NATIONAL LIVING TREASURES / GAWAD SA A traditional artist who possesses all the qualities

MANLILIKHA NG BAYAN of a Manlilikha ng Bayan candidate, but due to

age or infirmity has left him/her incapable of
GAMABA primarily focuses on recognizing teaching further his/her craft, may still be
individuals or groups for their excellence in recognized if:
traditional arts and crafts. As mentioned,
GAMABA stands for “Gawad sa Manlilikha ng
Bayan” or the “National Living Treasures
Award” in the Philippines. It is a prestigious a. He/she had created a significant body of works
recognition given to individual or groups who and/or has consistently displayed excellence in
excel in traditional arts and crafts, the practice of his/her art, thus achieving
acknowledging their significant contributions to important contributions for its development.
the country’s cultural heritage. b. He/she has been instrumental in the
The GAMABA award is conferred by the revitalization of his/her community’s artistic
National Commission for Culture and the tradition.
Arts (NCCA) in the Philippines. The NCCA is c. a. He/she has passed on to the other members
responsible for evaluating and selecting of the community skills in the folk art for which
recipients based on their expertise in traditional the community is traditionally known.
arts and crafts, as well as their contributions to
preserving and promoting Filipino cultural d. His/her community has recognized him/her as
heritage. The President of the Philippines master and teacher of his/her craft.
declares and confers the GAMABA award
upon the recommendation of the NCCA. The
process involves a thorough assessment of the GAMABA ARTIST
nominees’ mastery of traditional skills,
knowledge, and their impact on the cultural Ginaw Bilog
landscape of the country. nominees
Hanunuo Mangyan poet from Mansalay, Mindoro
How does one become a Manlilikha ng who is an advocate of preserving the traditional
Bayan? form of his tribe called “AMBAHAN”.

To become a “Manlilikha ng Bayan”, the Federico Caballero

candidate must possess the following
Panay-Bukidnon epic chanter.
qualifications:
He is known for his work on the documentation of
a. He/she is an inhabitant of an
the oral literature, particularly the ten epics.
indigenous/traditional cultural community
anywhere in the Philippines that has preserved Alonzo Saclag
indigenous customs, beliefs, rituals and traditions
and/or has syncretized whatever external A master of dance and performing arts from
elements that have influenced it. Kalinga.

b. He/she must have engaged in a folk art He is instrumental in establishing the practice of
tradition that has been in existence and children wearing traditional Kalinga clothing for
documented for at least fifty (50) years. important school events as well as the teaching
of Kalinga folk songs in schools. He also lobbied
c. He/she must have consistently performed or for the broadcast of traditional Kalinga music
produced over a significant period, works of along with contemporary music in their local
superior and distinctive quality. radio station
d. He/she must possess a mastery of tools and Masino Intaray - chanter and musician
materials needed by the art, and must have an
established reputation in the art as master and A member of the Pala’wan tribe, musician and
maker of works of extraordinary technical quality. epic chanter Masino Intaray was a master of the
basal, a gong music ensemble played during an
e. He/she must have passed on and/or will pass offering rituals to the God of rice (tambilaw)
on to other members of the community their skills
in the folk art for which the community is Samaon Sulaiman
traditionally known.
A Maguindanaon musician from Mama sa Pano, expanding his experience and becoming one of
Maguindanao. He is a master in playing the the most respected creators of religious and
kutyapi. secular art today. He uses wood, silver, and
bronze to create exquisitely detailed and lifelike
Uwang Ahadas - musician pieces of varying sizes: altars, mirrors, retablos,
Yakan musical instruments are not the easiest or and even carosas. Mutuc is based in Apalit,
most affordable to maintain, but Uwang Ahadas Pampanga. He was awarded in 2004.
of Lamitan, Basilan made it his life’s work to Teofilo Garcia - gourd casque “tabungaw”
master them. maker

