About Philippines
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Drama
The traditional theatre of the Philippines took a variety of forms, the most popular of which was the carillo, a shadow theatre using figures of papier-mâché; performances were usually given…
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Early Literature
The early literature of the Philippines, both oral and written, was usually sung or chanted. It took a great variety of forms, and was used to accompany not only religious…
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Script
Before the coming of the Spaniards the people of the Philippines used a very distinctive syllabary of 14 consonants and 3 vowels known as Baybayin or Alibata which was also…
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Spanish Religious Architecture
In spite of its evident Spanish characteristics colonial religious architecture differs considerably from its sources. The Spanish models underwent a first transformation in Mexico and moved on in their altered…
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The Art of Northern Luzon
In this region carved wood is left in its natural colour, except for shields, which are painted red and black, and the eyes and teeth of statues. The statues (bulol…
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Muslim Art
The art of the southern Philippines, closely related to the Malaysian art of Indonesia, is notable for the richness of its colours (golden yellow, bluish green, reddish mauve), and both…
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Painting
With the invention of printing the art of engraving rapidly established itself, with such artists as Francisco Herrera and Juan Correa de Castro. The mid-years of the 19th century saw…
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Pottery
The traditional pottery of the Philippines was notable for its generous but simple and varied forms. Regular patterns were produced by impression. For example string or woven objects, or might…
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Sculpture
No sooner had Stone Age man learned to fashion implements then he began to produce decorative patterns in the form of flowers and petals, carving seeds, amulets, bracelets and also…
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Dance
Most Philippine dances were originally patterned after European dances during Spanish regime. The Seguidilla, the Jota, the Rigodon, the habanera, Pandango sa Ilaw, Cariñosa, and Balitao are examples of these…