The Philippines Today, Yesterday, and Tomorrow
Pamulang (Shell Bracelet made of Taklobo) The pamulang is worn by women of the Mandaya of Mindanao in sets, alternating the bracelet made of clam (Taklobo) with one of dark hardwood. The taklobo, Tridacna gigas or giant clam, is the largest bivalve mollusk in the world. Some taklobo have measured up to one meter and … Read more
Pedro Bukaneg: Father of Ilokano Literature (1592-1630) Pedro Bukaneg (1592-1630), a renowned Filipino poet, is acknowledged as the author of the Ilocano epic – Biag ni Lam-ang. He is also regarded as the first Ilokano man-of-letters, orator, musician, lexicographer, and linguist to appear in the limelight of our history. Although visually impaired, he didn’t let … Read more
Religious Properties of Coconut Oil Holy Week is a crucial religious observance for Catholics in the Philippines, one of two dominantly Catholic Countries in Asia. But ingrained in this Christian tradition are cultural practices that allude to our pre-colonial past when the Babaylan and the Tambalan or shamans tended to the community’s religious and medical … Read more
This brass food tray is the talam from the Maranao. It is a wide-brimmed tray with a hollow base stand. The talam is also used with an ampas or tray cloth which has an equally intricate design work. The talam is also associated with some ritual practices and is used as a tray for offerings … Read more
According to the Nayong Pilipino records this Piransa is from the Maranaos of Lake Lanao. These are early presses that are piled with live coal inside its deep pan for heat. These heavy brass flat irons are moved repeatedly across fabrics for wrinkles and are held by a wooden handle. The Maranao traditions of brass-making … Read more