7

MUSIC AND ARTS

Quarter 2 – Module
Week 1-4

Music of
Cordillera,
MIMAROPA and
Visayas

Arts and Crafts of

MIMAROPA and
Visayas
Music and Arts 7
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 2 – Module: Music of Cordillera, MIMAROPA and Visayas
Arts and Craft of MIMAROPA and Visayas
First Edition, 2021

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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 book 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:
Undersecretary:
Assistant Secretary:

Development Team of the Module

Authors: Larry Byl T. Cuenca, Annette M. Gaza

Editor: : Larry Byl T. Cuenca, Annette M. Gaza

Reviewers: Dr. Fatima T. Yusingbo
Illustrator:
Layout Artist:
Management Team: MAPEH DEPARTMENT

Printed in the Philippines by

Department of Education – Schools Division of Las Piñas

Office Address: 309 Diego Cera Ave., Pu;ang Lupa I, Las Piñas, 1742
Metro Manila
Telefax: 822-3840; 835-9030 loc. 102
E-mail Address: depedlaspinas@gmail.com

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Introductory Message
This module is created to explore and broaden knowledge of the learners
on the culture and traditions of Filipinos when it comes to music and arts.
Lessons included in this module give learners a view of the diversity of Filipino
culture in the regions of Cordillera, MIMAROPA and the Visayas

In Music, learners get to study the vocal and instrumental music of

people from Cordillera, Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan as well as
those in the Visayas Region. They are given an overview of the vocal music or
the traditional songs of each province and of the musical instruments they used
in their everyday lives.

As for Arts, learners get to see the similarities and differences of arts and
crafts of the provinces found in MIMAROPA and the Visayas. They get to meet
the indigenous tribes and creative people who are behind unique art forms in
these regions. They are lead through a visual experience of learning about the
history, background, indigenous materials used and characteristics of every
piece of art form, from the architecture, woven fabrics, baskets and mats,
different handicrafts, pottery down to the types of festivals being celebrated.

This quarter enables Grade 7 learners to gain knowledge and

appreciation of the music and art forms of locals living in the different islands
in the Philippines. They get to see how talented, diverse, creative and ingenious
Filipinos are and perhaps feel pride for being one.

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 7

Music
Second Quarter – Module
MUSIC OF CORDILLERA, MIMAROPA AND THE
VISAYAS

Department of Education ● Republic of the Philippines

4
 Lesson
Musical characteristics of representative music

1 selections of Cordillera, Mindoro, Palawan and

Visayas.

What’s In

Cordillera, Mindoro, Palawan and Visayas traditional music are non-Westernized. It is

indigenous like their equivalent in Luzon. Through discussion, we will learn how natives
express their feelings toward each other, in environment, history and their beliefs
through the medium of the voice and musical instruments.

What’s New

CORDILLERA: Meaning “knotted rope” is a name given by the Spanish Conquistador

when they first saw jumbled rolls and dips of this long-range traversing the Northern
part of Luzon Island.
The region is home to native cultures of diverse tribal civilization such as the Igorot,
Kalingan, Ifugaos, Kankanaeys, Illian, Baliwon and many others spread in isolated
communities in the various parts of the region. Despite differences in tribal ethnicity,
the Cordillera peoples have commonalities in costumes, music, dances and even
customs.
Characteristics of Music:
1. Music and other components of their culture are transferred from generation to
generation through oral tradition.
2. Oral tradition is cultural material and traditions transmitted orally from one
generation to another. Oral may refer to speech communication as opposite to
writing.

Watch the video on the link below. Describe and explain its musical characteristic in
relation to its culture. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YfKojuZ3-sY
Three Categories of Cordillera Music
1. Vocal music
2. Instrumental music
3. Vocal Ensemble with instrumental accompaniment

Characteristics of Vocal Music

1. Melismatic
• vocal passage with one syllable
• sung against several note passages

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 2. Free meter
• musical meter without time signature
Salidumay – Cordillera songs that express thanksgiving, worship and courtship
among other positive themes.
Listen to the link below and describe its musical characteristics:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Afh9QNq4w28
Salidumay - As performed by Grace Nono

Image source: https://www.scribd.com/document/337693383/F olk-Song-Salidumay-Pdml

What Is It

MINDORO: The word Mindoro comes from the word “Mina de Oro” which means the
place has lots of gold or rich with gold deposits. MA – I is the first name of Mindoro. But
when the Asian traders came, it was completely changed into Mindoro.

Mindoro is the seventh largest island in the Philippines. It is located off the cost of Luzon
and the northeast of Palawan. The principal language of Mindoro is Tagalog although
some parts have been greatly influenced by the native Visayan and Mangyan languages.
In the island of Mindoro lives the indigenous groups of Hanunuo, the Alangan and the
Iraya. They are collectively called Mangyans. Hanunuo Mangyans are generally peaceful
and generous, which was greatly abused by Filipinos and Foreigners.

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Vocal Music

1. Ambahan -Is a lyrical chant of pure Mangyan. It is a traditional form of poetry

by the Hanunuo Mangyan people of Mindoro
2. Pamuybuyen – legend
3. Marayaw – song used to communicate with spirits in rituals for healing the sick
and protecting the community.

Characteristics of Ambahan

1. Composed of seven syllables in one line that rhyme.

2. The number of lines found in several Ambahan ranges from 3 to 134.
3. It is t is typically written on bamboo tubes in the Surat Mangyan, a centuries-
old pre-Spanish script.

