CONTEMPORARY

PHILIPPINE ARTS
FROM THE REGIONS
REGION-1-BARMM
REGION 1
ILOCOS REGION
 REGION 1 (ILOCOS REGION)
• Comprised of the provinces of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and
Pangasinan. The region is best known for its world-class tourist
destinations, its rich culture and notable personalities, and for its
renowned art known across the Philippines.
• Ilocos Region is home to some of the greatest visual artists in the
Philippines’ history. Juan Luna, hailing from Ilocos Norte
• Pamulinawen festival, considered as a contemporary performance art
of the region, came from the name of a woman made popular in the
popular Ilocano folk song Pamulinawen; to promote camaraderie and
sportsmanship.
• Biag Ni Lam-Ang- one of the most popular epic poems of the Ilocos
region. It was written by the famous Filipino poet and author known as
blind from birth, Pedro Bucaneg; the "father of Ilocano literature".
 REGION 1 (ILOCOS REGION)
• Ang Singsing nang Dalagang Marmol (The Ring of the Marble
Maiden”)- is a historical novel written by Filipino novelist, Isabelo
Florentino de los Reyes before 1905.
• "Inabel”: is a weaving tradition native to the Ilocano people of Northern
Luzon in the Philippines. The term is derived from the local verb for
"weave", "abel" and the Ilocano noun "inabel," describing any kind of
woven fabric.
• "Damili,” the traditional procedure of pottery making in Ilocos Norte.
• “Burnay” are earthen jars with small openings. The Ilocano "burnay"
which gained prominence not only among the inhabitants of the capital
town of Vigan, Ilocos Sur.
• San Juan, La Union is also known for the famous pottery making or
 CAR
CORDILLERA ADMINISTRATIVE REGION
 CAR
• Cordillera, a name given by the Spanish Conquistadors when they first
saw the mountain ranges. Meaning “knotted rope”, the Spanish term
refers to the jumble drolls and dips of this long-range crisscrossing the
northern part of Luzon Island
• BANGA: The Bangaor pot dance is a contemporary performance of
Kalinga of the Mountain Province in the Philippines.
• RAGRAGSAKAN- A dance portrays the walk of the industrious Kalinga
women, carrying water pots on their heads and wearing the colorful
hand-woven “blankets of life” around their necks. Their walk imitates the
climb up to the Rice Terraces in Mountain Province.
• UYAOY/UYAUY- It is an Ifugao wedding festival dance accompanied by
gongs and is performed by the affluent to attain the second level of the
 CAR
• -Apo Whang-Od- also known as Maria Oggay, is a Filipina tattoo artist
from Buscalan,Tinglayan, Kalinga,Philippines. She is often described as
the "last" and oldest mambabatok and is part of the Butbut people of the
larger Kalinga ethnic group.
• Benedicto Reyes Cabrera- better known as "BenCab", is a Filipino
painter and was awarded National Artist of the Philippines for Visual
Arts(Painting) in 2006.He has been noted as "arguably the best-selling
painter of his generation of Filipino artists.
• Kidlat Tahimik- born Eric Oteyza de Guia, is an independent filmmaker
who primarily advocates for indigenous culture amidst neocolonialism.
He has been dubbed the “Father of Philippine Indie Cinema” and was
conferred the prestigious Order of National Artist in the field of film and
broadcast arts in 2018.
REGION II
CAGAYAN VALLEY
 REGION II
• VAKUL - Head gear to protect them from heat of the sun and rain
• KANAYI - The vests draped on men when they work in the field.
• TUKAP - Traditional footwear of Ivatan
• PALU_PALO FESTIVAL- This is a cultural presentation of the
municipality of Basco, Batanes, showcasing their ethnic group"s rugged
yet storied existence. Palu-palo means sticks or arnis that were used by
the native Ivatans to fight the forces of the colonizers such as Spaniards
and the Dutch.
• Backstrap loom weaving is a traditional textile weaving technique
practiced in Nueva Vizcaya, where the loom is operated by the weaver
using a strap attached around their back.
 REGION II

• Pottery- Local artisans create functional and decorative ceramic items,

including cooking pots and storage jars.
• Beadwork- Artisans in Tuguegarao engage in beadwork to produce
intricate jewelry and accessories, such as necklaces and bracelets, which
are often used in traditional attire and ceremonies.
REGION III
CENTRAL LUZON
 REGION III
• Composed of the provinces of Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Pampanga,
Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, and Zambales
• "Rice Granary of the Philippines" due to its vast plains and extensive
rice production
• Sinukwan Festival (Pampanga) – Celebrates the Kapampangan
culture.
• Singkaban Festival (Bulacan) – Showcases Bulacan's culture, arts,
and traditions.
