SHS

Contemporary Philippine Arts

from the Region
Module 9
Contemporary Philippine Arts from the Region
Module 9
First Edition, 2020

Copyright © 2020
La Union Schools Division
Region I

All rights reserved. No part of this module may be reproduced in any form without
written permission from the copyright owners.

Development Team of the Module

Author: Rogeline Joy R. Del Moral

Editor: SDO La Union, Learning Resource Quality Assurance Team
Illustrator: Ernesto F. Ramos Jr., P II

Management Team:

Atty. Donato D. Balderas, Jr.

Schools Division Superintendent
Vivian Luz S. Pagatpatan, Ph.D
Assistant Schools Division Superintendent
German E. Flora, Ph.D, CID Chief
Virgilio C. Boado, Ph.D, EPS in Charge of LRMS
Delia P. Hufalar, Ph.D, EPS in Charge of MAPEH
Michael Jason D. Morales, PDO II
Claire P. Toluyen, Librarian II
Contemporary Philippine
Arts from the Region
Module 9
 Target

Filipinos are proven to be one of the most creative and colorful people in the
world. The types of arts that are produced in different regions has its unique
specialties or product to take pride.

Philippines is very rich in natural resources. We can maximize the use of

natural resources even in creating arts. Arts express the artistic feelings towards
any aspects of life.

Contemporary artist found used bottles, hay, rice stalks, plastic straw, and
other recyclable materials useful in creating artworks. A real artist sees the beauty
of art even the peelings of garlic and corn.

They create artworks from wood, wire, thread, rattan, metal and leaves.

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. Research on techniques and performance practices applied to contemporary

arts (Week 9-CAR11//12TTP-0c-e-10)

Before going on, proceed to the next page and accomplish the pre-test in
a separate sheet of paper (1/4 sheet of paper).

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 Jumpstart

Activity 1: Read Me! Understand Me!

Directions: Read on the different techniques and performance practices applied to

contemporary arts. Understand what you are reading.

Pahiyas (Quezon)- one of the country’s biggest, and most colorful harvest festival
every May 15th along with the other festivals of the towns of Tayabas, Sariaya,
Gumaca and Tiaong. This festival is deeply rooted in the traditional celebration of
the townsfolk in thanksgiving for bounty harvest.

Saniculas Cookie Mold Carvings (Pampanga)- this folk art is elegant and beautiful
as it is a dying art. Saniculas cookies are arrowroot cookies that have the image of
St. Nicholas.

Pabalat or Pastillas wrapper cutting art (Bulacan)- this folk tradition uses intricate
paper patterns produced with skilled hands with perfect control of their motor
skills.

Taka (Laguna)- refers to paper mache made using carved wooden sculpture used
as a mold. The craft originated in the town of Paete, Laguna in the Philippines.

Pagbuburda (Laguna)- a chain stitch which can be done with different sewing
techniques that somehow became a pre-requisite for all women to know
basic housework and embroidery.

Singkaban or Bamboo Art (Bulacan)- the art of shaving bamboo into artful creations
that can be used as decor for aches or for the home.

Puni or Palm leaf folding (Bulacan)- a way of decorating using leaf fronds
folding. Puni is a tagalog term from the province of Bulacan which means to
beautify or decorate with the use of coconut leaf.

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Directions: Choose your answer from the given choices.
Q1. What is used as a paraphernalia for religious rituals
especially during “palaspas?”
A. Pagbuburda B. Pahiyas C. Puni

Q2. What was pioneered by Paete local, Maria Piday in which

she devised a lightweight material as an alternative for
wooden sculpture?
A. Taka B. Bamboo Art C. Pastillas wrapper

Q3. What is considered to be a family heirloom because it is

rare and the owners can also have their initials
monogrammed on the moulds?
A. Pabalat B. Saniculas C. Singkaban

Q4. What art is happily alive and flourishing in Taal, Lumban?

A. Pahiyas B. Palm leaf folding C. Pagbuburda

Q5. What art is used as a welcome signage of a town, city or village in the country
which is widely used as a decoration during town fiestas?
A. Singkaban B. Pabalat C. Saniculas cookie

Q6. What pertains to the product of paper cut-outs?

A. Pastillas wrapper B. Taka C. Puni

Q7. What practice gives honor to San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of farmers?
A. Bamboo Art B. Pagbuburda C. Pahiyas

Q8. What is NOT a practice of Bulaceños?

A. Taka B. Puni C. Singkaban

Q9. What art is a product of Pampanga?

A. Saniculas B. Pabalat C. Pagbuburda

Q10. What province does Tayabas belong to?

