstract representations of nature. These designs often reflect the