Contemporary Philippine Arts

from the Regions

Quarter 1 – Module 2:
Various Art forms found in the
Philippines
Contemporary Philippine Arts from the Regions – Grade 11/12
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 1 – Module 2: Various Art forms found in the Philippines
First Edition, 2020

Republic Act 8293, section 176 states that: No copyright shall subsist in any work of
the Government of the Philippines. However, prior approval of the government agency or office
wherein the work is created shall be necessary for exploitation of such work for profit. Such
agency or office may, among other things, impose as a condition the payment of royalties.

Borrowed materials (i.e., songs, stories, poems, pictures, photos, brand names,
trademarks, etc.) included in this module are owned by their respective copyright holders.
Every effort has been exerted to locate and seek permission to use these materials from their
respective copyright owners. The publisher and authors do not represent nor claim ownership
over them.

Published by the Department of Education

Secretary: Leonor Magtolis Briones
Undersecretary: Diosdado M. San Antonio

Development Team of the Module

Writer : Jaypee N. Caido, Teacher II

Content Evaluator : Danilo S. Tablan, Teacher III
Language Evaluators : Edita D. Ballon, EdD. Master Teacher I
Yolanda D. Bantugan, Teacher III
Illustrator : Jesy Laurence D. Navarro, Teacher II
Layout Artist : Jellie Ann S. Sanchez, Teacher I
Cover Design : LRMDS-Bataan

Management Team:
Schools Division Superintendent
Asst. Schools Division Superintendent
Chief Education Supervisor, CID
Education Program Supervisor, LRMDS
Education Program Supervisor, AP/ADM
Education Program Supervisor, MAPEH
District Supervisor, Bagac
Division Lead Book Designer
District LRMDS Coordinator, Bagac
School LRMDS Coordinator
School Principal
District Lead Layout Artist, CPAR
District Lead Illustrator, CPAR
District Lead Evaluator, CPAR
Printed in the Philippines by Department of Education – Schools Division of Bataan
Office Address: Provincial Capitol Compound, Balanga City, Bataan
Telefax: (047) 237-2102
E-mail Address: bataan@deped.gov.ph
: Romeo M. Alip, PhD, CESO V
: Rolando M. Fronda, EdD, CESE
: Milagros M. Peñaflor, PhD
: Edgar E. Garcia, MITE
: Romeo M. Layug
: Ma. Theresa C. Perez
: Modesta B. Abrantes, EdD
: Kenneth G. Doctolero
: Grace F. Daracay, MAEd
: Edita D. Ballon, EdD
: Ma. Liza P. Incleto
: Jellie Ann S. Sanchez
: Jesy Laurence D. Navarro
: Yolanda D. Bantugan
Edita D. Ballon, EdD
 Contemporary
Philippine Arts from the
Regions
Quarter 1 – Module 2:
Various Art forms found in the
Philippines
Introductory Message
For the facilitator:

Welcome to the Contemporary Philippine Arts from the Regions – Grade 11/12

Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM) Module on Various Art forms found in the

Philippines!

This module was collaboratively designed, developed and reviewed by

educators both from public and private institutions to assist you, the teacher or

facilitator in helping the learners meet the standards set by the K to 12 Curriculum

while overcoming their personal, social, and economic constraints in schooling.

This learning resource hopes to engage the learners into guided and

independent learning activities at their own pace and time. Furthermore, this also

aims to help learners acquire the needed 21st century skills while taking into

consideration their needs and circumstances.

In addition to the material in the main text, you will also see this box in the

body of the module:

Notes to the Teacher

This contains helpful tips or strategies that
will help you in guiding the learners.

As a facilitator you are expected to orient the learners on how to use this

module. You also need to keep track of the learners' progress while allowing them to

manage their own learning. Furthermore, you are expected to encourage and assist

the learners as they do the tasks included in the module.

1
For the learner:

Welcome to the Contemporary Philippine Arts from the Regions – Grade 11/12
Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM) Module on Various Art forms found in the
Philippines!

The hand is one of the most symbolized part of the human body. It is often
used to depict skill, action and purpose. Through our hands we may learn, create
and accomplish. Hence, the hand in this learning resource signifies that you as a
learner is capable and empowered to successfully achieve the relevant competencies
and skills at your own pace and time. Your academic success lies in your own hands!

This module was designed to provide you with fun and meaningful
opportunities for guided and independent learning at your own pace and time. You
will be enabled to process the contents of the learning resource while being an active
learner.