A. Laguna B. Quezon C. Bulacan

Nice! You may now proceed to next page of the learning material.
Enjoy reading!

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 Discover

Techniques and Performance Practices applied to Contemporary Arts

Pahiyas

Pahiyas is the time when people in Lucban, Quezon give thanks to San
Isidro Labrador for a good harvest. Pahiyas means “décor” Every May 15, the fronts
of houses are elaborately decorated with brightly colored rice wafer called kiping, a
type of rice dough made from a traditional recipe. When the festival is over, these
kiping are cooked and eaten as rice chips. Fuits, grain vegetables, and woven palm
hats are used as decorations. In the afternoon, San Isidro Labrador’s image is
carried across town in procession to assure farmers of more bountiful harvest in
forthcoming seasons.
Locals believe that keeping the tradition alive was essential because it
brought them away from deprivation and misfortune in their town. In May 1963,
what was originally a pagan festival transformed into the colorful, grand festival
that Filipinos know today. Apart from holding a competition that chooses the house
with the most creative design, the festival also included cultural shows, various
contests, parades and exhibits that would boost the tourist of the town of Lucban.
It was the idea of the Art Club of Lucban’s Founder and President Fernando
Cadeliña Nañawa.
The highlight of the Pahiyas Festival comes after the town’s procession
where the spirited tradition of “Kalas” takes place. The term literally means to romp
away the harvests and decorations from the houses as a symbol of joy and
merriment. Indeed, the Pahiyas Festival has become one of the most-sought after
festivals across the Philippines, luring in locals from nearby towns and even
tourists from other countries.

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Saniculas Cookie Mold Carvings

Saniculas cookies are arrowroot cookies that have the image of St.
Nicholas molded on it ergo the name Saniculas. St. Nicholas is also known as the
“the healer” and the go to saint for those who need “healing” from illnesses.

The moulds are an exceptional piece of folk art and a rarity. Saniculas
cookie makers would commission the carvers of these moulds with one of a kind
designs. They would also have the initials of the owner monogrammed on the
moulds. That is why it’s so rare and it is considered a family heirloom.

The moulds are made of hardwood and are of different shapes and sizes.
They would have a carved piece and a wooden presser.

Pabalat or Pastillas wrapper cutting art

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. 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 makers of these

intricate paper patterns do not see themselves as artists and do not consider their
works as arts.

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Taka

Taka was pioneered by Paete local, Maria Piday. During Christmas, Piday
was in charge of the church's decorations. The wooden angels and cherub was
heavy causing the carvings to fall. Piday devised the lightweight taka paper mache
as an alternative to the wooden sculptures. Piday was also a maker of local toys
such as the yoyo and the small acrobat hand puppet. Taka eventually became folk
art and was sold to nearby towns for festivals. In the 1970s, Tere Afuang, a
knowledgeable practitioner of the craft, popularized the craft.

A takaan, a carved wooden sculpture, is used as a mold in making taka.

Brown craft paper is used as a final layer for taka made for export. This provides a
thicker base and smoother finish for the craft. Taka is also painted. The traditional
way of painting a taka is to use primary colors, add simple flower motifs and use
repetitive lines and shapes. Gold finish, usually used in angel, reindeer and huge
taka is accomplished by using gilded paper.

Common and traditional subjects of taka includes the manok, kabayo,

kalabaw, dalaga (chicken, horse, carabao, maiden) which is made primarily for
local use. Due to exposure and migration of Paete residents to Manila and abroad,
European-influenced paper mache toys began to be made for export to other
countries, such as Germany. Taka images now include those of Santa Claus,
reindeer, giraffes, and other subjects that are in demand.

Pagbuburda

The art of embroidery is happily alive and flourishing in Laguna. Although

it is mostly done by women who are wives of the farmers and fishermen, it is not
uncommon to see fishermen and farmers who are also carefully and delicately
embroidering floral designs during their “off-season”.

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 In the highlights of Philippine history, Taal embroidery has always made
an exquisite presence. Former presidents Diosdado Macapagal and Ferdinand
Marcos were usually seen in Taal-emroidered Barongs. A number of former First
Lady Imelda Marcos’ fabulous ternos were Taal-embroidered.

Tall embroidery has also adorned garment accessories and home decor
items. Although the embroidery looks exquisite on jusi and piña fabric, it’s also
dainty on cotton, linen and ramie.

Singkaban or Bamboo Art

A fairly new type of Philippine folk art, Singkaban is the art of shaving
bamboo into artful creations that can be used as décor for arches or for the home.

