“ Introducing the story of Baltog of Bicol’s Epic Ibalon through

Digital Animation”

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

Technology is a term that refers to body of knowledge that is

employed to generate tools, create skills and choose materials for human
use[1]. Technology is also use and exchange of information and making
tasks easier to execute. Because of the technologically advancement has
introduce many changes in the various sectors like business, medicine,
and education. One of the sectors that technology has been of great use is
the business sector. Business transactions are so much faster these days
even when the buyer and the seller are at the opposite parts of the world.
This is due to the invention and use of internet can communicate through
video calls, e-mails, as well as many social media platforms available.
Another sector is the medicine, wherein hospitals are more organized and
generally more efficient in saving people’s live because of their medical
professional’s skill and dedication are paired with the latest technology
that makes for better treatment. Also with the technology all doctors of
patient can share laboratory results, enabling more synchronized care and
less repetition of testing. Another sector that technology has
revolutionized is in the field of education. The importance of technology
in schools cannot be ignored. In fact, with the onset of computers in
education, it has become easier for teachers to impart knowledge and for
students to acquire it. There are types of technology used in education to
explain subjects thoroughly to their students. First, is the Smart boards
is an interactive white board that allows the teacher to project an image
from a laptop to the front of the room and the teacher can then digitally
draw on that image[2]. Second, Projectors by doing this it allows students
to see a larger version of what is on the laptop screen[3]. Lastly, using of
microphones and speakers make it possible for teachers to reach large
number of students simultaneously[4]. With technology it makes the people
life easier and interesting.

One of the biggest contributions of technology is Digital animation;

it is a process of manipulating images or objects in motion[5]. It is broadly
categorized into three methods, namely:

1. Computer Generated Imagery (CGI) – is the application of the

field of computer graphics (or more specifically, 3D computer
graphics) to special effects. CGI is used in films, television
programs and commercials, and in printed media[6].
2. Computer Animation – the branch of computer – generated
imagery (CGI). It is the art of creating moving digital images
via computers. Including both 2D and 3D digital
animations[7].
3. 2D Animation - is traditional animation sometimes referred
to as cel animation, is one of the older forms of animation.
The animator draws image on a transparent piece of paper
using a colored pencil, one frame at the time to create the
animation sequence[8].

Digital Animation is used mainly for entertainment, especially for

film making. Animation does not only focus on producing animated
movies, it can also be through animated title sequences, graphics and
visual effects, and due to this the demand for animators is growing. Many
countries bloom in animation, an example is Japan, it is the second
country that trends in animation industry right now. Japan had produced
world renowned animations. In 2002, Spirited away, a Studio Ghibli
production directed by Hayao Miyazaki, won the Golden Bear at the Berlin
International Film Festival and in 2003 at the 75th Academy Awards it won
the Academy award for Best Animated Feature[9].
 With the advancement of technology, Animation industry is one of
the fastest growing industries in the world. Animation technology went
through a huge transformation from 2-dimentional white and black
images to highly realistic 3D images that are being produced using
advanced 3D software. In today’s world, the application of animation
industry is not just limited to films. It facilitates exciting career
opportunities in large number of creative industries such as advertising,
Print Media, TV Production and Gaming. Earlier, the target audience of
animation industry was children under 9 years. But now, the trend has
completely changed and introducing stunning visual effects in animated
films has fond appeal with teenagers and adults alike. The audience
connect easily with the 3D animated characters, as it touches their
emotions with awe-inspiring special effects[10].

During the initial days, animated films were produced on limited

budgets because it was not profitable. Today, animated movies involve
many latest technologies and they tend to attract the largest budgets and
achieve the highest box-office collections. Here the top five states with the
highest employment in the industry. They are the California, Georgia, New
York, Texas and Washington. The latest technology that good in modelling
tool is “3D Studio Max” this software provides a comprehensive 3D
modeling, animation, rendering, and compositing solution for games, film
and motion graphics[11].

The Philippine animation industry is young and constantly

prospering. The Philippines has been providing animation services to the
world for over 30 years now. Filipino animators were behind of the world’s
best-loved cartoons and animated films. The Philippines have numerous
animation studios and there are schools and universities that offers Digital
Animation as a course. Forbes College, a school from Legazpi City, Albay,
is one of the many schools and Universities that offers Bachelor of Science
in Information Technology specialized in Digital Animation as a course.
1.1 Project Context

Ibalon was the old name for Bicol. It is also the name of the epic
from that place of which only a fragment is recorded. It is called Ibalong
Epic. Ibalong Epic is the story of three heroes named; Baltog, Handiong,
and Bantog that came from the land of Botavara. The Epic focuses on how
they lead the people of Ibalon to fight the monsters that has been
terrorizing the land for centuries. Handiong with his followers they fought
the monsters of the land but Oryol a creature that is a half human and a
half serpent with a seductive voices, the only monster Handyong could not
destroy, Oryol admired Handyong’s bravery and gallantry. Oryol helped
him clear the region of ferocious beasts until peace came to the whole land.
Bantog faced and destroyed the half man and half beast Rabot who can
turn its enemy’s into rocks, Bantog slew tit single handedly to the loud
cheers of his thousand warriors.

The Ibalong is an invaluable piece of literature that marks the life of

all Bicolanos. It commemorates the Bicolanos resilience against the
typhoons that annually besets the region. The Epic teaches about the
courage, of how a simple act can bring positive change. The Epic is
celebrated through street performances and floats on Ibalong Festival
since 1992. This is celebrated in Legazpi City, Albay, during the month of
October 25-31. It is a way to acknowledge the three legendary heroes
namely; Baltog, Handyong, and Bantong. The beginning tells of how Baltog
vanquished a gigantic wild boar who threatened the land.