Watch the videos on the link below. Describe and explain its musical characteristics in
relation to its culture.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iipDAHkTVW0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISSSrwAM7Ic
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fRnVz9WKSM

Image source:
https://omniglot.com/writing/hanunoo.htm

PALAWAN: Is the country’s largest province and is composed of 1, 768 islands and islets
surrounded by a coral shelf with an extraordinarily rich maritime life. Its sharply –
slanted mountains are covered with virgin forest. Palawan music is used not only as
an expressive emotional medium but also a way for creativity in the setting of a
cultural and world view among Tagbanuas, Palawan, and Batak people of Palawan.

The music of Palawan expresses respect for the spiritual as well as the natural
physical world though the epic chants, nature songs and instruments.

Two Kinds of Vocal Music:

1. Kulial – A lyrical poem expressing love. This vocal music accompanied by kudyapi.
2. Tultul – it is a chanted vocal music about epic heroes and usually chanted at night,
ending at daybreak.

Musical Characteristics :

1. Imitations of sounds from nature and the environment.

2. Highly influenced by the native language of the province.

Watch the video on the link below. Describe and explain its musical characteristics in
relation to its culture. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQWbxIdMry0

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LET’S SING! Click the link, describe its musical characteristics, listen and learn to
sing the song Layang Pasiak.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9aKPH6gXOvw

Image source:
https://studyassistantph.com/tpl/images/1056/4916/e3ba1.jpg

VISAYAS: Visayas is one of the three island groups in the Philippines, along with Luzon
and Mindanao. It is home to some of the largest island in the country: Negros, Leyte,
Samar, Panay, Cebu, Bohol. In the small areas of Panay and Negros, another
minority ethnic group resides called the Negritos or Ati. The wide repertoire of
Visayan folk songs includes ballads, lullabies, harana, children’s songs, working
songs, drinking songs, and lively song and dance debate.

The music of Visayas is highly Spanish influenced because they colonized the
Philippines for a long time. Spaniard musicians brought new style of music which
has also Western musical tradition.
Vocal Music
The following are the different vocal forms used and sung in different ceremonies,
services, and for the relaxation of the Negritos with guitar accompaniment in
different rhythms.
Dandansoy – Lullaby Ili-Ili Tulog Anay - Lullaby
Matud Nila – Love song Lawiswis Kawayan – Nature song
Balitaw – Dialog or Debate Pakitong-kitong – Children’s song
Si Felimon – Work song Pen Pen De Sarapen – Narrative song

Dandansoy English translation

Dandansoy, bayaan ta ikaw Dandansoy, I must depart
Pauli ako sa Payaw For Payao is calling my heart
Ugaling kung ikaw hidlawon Should you happen someday to miss me
Ang Payaw imo lang lantawon Just look out to Payao, where I'll be

Click the links below and describe its musical characteristics

Dandansoy - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2AzCMgAlxyY
Si Felimon - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWArQM9E4oQ

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 What’s More Musical Instruments of Cordillera

Gangsa – A single Kalaleng or

hand-held smooth Tongali – A long
surfaced gong with a and narrow nose
narrow rim. flute made of
Ways of playing
bamboo
Toppaya (sitting
position) and Pattung
(standing position).
Image source: https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/ Image source: http://musikocordillera.weebly.com

Tongatong - A Diwdiw-as A five or more

bamboo set of slender bamboo
percussion pipes that is arranged
instrument in from longest to shortest
various lengths and is tied together. This
used by the is played by blowing
people of through the ends of the
Kalinga to communicate with spirits during pipe
house blessings Image source:
Image source: https://1.bp.blogspot.com/ https://upload.wikimedia.org/

Solibao
A hollow
wooden
Igorot
drum
topped
with pig
Saggeypo or lizard skin that is played by striking
A bamboo pipe that is closed on one the drumhead using the palm of the
end by a node with the open end hand
held against the lower lip of the
player as he blows on the top Image source: www.brainstudy.info
Image source:
https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com

Bungkaka
A bamboo buzzer of Kalinga
Image source: https://1.bp.blogspot.com/
Kulitong
A polychordal (two or more chords)
bamboo tube zither of Kalinga
Image source:
https://www.kipas.nl/Instruments/Kolitong.htm
 Ulibaw Patangguk
Bamboo Jew’s harp Bamboo quill-shaped tubes with a hole near
(Jaw harp) the closed end. This is played by hitting the
bamboo on a small piece of wood while
covering and uncovering the hole with the
Image source: thumb.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/ Image source:
www.maestroflute.blogspot.com

Hornböstel-Sachs System
Classification

Idiophones: Gangsa, Tongatong,

Bungkaka, Ulibaw, Kulitong, Patangguk
and Pateteg
Pateteg
Aerophones: Tongali, Diwdiw as and Bamboo leg xylophone
Saggeypo
Image source:
www.maestroflute.blogspot.com
Membranophone: Solibao

Musical Instruments of Mindoro

Bangsi Subing or Kinaban (Jaw’s Harp)

an external duct flute, which has a
chip glued on to the tube of the flute. This
is also called a transverse flute.
Image source:
https://image.slidesharecdn.com
Gitgit
a three-string indigenous violin with
human hair for strings
Image source: https://img.haikudeck.com
a bamboo jaw harp played by putting your
lips and plucking the slightly pointed end. It
is also known as “kubing.” Other indigenous
groups such as T’boli, Ifugao, and Maranao
also have their own version of subing.
Image source: https://musicaparaver.org
Agong
a wide-rimmed
pail- shaped metal with a
circle in the middle,
vertically suspended
gongs which are also used
by the Maranao, Maguindanao, and Tausug
people of the Philippines as a supportive
instrument in kulintang ensemble
Image source: https://upload.wikimedia.org
Hornböstel-Sachs System
Classification

Idiophones: Agong, Subing and

Kalutang

Aerophone: Bangsi Kalutang

percussion sticks played in pairs
Chordophone: Gitgit Image source:
https://museomusiko.files.wordpress.com
Remember!
Membranophones use vibrating stretched membranes or skin to produce sound.
Membranophones are classified according to the shape of the instrument.
Chordophones produce sound by means of a stretched vibrating string. There are five
basic types based on the strings' relationship with the resonator.
Aerophones produce sound by vibrating a column of air.
Idiophones produce sound by a vibrating solid material. Idiophones are differentiated
according to the method used to make it vibrate. (Struck, shaken, plucked, scraped
etc.)