Singkaban is a local term for bamboo arches elaborately designed with

kayas. It is used as a welcome signage of a town, city or village in the country. It is
widely used as a decoration during town fiestas in Bulacan.

Skilled craftsmen patiently shaves off the bamboo, layer by layer, to create
curls and delicate twirls of thin bamboo. Singkaban is usually a celebratory art.
Singkaban craftsmen create these gregariously designed bamboo arches for fiestas,
weddings and other celebrations that involve the entire community. Perhaps it is
our sense of “bayanihan” that inspired this art form – ensuring that art is
appreciated and is accessible to everyone in the community and their guests.

Singkabans are artfully-made entrance arches used during fiestas and

other important events in Bulacan. Bamboo is primarily used in creating a
singkaban, and the art is most prevalent in the old towns of Hagonoy and Malolos.

Singkaban Festival is an annual provincial event of Bulacan where

Bulakenyo culture and arts are featured in a week-long celebration.

Puni or Palm leaf folding

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 Puni is a tagalog term from the province of Bulacan which means to
beautify or decorate with the use of coconut leaf. Coconut leaves are fashioned by
folding, plaiting, braiding and simple weaving, which may have functional as well as
aesthetic uses.

Puni desdigns can be categorized according to their uses. The most

common designs are in the form of toys such as birds, fish, grasshopper, etc.

They are also used as food containers for suman, rice and various
kakanin, the most commonly known is the “puso” and paraphernalia for religious
rituals especially during Palm Sunday when these designs are used to accentuate
the “palaspas”.

But today they serve as modern artistic expressions and arrangement. The
art is being revived through practical ways by preserving, developing and
transforming these puni designs into decorative pieces used as decors, accessories
and accents for various arrangement or crafts.

The Bulakenyos pioneered the revival of this ephemeral art, at least in our
country. The present collection and compilation of puni designs is a result of
continuous research, mostly skills sharing and exchange, along with contributions
of various individuals dedicated to revive this vanishing art.

To check if you read the lesson, proceed to the next page and answer the following activitie

9
 Explore

Enrichment Activity: Fill In the Blanks

Assessment 1
Directions: Use a separate sheet of paper for your answers. Write the correct
word/s from the choices inside the parenthesis to complete the sentence in each.

1. Bamboo is (primarily, secondarily) used in creating a

singkaban, and the art is most prevalent in the old towns of Hagonoy and
Malolos.

2. The traditional way of painting a taka is to use primary colors, add

(simple, complex) flower motifs and use repetitive lines and
shapes.

3. San Isidro Labrador’s image is (placed, carried) across

town in procession to assure farmers of more bountiful harvest in
forthcoming seasons.

4. The present collection and compilation of puni designs is a result of

(stagnant, continuous) research.

5. The art of embroidery is happily (inactive, alive) and

flourishing in Laguna.

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Enrichment Activity 2: Jumbled Letters

Assessment 2:
Directions: Arrange the jumbled letters below to form the correct word. Use
these words to complete the paragraph that follows. Write your answer on a
separate sheet of paper.

6. SPAAYHI -

7. NSAIYNAIBNG -

8. MHOEOIORL -

9. YERMEBDRIO -

10.NSAIBNAGK -

is the time when people in Lucban, Quezon give thanks to San

Isidro Labrador for a good harvest. Next, Pabalat is also a folk art or in Filipino
term,
. On the other hand, Saniculas cookie makers would also have the
initials of the owner monogrammed on the moulds that is why it’s so rare and it is
considered a family . In the highlights of Philippine history, Taal
has always made an exquisite presence. Lastly,
is a local term for bamboo arches elaborately designed with kayas.

11
 Deepen

At this point, create four (3) different Puni designs using coconut leaves and
put it in a long coupon bond then below it write your own answer on how would
your generation learn to appreciate this kind of artwork.

Activity: Cut-Outs

What you need

Long coupon bond paper, pencil/pen, coconut/palm leaves, scissors, and

paste/glue

Instructions

1. Format
i. Margin  1 inch all sides
ii. Margin line  use red inked ballpen
iii. Bond paper size  8.5 x 13 / long bond paper
iv. Orientation  landscape
v. Sample Outline

Complete Name Palm Leaf Folding Date

(Last name, First name, Performance Task 1
M.I.)
Grade and Section Score

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 Scoring the Output

Excellent Good Poor

Criteria
(5) (3) (1)
The content of the The content of the The content of the
Relevance of output is very output isoutput is not
Content (x3) relevant to the somewhat relevant relevant to the
topic. to the topic. topic.
The output is
The output is The output has
plagiarized from
unique. No signs signs of copied
Originality (x2) the internet or
of plagiarize concept from other
from others
concept from other output.
output.
output.

