The Philippines Today, Yesterday, and Tomorrow
The famous Lenten rites of San Fernando where penitents are nailed on the cross originate from this play staged every Holy Week depicting the Passion of Christ. SINÁKULU • (sih-NAH-koo-loo)Passion play, a Filipino dramatization of the life, suffering, and death of Jesus ChristTagálog (Filipino): senákulo EtymologySpanish cenáculo “cenacle, room in Jerusalem traditionally held to be … Read more
Crucifixion Bottles18th century Spanish missionaries introduced folk art in the form of crucifixion bottles to the Philippines. At the start of the 20th century, tradition has it that Bilibid prisoners were made to construct these as part of their rehabilitation. The idea was while passing the hours, skillfully putting together the minuscule pieces inside a … Read more
Cesar Legaspi (National Artist for Visual Arts – Born April 2, 1917) On this day, April 2, 2023, is the 106th birth anniversary of National Artist Cesar Legaspi. A pioneer “Neo-Realist” of the country, Cesar Legaspi is remembered for his singular achievement of refining cubism in the Philippine context. Legaspi belonged to the so-called “Thirteen … Read more
Haja Amina Appi ± (June 25, 1925 – April 2, 2013)Mat Weaver: TepoSamaTandubas, Tawi-Tawi Haja Amina Appi was a “Tepo” (Sama Mat) weaver from Tandubas, Tawi-Tawi. She was distinguished for her precise sense of design, symmetry, and color harmony. From gathering and stripping the pandan (screwpine) to weaving for her complicated designs, she constantly displayed … Read more
The Baroque Churches of the Philippines is a collection of four Spanish Colonial-era baroque churches in the Philippines, which were included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1993. These Augustinian churches are also considered as national cultural treasures of the country – San Agustin Church in Manila, San Agustin Church in Paoay, Ilocos Norte, Nuestra … Read more