Musical Instruments of Palawan

Aruding (very similar to Pagang
kubing)
bamboo jaw
harp; an
instrument
made of
bamboo or a polychordal bamboo zither. It consists
metal, with of a bamboo tube about 12 cm in
a thin flexible diameter closed at both ends by
tongue made nodes, partially open for better
to vibrate by resonance.
plucking the tip of the instrument Image source: https://image.slidesharecdn.com
while the player’s mouth will serve as
the resonator.
Image source:
https://64.media.tumblr.com
Basal
a set of wide-
rimmed
vertically
suspended
Suling gongs
a (banded) bamboo flute
Image source: https://digital- Image source:
grinnell.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com
http://philipdominguezmercurio.blogspot.com
Idiophones: Aruding, Pagang and Basal Kusjapi
or kusyapiq; a
Aerophone: Suling lute
which is
Chordophone: Kusjapi considered
a man’s
instrument.
It plays with
another pagang
or
another lute
accompanied by the alternate improvised
singing between men and women.

Image source: https://d3ecqbn6etsqar.cloudfront.net

Instrumental Music of Visayas

Tultugan Harp
the Hiligaynon called alpa or alfa in
and Kiniray-a Visayas, is a diatonic
word for the harp adapted from
indigenous the harp from Europe
bamboo drum.
Imagesource:
It is the
emerging
festival of the province and the region.
The fiesta traces the Maasianon (Maasin,
Ilo-ilo) cultural heritage and pays tribute http://jacklegpreacher.com/filipinoharp/ch3/3fig7.jpg
to the bamboo as a musical instrument.
Imagesource: https://1.bp.blogspot.com

Band Rondalla
a group of brass an ensemble of
and woodwind stringed
instrumentalists instruments
marching in the played with
streets or playing the plectrum
in the open air or pick. It
Image source: originated in
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/a4TXOeGubZQ/hqdefault.jpg Spain. The word rondalla is from the
Spanish ronda.
Image source:
https://sssip.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/9-
kabataang-silay-rondalla-ensemble.jpg

Instruments of the Rondalla

Bandurria – has fourteen strings, tuned in the intervals of fourths and a pear-shaped body
made of wood (rosewood or langka wood).
Laud – also has fourteen strings and tuned the same as the bandurria’s, though the body is
slightly longer and bigger than it. Thus, it produces lower tone than the bandurria.
Octavina – has fourteen strings tuned same as the
banduria but sounds an octave lower for its body is
bigger than the banduria. Its body resembles a small
guitar.
Guitar – has six strings which adds to the harmony of
the group.
Bajo de arco – double bass; has four strings and is
played by plucking the strings.
Image source: facebook.com/rondallafestival

Lesson

2 Selected Instrumental/Vocal Music from

Cordillera, Mindoro, Palawan and of the
Visayas.

What’s In

Improvisation in music means free performance of rhythmic or melodic compositions.

Philippine music especially those that we call traditional music is pass through what
we call oral tradition with improvisation: meaning teaching music without
preparation; make something of whatever you have as accompaniment; or even
create words or statement from whatever you remember from what you’ve learned
from your elderly.
Activity No. 1:
Listen to Chua-ay of Cordillera.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYLtCl00IL4

Chua-Ay (Exerpt)
Pounding Rice Song Bontoc Folk Song

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 Activity No. 2: Clap the Rhythm! The Rhythmic pattern below is an example of
accompaniment to the song. Sing the song while clapping the rhythmic pattern.

Chua-ay

Chua-ay talum alay takuay oe! Oe!

Lalakis wagsilayan oe! Oe!

Chua-ay talum alay takuay oe! Oe!

Pakey tongchong siili oe! Oe!

What’s New

The instruments of the Cordillera, Mindoro, Palawan and Visayas have the same
purpose in making music. It is to perform with interlocking patterns and style. This
simply showed how talented they are not just in singing but in playing the
instruments. Improvisation in making music allows you to think and use your
musical skills to create as well as compose good music
Activity No. 1. Listen and make your own rhythmic patterns from the songs given in the
link below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5C2bIyOj0MA

King King Taringting Lasiyang Pasiyak

Kingking anay wawa Tarinting paglayog dong Ako ay milayang pasiyak
Sulan ta kaw lawa Ay ikaw tataeban den Panamban tamban
Langkang ara unod Pagsu’t sa liyang –liyang mipamalanak
Kapayas ng mangod (2x) Sa batong malinang-linang Porabil ako mapilak kong
naga-urong
Solong ang dagat (2x)

What Is It

Functions of Musical Instruments from Cordillera, Mindoro, Palawan and the

Visayas.
In the Philippines, songs are very much part of the lives of each individual for tribal
groups like Cordillera, Mindoro, Palawan and as well in the Visayas because most of
the songs have their own functions. They often performed it with musical

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 instruments to encourage everyone participation in singing as well as dancing.
Playing the guitar is very common in the Visayas. It is a 6- stringed instrument classified
as Chordophone in the Hornbostel-Sach’s System; that plays the rhythm to
accompany a song.
Parts of a guitar

Image source:
https://guitariano.com/wp-
content/uploads/2019/12/acoustic-
guitar-parts-2.jpg

Let’s Play the Guitar! Let’s learn how to read guitar chord chart and try to
learn to play the guitar.

