The Philippines Today, Yesterday, and Tomorrow
Mandaya Breast Plate Breast Plate made of hammered silver. The surface has incised designs featuring a stylized sun. The center has a diamond-shaped hole. It is of Mandaya origin. You may want to read: Bamboo Basket Mandaya of Davao
Sonnod or tube skirt from the Bagobo in Davao. It is made of a handwoven abaca cloth with stripe patterns. You may want to read: Kimona
This week, the Kapampángan city of Mabalacat celebrates the Balacat Festival which honors the origin of the city’s name, the balacat tree. BALAKAT • (buh-LAH-kuht)a tree, Ziziphus talanae; the origin of Mabalacat City’s name Derived Kapampángan Place Name:MABALACAT • (muh-buh-LAH-kuht)a city in Pampanga province, Philippines whose name literally means “full of balacat trees” You may … Read more
Sambra When I was a kid, I thought this word was “sun bra” and always thought it was weird to call it a sun bra when you wear it during the cold season… This a reminder to dress warmly with a sámbra for this sweater weather! SAMBRA • (SAM-bruh)sweater, clothing for the coldTagálog (Filipino): panglamíg … Read more
PANAHON (time)SANG UNA (a long time ago)SUBONG (today, now)SA DASUN (in the coming future)in Hiligaynon (the most common Bisayan language spoken in Panay island and Negros Occidental) PANAHON (time) is not linear. In fact, the word, ‘panahon’ -which exists throughout Philippine languages – means not simply ‘time’ but a state of weather and climate seasons. … Read more