Culture and Arts Flashcards
A Filipino custom derived from the word bayan (nation, town or community). It originated from the practice of volunteers in a community helping a family move by carrying the house itself — a tradition that remains the classic illustration for the concept as a whole.
Bayanihan
Has become an iconic symbol in the Philippines for Christmas, it reminds the Filipino Christians of the star of Bethlehem that guided the Three Wise Men on their way in search of Baby Jesus. The tails of the lantern mimic the rays of the star.
Parol
A traditional Filipino art form where two protagonists debate the merits of a theme - one supporting it and the other arguing against it.
Balagtasan
A Filipino structure developed during the Spanish colonial era, adapted from the local bahay kubo as evidenced by its skeletal structure being a house on stilts.
Bahay na Bato
The biggest and most colourful harvest festival in the Philippines that takes place annually to honour the patron saint of farmers, San Isidro Labrador. Most people head to Lucban to celebrate, as this is where Pahiyas originated, but festivities can be found across the province of Quezon, in towns such as Tayabas, Sariaya, Gumaca and Tiaong.
Pahiyas Festival
A very unique Philippines traditional dance of the Maranao people in Southern Philippines. This involves rich ornamental costumes and a female lead and male lead and other dancers elegantly dancing between rhythmically striking bamboo poles held by the fellow dance troupe.
Singkil
A plank boat adjoined by a carved-out plank edged through pins and dowels. It was first mentioned in the 16th Century in the Chronicles of Pigafetta, and is known as the oldest Pre-Hispanic watercraft found in the Philippines.
Balangay
Instruments from the island of Palawan are noted by having their frets on the front of the neck whereas lutes from other areas can have frets on the sound board. Played by plucking its two strings, one used as a drone and the other for the melody, this family of instruments is used in both solo playing and in small ensembles with zithers, flutes and fiddles.
Kudyapi
From Palawan was used about 2,700 years ago to protect the remains of the dead. This has a beautifully sculpted lid, unlike other burial jars that have simple handles on their rounded covers. This lid features a pair of small, three-dimensional figures on a boat. The figures represent the souls of the dead rowing their way to the afterlife.
Manunggul Jar
This headgear is known to be worn by the Tagalog and Kapampangan peoples of the Philippines. Many other helmet variants are found throughout the islands, each interpreted by different ethnic groups in different styles. Mostly were made from the materials found in the area, including bamboo, palms, and rattan leaves.
Salakot
is a carved human figurine into which a certain class of anito is said to incorporate itself when worshipped.
Bul-ul
A traditional style of courtship, where the men wooed the women by singing beneath her window at nighttime.
Harana
The Filipino word for legend or folktale. The Philippines is rich with these mythical tales that are unique to each region of the country.
Alamat
The staged re-enactment of Christ’s passion and death. It is also known as pasyon y muerte, passion play (Rizal, Bulacan, Bataan, and Pampanga); centurion or hudyuhan (Laguna); tanggal (Bicol region); and pamalandong (Leyte).
Senakulo
Cebu’s grandest festival, the feast is in honor of the Holy Image of Senyor Santo Niño de Cebu.
Sinulog Festival
a traditional hand-woven cloth indigenous to the T’boli people from the Cotabato region. It is woven in order to celebrate and pay tribute to major life events such as birth, life, marriage, or death within the community.
T’nalak
is one of the most well-known and widely-used textiles produced by the weavers of Mindanao.
Malong
Pre-colonial spirits or deities worshipped by indigenous Filipinos.
Anito
The revered sea god of Philippine mythology. Known for his tempestuous nature and unyielding anger, Amanikable rules the ocean with ferocity, often manifesting his wrath in mighty storms and fierce waves.
Amanikable
The practice of making a short pit stop before going home after a wake. The belief is that this will confuse any spirits who are trying to make their way home with you.
Pagpag
The fickle-minded goddess of wind and rain. She was the daughter of Idiyanale and Dimangan and the sister of Dumakulem.
Anitun Tabu
The goddess of love, conception and childbirth and the protector of lovers. She was the daughter of Anagolay and Dumakulem and youngest of all the deities.
Diyan Masalanta
A two-wheeled horse-drawn carriage, which, according to historical accounts, was first introduced in the Philippines during the 18th century.
Kalesa
The visual perception of different hues used in paintings, textiles, and sculptures, often symbolizing emotions, traditions, or social status in Filipino art.
Kulay
A traditional Maranao and Tausug decorative motif featuring flowing curves and elaborate floral designs, commonly seen in wood carvings and textiles.
Okir
Bamboo arches intricately designed with leaf patterns and calligraphic curves, often used as decorative entrances during Filipino festivals.
Singkaban
Large earthenware jars from Vigan, Ilocos Sur, made using ancient pottery techniques, traditionally used for storing water, vinegar, and fermented food.
Burnay
A term referring to the tattooed Visayan warriors of pre-colonial Philippines, whose intricate body markings symbolized rank, bravery, and accomplishments.
