Lesson 3: Contemporary

Performing Arts
Prepared By: Erika Joanhna S. Peňa
 Music
• Filipinos love to sing. No celebration is complete without a karaoke or
videoke machine. Contemporary music in the Philippines is a product
of our indigenous traditions and the colonial influences. Though the
country is geographically located in the East, our music is heavily
influenced by the West. This is no doubt due to being under centuries
of Spanish rule and almost half a century under American control.
• Before the arrival of the Spaniards, the types of indigenous music
found in the country were instrumental and vocal. Musical sounds
were created by various instruments such as flutes, shell trumpets
drums, and gongs.
• Vocals were performed by individuals or as a group. The singing styles
differ from one ethnic group to another.

• During the Spanish colonization, parallel with the visual arts, the
Spaniards promulgated religious music.
• Musical forms that were born from this period were religious hymns
and chants, orchestras, bands, and ensembles such as the rondalla.
Other than the various stringed instruments of the rondalla, favoured
musical instruments in homes during the Spanish colonial times were
the piano and the harp.
• The American, through the public school system, taught children simple
hymns and Filipino songs rendered in a Western style or beat. Schools also
became a venue to study other musical instruments such as the cello,
violin, etc. These schools produced musicians that would later become
leading figures in the development of Filipino contemporary music such as
Nicanor Abelardo, Felipe Padilla de Leon, and Francisco Santiago.
Unsuprisingly music that were made during this time are mostly imitation
and assimilation of mainstream western music, adopting its style and
melodic structure.
• The mid-twentieth-century Filipino music, though still influenced by foreign
music, eventually developed a more “Filipinized’ flavor through the use of
the vernacular in lyrics and creation of wholly original compositions. This
technique of combining Western music form with Filipino sensibilities is the
most popular and common style employed by many contemporary music
artists.
• On the next page are examples of musical forms that are still seen in the
present.
Kundiman- is a musical form that is a product of Spanish colonization.
 Ballad
• The ballad is traditionally a song that narrates an event in a
community.
• Balladeer- is an artist whose set of songs is primarily composed of
romantic songs.
• Examples: idangdang of Bukidnon
• Liyangkit parang sabil of the Tausug
• Composo of Hiligaynon

• Artist: Yoyoy Villame’s “Magellan” (traditional ballad)

 Artists
• Notable ballad composers:
• Ernani Cuenco (1936-1988)
• Jose Mari Chan (b. 1945)

Balladeers:
Regine Velasquez-Alcasid (b. 1970)
Sarah Geronimo (b. 1988)
Jed Madela (b. 1977)
 Chamber Music
• Chamber music is a form of instrumental music composed by a small
ensemble wherein each part is played by one player, as opposed to an
orchestra where a part is performed by a group of three to eight
mmusicians.
• Pioneered by Dr. Francisco Santiago and Nicanor S. Abelardo- who
received training abroad, and later on shared with the younger
generation of composers.
• Arlene Chongson’s Luduyan I and II and Conrado del Rosario’s Yugto
for chamber ensemble.
• Some popular chamber music groups in the Philippines include the
Clarion Chamber Ensemble and the String Minstrels.
 Choral Music
• Choral music is a musical composition intended to be performed by a group
of singers called a choir. The choir is arranged according to voice categories
such as soprano, aito, tenor, and bass.
• The early choirs in the Philippines performed in churches, singing religious
hymns during the mass.
• Best musical composers and arrangers such as Eunice Palaruan, Robert
Delgado, And Fidel Calalang.
• Internationally recognized choral groups in the Philippines:
-Samiweng Singers of Laoag
-Ilocos Norte
-University of Visayas Chorale
-Zamboanga Hermosa Chorale
Philippine Madrigal Singers
 Liturgical Music
• Liturgical music- are songs intended for Christian church services. Its
early form was inspired by Jewish chants during their religious rituals.
Many musicians have adapted liturgical music to reflect contemporary
musical styles and forms.
Artists: National Artist, Francisco F. Feliciano (1941-2014) his work
Mass of Saint Andrew (1981)
Ryan Cayabyab (b. 1954) his work Misa
Gary Valenciano (b. 1964) (praise and gospel songs)
 Opera
• Opera is a combination of both music and theater. It is a sung drama that
entails collaborative efforts of singers, dancers, composers,
choreographers, etc.
• Type of song found in opera:
• Aria- which is a song in solo that portrays the character’s emotional state.
• Introduced in the Philippines in the middle of 1800;s
• Artists: Felipe Padilla (1912-1992) Noli Me Tangere- the first full-length
Filipino opera
• Reynaldo T. Paguio (1935- 1999)
• Fides Asensio (b.1931) Mayo Bisperas ng Liwanag- based on the short
story of Nick Joaquin
 Pop Music
• Popular mmusic or pop music is used to describe music that is readily
available to the broad populace. Different genres: Rnb, Rap, Rock;
Hip-Hop, Dance, etc.
• Many of the popular music played in the Philippines are Western
imports that become a strong influence to many contemporary
singers and artists. Filipino musicians create their own version of pop
music by combining the Western style with Filipino taste.
• Example: Filipino pop by Fred Panopio ( 1939-2010) “O! Ang Mga
Babae”
• Yoyoy Villame’s “Mag-exercise Tayo Tuwing Umaga.”
 Pinoy Rock
• Example: “Ang Himig Natin” by Juan de la Cruz Band.
• Inspired other Pinoy rock artists such as Sampaguita ang Mike
Hanopol.
• The musical group Hotdog similarly combined Western po with
Filipino lyrics and created what was then known as Manila Sound.
These songs were light and carefree, using words and lyrics that
combined Tagalog and English; these songs were quickly accepted by
the youth of the time. Songs that fall to this category include “Ikaw ang
Miss Universe ng Buhay Ko” by Hotdog, Apo Hiking Society “Mahirap
Magmahal ng Syota ng Iba.”
Influenced by the musical style of Western
folk singers such as:
• Bob Dylan
• Peter Paul
• Mary