• Florante at Laura - a Filipino epic written by Francisco Balagtas, a.k.a.
Francisco Baltazar, during his time in prison-the work is dedicated to
"Selya", his beloved at the time
• Santos - the object of deep devotion by the people in the Philippines.
 NCR
NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION
 NCR
• NCR is composed of almost all the cultural groups in the Philippines. This
region is considered as the political, social, and cultural center of
the country.
• The NCR also is the home of famous museums such as the National
Museum of the Philippines and the Metropolitan Museum of
Manila.
• “graffiti walls” in Intramuros to provide a great venue for skaters to
practice. These walls in Intramuros have become an effective canvas for
graffiti artists to legally express themselves through art.
• In Caloocan City, their “pamaypay” festival showcases the useof
“pamaypay” or fan in an artistic and colorful manner.
 NCR
• Contemporary art in NCR emerged during the year 1975 when Silvana
Ancellotti-Diaz established Galleria Duemila, the oldest running
commercial gallery in the Philippines.
• The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), established during the
term of President Ferdinand Marcos, plays a pivotal role in promoting
Philippine art and artists. Since its founding, the CCP offered a platform
for artists to showcase their work, from Filipino traditional art to
contemporary forms.
REGION IV-A
CALABARZON
 REGION IV-A
• PAHIYAS FESTIVAL - It has extravagant preparations which by tradition
started during the 16th century as a way of thanksgiving for the people's
bountiful harvest.
• KIPING - colorful thin rice wafers used to decorate houses during the
festival.
• HIGANTES are giant paper mache images measuring four to five feet in
diameter and ten to twelve feet in height. The street event leads to a
procession in Laguna de Bay.
• PETROGLYPHS (2000 BC)- carved into a rock wall in Angono, Rizal. It
consists of 127 human and animal figures engraved on the rock wall
probably carved during the late Neolithic. They are the “oldest known
work of art in the Philippines”.
 REGION IV-A
• PAETE - known to be the “Carving Capital of the Philippines.”
• "Sa Ugoy ng Duyan" (literally in Tagalog: "In the Rocking of the
Cradle"; official English title: "The Sway of the Baby Hammock”) is a
Filipino lullaby. The music was composed by Lucio San Pedro while the
lyrics were written by Levi Celerio. Both of them were National Artists of
the Philippines and this song was their most popular collaboration.
• Alejandro G. Abadilla– commonly known as AGA, was a Filipino poet,
essayist, and fiction writer. Critics referred to him as the “father of
modern Philippine poetry.”
• Tinis-tradition that narrates the story how Joseph and Mary found a Place
to give birth to Jesus (Kawit)
• Santacruzan-is a religious-historical beauty pageant held in many cities,
REGION IV-B
MIMAROPA
 REGION IV-B
• Mangyan Ambahan: This traditional poetic form is being incorporated
into various art forms, including visual installations, multimedia
performances, and contemporary music.
• Hablon Weaving: Contemporary weavers are infusing traditional
weaving techniques with modern designs and materials, creating unique
pieces that bridge tradition and modernity.
• Marble Art: Romblon's marble industry is seeing artists create abstract
and conceptual sculptures that push the boundaries of traditional marble
art. They are also experimenting with mixed media.
• Rafael Arenillo Cusi- also known as Popoy Cusi is a Filipino artist
specializing in watercolor and is often referred to as the "master of
watercolor in the Philippines."
REGION V
BICOL REGION
 REGION- V
• PAMALAY-It is a traditional way of engagement of two couple. It is
characterized by the boy and his parents going to the girl house asking
for permission of the girl's parent to get married.
• Pantomina is a Bicolano folk dance that came from the Spanish word for
“pantomime”, because of its courting/wooing movements.
• Magayon festival In admiration of the Majestic Mayon's beauty and
splendor.
• Bicolano weaving includes intricate patterns and designs in textiles like
pinya (pineapple fiber cloth) and abaca (banana fiber cloth).
These are used to make traditional garments and accessories.
• Shell Craft- Craftsmen use seashells to create jewelry, home décor, and
souvenirs, reflecting the region’s coastal resources.
REGION VI
WESTERN VISAYAS
 REGION- VI
• ILOMOCA- A cornerstone of Iloilo's contemporary art scene is the Iloilo
Museum of Contemporary Art (ILOMOCA). It houses a remarkable
collection of contemporary art, both local and national.
• Dinagyang Festival is a vibrant and world-renowned celebration held
annually in Iloilo City, Philippines, in honor of the Santo Niño (Holy Child).
• Kublai Millan: Known for his large-scale murals that often depict social
and environmental issues.
• Tinubok is a traditional handwoven costume of the Panay Bukidnon
people, a group indigenous to the mountainous regions of Panay Island.
