THE FILIPINO ART AND CRAFTS
DESIRED LEARNING OUTCOMES
1. understand the Pre-Colonial Art forms in the Archipelago
2. identify the famous indigenous musical instruments in the Philippines;
3. demonstrate knowledge about importance of Philippine Artistic
Handicrafts
4. determine the common handicraft materials and the traditional
handiwork in the Philippines; and
5. recognize the importance of the Philippine GAMABA Awards and its
awardees.
The Philippine arts reflect a Filipino society with diverse cultural influences
and traditions of the Malayan peoples such as the Chinese and Indians.
Islamic traditions were introduced to the Philippine Islands in the 14th
century.
Likewise, Europe and the United States intensely influenced Filipino
artists. However, while drawing on Western forms, the works of Filipino
musicians, painters, and writers are imbued with distinctly Philippine
themes.
Pre-Colonial Art forms in the Archipelago
The arts in the Philippine archipelago had its past and
continued to develop by numerous modern artists. With their
different context regarding history, style, cultural symbols,
and meanings, these artworks are portrayed (Estrella, 2017).
The following are some known artforms in the Philippines:
Agung- It is a musical instrument of the Kulintang ensemble
which is played by one or two persons depending on its
number. By using a rubber-padded beater, this instrument is
performed on both the boss/knob and the face of the gong.
Image not mine: ccto
Banog-banog- It is a dance that portrays hunters shielding
in their chickens from the famishing hawk.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uoRnXY6QA0w
BlitB’laan. It is a courtship dance of the Bilaan of Davao del Sur
mimicking birds during mating season. The females scurry to
safety, burying their heads under their wings (using the
malong), but the aggressive males follow them wherever they go.
Image not mine: ccto
Cañao. It is a ritual-dance performed during native feasts or
celebrations in the highlands of the Cordilleras in the Luzon area
of the Philippines. It is a symbol of triumph or expectation for
abundant crops.
Image not mine: ccto
Gangsa - It is an indigenous musical instrument of the Bontoc
tribes of Kalinga, Ifugao in the mountain regions (the Cordillera)
of the northern Philippines.
Image not mine: ccto
Inamong - It is an ethnic dance among Tigwahanon
Manobos in the Province of Bukidnon and performed during
their harvest time. This type of dance shows a couple, with
their bodies and arms slightly bent forward, mimicking the
movement of a pair of flirting among monkeys.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0kW-7mPMvE
Image not mine: ccto
Kadal Iwas - It is a dance performed by the T-boli and
Tausug tribes respectively which mimic a mealtime of
monkeys in removing nits and lice from each other. A variation
of this dance is to mimics a monkey who sits on an anthill by
mistake and is attacked by angry ants all over his body.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQieFa0mN0s
Image not mine: ccto
Kashawing - It is a ritual among the Maranaos and is
performed to ensure a good harvest.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skg47UgOiHg
Image not mine: ccto
Kinabua - It is ritual dance among the Mandaya tribes in Northern
Mindanao. This type of dance portrays the Hawks’ use of sweet
songs to lure out the hen and the chicks that are made into a
meal.
Image not mine: ccto
Mamakar - It is a Bontoc War Dance performed during
the planting season and a bountiful harvest.
Image not mine: ccto
Man-manok - It is a dance performed in Vigan, Ilocos Sur. This type of
dance mimics fowls wherein a tribal blankets that represent the colorful
plumage of wild cocks are shown off by the warriors who intend on
winning the attention of the maiden hen.
Image not mine: ccto
Mayvanuvanua - It refers to a sacrificial rite performed at the beginning of the
summer fishing season among mataw fishers in Batanes Island. This type of dance is
an act of invitation to capture the fish dorado successfully.
Image not mine: ccto
Mumbaki - It is a local term which refers to the “sayer of prayers”
among the Ifugaos in Northern Luzon. These prayers are
performed during funerals, wedding, Thanksgiving, and other
celebrations. This is offered to the supreme deity, Maknongan
Image not mine: ccto
Ngilin - It is a cultural dance performed among the Kalinga tribe
during Marriage rituals and other celebrations like the budong
(peace pact). This type of dance is played to simulate the
romantic or peaceful interactions of a rooster and a hen.
Image not mine: ccto
Pagdiwata - It refers to a ritual performed among the ethnic
group in the north and central Palawan. The ceremony is held
on various occasions including bountiful harvests and
weddings.
Image not mine: ccto
Pangalay (also known as Sea Gypsies) - It is a native dance of the
Badjao performed during weddings and other social gatherings.
This type of dance emphasizes the agility of the upper body
wherein the rhythmic bounce of the shoulder with the simultaneous
alternating waving of arms is the essential movement.
Image not mine: ccto
Sampak - It is a war dance performed by the Mandaya tribe. This
type of dance requires excellent skill in the handling of a
shield, spear, and a sword.
Image not mine: ccto
Saut - It is a ritual dance performed by a male Talaanding
tribe presenting their expertise in style and arts in fighting
their opponent. This ritual dance is also an offering to their
magbabaya (god).
Image not mine: ccto
Talip - It is a courtship dance among the Ifugao. This is performed
during the celebration of the intaneg (wedding). In this dance,
the man traps a woman with an attractive blanket to place on her
shapely shoulders.
Image not mine: ccto
Image not mine: ccto