• Well known Pinoy folk musicians are:

• Freddie Aguilar
• Noel Cabangon
• Grace Nono
• Gary Granada
 Rap
• Rap is a music genre that became popular in the late 1980s in the
Philippines. It originated from the African-Americans and is distinctive
of its fast and rhythmic narration accompanied by electronic music.
• Pioneers: Francis Magalona (1964- 2009) “Mga Kababayan Ko”
• Andrew E. (b. 1967) “Humanap Ka ng Pangit”
• Contemporary rap artists include Gloc-9 (b. 1977)
• Abra (b. 1991)
• Filipino-American Apl.de.ap (b. 1974)
 Protest Songs
• Protest songs are songs that bring to light injustices and inequality in
society. These seek to inspire nationalism and heroism from their listeners.
These can come in many musical forms and genre such as kundiman as
seen in :”Bayan Ko” (1928). Is one of the most popular and recognizable
examples of a protest song.
• It was a collaboration between Jose Corazon De Jesus (1896-1932). The
song was first used as a call of independence from the Americans and later
on from the Japanese. It was also a popular song used in rallies and
marches during the Marcos era.
• Some protests songs tackle environmental issues such as the band Asin’s
protest pop song “ Masdan ang Kapiligiran” (1978) and Gloc-9’s rap song
“Nag-iisang Mundo” (2005)
 Dance
• The Philippines are influenced and molded by various factors, such as
the experiences and events in the community as reflected by the war
dances of the people of the Mountain Province.
• It can reflect the group values and beliefs like the Samal’s pangalay
that is performed slowly with intricate poses.
• Popular Eoropean dances that we have adapted to our own were the
pandango, the polka and the ballroom dance rigodon de honor, which
can be still be seen performed in debuts.
 Dance
• The American occupation introduced many dance forms from the
West and its colonies. This is also the beginning of contemporary
dance in the country. Through the Americans, The Philippines was
exposed to the Afro-Cuban dane forms such as the tango, samba,
mamba, mambo, cha-cha, among others. Throughout the US
occupation, popular dance crazes from the US like the foxtrot,
Charleston, boogie woogie, mashed potato and twist soon found their
way in the different dance halls in the country.
 Aerobic Dance
• Aerobic- is a dance routine made into an exercise program.
• Over the years, there have been many variations of aerobic dancing,
usually dictated by the type of music used.
• Examples of which are jazzercise, aero hip-hop, ballroom dancing,
belly dancing and more recently the Brazilian developed Zumba
Aerobic Dance
 Ballet
• Ballet is both a dance and theater art. It is a style and dance technique that
follows strict set of moves and performance. It originated from the European
court spectacles and was later brought to the Philippines by the Americans.
• Different contemporary reiterations of ballet form namely:
• Modern ballet-uses traditional ballet techniques and style set to contemporary
ideas and subjects. Pioneer of modern dance in the Philippines Founder of Ballet
Philippines Alice Reyes (b. 1942) example: Tony Fabella (1941- 2019) Limang Dipa
(1981) Beautiful Girls (1990) which about a beauty contest.
• Opera ballet-modern version called rock ballet-combines dance and song
• Example of rock ballet:Mahal (1975) Abel Labrador, Mon Fraustmann, Rahissa
Lahat-Wala, and Julie and Rose Borromeo. Rama Hari (1988) by Ryan Cayabyab,
Bienvenido Lumbera and Alice Reyes.
• Folkloric ballet- is a performance that presents subjects and themes based on the
art and culture of a community.
Folkloric ballet example
• Agnes by the Davao-born Agnes Locsin (b. 1957)
• Tapestry/Bayanihan by Alice Reyes
• Baile de Aye by Corazon Generoso-Iňigo (b. 1930)