This module has the following parts and corresponding icons:

What I Need to Know This will give you an idea of the skills or
competencies you are expected to learn in the
module.

What I Know This part includes an activity that aims to

check what you already know about the
lesson to take. If you get all the answers
correct (100%), you may decide to skip this
module.

What’s In This is a brief drill or review to help you link

the current lesson with the previous one.

What’s New In this portion, the new lesson will be

introduced to you in various ways such as a
story, a song, a poem, a problem opener, an
activity or a situation.

What is It This section provides a brief discussion of the

lesson. This aims to help you discover and
understand new concepts and skills.

2
 What’s More This comprises activities for independent
practice to solidify your understanding and
skills of the topic. You may check the
answers to the exercises using the Answer
Key at the end of the module.

What I Have Learned This includes questions or blank

sentence/paragraph to be filled in to process
what you learned from the lesson.

What I Can Do This section provides an activity which will

help you transfer your new knowledge or skill
into real life situations or concerns.

This is a task which aims to evaluate your

Assessment
level of mastery in achieving the learning
competency.

In this portion, another activity will be given

Additional Activities
to you to enrich your knowledge or skill of the
lesson learned. This also tends retention of
learned concepts.

This contains answers to all activities in the

Answer Key
module.

At the end of this module you will also find:

References This is a list of all sources used in developing

this module.

The following are some reminders in using this module:

1. Use the module with care. Do not put unnecessary mark/s on any part of the
module. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the exercises.
2. Don’t forget to answer What I Know before moving on to the other activities
included in the module.
3. Read the instruction carefully before doing each task.

3
4. Observe honesty and integrity in doing the tasks and checking your answers.
5. Finish the task at hand before proceeding to the next.
6. Return this module to your teacher/facilitator once you are through with it.

If you encounter any difficulty in answering the tasks in this module, do

not hesitate to consult your teacher or facilitator. Always bear in mind that you
are not alone.

We hope that through this material, you will experience meaningful

learning and gain deep understanding of the relevant competencies. You can do
it!

4
 What I Need to Know

This module will briefly discuss the history of arts in the Philippines leading

to the development of contemporary art. Moreover this will define contemporary arts

and will distinguish its difference from other arts perspective.

Objectives:

After using this the Module, the student should be able to:

1. discuss various art forms found in the Philippines;

(CAR11/121AC-0b-2)

a. appreciate the history of arts in the Philippines

b. distinguish the contemporary period from the other art period

c. define contemporary arts

d. familiarize with the significant development in the Philippine art.

5
 What I Know

Activity # 1

Question 1: What is this famous landmark in the Philippines?

Answer: Malacañan Palace or Palasyo ng Malakanyang

Question 2: On what Philippine money/currency can you see it?

Answer: Can be seen at the front side of ₱20 bill

________________________________________
________________________________________

________________________________________
________________________________________

________________________________________
________________________________________

________________________________________
________________________________________

6
________________________________________
________________________________________

________________________________________
________________________________________

________________________________________
________________________________________

________________________________________
________________________________________

________________________________________
________________________________________

________________________________________
________________________________________

7
 Lesson
Various Art forms found in
1 the Philippines
Art plays a significant part in the rich cultural identity of the Philippines. It
mirrors the Filipino people, its history, its tradition, and the country as a whole.
Diverse art forms in the different parts of the archipelago, when integrated, will give
a clear picture of what kind of country the Philippines is and what kind of people the
Filipinos are. These art forms developed from the early times continue to evolve up
to the present. From the ethnic tradition, it continues to progress to contemporary
art tradition.

As a Filipino, one should have the knowledge of the different forms of art in
the Philippines to fully grasp its identity as a nation and to completely embrace
oneself as a citizen of the country. The lessons and activities incorporated in this
section will help the students to have an understanding and appreciation of the
Philippine Arts specifically of the Contemporary Philippine Arts. This will provide
students an overview of the history of Philippine Arts from the Ethnic up to the
Contemporary Period. Also, the succeeding discussions will focus on the
contemporary art forms and practices in the country.

There are three traditions in the development of Philippines art: ethnic

Tradition, Spanish Colonial Tradition, and American Colonial and Contemporary
Traditions. In the Ethnic Tradition, the location and the experiences of the Filipinos
were the major factors in art production. In the Spanish period, religion and
secularization were the dominant themes of the arts forms. In the American period,
modernism entered the field of art wherein Filipinos started to explore different
materials, methodologies, and techniques in expressing themselves through non-
conventional art. The continuous progress of modernism led to the development of
contemporary arts.