In San Quintin, Abra, Teofilo Garcia would often

Darhata Sawabi - textile weaver walk around town wearing his gourd casques.
Through word of mouth and his participation in
Darhata Sawabi’s mission was to lead young the annual local harvest festival, Garcia was able
women towards making a living out of her craft. to introduce the tabungaw plant as a good and
The Parang, Sulu-based textile weaver’s primary sturdy material for functional, elegant, and
creation was the headpiece pis siyabit — pis protective hats.
stands for the pattern, which is said to be derived
from India’s mandala, depicting spirituality Bai Estelita Tumandan Bantilan (born Labnai
through geometric forms, and siyabit refers to the Tumndan; October 17, 1940)
hook and technique. Filipino textile weaver from the municipality of
Haja Amina Appi Malapatan, Sarangani. She is credited with
creating "some of the biggest, most subtly
The master MAT weaver of Sama indigenous beautiful mats to be seen anywhere in Southeast
community from Ungos Matata, Tawi-tawi. Asia."[1] She was given the National Living
Treasure Award by the Philippines through the
Lang Dulay - textile weaver
National Commission for Culture and the Arts in
In Lang Dulay’s family, the weaving of the t’nalak 2016.
(a fine abaca cloth) took place before or after
Yabing Masalon Dulo
farm work, when the weather was cool and the
conditions were better for the product. Dulay, Was a Filipino textile master weaver and dyer,
who grew up in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, was credited with preserving the Blaan
taught to weave by her mother when she was 12. traditional mabal tabih art of ikat weaving and
dyeing. At the time of her death, she was one of
Magdalena Gamayo - textile weaver
only two surviving master designers of the mabal
Based in Pinili, Ilocos Norte, Magdalena Gamayo tabih art of the indigenous Blaan people of
took up weaving when she was 16, guided by her southern Mindanao in the Philippines.
aunt’s patterns. She received her first loom from
PAHIYAS
her father three years later, which she would end
up using for 30 years. She taught herself • means PRECIOUS OFFERING
traditional patterns, such as kusikus (whirlwind),
marurup (Milky Way), and sinan paddak ti pusa • Means a shower of gifts and blessings in
(cat’s pawprint), building on the more common the celebratory abundance of a harvest.
inuritan (geometric design) and sinan-sabong • The root word HIYAS means JEWEL.
(flowers).
• The decorations are usually composed of
Salinta Monon rice grains, fruits, flowers, and kiping
Bagobo textile weaver from Bansalan, Davao del which are leaf-shaped and multi-colored
Sur. rice paste wafers and are used to decorate
facades.
The traditional Bagobo fabrics which are made up
of abaca fibers of the product of Salita. SANIKULAS COOKIE MOLD CRAVINGS

Eduardo Mutuc - metalsmith and artist • Panecillos de san Nicolas (Pan de San
Nicolas) Buttery short bread like cookie
He had no prior knowledge of the work he was made with arrowroot flour, coconut milk,
getting into, but this did not stop him from and egg yolks.
 • The cookies have intricate embroidered- ELEMENTS AND PRINCIPLE OF ARTS FOR
like design that was shape in a hand CONTEMPORARY ARTFORMS IN THE
carved wooden mold creates a beautiful PHILIPPINES
unique panecillos de san Nicolas.
The elements and principles of art are
PABALAT / PABALOT OR PASTILLAS fundamental concepts that guide the creation
WRAPPER CUTTING ART and understanding of visual art.

• The word pabalat has two levels of These principles and elements are applicable
meaning. On a literal note, it pertains to across various art forms, including contemporary
the pabalat as a PRODUCT (Paper cut- art in the Philippines.
outs). On a metaphorical level, it cannotes
the state of the art practice. THE ELEMENTS OF ART:

LINE - Describes a shape or outline. It can create

texture and can be thick or thin. Lines may be
actual, implied, vertical, horizontal, diagonal, or
contour lines.

SHAPE - Usually a geometric area that stands

TAKA out from the space next to or around it, or
• Takaan, a carved wooden sculpture, is because of differences in value, color, or texture.
used as a mold in making taka. Brown Shape may also be 2- dimensional object.
craft paper is used as a final layer for taka SHAPE - The degree of light and dark in a
made for export. This provides a thicker design. It is the contrast between black and white
base and smoother finish for the craft. and all the tones in between.
• Taka refers to paper mache made using TEXTURE - The way a surface feels or is
carved wooden sculpture used as a mold. perceived to feel. Texture can be added to attract
The craft originated in the town of Paete, or repel interest in a visual element. Visual
Laguna in the Philippines. texture is the illusion of the surfaces' peaks and
PAGBUBURDA valleys, resulting in a feeling of smoothness or
roughness in objects.
• Lumban, Laguna – “hand Embroidery
Capital of the Philippines”. COLOR - Determined by its hue (name of color),
intensity (purity of the hue), and value (lightness
• Taal, Batangas or darkness of hue). Color and color combination
can play a large role in the design. Color may be
SINGKABAN OR BAMBOO ART
used for emphasis, or may elicit emotions from
• Is a Filipino word decorated bamboo arch, viewers. Color maybe warm, cool, or neutral.
and is used as a welcome signages of a Color combination also plays a major role in
town, city or village in the country. creating aesthetic appeal.