• Paseo de Iloilo is a graceful and flirtatious dance that originated in Iloilo
City during the Spanish colonial period.
 REGION- VI
• Koratza It is a lively and energetic dance that often involves a group of people
dancing in a circular formation.
• Ati-Atihan Festival is a vibrant and exhilarating celebration held annually in
January in the province of Aklan, Philippines.
• Escopiton Malandog originated from Malandog, Hamtir, Antique. It's
characterized by its lively and energetic movements, often involving the use of
small sticks or "escopitons.
• Patadyong: A colorful, plaid skirt that's a staple in Filipino attire.
• Manggahan Festival is the most significant cultural event in Guimaras.
Celebrated annua ly in May, it highlights the island's pride in its mango
production.
• Hinilawod is the ancient epic of Panay Island, preserved among the Sulod or
Panay Bukidnon people of Panay Island. The epic has 29,000 verses and takes
about three days to chant in its original form. It was first documented in 1955 by
REGION VII
CENTRAL VISAYAS
 REGION- VII
• The Sinulog-Santo Niño Festival (as known as Sinug and Sulog) is an annual
cultural and religious festival held on the third Sunday of January in Cebu.
• HABLON- the materials for hablon weaving are prepared by the artisans. These
consist of yarn, which are traditionally made from cotton, abaca, and piña.
• PATADYONG- The patadyong, is an indigenous Philippine rectangular or tube-
like wraparound skirt worn by both men and women of the Visayas islands and
the Sulu Archipelago, similar to the Malong, or Sarong.
• Sinamay is widely used for blocking hats and trims, but it wasn’t introduced to
the millinery world until the 1990s. It is woven in the Philippines, from the stalks
of the abaca tree.
• Bohol excels in basketry, with Antequera celebrated as the "Basket Capital, "
crafting items from bamboo, rattan, and local vines.
 REGION- VII
• Siquijor Island- recognized as a center of mystic power and a capital of mystic
activities and black magic.
• Basket weaving is the process of weaving or sewing pliable materials into
three-dimensional artifacts, such as baskets, mats, mesh bags or even furniture.
• Cebu's fashion industry integrates indigenous resources like rattan into fine
furniture, earning its "Milan of Asia" reputation.
REGION VIII
EASTERN VISAYAS
 REGION- VIII
• It is where the famous bronze statue of General Douglas MacArthur is
found which commemorates his historic return to the island of Leyte on
the early afternoon of October 20, 1944.
• Tinikling- (a dance involving bamboo poles) originated in Leyte.
• Kuratsa- a courtship dance popular among the Waray people of the
Eastern Visayas.
• San Juanico Bridge is one fof the well recognized contemporary
structures in the Philippines. It is part of the Pan Philippine Highway and
stretches from Samar to Leyte across the San Juanico Strait in the
Philippines
• Textile and Fiber Arts- A revival of traditional weaving and textile art
in the region, with contemporary designs reflecting modern aesthetics
REGION IX
ZAMBOANGA PENINISULA
 REGION- IX
• Dipolog Pagsalabuk Festival- P'GSALABUK is a Subanen term that means
“togetherness”. It is a depiction and celebration of the peaceful unity and
myriad interplay of culture of the bi people -the Christians, Muslims, and
'lumads' (indigenous people groups) inhabiting the city.
• Pangalay A native to the Badjao, sometimes known as the “Sea Gypsies”. A
traditional "fingernail" dance.
• Singkil- recounts the epic legend of the “Darangan”of the Maranao people of
Mindanao. It's called the royal dance because it's like a dance for a prince and
princess.
• Kini-Kini- Kini means the Royal walk. Maranao woman performed this dance
with scarves.
• Asik- this is performed by a solo madien, adorned with fine beads and make up,
long head scarf.
REGION X
NORTHERN MINDANAO
 REGION- X
• SOIL PAINTING is only heard to have existed in Bukidnon. One of the
most popular soil painters of the province is the tribal singer and artist
Waway Saway.
• Higaonon Weaving and Crafts-The Higaonon people, an indigenous
group in Misamis Oriental, are known for their traditional weaving,
beadwork, and other crafts.
• Binanog Dance- This is one of the most famous dances of the Manobo
people, mimicking the movement of a bird called "banog" (Philippine
eagle).
• Binakol Weaving- The indigenous women of Bukidnon, particularly the
Higaonon and Talaandig, practice traditional weaving techniques.
 REGION- X

• Kulintang- Consists of eight knobbed bronze gongs that are graduate in

pitch. It sits on a wooden stand called an antangan.
• Inaul-This traditional handwoven fabric by Maranao people, is made
using vibrant threads that create geometric and floral patterns; often
used to create the malong, a versatile tubular garment worn by both
men and women, a significant symbol of Maranao culture and identity.