8
 What’s In

Find each of the words about the Art in the Philippines

T J P W E A V I N G Q S U W Y N
H A W Y A C I E G I K L J N O A
E Y F O L K S P E E C H E S L R
A P L N P R U J E L T V L S L R
T W O O D C A R V I N G L O Y A
E E M E T A L C R A F T I N G T
R E J F H J A D A N I L O G E I
A Y E Z B D R A C E G I K S D V
R W S X P O T T E R Y M O Q I E
T S Y T U W S P H O N N I E T S

S E C U L A R D A N C E S R A O

--------------------------------------------Words to find------------------------------------------

visual arts pottery weaving

wood carving metal crafting folk speeches
songs narratives theater arts
secular dances

Notes to the Teacher

This module will briefly discuss the history of art in the Philippines
leading to the development of contemporary art. Moreover, this will
define contemporary arts and will distinguish its difference from
other arts perspective.

9
 The Development of Philippine Art comes in three major traditions. These are
the Ethnic Tradition, Spanish Colonial Tradition, and the American Colonial and
Contemporary Traditions. Before colonization, the Philippines already has its
indigenous art. The ethnic art forms are primarily influenced by the geographical
location and the experiences of the Filipinos. For instance, the dances in the country
during the pre-colonial times vary depending on the area where our ancestors thrive.
In the highlands, dance steps were imitations of the movements of certain animals
like birds while the choreography of the Filipinos near the sea were mimics of the
movement of the fishes.

In terms of visual arts, pottery, weaving, wood carving, and metal crafting were
dominant during the pre-colonial period making use of the available materials
surrounding them. About architecture, the early Filipinos used local materials such
as anahaw, bamboo, cogon, cane, rattan, and other light materials in constructing
structures since these were the materials accessible in their area. Also, our ancestors
already have their folk literature verbalized their experiences. Regarding theater arts,
tribal presentations and rituals were the early theatrical performances depicting their
beliefs. In music, our ancestors also have their indigenous musical instruments like
the bamboo flutes and brass gongs.

Then came the Spaniards who tend to replace the Philippine indigenous arts
with Western art forms, Religion and secularization greatly influenced the art in the
Philippines under the Spanish regime. The friars were the ones supervising the
practice of arts in the country with their agenda of propagating Christianity and
maintaining the power of the colonizers. In the field of literature, the literary works
could be classified into religious and secular prose and poetry. In the area of theater
arts, secular and religious plays like the “komedya” became popular. In
choreography, religious dances commonly performed to venerate patrons and saints
proliferated.

There were also secular dances performed and social functions like the valse,
fandango, polka, and minute, among others. In music, the Spaniards introduced the
piano and other Western instruments. Bands and Orchestra multiplied as the
zarzuelas and operas became prevalent. In visual arts, Spaniards introduced
painting and sculpture which mostly depicted religious subject matters. In
architecture, stones and bricks were predominantly used in constructing buildings

10
like churches, houses, and government offices. Western Spanish influence was
evident in architecture, the exterior, and interior of the buildings were embellished
with wood carvings or metal works with intricate decorative designs. However,
despite the strong influence of the Spaniards, the arts in the country did not result
in a pure Western art but a mix of Western and indigenous art. Filipino artists still
put Filipino touches on their art pieces. After more than 300 years of Spanish
colonization, the Americans took over the country which led to the declaration of the
independence on June 12, 1898. The American brought many changes in the
politics, economy, education and culture of the Philippines.

In the area of education, there are Filipinos who went abroad to study, some
studied under the tutelage of the American educators, and some learned through
observation and personal experiences. Those who went abroad to study came back
to the country carrying the concept of modern art. Modern Art refers to the practice
of art in the 1860s-1960s. It was during these years that the western world was
significantly developing. The urbanization, consumerism, rise of the middle class,
change in the political system, secularization, and the emergence of new technology
affected the way of art making in that period. Due to the technological innovations,
the experimental approaches in developing art rose above traditional art practices
and methodologies. New forms of expression came which were avant-garde in nature.
Modern art continuously develops even after World War II, which led to the
contemporary way of art making today.

11
 What’s New

Direction: Match column A with the correct answer on column B. Write only the letter
of answer on the blank provided.