• Major ballet companies:

• Ballet Philippines (1969)
• Philippine Ballet Theater (1987)
• Ballet Manila (1995)
 Folk Dance
• Folk dance is the different dances performed by various culutural
groups throughout the country. It changes from region to region and
is performed by nonprofessional dancers who are members of the
said community. It is often performed during rituals, festivals, fiestas,
and other community celebrations.

• Under the category of folk dances are mimetic dances which are
dance movements that imitate animals like the Kadal Belah of the
T’boli and Kinabuwa of the Mandaya.
• Mimetic dances also depict movements that copy communal
activities such as planting rice and harvesting.
• Examples of mimetic dance:
-Mananagat of Cebu which imitates the movements of a fisherman
-Pangasinense’s Tanobong which mimics the steps in making a broom
These traditional dances have been used by the ethnic groups to
celebrate their identity and are based on their literature, legends and
belliefs. Examples are Tinikling of Waray which is considered as the
Philippine’s national dance and Subil of Batangas. Some folk dances are
integral to festivals such as Ati-atihan of Aklan, the Masskara of
Bacolod and Sinulog of Cebu.
 Professional dance troupes of Folk Dance
• Bayanihan Dance Company
• Darangan Cultural Dance
• Troupe of Marawi
• Tambuli Cultural Troupe of Tawi-tawi
 Street Dance
• Street dance is a term used to describe vernacular dances, or dances
that developed organically within the community. It is a dance form
that began in urban open spaces, such as parks, streets, yardsand
night clubs; rather than in formal dance studios. Popular during
1970’s. became popular in the Philippines during 1980’s coinciding
with the popularity of punk and rap music. Popular street dance
moves in the Philippines include hip-hop routines such as b-boying
(breakdancing), popping,locking and roboting.
 Popular Street Dance Groups
• All-star Dance Crew- two time champion in the world Hip-hop Dance
Championships in 2006 and 2008
• The A-team who won the same competition in 2014and XB Gensan
who won back to back championships in the 2015 and 2016
Dance2Dance World Street dance competition.
 Contemporary Theater Forms
• The absurd is a genre of modern play that deliberately exaggerates
the events and situations to emphasize a point. The characters are
often made stereotypes. This theatrical form originated from the
West. The Theater of the Absurd was first performed in the
Philippines by the students of Ateneo de Manila 1967 with the play
Ang Paghihintay kay Godot that was translated from the absurd play
Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett.
• Other examples: Paul Dumol’s Ang Paglilitis ni Mang Serapio, first
staged in 1968, and Isagani R. Cruz’s Kasal, first performed in 1980.
 Stage Show
• The stage show or bodabil is a theatrical presentation of various acts
and performances. These performances may be a production of the
following: comedy skits, circus acts, musical and dance numbers,
acrobatics, magic shows and the like.
Contemporary forms of the stage show can be seen during fiesta and
in television variety shows.
 Brechtian Theater
• The Brechtian theater is an example of modern theatrical show. It is
also referred to as epic theater. It is based on Bertolt Brecht’s (1898-
1956) proposition that the audience should not emotionally identify
with the characters or action on stage but instead stimulate
self-reflection and critical analysis of the events unfolding in the play.
The first Brechtian-inspired play in the Philippines was mounted by
Reportory Philippines in 1968 with the play Mother Courage and Her
Children. This was later followed by PETA with the play The Good
Woman of Setzuan in 1970.
 Children’s Theater
• Children’s theater are plays that are either performed by children or
by adults for children. This type of theater production is intended to
educate, inspire and encourage creativity and value formation. Use
materials that are based on folktales and legends.
• Some theater companies specialize in theater productions geared for
children such as PETA’s longest running play Mga Kuwento ni Lola
Basyang and Trumpets Playshop that retell children’s fairy tales.
 Melodrama