15
Playing Musical instruments in the Philippines, particularly the Guitar is part of our daily
lives. We play guitar on our own, with friends and even with our families in almost all
occasions.

What’s More
Sing and Play the guitar!
Here is an example of a popular folk song from Visayas with a guitar accompaniment.

Taken from Grade 7 Learner’s Material

16
References:

https://lrmds.deped.gov.ph/detail/14018 http://musikocordillera.weebly.com/
https://www.britannica.com/art/improvisation- music
https://www.ldoceonline.com/Music- topic/improvise https://music.upd.edu.ph/news_sampulan.html
https://prezi.com/_vgc8s1hfgi5/music-of-the- visayas region/#:~:text=VISAYAS%20MUSIC&text=Most
%20Visayan%20songs%20or%20music,topics% 20about%20love%20and%20marriage.
http://www.depedbataan.com/resources/12/tg_in _music_grade_7_-_q1_q2.pdf
Learners Material Grade 7 https://www.classicalguitar.org/2010/07/kodaly- rhythm-introduction/
Ifugao family end of the day task, Cordillera.,Flickr.com
Filipino Folk Songs by R. Rivadelo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtyZZdvkR0 4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYLtCl00IL4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5C2bIyOj0 MA https://igorottribe.wordpress.com/2016/09/1 3/first-blog-
post/ https://lrmds.deped.gov.ph/detail/14018
http://musikocordillera.weebly.com/
https://orlandogmorales.com/rondalya
http://www.henrydelrosario.com/?p=1516
http://philippineguitar.com/artists.php
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efJWHGOS R3Q
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdpZ3a 87qXE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9nEDo AF7sY&list=RDS9nEDoAF7sY&start_radio= 1

17
 7
Arts
Second Quarter – Module
ARTS AND CRAFTS OF MIMAROPA AND
THE VISAYAS

Department of Education ● Republic of the Philippines

18
 Lesson
Arts and Crafts of MIMAROPA

1 (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan)

What’s In

MIMAROPA is known as Region 4B. It is an acronym that stands for the four provinces
comprising the region namely Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan. It is
referred to as the “Treasure Trove of Southern Luzon” and known for its handicrafts
made from indigenous materials like nito baskets, bay-ong and
tingkop baskets of Mindoro, buntal handloom woven products
from Marinduque marble products from Romblon and tingkop
and blackened woodcarvings from Palawan.
MIMAROPA is also famous for its tourism industry since it has
many beautiful natural wonders that draw both local and
foreign tourists to visit such as White Island and Sabang Beach
in Mindoro, Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
and El Nido Marine Reserve Park in Palawan to name a few.
Image Source: https://mimaropa3c.wordpress.com/about-3/

What’s New

Mindoro
Mindoro, the 7th largest island in the Philippines is divided into two provinces: the
Occidental Mindoro and Oriental Mindoro. In the olden days, Han
Chinese traders refer to Mindoro as Ma-i or Mait. Mindoro got its name
from the Spaniards who called the place Mina de Oro which means
gold mine. The province is home to the Mangyans, an ethnic group
that comprises of several tribes and categorized by social scientist
based on their geographical location. The ones living in the northern
part of Mindoro are the Iraya, Alangan and Tadyawan tribes while
those in the south are the Buhid, Bangon, Tangagon and Hanunuo .
Hanunuo Mangyan - Image source: commons.wikipedia.org

Arts and Crafts of Mindoro

For the Mangyans, craft has always been a product of their way of life and an
extension of their customs and traditions.
Ambahan – a traditional form of poetry with a meter of seven syllables by the Buhid and
Hanunó'o Mangyans. It can be recited or chanted. The ambahan
is traditionally sung and its topics may be about courtship, giving
advice to the young people, asking for a place to stay and saying
goodbye to a friend. It is written in Mangyan Script and is
inscribed on bamboo slats using a
Image source: flickr.com pointed knife.
19
Mangyan Script – a pre-Spanish syllabic writing system used by the Mangyans based
on the syllables of the Philippine phonetics. This surviving writing system is declared by
the National Museum as a National Cultural Treasures on December 9, 1997.

Mangyan script used in

inscribing the ambahan on
Mangyan Script Image source: deviantart,com bamboo segment or slat.
Image source: endangeredalphabet.net

Pakudos – a design motif used by the Hanunuo Mangyans that is characterized by

simple symmetrical, orderly and equal use of vertical and horizontal
lines and spaces that makes it pleasing to look at. Pakudos was derived
from the Spanish word “cruz” which translates to cross. The pakudos
design is use in the embroidery, crafts like bay-ong baskets and bead
accessories.
Image source: en.wikipedia.org

Basketry – Hanunuo and Iraya Mangyans are known for their bay-ong and nito baskets
made from buri and nito vines.
Bay-ong Baskets – traditional handwoven containers made by
Hanunuo Mangyans from buri palm and laid over with fine nito vine
strips. Typical design pattern is the pakudos.
Image source: artesdelasfilipinas.com

Nito baskets - a traditional craft for the Iraya-Mangyans is weaving

baskets made from nito vines that are laced in a circular motion
resulting in an intricate pattern that is unique and distinct to the tribe.
Traditional designs show geometric patterns or base from nature like
leaves and trees.
Image source: commons.wikipedia.org.

