FOR TRADITIONS
DOCUMENTARIES ON PHILIPPINE INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE NOW ON VIEW
Started during the term of NCCA chairperson and National Artist Virgilio Almario in 2018, the Philippine part of the project is an important undertaking as “rituals, traditions, practices, customs, expressions, knowledge and skills, collectively grouped as intangible cultural heritage, are some of the most impactful factors in shaping civilization and culture,” noted Roel Hoang Manipon, the project’s main writer and researcher, and co-director of some of the documentaries. This “yields invaluable insights into many aspects of social relationships and human development,” he added.
“However, they are also ephemeral and highly mutable, depending mostly on memory, dedication and community for its preservation and continuity. Especially now with the rapid growth of urbanization and globalization, ICH elements, especially the traditional ones, are in danger of vanishing and/ or alteration,” Manipon further said. “Modern technology, however, also provided a way to safeguard these ICH elements, enabling us to document them, intensify awareness and make them more accessible through audio-visual means.”
Furthermore, with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the release of the videos is very opportune. They present a safe means to deepen awareness on ICH and in bringing them closer to the public. The videos are currently on view on ICHCAP’s YouTube channel, and they can be used for entertainment and education during this health crisis that is forcing people to stay at home.
These documentaries on the country’s 10 ICH elements are must-see as they enable deeper understanding and provide valuable information straight from the various Philippine cultural communities where these are being practiced.
“Each ICH element presents a set of challenges, which different from each other. The documentation has always sought the partnership and assistance of knowledgeable counterparts, which have become valuable allies in the documentation processes and the gathering of data,” Manipon revealed. “The more an ICH element is in danger of vanishing, the more it presents challenges, especially in terms of accessibility. But the more efforts must be made in their documentation. The video documentation presents a lifeline to these elements and will present the only connection for many people to these precious aspects of culture and identity.”
“During the video documentations, new dynamics were opened up wherein the subjects became part of the documentation and creative process itself and the documentation team became part of the community and practice, enabling more participatory and empowering experiences,” he said.
The following are some of the ICH elements:
Buklog ritual of the Subanen of Zamboanga Peninsula Inscribed in the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding in December 2019, the buklog is the most elaborate and grandest among the rituals of the Subanen people of the Zamboanga Peninsula in western Mindanao. It is held to appease and express gratitude to the spirits for many reasons such as a bountiful harvest, recovery from sickness or calamity, or acknowledgement of a new leader.
Piña handloom weaving of the Aklanon of Panay Island
The piña textile has been woven by the Aklanon or Akeanon people in the province of Aklan, Western Visayas, Central Philippines, particularly in the capital Kalibo and other towns. It is made from the fibers of pineapple leaves and woven using the handloom. The whole process of making it remains almost unchanged since it began. Considered the finest among hand-woven textiles, the piña is known for its exquisite beauty.
Igal, traditional dance of the Sama people of Tawi-Tawi
For diverse reasons and occasions and with many variations, the Sama people of Tawi-Tawi and maritime Southeast Asia perform their traditional dance, the igal. It is shared heritage among the Sama and other peoples in the western Mindanao area. It is called pangalay in Tausug and pamansak in Yakan. All the names simply mean “dance.”
Mud as mordant in the traditional dyeing process of the Ifugao of Northern Luzon For many centuries, the Ifugao, one of the indigenous groups that inhabit the upland interiors of the Cordillera region of northern Luzon Island, has been weaving textiles by hand, using the backstrap loom since the olden days like many weaving communities in the country, and the pedal loom which was recently introduced. The textiles are dyed using the ikat technique and natural dyes sourced from plants as well as mud, which also acts as a mordant, a substance to fix the colors on the materials, to make them more vivid or to create a different shade. The most suitable iron-rich mud is gathered in certain areas in the rice paddies, or ponds, with their bare hands and put them in buckets, all done with calmness and reverence as they believe that spirits reside in the place.
Giant Christmas lantern tradition of San Fernando City, Pampanga
Though the Christmas celebration was introduced into the Philippines by the Spaniards, it was embraced by the Filipino people and became one of the country’s most anticipated holidays. In the city of San Fernando, the capital of the province of Pampanga, in the plains of Central Luzon Island, Christmas is celebrated in a most spectacular way with gigantic Christmas lanterns, an adopted festivity made unique by the Pampangan character and creativity. For more than a hundred years, the city has been holding the ligligan parul (literally, Christmas lantern contest) or the Giant Lantern Festival, which traces its roots to the Christmas tradition called lubena. For the event, different communities come together and Pampangan lantern makers make
The documentation has always sought the partnership and assistance of knowledgeable counterparts, which have become valuable allies in the documentation processes and the gathering of data
lanterns which can reach up to 20 feet in diameter, use 7,000 to 10,000 light bulbs, and are equipped with large rotors, manually operated to produce different patterns that change and “dance” to the tune of chosen music.