Column A Column B

_____1. Belenismo A. Nueva Ecija

_____2. Rice fields

_____3. Giant Lantern

B. Aurora

_____4. Beach

_____5. Mango Festival

C. Bulacan
_____6. Pastillas

_____7. Mt. Samat

D. Bataan

E. Zambales

F. Pampanga

G. Tarlac

12
 What is It

Various Art forms found in the Philippines

Contemporary art refers to the recent and current practice of art ranging from
the 1970s up to the present. It mirrors the society and culture of the present times.
It uses a combination of different methods, materials, and ideas that transcend the
traditional way of art making. All Philippine art forms had a different twist as the
American way of life became a part of lives of the Filipinos. The art forms and art
practices in the country broadened. Artists experimented with different materials and
methodologies and produced non-conventional artworks with a wide-range of
themes.
Belenismo sa Tarlac: The
Art of Making Belen, was organized
by the Tarlac Heritage Foundation
under the leadership of Dr. Isa
Cojuangco Suntay and her mother,
Doña Isabel Cojuangco Suntay,
starting 2007 to motivate
Tarlaqueños to build beautiful
Belens.

The Tarlaqueños are encouraged to make Belens from indigenous and

recyclable materials that are native only to Tarlac. This depiction of the Christmas
Nativity is best viewed at night when it is bathed in the full glow of colorful Christmas
LED lights. The Belenismo event has made Tarlac the Belen Capital of the
Philippines.

In the recent Belenismo awarding ceremony held at the College of the Holy
Spirit in Tarlac City, four out of the 21 finalists from the 60 Belen entries won first
prize each in four categories: grand, monumental, church and community. The
awarding was graced by Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II and the winning Belens
each got a cash prize and a crystal trophy.

For the community category, the Pamilya Lanoria Belen, handcrafted by a

poor farming family, won first prize while the Belen sa Hardin of Alice de Vera and
the Belen sponsored by former Congressman Jeci Lapus, respectively, garnered
second and third prize.

For the church category, the St. Francis of Assisi Parish Belen in Barangay
San Manuel in Tarlac bagged the first prize while the St. Joseph Parish Belen in
O’Donnell placed second and the St. Rose of Lima Belen in Paniqui placed third.

13
 For the monumental category, Nay’s House Belen in Tarlac City received the
first prize while the VES Food Resort and Villas came in second and the Villa
Perpetua Homeowners Association came in third.

For the grand category, the AFP Belen bagged the first prize while the
Samahan sa Pura Belen won the second price and the Tarlac City Tourism Council
Belen placed third.

Designed by award-winning designer Ding Mercado and worked on by 266

soldiers and their officers, the AFP Belen is like a purple gemstone that glows in the
traffic laden McArthur Highway.

“Every Belen is a product of the visions, dreams and hopes of designers to

showcase the best of Tarlaqueño culture and tradition,” said Dr. Isa Cojuangco
Suntay said during the awards night.

“Through the Belenismo sa Tarlac, Tarlaqueños are now known worldwide in

the field of arts, which is also a testimony to the outstanding craftsmanship and
creativity of Filipinos.”

Rice Fields of Nueva Ecija

Nueva Ecija is a landlocked

province of the Philippines located in
the Central Luzon region. Its capital is
Palayan City. Nueva Ecija borders,
from the south clockwise, Bulacan,
Pampanga, Tarlac, Pangasinan,
Nueva Vizcaya, and Aurora.

Agriculture is the primary industry in

the province, of which it became the Food Bowl and Rice Granary of Central Luzon.
The primary agricultural products are rice, corn, onion, garlic, melon, and mango.
Its agricultural production covers an area of about 298, 742 hectares of fertile lands
that are nourished by the Great Pampanga Rivers and its many auxiliaries. The
slipper industry is also a growing business in the community level in Gapan City.
The home-based industries of slipper producers turned into a cooperative venture
of the whole community to promote and market Novo Ecijano made sandals and
slippers.

Nueva Ecija offers boundless opportunities in agro-industry and agri-based

trading activities to local and foreign investors. The province's vast, arable and
irrigated agricultural lands and support facilities optimize these opportunities.
Various agricultural research and development institutions are collaborating with
the Provincial Government to achieve the agricultural advancement and secure the
food supply not only in the province, but in the whole country as well.

14
Giant Lantern of Pampanga

The Kapampangan locals or natives call this festival as “Ligligan Parul” which
is an annual festival that is being held during the Saturday before Christmas in
December.

This is a century-old festival in the Philippines that started in the year 1904
but the old locals believed and as far as they can recall, that the event was
inaugurated on 1904 but it was initialized or instantiated during the later years of
1908.