• Melodrama is a nonmusical play that is intended to elicit tears and
emotional attachment to the characters. The main characters of these
melodramas are often victims of tragedies and suffer cruelty from the
people around them but in the end will rise triumphantly. These
melodramas are regularly seen on television.
 Dramatic Monologue
• The dramatic monologue is a type of play wherein an individual actor
speaks and acts out the character’s thoughts and emotions . This one-
person performance is often used for the audience to better
understand a main character. Some plays utilize a dramatic
monologue for the entire play.
• Examples of this type of play in the Philippines are Tony Perez’s Alex
Antiporda (1974) and Anton Juan Jr.’s Taong Grasa (1985), which first
performed by veteran theater actor Lou Veloso.
 Tula-dula
• Tula-dula or play poem was developed by the University of the
Philippines in the 1970’s. it is a minimalist in attack wherein a poem is
dramatized by a narrator who recites the piece and two or three
actors provide the movement and the sound effects. Many theater
companies produce this type pf play since it requires very little in
terms of staging and costs. The first tula-dula was performed in 1975
by Jose F. Lacaba and was entitled Ang mga Kagila-gilalas na
Pakikipagsapalaran ni Juan de la Cruz. It is also a very popular and
effective workshop exercise for many theater companies in the
Philippines.
 Political Theater
• Political Theater is a form of theater whose intention is to transform
or improve the current system of the government.
• Type of political theater is the seditious play. Seditious plays often use
symbolism and allegory to deliver their antigovernment sentiments.
Sometimes called as symbolic dramas. These plays present a
rebellious attitude toward the people in power or the government.
• Examples- Nandings Josef’s Ang Tao. ..Hayop o Tao? (1975)
• Bonifacio Ilagan’s Pagsambang Bayan (1984) that feature mimes and
projections of human right abuses during the Martial Law.
 Street Theater
• Street theater is another form of political theater. Its earliest forms
were the ethic and cultural rituals that were acted on the streets. The
more contemporary versions are the protest plays staged in the
streets by activists during rallies, strikes, marches and the like. These
plays may include performances of protest songs skits and
dramatization.
• Example: Siak sa Duha ka Damgo (Crack in Two Dreams) staged in
1992 by the Kaliwat Theater Collective, a theater group based in
Davao.
 Musical Theater
• Musical theater are plays wherein music is an essential part of the
production. This includes traditional Filipino Theater such as the
sarswela and ritualistic dramas. This is seen with the majority of
theater companies producing musicals such as the Aegis-inspired
PETA play Rak of Aegis and the repertoire of Francis Magalona songs
used in 3 Stars and a Sun. The affinity of Filipinos for musicals are also
seen with a number of broadway musicals that are staging sold-out
shows such as Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera, and Wicked to
name a few.
 Realism
• Realism is a type of drama that provides an accurate depiction of rel-
life stituations. This is achieved through well-developed and authentic
portrayal of characters as well as realistic plot, dialogue, and staging.
This type of modern theater first came to the Philippines after World
War II. One of the early examples of realism in the Philippines is
Tennessee Williams’ The Glass Menagerie that is translated and
directed by Ronaldo Tinio in 1966.
• There are two types of realism theater, namely psychological and
social realism. Psychological realism pertains to plays that focus on
the individual character’s problems and situations.
 Example of Psychological Realism
• Elsa Martinez Coscolluela’s In My Father’s House (1987), which was
about a family’s gradual breakdown during the Japanese occupation
 Social Realism
• Are plays that set the individual dilemmas within a larger scheme of
society. The play Francisco Maniago is an example of social realism.
The play was a realization of the main character, Francisco Maniago,
that in order to serve the King of Spain, he has to betray the people
around him and himself. This was written by Paul Dumol in 1987.
END OF LESSON 3