Ramit – a woven fabric of homespun cotton with geometric patterns

made by the Buhid and Hanunuo Mangyan using a backstrap loom
called harablon. It is used as a skirt or as a blanket to carry children
Image source: noypicollections.blogspot.com

Body Accessories - Hanunoo Mangyans both young and old alike love
to wear necklace and bracelets made from beads. Aside from using
these beads as decoration or adornment, they are also used during
magical and religious purposes, during rituals and in curing the sick.
Image source: sites.google.com

20
 What Is It

Marinduque
Marinduque has the shape of human heart floating on a clear blue sea. It is the smallest
province in the Southern Tagalog Region. It is commonly referred to as “The Heart of the
Philippines”. Its capital is the municipality of Boac. According to a legend, the island of
Marinduque was formed as a consequence of a tragic love affair of Mariin and Gatduke.
Mariin's father, a local chieftain, was against their affair and ordered
Gatduke to be beheaded. To prevent this, the couple went out to the
sea and drowned themselves, forming the island now called
Marinduque.
The name Marinduque is also believed to have come from the word
‘malindig or malindug” which means stand tall or elegant, referring
to Mount Malindig found in the province. Main livelihoods of the
people in Marinduque are farming and fishing as well as making
Image source: en.wikipedia.org handicrafts for export.
Arts and Craft of Marinduque
Moriones Festival - Marinduque is famous for its Moriones Festival held every year
during the Holy Week or Lenten Season. It is known locally as Moryonan. “Morion”
refers to the masks that are made from wood or papier-mache,
decorated with colorful shells, animal hairs, tassels, and crepe
papers. These masks together with vest, capes and wooden
shields are worn by participants of the festival who act as Roman
soldiers or centurions.
The Moriones Festival is a re-enactment of the search for
Longinus, the half-blind Roman soldier, who according to legend
regained his eyesight when some of the blood of Jesus fell on his
eyes after he pierced the side of Jesus while he was still on the
cross. Because of this miracle, Longinus believed that Jesus was
the son of God and converted to Christianity.
Image source: flickr.com

Buntal, Buri and Raffia Products - Weaving is one of the skills of Marinduqueños.
Since buli (buri palm) and raffia are abundant in the area, they use these leaves as
materials in the weaving of bags, hats and baskets, table runners, place mats and a lot
more. The buri palm is the source of buntal and raffia fibers.

Buntal fibers made into a hat Raffia fibers Sample bags and table runner made from buntal fibers
Image source: flickr.com Image source: ribbons.com Image source: marinduquegov.blogspot.com

C. Boac Cathedral - one of the oldest built heritages of the province located on top of a
hill surrounded by high stone walls and bulwarks. It has Filipino-Hispanic Baroque
architecture design and was built around 1590.
21
 It was once a fortress during the Spanish era. The church
façade is made of rough terra cotta while the bell tower is of
cut adobe stones. Interior of the church was also made of red
bricks.
Boac Cathedral
Image source: commons.wikipedia.org

D. Casa Real – a replica of the old Spanish "Casa Real", which served as the
administrative center of the province. Today it is used by the municipal government of
Boac as a multi-purpose building. It’s a two-story
building made from the best locally sourced materials
such as hardwood for floorings and walls to sillar,
adobe stones and tisa as roof tiles.
Image source: vymaps.com

What’s More

Romblon
One of the provinces of MIMAROPA and popularly known as the “Marble Capital of the
Philippines” due to its abundant mineral deposits of marble in varied colors and types.
Sources of livelihood are fishing, farming and handicrafts. Just like Mindoro and
Marinduque, it is also known for its traditional weaving and basketry.
Arts and Crafts of Romblon
Marble Products – Romblon is blessed with large deposits of
marble. Slabs and blocks of marble are mined, and local artisans
carve and make these into different items such as mortar and
pestle, chess sets, name plates, religious images, decorative and
souvenir items.
Different marble products
Image source: en.wikipedia.org

Woven Mats and Bags – aside from its fine marble products
Romblon is also known for its beautifully woven mats and bags out
of buri strips, kokolongkoy vine (a plant that has very stems and
that's grow along the ground or up) and nito vine using “roping”, the
weaving technique of Romblon.
Image Source: cabilaocrown.loon.gov.ph

Forts of San Andres and Santiago - The forts of San Andres and
Santiago served as fortifications against Muslim and Dutch
pirates in the 17th century. They are known as the Twin Forts of
Romblon built by local laborers using coral and limestone found
in the locality and are located atop Calvary Hill and San Antonio
Hill overlooking Romblon town. At present time, only the Fort of
San Andres remains.
Image source: en.wikidpedia.org

22
 St. Joseph Cathedral and Belfry - St. Joseph Cathedral and
Belfry houses a centuries-old image of Nuestra Señor Sto. Niño
de Romblon. It features rich architectural details and is made
from the 15th century using limestone and bricks. It is located
at Poblacion, Romblon. At the present, it is considered as the
oldest Roman Catholic Church in the province and is declared
National Cultural Treasures by the National
Image Source: commons.wikipedia.org Museum.
Biniray Festival - held every 2nd week of January to give
homage to Sto. Nino de Romblon featuring a fluvial parade,
ethnic dances, live music and exhibits of local products. The
festival is one way to showcase the rich culture and faith of the
people of Romblon.
Image source: romblonnews.net