PUNI OR PALM LEAF FOLDING The Colour Wheel

- A tagalog term from from the province of The colour wheel or colour circle - is a basic but
Bulacan which means to beautify or completely essential tool for combining colours
decorate with the use of coconut leaf. and is designed in such a way that virtually any
Coconut leaves are fashioned by folding, colours you pick from it will look beautiful
plaiting, braiding and simple weaving, together.
which may have functional as well as Warm colours - red, orange, yellow and variations
aesthetic uses. of these three colours - are vibrant and full of
- PUNI designs can be categorized energy.
according to their uses. The most common Cool colours - green, blue and violet - offer calm
designs are birds, fish, grasshoppers, etc. and Tranquillity, and they're often more subdued
than warm colours.

White, black and grey - on the other hand - are

considered to be neutral.
FORM - A figure having volume and thickness. An BALANCE - symmetrical balance asymmetrical
illusion of a 3-dimensional object can be implied balance radial balance Refers to the distribution
with the use of light and shading. Form can be of visual weight in a composition.
viewed from many angles.
-SYMMETRICAL BALANCE - Forms of either side
SPACE - Is the area provided for a particular of the axis correspond to one another in size,
purpose. It refers to the distances or area around, shape, and placement.
between or within the piece. It can be 2-
dimensional or 3-dimensional object. -ASTMMETRICAL BALANCE - Work is seen
where two sides do not match in visual weight.
2 Types:
-RADIAL BALANCE - Visual elements are
Positive Space arranged around a central point in the
composition.
Negative Space
UNITY - Known as harmony, refers to the
cohesive of an artwork - how whole, consistent,
and complete it appears. Unity is a pleasing
combination of elements.

VARIETY - Refers to the elements of a

composition that differ from one another.