Pintados
Handwoven mats made from palm leaves or reed strips, traditionally used for sleeping or sitting, with colorful geometric patterns reflecting regional identities.
Banig
The art of palm leaf folding, used in religious decorations, toys, or ornaments, often associated with traditional Filipino craftsmanship and Catholic rituals.
Puni
A traditional Filipino love song characterized by smooth, flowing melodies and poetic lyrics, often expressing deep emotions and patriotism.
Kundiman
An indigenous musical ensemble from Mindanao featuring a set of horizontally laid gongs played in rhythmic patterns, central to Maranao and Maguindanao culture.
Kulintang
A long narrative chant recounting the Passion of Christ, sung during Holy Week as a form of religious devotion, usually in a call-and-response manner.
Pasyon
A traditional poetic debate in which participants deliver extemporaneous verses in rhyming stanzas, showcasing Filipino linguistic artistry and rhetoric.
Balagtasan
A traditional dance where performers rhythmically strike coconut shells attached to their bodies, mimicking a mock battle between Christian and Moro warriors.
Maglalatik
A romantic serenade performed by a suitor outside a woman’s window, usually accompanied by guitar music, reflecting old Filipino courtship traditions.
Harana
A Filipino variety entertainment show influenced by American vaudeville, featuring comedic skits, musical numbers, and dance performances, popular in the early 20th century.
Bodabil
A Spanish-influenced theatrical performance blending drama, music, and dance to depict social issues and everyday life in the Philippines.
Sarswela
A national folk dance that involves dancers stepping in and out of rapidly clapping bamboo poles, imitating the movement of the tikling bird.
Tinikling
A dramatic Maranao dance telling the story of the Darangen epic, performed with fans and gracefully maneuvered bamboo poles to depict a royal courtship.
Singkil
A traditional Filipino form of poetry consisting of four lines with seven syllables each, often carrying deep philosophical or moral messages.
Tanaga
A long narrative poem recounting heroic deeds, mythical events, or supernatural adventures, passed down orally among indigenous groups, such as Biag ni Lam-ang.
Epiko (Epic)
An ancient pre-colonial script used by early Filipinos, consisting of syllabic symbols, now revived in artistic and cultural movements.
Alibata/Baybayin
A pre-colonial form of poetry composed of three rhyming lines with seven syllables each, traditionally used in songs and expressions of love.
Diona
A poetic puzzle presented in metaphorical language, requiring wit and cultural knowledge to decipher, commonly played during gatherings.
Bugtong (Riddle)
A concise, traditional saying that imparts wisdom or moral lessons, often guiding everyday Filipino life and values.
Salawikain (Proverb)
A rhythmic poetic form from the Hanunóo Mangyan people of Mindoro, written in a unique script and recited to express emotions and teachings.
Ambahan
A style of poetry that follows a fixed meter and rhyme scheme, commonly used in formal literary compositions in the Filipino language.
Karaniwang Anyo
A type of devotional poetry with four-line stanzas, often dedicated to religious themes and traditionally sung during rituals and processions.
Dalit
A broad term referring to Filipino poetry, encompassing various styles, from folk verses to modern free verse poetry.
Panulaan
A traditional Filipino stilt house made of bamboo and nipa palm, designed for tropical weather and sustainable living.
Bahay Kubo
A Spanish-era stone house with a wooden upper floor, large windows with capiz shells, and intricate ventanillas for ventilation.
Bahay na Bato
The ancestral house of Maranao nobility, known for its intricately carved beams, okir designs, and sloping roof.
Torogan
A sturdy stone house from Batanes, built with thick limestone walls and cogon grass roofing to withstand strong typhoons.
Ivatan House
A group of Spanish colonial churches in the Philippines (e.g., Paoay Church, San Agustin Church) known for their earthquake-resistant architecture.
Baroque Churches
The detailed woodcarving tradition in Filipino architecture, particularly in houses, churches, and furniture, often featuring floral and geometric motifs.
Ukit (Carving)
An open-air terrace or balcony found in Spanish-era houses, used for leisure activities and gatherings.
Azotea
A decorative plasterwork technique used in colonial-era buildings to create intricate ceiling and wall embellishments.
Escayola
Small, sliding wooden windows with decorative metal grilles found beneath main windows in old Filipino houses for added ventilation.
Ventanilla
Grand structures such as Malacañang Palace, which serve as official residences for government leaders, influenced by European and native designs.
Palasyo (Palace)
Is well-known for his works which define figurative expressionism in Philippine art. He was named as a National Artist back in 2001.
Ang Kiukok
Is a leading figure of the modern and contemporary art scene in the Philippines. He earned his fine arts degree at the University of the Philippines and studied under José Joya.
Benedicto Cabrera (BenCab)
Former dean at the University of the Philippines College of Fine Art, pioneered abstract expressionism in the country.
José Joya