The researchers conducted survey from the residents of Tagaytay,

Camalig Albay to obtain information about the story of Baltog. The
researchers found out that the respondents are not familiar to the story of
Baltog wherein it is also one of Baltog’s visited place. This place happened
when he met the monster named “Tandayag na Upon”. The residents only
know that baltog is a part of the Ibalong Epic. According to one of the
official in the barangay, Baltog is seen every before night at the Talisay
tree.

Also the researchers conducted survey from the residents of Legazpi

City in order to obtain information on how much the residents know about
Baltog. Most of the respondents are millennials. And also the researchers
found out that some of them are not aware of Baltog’s story and few of
them knew that Baltog is part of the Ibalong Epic.

The researchers chose to make an animated short film of Baltog’s

story because Baltog is a good example of bravery, leadership and being
independent. The researchers has the curiosity if what happen in baltog’s
life after he fought tandayag na upon also the researchers found out that
Baltog is one of the reason why it has agriculture. It shows the willingness
of Baltog to help the people in time of needs and ready to sacrifice his life
for the residents of Bicol. The researchers were inspired a lot doing this
short animated film because of Baltog’s personality. Making an animated
short film of the story of Baltog was a great privilege for the researchers.

1.2 Purpose and Description

The purpose of the study is to help the audiences, especially the

residents of Albay to understand and know further about the story of
Baltog of the Ibalong epic.

The following are the beneficiaries of the study:

Department of Tourism: This study can benefit the Department of

Tourism in Legazpi, by using the short film to encourage to visit Legazpi
City and witness the Ibalong Festival.
Residents of Legazpi: Appreciate further the influence of Baltog in Bicol
not only for being part in the Ibalong Epic.
Commented [JE1]: This is not measurable.. the film would
be for IEC only. So, the benefits must be for IEC purposes.
Commented [JE2]: If not only as part of the Epic.. then for
WHAT?
Public Viewers: This short film about Baltog is a big help to give
awareness to all public viewers. Viewing this short film will enhance the
understanding of the viewers about who is Baltog and what did he
experience when he travelled in Bicol.

Forbes College: Through digitalized method, it can help in promoting the

school especially in the course of Digital Animation and also to show the
product or learning of their own students.

Academe: Instead of doing some presentation or visual aids, it can

substitute the video of Baltog as a topic for giving an awareness to their
students about the rich culture of Bicolanos.
Youth: Through this study, it can help the youth to be aware about the
legends in the Bicol region.
Commented [JE3]: How? What specific field of study will
baltog fit in?
Commented [JE4]: Baltog is not a LEGEND.

Historians: This animated film can use as their presentation when they
are conducting seminars about the epic of Bicol. Commented [JE5]: ONLY? Pls add more substantial
significance.
Future Researchers: This can be serve as their source of information
those who want to study about the epic of Bicol.

Researchers: This animated film will be beneficial to the researchers in

achieving their objectives and showcase their talents and skills that may
prepare them in facing the animation world.

1.3 Objectives

The study entitled “ Introducing the story of Baltog of Bicol’s Epic Ibalon
through Digital Animation” aims towards the achievement of the
following objectives.

1.3.1 Main Objective

To produce an animated short film utilizing digitalized method

that aims to improve the audience’s awareness about Baltog.
 1.3.2 Specific Objectives

1.3.2.1 To educate the youth who is baltog and who was.

1.3.2.2 To contribute to bicol culture through digitalized

literary visualization the exploids of hero Baltog.

1.3.2.3 To showcase the untold tale of the hero Baltog which

visualize his bravery, strategies and heroism to
Bicolanos as a general audience. Commented [JE6]: Please review your grammar here.. it’s
an eye-sore.
1.4 Scope and Limitation

The short animated film will be develop in digitalized method.

Digitalized method means using the tools that focus on digital like 2.5 and
3D output. The story will focus on how heroic Baltog is and how he help
the Bicolanos beat all the monsters that he fought. The main target viewers
of this film are Bicolanos especially Albayanos who’s not familiar about the
jouney of Baltog. The story would be easy to understand by Albayanos
because of the language use in dubbing will be Bicol words and English in
subtitle. The animated short film will run 15 minutes and can be play in
Video Lan Converter (VLC), Windows Media Player or any default media
player installed in the device.

The following are the characters and their roles in the animated
short film. Baltog is the main character in the animated film he is the first
hero of Ibalon. Grew from the place where the “Tawong Lipod” live. He’s a
brave warrior with adept skills in fighting and hunting. Kadunong,
Baltog’s friend. A bard who holds an instrument called barimaw, a guitar.
He’s the one who guides Baltog in their adventures and he knows
something about the creatures that gives them hints for the ideas.

The researchers’ only covered of creating the animated film of the

journey of Baltog in bicol, and encountered tandayag na upon..No one
knows how Baltog died, in fact no one focused on his life after he left
Tondol because of the two main events that happened in Ibalong. First the
ravaging attacks of monsters ordered by Asuang and the arrival of
Handiong and his army. The researcher’s will not cover the back story of
the characters aside from Baltog. It’s only focus on the journey of Baltog
in Bicol and also how he introduced agriculture and how he became the
first king of Ibalong.