COR 013 - UNDERSTANDING

CULTURE, SOCIETY, AND POLITICS

Diorama Preliminary Plan

A Mini Performance Task

Group Members:
Acas, Francis
Agbon, Nelian
Alaska, Aloha
Andus, Justine
Antigra, Daisy
Antigua, Jason
Arellano, Angelo
Balusada, Ann Margarette
Barrete, Nesha
Cabillada, Alaiza
Calunsag, Renjie

Grade and Section:

COC-FA2-G11-HUMSS-03

1. Rationale
 The reason why we choose Banaue Rice Terraces, Mt. Polis, and a Bale (a traditional
Ifugao hut) as the cultural elements for the diorama is to showcase significant aspects
and to show appreciation of the Filipino culture and heritage. These cultural symbols
represent different aspects of the Philippines, including its agricultural history, natural
landscapes, and traditional architecture. The diorama aims to promote awareness to their
rich culture, environment, arts, and to their ways of living.

2. Background

These terraces feature intricate fields that demonstrate the agricultural practices of the
Ifugao people. The rice terraces were made by the Ifugaos approximately 2,000 years
ago. Long generations of Ifugaos hand-carved the mountains with the use of mere
primitive tools and sheer human power. They traced the contours of the land and made
the terraces look like large steps heavenward. Because of this, the Banaue Rice Terraces
is also called “Stairways to the Sky,” a very fitting title for this work of wonder
(Bonifacio, 2013).

Rising to an elevation of 2,056 meters, Mount Polis is located in Ifugao’s untamed

wilderness, where adventurers can experience stunning flora and fauna. The summit
offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountain ranges, making the
climb a must-do for outdoor enthusiasts. Additionally, the area is home to an abundance
of wildlife, including the endemic Ifugao rice terraces rat and the cloud rat. Summiting
Mount Polis is an experience that encapsulates the beauty of the Philippine mountains
and highlights the importance of preserving our natural environment (Philippines
Tourism, 2023).

Like most traditional houses in the Cordillera, the Ifugao bale is constructed from hand-
hewn timber, runo, and cogon grass. A distinguishing feature of the Ifugao house is the
halipan, rat guards, in each of the four posts that elevate it. Square in floor plan, the bale
with its halipan has become an iconic symbol of the Ifugao (Scott, 1962).

3. Materials

The following list are the materials that we need to be able to achieve our diorama:

• Clay (Primarily Green and Brown)

• Cutter/Scissors
• Popsicle Stick/Barbecue Stick
 • Cardboard
• Stick Glue/Glue
• Carton Box
• Brush & Fake Cogon Grass
• Coloring Materials
• Coconut Leaves/Nipa Texture
• Styrofoam

4. Process

For Banaue Rice Terraces:

Step 1: Each “stairs” on the terraces are shaped using a carton box and a popsicle stick
then covered by a brown clay to imitate the terraces.

Step 2: Glue the terraces that we made on our cardboard/carton box.

Step 3: On the other hand, to make the “palay”, we are going to cut the brushes of a paint
brush, color it green, and is placed upwards using a stick glue underneath it.

For Mount Polis:

Step 1: We are going to shape the mountain with a styrofoam, play around some coloring
materials on it to add details to make it more realistic.

Step 2: The ground on the mountain are covered with fake cogon grass.

For Bale:

Step 1: Again, we would try to make the hut using a popsicle stick, glue them side by
side, while the “halipan” are used with coconut leaves/nipa that are stacked with each
other to cover the hut.
5. Sample Product