Palawan
Palawan is referred to as the Philippines’ last frontier. It is rich in cultural and natural
diversity. It is famous for its natural wonders that draw a lot of local and foreign tourists
such as the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, Kayangan Lake in Coron and the
lagoons in El Nido.
Arts and Crafts of Palawan
Palawan is home to the Tagbanua tribe who are known for their skill in making baskets
and woodcarvings. They are found in central Palawan and northern part of the island.
Blackened Woodcarving – Tagbanua carvers are known for their black wood sculptures
with simple etched or incised features exposing the original white grain of the wood.
Woodcarving of the Tagbanua is unique as it involves the
technique of blackening the surface of the wood completely to
bring out the white portions when etching the design. Some
woodcarvings used for rituals but most are made as toys of
children, house decorations or for self-expression.
Image source: lakadpilipinas.com

Tingkop Basket – a cone-shaped type of basket with lid or

cover made of blackened and natural bamboo so designs would stand
out. The basket is made in different sizes to serve a variety of uses. It can
be used for storing rice, salt, personal belongings and as burden basket
for hunting. In rituals, it is used to call upon spirits for people believe
that smaller tingkop baskets can hold the strength of the spirit.
Image source: behance.net

Manunggul Jar – a secondary burial jar that was used to contain the
remains of the dead. It was excavated in Manunggul Cave, Lipuun Point,
Palawan. The upper portion of the jar and cover are incised with
curvilinear scroll designs and painted with natural iron or hematite. On
the top of the jar cover is a boat with two human figures representing
two souls on a voyage to the afterlife.
Image source: commons.wikipedia.org

23
 Lesson

2 Arts and Crafts of Visayas

What’s In

Visayas
Visayas is one of the three main island groups of the Philippines. It is composed of large
and small islands situated in the central Philippines. According to history, Ferdinand
Magellan first landed here and started the
colonization and spread Christianity in our
country. It has three administrative regions
namely Western Visayas, Central Visayas
and Eastern Visayas. Cebuano, Hiligaynon
and Waray are the three local dialects
used.
Image source: en.wikipedia.org
islandhoppinginthephilippines.com

The Visayas is famous for its grandest and colorful religious as well as cultural festivals
in the Philippines like the Ati-Atihan Festival, Sinulog Festival, Dinagyang Festival,
Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival and Masskara Festival. Aside from these festivals, the
Visayas is also known for tourist attractions and destinations such as Boracay, Bohol
and Cebu. Notable arts and crafts include textile and mat weaving, basketry, and
furniture designs.

What’s New

Western Visayas (Region VI)

Panay Island
Panay Island is a triangular shaped island composed of the provinces
of Aklan, Capiz, Antique, Iloilo, and Island of Guimaras. The island’s
original inhabitants are the Ati tribe or Negritos. The name of Panay
was given by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi which literally means “there is
food” in Spanish. Weaving is the primary form of arts and crafts in
Panay Island.
Image source: vfm-philippines.com

Arts and Crafts of Aklan

Aklan it is the oldest province in the Philippines. It is known for the Ati-Atihan
Festival, woven fabric made from piña fiber and unique woven baskets and mats made
from bariw leaves.
24
Ati-Atihan Festival – reputed as the “Mother of All Philippine Festivals”. It is held every
January specifically on the third Sunday in Kalibo, Aklan as homage to the Sto. Niño.
Ati-Atihan means to be like an Ati, the local name for the Aeta people who are regarded
as the first settlers in Panay Island. The festival originated from the pagan celebration
to commemorate the Barter of Panay done between the Aeta who accepted the gifts given
by the Bornean datus (who fled their homes
because of their tyrant ruler) so they can be
allowed to stay in the island. There were dancing
and music during the celebration where the
Borneans covered their skin in soot as a sign of
gratefulness to the Aetas who have dark skin. The
church gave the festivity a different meaning thru
the celebration of the acceptance of Christianity
which is symbolized by the image of the Sto. Niño
that is carried during the procession.
Image source: commons.wikipedia.org

Piña Weaving – Piña fabric, regarded as the finest of Philippine textile is handwoven
and produced mostly in Aklan using fibers from the leaves of pineapple. It
is a delicate fabric with a creamy hue.
The fabric is usually embellished with
floral patterns. It is the fabric used for
Barong Tagalog and Extracting pineapple fibers to
weave them into piña fabric terno.
Images source: commons.wikipedia.org

Woven Baskets and Mats - Aklanons use “bariw” leaves which is a type of pandan that
grows abundantly in Aklan and Antique in weaving
baskets and mats. The leaves are cut
and dried first before the weavers make
them into handicraft items. The women
are usually the ones who weave these
bariw leaves into baskets, mats,
purses, hats and other items.
Bariw leaves Products made from bariw leaves
Images source: bitlanders.com wesvarrdec.blogspot.com

Arts and Crafts of Capiz

Capiz Shell Products - Capiz is regarded as the Seafood Capital of the Philippines. It is
also known for a particular oyster shell named Placuna Placenta that is also called
Capiz. This Capiz shell chips are used for making decorative items such as lamp shades,
chandeliers, picture frames, curtains, plates, tray,
vases, gift boxes and a lot more.
Placuna placenta and Capiz shell product
Image source: commons.wikipedia.org pixabay.com

Sinadya sa Halaran Festival - A joint festival of the

City of Roxas and the Province
of Capiz that is celebrated on December 4-8 to
commemorate the Feast of the Virgin of the Immaculate Concepcion, the patroness of
the City of Roxas.