ARTISTIC SKILLS

With the broadening of the art world, many

people are getting confused about what qualifies
THE PRINCIPLES OF ART:
as an artistic skill. Artistic skills are abilities that
Principles of art are the arrangement of the are possessed by artists who operate within a fine
elements or the building blocks of arts. It is the art çapacity.
guidelines an artist can organize the elements of
Each artist uses different mediums to sto develop
art to create a wide range of effects.
their artistic skills. A medium is defined as the
CONTRAST - Refers to the arrangement of material, or the substance out of which a work is
opposite elements and effects. Contrast can be made. Through these materials, the artists
used to create variety, visual interest, and drama express and communicate feelings and ideas
in an artwork.
The medium also defines the nature of the art
EMPHASIS - Refers to the area of an artwork form as follows:
that dominates attention or draws interest. It is
1.The sculptor uses metal, wood, stone, clay,
often the area a viewer looks FIRST.
and glass. Sculptures fall within the category of
MOVEMENT - Can be thought of in two ways: "three- dimensional" arts because they occupy
space and have volume.
1. Refers to how an artist depicts movement
using the elements and principles of art. Pottery is a form of sculpture. Other examples are
nudes or figures such as Guillermo Tolentino's
2. Refers to the visual flow of an artwork, Oblation, ritual objects such as bulul wood
indicated by the path a viewer's eyes take as carvings in the cordillera, or the santos or
they look at the artwork. carvings of saints in Christian churches.
RHYTHM - Refers to the movement or action of a The architect uses wood, bamboo, bricks, stone,
composition, usually achieved through repetition concrete and various building materials. Buildings
of lines, shapes, colors, and more. are also called "three- dimensional". However,
architecture has the added element of time since
SCALE AND PROPORTION - Based on
we move into structures.
relationship between figures. Scale is the
relationship of a figure to a standard sized figure. The painter uses pigments on a usually flat
Proportion is the relationship of parts to a whole. ground
Artist can use scale and proportion to create
sensations such as depth, realism, disorientation, The printmaker uses ink printed or transferred
and drama. on a surface (wood, metal plates, or silk screen)
that is keeping with a duplicating or reproducing include magazines and newspaper clippings,
process. Prints and paintings are further classified ribbons, paints, bits of colored or handmade
as "two-dimensional" arts, because they include papers, portions of other artwork or texts,
the surface or ground on which coloring photographs, and other found objects, glued to a
substances are applied. However, while paintings piece of paper or canvas
are unique and one-of-a kind, prints can be
reproduced in several pre- determined editions 2. Decollage - is the opposite of collage; instead
of an image is being built up all or parts of
The musician uses sound and instruments existing images, it is created by cutting, treating
(including human voice), while the dancers use away or otherwise removing pieces of an original
the body. A T'boli chanter sings creation stories in image. The French word "Decollage" in English
a way that is different from a classical singer or means "Take-off" or "To become Unglued" or "To
pop music influenced by the Western music scale. become unstuck". Example of decollage include
cut-up technique. Similar technique is the
The dancer uses the body and its movement. lacerated poster, a poster in which one has been
Dance is often accompanied by music, but there over another.
are dances that do not rely on musical
accompaniment to be realized. Dance can tell 3. Graffiti - are writing or drawings that have
stories, but the other times, they convey abstract been scribed, scratched, or painted illicitly on a
ideas that do not rely on a narrative. wall or other surface, often in a public space.
Graffiti range from simple written words to
The theater artist integrates all the arts and elaborate wall paintings. Graffiti may express
uses the stage, production design, performance underlying social and political messages, and a
elements, and script to enable the visual, whole genre of artistic expression is based spray
musical, dance and other aspects to come paint graffiti styles.
together as a whole work.
4. Land Art - earth works, or earth arls is an art
The photographer and filmmaker use the movement in which landscape and the work of art
camera to record the outside world. The are inextricably linked. It is also an art form that
filmmaker uses the cinematographic camera to is created in nature, using natural materials such
record and put together production design, sound as soil, rock (bed rock, bolders, stones), organic
engineering, performance, and screenplay. In media (logs, branches, leaves), and water which
digital photography and film, the images can be introduced materials such as concrete, metal
assimilated into the computer, thus eliminating asphalt, or mineral pigments
the need for celluloid or negatives, processing
chemicals, or print. 5.Digital Arts - is an artistic Work or practice
that uses digital technology as an essential part
The writer of a novel, poetry, nonfiction, of the creative or presentation process. process.
and fiction uses words. Di Digital art is work made with digital technology
The designer, the performance artist and or presented on digital technology.
installation artist combine use of the range or This includes images done completely on
materials above computer or hand-drawn images scanned into a
TECHNIQUE computer and finished using a software program
like Adobe Illustrator. Digital art can also involve
Technique is the way artists use and manipulate animation and 3D virtual sculpture renderings as
materials to achieve the desired formal effect, well as projects that combine several
and communicate the desired concept, or technologies.
meaning, according to his or her style (modern,
Neoclassic, etc.). The distinctive character or Some digital art involves manipulation of video
nature of the medium determines the technique. images. After some resistance, the impact of
Technique involves tools and technology, ranging digital technology has transformed activities such
from most traditional to the most contemporary. as paintings, drawing, sculpture, and music/sound
art, while new form such as net art.
Here are some of art techniques Used by artists.
6.Mixed Media - It refers to a work of visual art
1.Collage - is the technique of an art production that combines various traditionally distinct visual
used in the visual arts where the artwork is made art. For example, work on canvas that combines
from on assemblage of different forms, thus paint, ink and collage. When creating a painted or
creating a new whole. Collage may sometimes
photograph work using mixed media, it is
important to choose the layers carefully and allow
enough dying time between the layers to ensure
the final work will have structural integrity, if
many different layers are imposed. Many effects
can be achieved by using mixed media. Found
objects can be used in conjunction with the
traditional artist to attain a wide range of self-
expression.

7.Print Making - is the process of making

artworks by painting, normally in the paper. Prints
are created by transforming ink from a matrix ink
from a matrix or through a prepared screen to a
sheet of paper or other material. Common types
of matrices include metal plates, usually copper
or zinc, or polymer plates for engraving or
etching; stone aluminum of polymer for
lithography; blocks of wood crafts and wood
graving; and linoleum for linocuts. Screen made
of silk or synthetic fabrics are used for the
screen-printing process

8. Frottage - is the technique of rubbing with

crayon on a piece of paper which has been placed
over an object or an image. The impression of the
image can be created using leaves, woods, wire
screen, or metal with embossed image or words

9. Decalcomania – is the process of applying

gouache to paper or glass then transferring a
reversal of the image onto canvas or other flat
materials.

10.Decoupage - is done by adhering cut-outs of

paper and then coating these with one or
transparent coating of varnish.

11. Eggshell mosaic - is an artistic technique

that uses tiny parts of eggshell to create a whole
image or object. Mosaics are usually assembled
using small tiles that are square, but they can
also be round or randomly shaped.