The first Giant Lantern Festival was to honor the current Philippine President,
Manuel L. Quezon. That is because, during that time, President Quezon converted
and opened the famous Mount Arayat National Park that paved the way to tourism
in the City which helped the locals prosper.

The event is held on the City of San Fernando in Pampanga, Philippines but
the root or origin of the venue was originally in Bacolor which was just later
transferred to San Fernando.

The festival celebrates the Christmas spirit by making different large and giant
lanterns designed with different color and lights. During the event period, you’d see
the City sparkling with rainbow colors during the night.

It may seem just like any other festivals in the country that has lanterns and
Christmas lights during the season but before all of that became a Christmas trend,
it was actually a religious activity called the Lubenas or what we usually know as
Novena.

Back in the days, the lanterns local people used was just about 2 feet in
diameter. But as the annual festival takes place every year, improvements are being
made and it gets getting larger and larger with more lighting. In fact, there are now
rotors on these lanterns to allow lantern movements as well as optimize the lighting
effects.

15
 Today, the lanterns being used do not measure below 15 feet in diameter.
That’s 5 times larger than the original size and up to this date, there are people who
want to perfect and create a much larger lantern to continue breaking the record.

People during this time or event take every resource they have to win the
lantern competition which is being put to contest during the main event date of the
festival. There are some who uses recyclable materials from their previous designs
and some just want to create a new and better model from new parts ordered and
made. Some doesn’t even care about expenses were winning cash prizes wouldn’t
even come close to all their expenditures. There are some participants who just aim
for the glory and fame as well as bragging rights being the winner of the annual
lantern festival.

However, back in the days, Giant Lantern Festival isn’t that bright and vibrant
at all. There was no electricity during the early years of the event as electricity was
introduced to San Fernando, Pampanga around the year 1931.

Old people said that back then, the event takes place during the day until the
afternoon so that you’d appreciate the designs of each Giant Lanterns made.
Fortunately, with the breakthrough of electricity to reach San Fernando, the
introduction of lightings to lanterns was possible and eventually, the festival was
held when the sun starts to set and the moon rises to appreciate the lanterns more
like with its original purpose, to provide some light during the night.

Another event that you might want to attend in the Province of Pampanga is
the Sinukwan Festival. It is just as fun and exciting as the Giant Lantern Festival.

Beach of Aurora

Aurora is endowed with

natural historical, man-made
and cultural attractions
considering the existence of
beautiful waterfalls, pristine
white beaches, historical
markers and other attractions
which are accessible by land.

Among the tourist spots in Aurora, the historical landmark indicating the
birthplace of the late President Manuel L. Quezon is considered one of the most
prominent.

The historic Catholic Church of Baler is remembered as the last pocket of

resistance of the Spanish Armed forces to surrender to the American Troops. An
account of the battle for the control of the church is marked on the metallic tablet
on the wall of the church.

16
 Another potential tourist attraction is Ermita in Sitio Cemento. According to
historical accounts, Ermita was built through the initiative of Fray Jose de
Esperagoza during the height of Muslim invasion of the place in the 18th century
which serves as the inhabitants’ refuge, both for security and religious
activity. Located at Brgy. Zabali, Baler, Aurora, this place served as a refuge during
the “Tromba Marina” (Tidal Waive) in Sept. 27, 1735. The place became the
temporary resettlement which was called “Kinagunasan” meaning “devastated”.

During the commonwealth time, the place was developed by putting up an

altar atop the hill and was beautifully landscaped with gardens of flowers and trees.
With the passage of time, Ermita was abandoned and was destroyed, thus the
beautiful and attractive Ermita was turned to thickets and shrubbery. At present,
Ermita is undergoing rehabilitation. Structures have been constructed and is now
open for the public.

Beaches of coastal barangays from Dingalan to Dilasag are potential for mass
tourism activities. Among the shoreline bays which can be developed into mass
tourism areas are the Baler Bay, Dinadiawan Bay and Casapsapan Bay including
the Canawer Beach in Dilasag. These areas need to have infrastructure facilities,
accommodation, excellent environmental quality, and other tourism suppliers.

Mango Festival of Zambales

Mango Festival is home to some of the sweetest, juiciest most succulent

mangos you will ever see in the Philippines. The festival is held in Iba, Zambales.