25
 It is one of the most important annual events in Roxas City that
is celebrated both for cultural and religious purposes.

Image source: beterkasadyahansacapiz23.blogspot.com

Arts and Crafts of Antique

Buri Handicraft - Antique is known for its buri handicraft.

Weavers put into good use the abundance of buri palm in their
area and weave the leaves of the buri palm into baskets, bags,
mats, wallets, boxes and other useful items.
Image source: lakadpilipinas.com

Pottery – The town of Bari in Sibalom, Antique make earthenware

such as the kuron or daba, a round-bottomed, wide-mouthed
native cooking pot; an earthen stove or kalan; plant pot or paso;
and banga, used as storage for drinking water.

Image source: knowingantique.wordpress.com

Binirayan Festival – A festival that commemorates the arrival of

the ten Bornean datus in Panay Island. The word “binirayan”
means “where they landed”. The month-long festival features
activities like street dancing, parades, cultural shows, and arts &
crafts exhibitions.
Image source: primer.com.ph

Arts and Crafts of Iloilo

Patadyong - A textile woven mostly in Antique and Iloilo. It got
its name from the Visayan words, “pa” and “tadlong” which mean
“to be left straight.” It is usually woven from cotton with patterns
of stripes and plaids in bright colors like red, yellow, blue, and
green.
Image source: pna.gov.ph

Hablon – a handwoven fabric that is made from either cotton, abaca or piña. Its name
is derived from the Hiligaynon word “habol” which means to
weave. It may be woven plain or with plaid patterns. Miag-ao,
Oton, Badiangon, Duenas and Igbaras are the towns in Iloilo that
produce the hablon habric.
Image source: myfabriconlineph.com

Miag-ao Church – The Church of Saint Thomas of Villanova or

better known as the Miag-ao Church is located in the town
of Miag-ao, Iloilo. It is made famous by its artistic
sculptural relief carved on its facade. It is considered as
one best examples of the Baroque Churches of
the Philippines and included in the list of UNESCO World
Heritage Sites.
Image source: commons.wikipedia.org

26
Heritage Houses in Iloilo - Spanish-inspired ancestral houses are also found in Iloilo
some of which are now declared as heritage houses by Historical Commission of the
Philippines.

Vicente Lopez Heritage House Casa Mariquit Lizares Mansion

Images source: commons.wikipedia.com

Iloilo Cuisine – Iloilo is famous for iconic food like La Paz batchoy, pancit molo, KBL
(kadyos, baboy and langka),chicken binakol and laswa to name a few.

La Paz Batchoy Pancit Molo Laswa KBL-kadyos baboy langka

Chicken Binakol
Image source: commons.wikipedia.org Image sources: bestlutongpinoy.com and
panlasangpinoy.com

Dinagyang Festival – A religious festival in Iloilo celebrating the

feast of Sto. Niño every 4th Sunday of January. Dinagyang comes
from the Hiligaynon word which means merrymaking. The
festival has three major events namely the Ati Tribe Competition,
Dinagyang Calle Real and the Miss Iloilo Dinagyang.
Image source: commons.wikipedia.org

Arts and Crafts of Guimaras

Buri bags and baskets - Just like the other provinces of Panay Island, Guimaras also
has its own handicraft livelihood of weaving baskets and other woven items from bariw
and buri leaves like bags, mats and hats.
Manggahan Festival - The province is more popularly
known as the “Mango Capital of the Philippines” because of
the variety of mangoes produced in the island that is why
every year the Manggahan Festival is celebrated the whole
month of May. It is a form of thanksgiving for the bountiful
harvest of mangoes as well as a way to show the culture of
Guimaras.
Image source: panaynews.net

Arts and Crafts of Negros Occidental

Negros Occidental geographically belonged to Western Visayas which is popularly known
as the “Sugar Bowl of the Philippines”. Negros Island was originally known as “Buglas”
to the natives which is named after a sugar cane that grows in the island.

27
Sinamay – A type of fabric that is made from abaca fiber. It may be loosely woven to
look like a net or the fibers woven closely to make the fabric opaque. The fabric or textile
is best used for making hats, bags, mats, clothing and more.

Abaca fibers Sinamay fabric Hat made from sinamay

Image source: commons.wikipedia.org flickr.com windofhats.com

What Is It

Central Visayas (Region VII)

Central Visayas includes the islands of Cebu, Siquijor and Bohol and the eastern half
of Negros. The regional center is Cebu City.
Arts and Crafts of Negros Oriental
Negros Oriental is one of the Philippines popular tourist
destinations because of its dive sites, Masskara Festival in
Bacolod and handicrafts like woven pina and sinamay fabrics,
crafts made from abaca such as bags, mats and home décor as
well as bamboo products like trays and kitchen ware.
Weaving sinamay
Image source: youtube.com

Masskara Festival – Held every October in Bacolod City

which is dubbed as the “City of Smiles”. The word
“masskara” translates to many faces. Main feature of the
festival is the smiling masks worn by the participants. The
festival started in 1980 during the time when the price of
sugar dropped. Sugar is the main source of livelihood of the locals. To lift their spirits
and make them smile again, they came up with the Masskara Festival. The smiling
masks is a way to show that people of Bacolod are resilient and can rise up from any
challenge or tragedy that come their way.
Image source: commons.wikipedia.org

Arts and Crafts of Cebu

Cebu is given the title “Queen City of the South” and
considered the oldest city in the country. The province is
famous for its furniture industry that utilizes rattan and
wood, making of guitar and beautiful fashion accessories.
Sinulog Festival - The Sinulog-Santo Niño Festival is an
annual cultural and religious festival held on the third