Shows excellent Shows good sense Shows somewhat

sense of art and of art and sense of art and
creativity. creativity. creativity.
Creativity and
The output shows The output shows The output shows
Effort (x2)
clear somewhat little
representation of representation of representation of
their effort. their effort. their effort.

The output shows The output is

The output is
organization of organized and
Organization and disorganized and
input and very somewhat neat.
Neatness very dirty. Has too
neat. No signs of Has sorts of
many erasures.
dirtiness. erasures.

Project deadline
Deadline was Project met the
merely met.
missed. Exceeded deadline before
Timeliness Exceeded seconds
days on the date the time set
on the time set for
of submission. exactly the time
submission.
set.
Total points 40/40

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 Gauge

Good job! You are almost there!

Directions: Read carefully each item. Use a separate sheet for your answers. Write
only the letter of the best answer for each test item.

1. What leaves are fashioned by folding, plaiting, braiding and simple weaving,
which may have functional as well as aesthetic uses for Puni folk art?
A. Banana leaves C. Durian leaves
B. Coconut leaves D. Caimito leaves

2. What inspired Singkaban – ensuring that art is appreciated and is

accessible to everyone in the community and their guests?
A. Ningas-kugon C. Bayanihan
B. Sayawan D. Rambulan

3. Who among the presidents was usually seen in Taal-emroidered Barong

aside from former presidents Ferdinand Marcos?
A. Elpidio Quirino C. Manuel Roxas
B. Emilio Aguinaldo D. Diosdado Macapagal

4. Common and traditional subjects of this includes the manok, kabayo,

kalabaw, dalaga (chicken, horse, carabao, maiden) which is made primarily
for local use.
A. Taka C. Pahiyas
B. B. Puni D. Saniculas

5. On a metaphorical level, it connotes the state of the art practice.

A. Pagbuburda C. Singkaban
B. Pabalat D. Palm leaf folding

6. He is also known as the “the healer” and the go to saint for those who need
“healing” from illnesses.
A. St. Anthony C. St Christopher
B. St. Pedro D. St.Nocholas

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7. What was originally a pagan festival transformed into the colorful, grand
festival that Filipinos know today?
A. Pahiyas C. Taka making
B. Pastillas Wrapper D. St.Nocholas

8. What art is being revived through practical ways by preserving,

developing and transforming these designs into decorative pieces used as
decors, accessories and accents for various arrangement or crafts?
A. Embroidery C. Taka making
B. Palm leaf folding D. Saniculas Cookie Mold Carving

9. It is the art of shaving bamboo into artful creations that can be used as
décor for arches or for the home.
A. Pagbuburda C. Singkaban
B. Pabalat D. Puni

10.A type of rice dough made from a traditional recipe that can be seen at the
fronts of houses which are elaborately decorated with brightly colored rice
wafer.
A. kalas C. takaan
B. kiping D. siningbayan

Congratulations! You have finished the activity! Keep up the good work!

15
References
Website

Retrieved July 25, 2020 from

https://www.slideshare.net/JoemMagante/contemporary-art-elements-and-
principles
Retrieved July 31, 2020 from
http://www.seasite.niu.edu/Tagalog/Cynthia/festivals/pahiyas.htm
Retrieved July 31, 2020 from
https://theculturetrip.com/asia/philippines/articles/pahiyas-the- Retrieved
July 31, 2020 from philippines-most-colourful-harvest-festival/
Retrieved July 31, 2020 from
https://www.outlookindia.com/outlooktraveller/explore/story/47397/philippines-
pahiyas-festival
Retrieved July 31, 2020 from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taka_(paper_mache)

Retrieved July 31, 2020 from

https://www.academia.edu/38004240/Lesson_Plan_in_Contemporary_Philippine_
ARTS_from_the_Regions?fbclid=IwAR3PlKMhSSRucLNUnJPoImKV8dFZn8rEXh5AF
PqssD3i1QFdS2VRtAUurGY

Retrieved July 31, 2020 from https://prezi.com/gvy-wf6xzk0k/contemporary-art-

techniques-and-performance-practices/?fbclid=IwAR2e-pFU9_eJs9WGRzC-
pt1h2p2y30DB7edtC-l42In7ABRa6DZ0qXomqOY
Retrieved July 31, 2020 from https://www.slideshare.net/prettymycz/local-
materials-to- contemporart?
fbclid=IwAR2pk0kqYvOYV6v00IgHXi42z_hdYln0WvXHceqvA1cIbwe0t VZ7LUBCqIs

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