Zambales, for the most part, is popular for its glistening sandy beaches and
idyllic islands, but you will be excited to learn that this is home to some of the best
mangoes. So sweet are these mangoes in fact that in 1995, the Guinness Book of
World Records acknowledged the Zambales mangoes to be the sweetest globally. This
is no mean feat for any tourist destination.

In this context, it is easy to understand why the organizers saw the need to
come up with a festival to celebrate all the mango goodness (and attract tourists
while at it). The yearly event is held in April, and brings together locals and foreigners
alike to savor and promote the island’s best mangoes.

Since a large part of the city’s economy relies on the export of mangoes, it’s no
surprise that there’s an entire festival dedicated to the fruit. The main point of the
Mango Festival is the celebration of the bountiful harvest, similarly to the Tuna
Festival of GenSan.

One of the highlights of the Mango Festival is the mango eating challenge
where participants compete to see who can eat the most mangos within a
predetermined period of time. And of course, it would not be a proper Filipino festival
without a street parade featuring locals in colorful, mango-inspired costumes!

17
Hundreds of them flock to the streets, swaying to the sounds of music in all sorts of
regalia, making the joy palpable in the air.
Other popular
highlights that you should
look forward to include the
Trade Fair, the Variety Show
as well as the mango-
themed street parades.
There’s also a street dancing
competition, which is a
staple event in pretty much
any festival held in this
country. And, just like with
all the other Filipino
festivals, there’s an
extravagant float parade
featuring floats inspired by the delicious fruit.

The Dinamulag Festival lasts for at least 4-5 days, and there’s a plethora of
different events to enjoy. Sports competitions are particularly popular in the
Philippines, so it’s no surprise that a Fun Run is part of this festival. You can also
play some beach volleyball, partake in a sand sculpting competition or the cookfest.
And if you’d prefer to stay on the sidelines and observe, definitely attend the pet show
and the car show!

As is the case with plenty of festivals in the Philippines, its last day is marked
by a coronation ceremony, where the winners of all the previous competitions are
announced. After that, the festival is closed off with a spectacular fireworks display,
which you definitely don’t want to miss if you’re lucky enough to actually attend this
festival.

The Making of Pastillas de Leche wrapper of Bulacan

The art of making the pabalat or pastillas wrappers has transformed in recent
years from being a local, folk tradition into a popular art. Besides adding flair to the
sweet pastillas de leche made from fresh carabaos milk, the pabalat has also become
a compelling icon/symbol of the people’s creativity, not only of the town of San Miguel
but the entire province of Bulacan.

Bulacan fiestas are not complete without the elaborate papercut designs often
used as decoration, table centerpiece, and souvenirs. The pastillas wrapped
in pabalat have also become popular gifts during birthdays, weddings, and other
occasions and pasalubong among local tourists and balikbayans.

On May 5-7, 2006, the town of San Miguel celebrated the first-ever "Pastillas
Festival" to underscore the importance of the pastillas in the lives of its people.

18
According to Mayor Edmundo Jose Buencamino, the pastillas have been a source of
pride and a unifying symbol for the people here. We give pastillas as a gift to our
families, loved ones even during birthdays, weddings and other occasions. This is the
secret of the industry: It has survived time because not only visitors but even the
locals patronize it.The mounting of such a festival was envisioned to give the sleepy
town a much-needed boost in tourism and investment.

The industry of
pastillas making may
have survived time but
the pabalat is a totally
different story. Similar
to most folk traditions
in the Philippines, the
art practice of making
these intricate paper
cut-outs is on the verge
of extinction. Due to
the tediousness of the
art, there are few
takers who are willing
to follow the footsteps of the pabalat masters like Ka Luz Aling Nene Ocampo. At
present, most of the pabalat makers in San Miguel are senior citizens in their 70s or
80s, while others have transferred to Malolos, Bulacan, the province capital, to put
up more lucrative pastillas and other sweets businesses, which now attract a number
of clientele ranging from balikbayans, local and foreign tourists to hotels and catering
companies.

The word pabalat has two levels of meaning. On a literal note, it pertains to
the pabalat as a product (paper cut-outs). On a metaphorical level, it connotes the
state of the art practice (meaning: it’s not only a wounded tradition but it’s actually
a dying one). The art is not only a cultural product or an artistic expression but also
cuts through some cultural, social, even political discourses and issues.