28
 Sunday of January in Cebu City and is the center of the Santo Niño Catholic
celebrations in the Philippines. The festival is thought to be the first of the most well-
known festivals in the Philippines. The word Sinulog comes from the Cebuano adverb
“sulog” which roughly means "like water current movement;" describing the forward-
backward movement of the Sinulog dance.
Image source: flickr.co
Cebu Furniture Products – Cebu furniture are in demand because of
their quality, unique beautiful and luxurious designs, use of
indigenous materials like rattan, wood and capiz. Cebu furniture
designs are also environment friendly. Notable furniture designers of
Cebu are Kenneth Cobonpue, Vito Selma and Debbie Palao.
Kenneth Cobonpue – furniture designer in Cebu
Image source: common.wikipedia.com

Fashion Jewelry - Cebu is also noted for its

artists who create handmade, unique, modern
and one of a kind fashion jewelry made from
wood, metal, shells, stones and other indigenous
materials. Image source: earthworksfashion.com

Guitar Making Industry – Guitars made in Lapu-Lapu

City in Cebu are popular because of their unique sound,
quality, craftmanship and durability. These guitars are
usually made from soft and hardwoods such as narra,
jackfruit, black wood ebony and imported woods.
Image source: flickr.com

Arts and Crafts of Bohol

Bohol is home to the Chocolate Hills and the smallest living primate, the tarsier.
Basketry and mat weaving are the main handicrafts in the province due to the abundant
indigenous materials that can be used in making baskets and mats such as bamboo,
rattan, nito vines and buri palm.

Chocoloate Hills Tarsier Assorted baskets Cloth made from raffia

Image source: en.wikipedia.org https://www.bohol-philippines.com/bohol-products.html

Churches in Bohol - Roman Catholic churches built during the early Spanish
colonization are found all over Bohol. Most of these are built out of coral stones and the
design is cross shaped (cruciform). Because of their cultural, historical and architectural
importance, Baclayon, Loboc, Loon, and Maribojoc churches were declared as National
Cultural Treasure.

29
 Baclayon Church or the
Immaculate Conception of the
Virgin Mary Parish Church in
Baclayon, Bohol
Loboc Church or the San
Pedro Apostol Parish
Church in loboc Bohol
Loon Church or the Our
Lady of Light Parish
Church), Loon, Bohol
Maribojoc Church or Santa
Cruz Parish Church in
Maribojoc, Bohol

Images source: en.wikipedia.org

Arts and Crafts of Siquijor

Siquijor is called the Mystic Island of Central Visayas since it is known as a place of
magic and sorcery as well as for its unique healing arts and long tradition of making
potions that are used as alternative medicine. When it comes to arts and craft, they
produce handwoven baskets and wood carvings. The province is noted for its coconut
handicraft where artisans carve the coconut wood and coconut shells into varied useful
items.

Potions made in Siquijor Woodcarvings Coconut handicrafts

Images source: lagawan.org Images source: siquijor-island.com Image source: smylendream.com

What’s More

Eastern Visayas (Region VIII)

Eastern Visayas consists of the islands of Leyte, Samar and Biliran. The regional center
is Tacloban City. Its provinces are Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Eastern Samar,
Northern Samar and Samar. Traditional arts and crafts of the region are mat weaving,
basketry and pottery. The region is also one of the top producers of abaca in the country.

Arts and Crafts of Samar

Banig Weaving - Basey, Samar is known for its woven
products especially their famous banig or sleeping mat. The
banig is individually handwoven by mat weavers who are
mostly women. They use the tikog grass that grows in
swampy areas along rice fields. The banig is not just use as a
sleeping mat but is now made into bags, place mats, slippers,
throw pillows and other useful decorative items.
Banig weavers in Basey, Samar. Image source: commons.wikipedia.com

30
 Tikog grass Banig or Sleeping Mats Products made from banig
Image source: visayas.politics.com.ph Image source: flickr.com Image source: commons.wikipedia.org

Arts and Craft of Leyte

Handicraft makers from Leyte used abaca for bags, coconut shells for
placemats, pandan leaves and tikog grass for mats and baskets.
Tanauan, Leyte is known for its pottery since it is one of the best
sources of clay in Eastern Visayas. Other locally made crafts in Leyte
include bamboo crafts and items made from malave wood.
Tikog crafts Pottery Native bags
Image source: brainly.ph leyteliving.blogspot.com baybaycity.gov.ph

Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival
The Pintados Festival is a cultural-religious celebration in Tacloban based on the body-
painting traditions of the ancient tattooed "pintados"
warriors. Pintados means “painted” a term used by the
Spaniards when they first came to the Philippines and saw
natives with tattoos on their bodies. The Pintados
Foundation, Inc. was formed by the people of Tacloban in
1986 to organize this festival in honor of Sr. Santo Niño. It
was first celebrated on June 29, 1987. Kasadyaan
Festival was first held on May 12, 1996. The word
“kasadyaan” means merrymaking. The festival features
lively dance-drama parade showcasing the culture and history of Leyte. Later this
festival was merged with Pintados Festival and both are celebrated every June 29. Image
source: commons.wikipedia.org

Arts and Crafts of Biliran

Biliran is also known for its mats, hats and basket weaving industry as well as for
making ceramics. metal craft, bags, shell crafts, and bamboo craft are also part of their
livelihood.
.

Mat weaving in Higatangan Ceramics Native bags

Images source: biliranisland.com
31
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