REGION XI
DAVAO REGION
 REGION- XI
• Kadayawan Festival- the festival of Davao, is a vibrant celebration of
thanksgiving for the abundant harvest of nature. It also honors the cultural
heritage of the city's 11 tribes with street dancing, floral floats, trade fairs, and
food festivals.
• The Davao Region in the Philippines is home to a diverse array of indigenous
peoples, often collectively referred to as the "11 Tribes of Davao." Each tribe
has its own unique culture, language, and traditions.
• Ata tribe , also known as the ata-Manobo, traditional practices often center around
agriculture, music, and dance.
• Bagobo-Klata- they are a subgroup of the Bagobo people, distinguished by their own
language and cultural practices.
• Bagobo-tagabawa- they are part of the larger Bagobo ethnic group but have their
own distinct cultural practices and language.
• Matigsalug- are known for their traditional farming methods, music, and dances.
 REGION- XI
• Obu-Manuvu- are known for their agricultural practices and are skilled in making
traditional crafts.
• Iranun tribe, an indigenous Moro group, is renowned for its rich cultural traditions,
including distinctive music and dance, and its historical resistance against colonial
powers.
• Kagan tribe in the Davao Region is known for their rich cultural heritage, including
traditional dances, rituals, and craftsmanship.
• Maguindanaon are recognized for their vibrant cultural traditions, including music,
dance, and weaving.
• Maranao - They are known for their rich cultural heritage, including traditional arts,
crafts, and distinct architectural styles like the torogan (traditional house).
• Sama are a maritime ethnic group in the Davao Region, known for their seafaring skills,
traditional stilt houses, and strong fishing culture.
• Tausug- they are recognized for their vibrant cultural traditions, including unique arts,
REGION XII
SOCCSKSARGEN
 REGION- XII
• Modern interpretations of traditional dance and music are prevalent. This includes
contemporary renditions of traditional dances and music forms like the "Kappa
Malong-Malong.“
• This area is home to various ethnic groups, such as the Blaan, T'boli, and Manobo.
• Statue of Sultan Kudarat was created by Jose M. Mendoza in 1973. Muhammad
Dipatuan Kudarat was the Sultan of Mindanao during the first half of the 17th century.
He united the Muslims of Lanao, Cotabato, Davao, Sulu, Zamboanga and North Borneo,
and resisted bitterly the Spanish Invasion of his domain. He was a fearless fighter and
Filipino hero in defense of Islamic faith and Philippine liberty. Kudarat died around 1650.
• “Kegal Bensewit (decorated with shell discs) is the most expensive Tboli blouse.
Kegal Lemimet is a blouse with white beads and originally used when you play musical
instruments.
• Comb or Swat koyu with 8 pieces of mirror that shines at the back. The mirror’s
purpose is to defray and get away from unforeseen spirit while we walk on the rugged
roads. The mirrors are tagged with colorful beads like red, black and white for a smart
REGION XIII
CARAGA
 REGION- XIII
• Home to diverse indigenous groups like the Manobo, Mamanwa, and Higaonon.
• Balangay- Balanghai or Balangay or Butuan Boat is a plank boat adjoined by a carved-
out plank edged through pins and dowels. It was first mentioned in the 16th Century in
the Chronicles of Pigafetta, and is known as the oldest Pre-Hispanic watercraft found in
the Philippines.
• Golden Tara- or the he Agusan image (commonly referred to in the Philippines as the
Golden Tara in allusion to its supposed, but disputed, identity as an image of a Buddhist
Tara) is a 2 kg (4.4 lb), 21-karat gold statuette, found in 1917 on the banks of the Wawa
River near Esperanza, Agusan del Sur, Mindanao in the Philippines
• Agsam- strips from the ferns long stem is the material used for the making of the
accessories, which the indigenous Mamanwa tribe had been using in weaving and
crafting for several centuries.
• Kublai Millan: Known for sculptures and murals that depict Mindanao’s rich cultural
tapestry.
 BARMM
BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION IN MUSLIM MINDANAO
 BARMM
• Okir is a classic Maranao design style that features intricate patterns
and flowing lines influenced by natural elements such as vines, leaves,
and snake forms.
• T'nalak, a traditional cloth woven by the T'boli people from abaca fibers,
is recognized for its geometric designs and symbolic connotations.
• the Bangsamoro peoples had something similar to a Pegasus they call
“burraq” or borak – a hybrid animal of Islamic mythology that has a
winged human head on a horse’s body.
• Sarimanok- This chicken-like figure with a fish on its beak, the
sarimanok, is a significant artistic element that conveys flying. According
to the museum’s informational guide: “The Maranao considers the
sarimanok to have evolved from its totem bird called itotoro.