Pabalat is also a folk art or in Filipino term, siningbayan. It is a folk art because it
originated among the townsfolk reflecting their traditional culture. The art practice
has also been passed from generation to generation and its creative elements and
aesthetic values mirror the people’s everyday life. Another important aspect of this
folk tradition is that the makers of these intricate paper patterns do not see
themselves as artists and do not consider their works as arts. Taking a quote from
Dr. Brenda Fajardo in her book Ang Inukit na Kaalamang Bayan ng Paete:

19
Mt. Samat of Bataan

The Mount Samat National Shrine or Shrine of Valor is a historical shrine located
near the summit of Mount Samat in the town of Pilar, Province of Bataan,
Philippines. The memorial shrine complex was built to honor and remember the
gallantry of Filipino and American soldiers who fought during World War II.
Consisting of a colonnade and the large Memorial Cross, the park started the
construction in 1966, by laying of corner stone by the late president Ferdinand E.
Marcos, as himself a war veteran. The shrine was completed and inaugurated in
1970 in time for the 25th anniversary of the end of World War II.

The Memorial Cross stands as

remembrance to the soldiers who
fought and lost their lives in the
Battle of Bataan. The shrine
complex also includes a war
museum with a wide collections
from painting of the Philippine
heroes, to armament used by the
Filipino, Americans and Japanese
forces during the war. In the center
of the colonnade is the altar and the
3 religious stained glass murals. Four large bronze chandeliers hang from the ceiling,
while inscribed in marble on the 2 lateral walls is a narrative of the "Battle of Bataan".
From the parking going up to colonnade there's a wide stairways, that leads to the
flagpole that holds a flag of the Philippines, and the two bronze urns on the both
sides that symbolizing the eternal flame.

The peripheral is beautifully landscaped with beautiful plants and decorated with a
World War II military equipment's such as machine guns, canons and others both
from American and Japanese troupes. Behind the colonnade is a 14 flight zigzag
footpath that leads up to the base of Memorial Cross. While climbing up, you will
notice the beauty of the place.

The base of the Cross is designed with murals of the Filipino figures and events in a
different colonial eras of the country. The designed was so significant and historical.
To go on top, there is an elevator at Php. 10.00 per person. During peak seasons,
you must stand in line and wait for your turn. There are two wings of the cross that
serve as viewing gallery. Two circular portholes at the edge side of the cross that also
served for viewing.

At the top the visitors can seat and relax with the cold and strong breeze hit on your
body and face while gazing a magnificent 360 degree view of Bataan Peninsula,
Corrigidor and Manila Bay on a clear and sunny day. He Colonnade as seen from the
front side of the viewing gallery of the Memorial Cross. At the other side of the viewing
deck is the panoramic view of the rolling hills of Bataan Peninsula.

20
 What’s More

Identifying various art forms of the region specifically within the locality that develops
appreciation of local made art works; promotes tourism among nearby regions; and
show the value of each art forms of the regions that may substantiate its significance.

1. Belenismo sa Tarlac
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________

2. Rice Fields of Nueva Ecija

________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________

3. Giant Lantern of Pampanga

________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________

21
4. Beach of Aurora
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________

5. Mango Festival of Zambales

________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________

6. The Making of Pastillas de Leche

wrapper of Bulacan ________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________

7. Mt. Samat of Bataan

________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________

22
 What I Have Learned

Contemporary Philippine art forms provides appreciation of different art disciplines

within the region with culture and tradition sensitivity.

Please answer the following questions:

1. How does art affect the culture and tradition of a certain region?

2. Why contemporary art should be practiced with culture and tradition

sensitivity?

3. Write your answer on a separate sheet of paper.

__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________.

__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________.

__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________.

23
 What I Can Do

Reflect on the richness of arts and practices you’ve learned. Do you have the same
arts and practices in your place?

Create your own art and discuss the procedure how to do it.

________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
_________________________________.

24
 Assessment

G. Direction: Write J if the statement belongs to Ethnic Tradition, P if it belongs to

Spanish Tradition, NC if it belongs to American Colonial and Contemporary Traditions.
________ 1. Filipinos developed choreographies by mimicking movements of
animals.
________ 2. Technological innovations affected art making resulting to non-
conventional artworks.
________ 3. Zarzuelas and operas became popular in this period.
________ 4. Religion and secularization influenced all art forms.
________ 5. Pottery, weaving, wood carving, and metal crafting are the forms of
visual arts.
________ 6. Painting and sculpture were the most popular forms of visual arts.
________ 7. Filipinos studied abroad and later on introduced new ideas in art
making.
________ 8. Avant-garde artworks entered the scene.
________ 9. Bricks and stones were predominantly used in constructing buildings.
________ 10. The geographical location and experiences of the Filipinos were the main
factors in art production.

II. Read the statement carefully and identify what is being described or defined.
Choose your answer from the words inside the box

Belenismo sa Tarlac Rice Fields of Nueva Ecija Giant Lantern of Pampanga

Beach of Aurora Mango Festival of Zambales Mt. Samat of Bataan

_____________________1. The memorial shrine complex was built to honor and

remember the gallantry of Filipino and American soldiers who fought during World
War II
_____________________2. Since a large part of the city’s economy relies on the export
of mangoes, it’s no surprise that there’s an entire festival dedicated to the fruit
_____________________3. Endowed with natural historical, man-made and cultural
attractions considering the existence of beautiful waterfalls, pristine white beaches,
historical markers and other attractions which are accessible by land.
_____________________4. This is a century-old festival in the Philippines that started
in the year 1904 but the old locals believed and as far as they can recall, that the
event was inaugurated on 1904 but it was initialized or instantiated during the later
years of 1908
_____________________5. A landlocked province of the Philippines located in the
Central Luzon region.

25
 Additional Activities

Exercise 3

Direction: True or False

__________ 1. The Spaniards greatly influenced the Filipinos that the arts in the
country resulted to pure Western Art.

__________ 2. The piano is 1 of the instrument that Spaniard introduced in the

field of Philippine music.

__________ 3. Contemporary art refers to the recent and current practice of art
ranging from the 1960’s up to present.

__________ 4. Folk song, speeches, and narratives were the forms of literature in
the Spanish Era with religious and secular contents.

__________ 5. Modern Art refers to the practice of art in the 1860s-1960s. It was
in these years that the western world was significantly developing.

__________ 6. Modern Art is totally the same with Contemporary Arts since
modern and contemporary are synonymous to each other.

__________ 7. Valse, fandango, polka, and minuet are examples of theatrical

performances in the Spanish period.

__________ 8. Before colonization, the Philippines already has its indigenous art.

__________ 9. Modern Art continuously develops even after World War II, which
led to the contemporary way of art making today.

__________ 10. Artists used wood carvings and metal works with intricate
decorative designs as embellishments for buildings in the pre-colonial
period.

26
 27
Assessment:
What I have
Exercise 1: learned:
1. J
2. NC What I can do: How does
3. P art affects the
Additional 4. NC Reflect on the culture and
Activities: 5. J richness of arts and tradition of a certain
6. P practices you’ve region?
1. F 7. NC learned. Do you Why should contem
2. T 8. NC have the same arts
3. F 9. P porary
and practices in
4. F 10. J art should be
your place?
5. T Exercise 2: practiced with
6. F Create your own art culture and
7. F 1. Mt. Samat tradition
of Bataan and discuss how to
8. T sensitivity? Write
9. T 2. Mango do it.
Festival of your answer on the
10. T
Zambales spaces provided
3. Beach of below.
Aurora “ Rubrics for 50
4. Giant points”
Lantern of “Rubrics for 10
Pampanga points”
5. Rice Fields
of Nueva
Ecija
What’s More:
Identifying various
What I Know:
art forms of the
region specifically 1. Banaue Rice
within the locality Terraces, at the
that develops back of ₱20 bill
appreciation of local 2. Leyte Landing
made art works; What’s In: at the face of ₱50
promotes tourism bill
What’s is It:
among nearby 3. Taal lak/Taal
regions; and show Various Art forms found in Volcano,
the value of each the Philippines “Brief at the back of ₱100
art forms of the Discussion” bill
regions that may 4. Mayon Volcano,
substantiate its at the back of ₱100
significance. bill
5. Barasoain
“ 2 POINTS EACH Church,
PLUS 1 POINT IF at the face of ₱200
THE PERFECT bill
SCORE IS 14”
Answer Key
References
Ayseng, Yesha, and Luzviminda Sandagan. Contemporary Philippine Arts From The
Regions. 1st ed., 2016.

Man, Rig. "12 Landmarks Of The Philippines That You Can See In The Philippine
Money", 2015. https://faq.ph/landmarks-of-the-philippines-you-can-see-in-
philippine-money/.

28
For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

Department of Education – Region III,

Schools Division of Bataan - Curriculum Implementation Division
Learning Resources Management and Development Section (LRMDS)

Provincial Capitol Compound, Balanga City, Bataan

Telefax: (047) 237-2102

Email Address: bataan@deped.gov.ph