CPAR

• During Spanish colonization, religious music was promoted in the Philippines, leading to a blend of Indigenous and Western aesthetics in musical forms like religious hymns, orchestras, bands, and ensembles such as the rondalla
• Mid-twentieth century Filipino music, influenced by foreign music, eventually developed a more 'Filipinized' flavor using vernacular lyrics and original compositions
• Kundiman is a Spanish-influenced art song expressing love and patriotism, often using old Tagalog lyrics and smooth melodies; Harana, another Spanish-influenced form, is a courtship ritual where a suitor serenades the object of affection
• Ballads in the Philippines narrate community events, with variations in style across regions and ethnic tribes; modern ballads are primarily romantic songs, with notable composers like Ernani Cuenco and Jose Mari Chan
• Choral music, intended for performance by a choir, has a rich tradition in the Philippines, with notable groups like the Philippine Madrigal Singers and composers like Francisco F. Feliciano and Ryan Cayabyab
• Liturgical music in the Philippines, inspired by Jewish chants, has been adapted to reflect contemporary styles by artists like Francisco F. Feliciano, Ryan Cayabyab, and Gary Valenciano
• Pop music in the Philippines encompasses various genres like RnB, Rap, Rock, and Hip-Hop, with Filipino musicians blending Western styles with local tastes to create their own version of pop music
• Well-known Pinoy folk musicians include Freddie Aguilar, Noel Cabangon, Grace Nono, and Gary Granada
• Rap, a music genre popular in the late 1980s in the Philippines, originated from African Americans and is known for its fast, rhythmic narration accompanied by electronic music
• Pioneers of Pinoy rap were Francis Magalona with "Mga Kababayan Ko" and Andrew E. with "Humanap Ka ng Pangit"
• Hip-hop incorporates rap, RnB, beatboxing, electronic music, and turntables as accompaniments
• Contemporary Filipino rap artists include Gloc-9, Abra, and Apl.de.ap
• Protest songs aim to bring to light injustices and inequality in society, inspiring nationalism and heroism
• One of the most popular protest songs is "Bayan Ko," a collaboration between Jose Corazon de Jesus and Constancio de Guzman
• Folk dances in the Philippines are diverse, influenced by various factors like community experiences and events
• Indigenous dances in the Philippines reflect the group's values and beliefs, often performed as ritualistic dances for good fortune and abundance
• Aerobic dance is a dance routine turned into an exercise program, usually accompanied by upbeat pop music
• Ballet, originating from European court spectacles, follows a strict set of moves and performance techniques
• Modern ballet in the Philippines uses traditional ballet techniques set to contemporary ideas and subjects, often presented outdoors and in unconventional venues
• Street dance in the Philippines began in urban open spaces and gained popularity in the 1980s, often accompanied by punk and rap music
• Popular street dance moves in the Philippines include hip-hop routines like boying, popping, locking, and roboting
• Theater in the Philippines is a collaborative art form combining literature, visual arts, music, and dance
• Indigenous theater in the Philippines came in the form of rituals, often combined with music and dance, and led by a priest or priestess
• Theater during Spanish colonization was used to spread Christianity, often retelling stories from the Bible
• Theater in the Philippines evolved during Spanish colonization, used alongside other art forms to spread Christianity
• In the 1880s, sarswelas were popular entertainment for Filipinos, showcasing love stories of the upper class with comedic situations
• Drama was introduced to Filipinos around the same time, depicting struggles of everyday life and providing a more realistic view of Filipino lives
• American colonization brought new theater forms to the Philippines, enriching and evolving the local theater scene
• The absurd is a modern play genre that exaggerates events and situations to emphasize a point, often using stereotypical characters
• Stage shows or bodabil are theatrical presentations of various acts like comedy skits, circus acts, musical and dance numbers, and magic shows
• Brechtian theater, based on Bertolt Brecht's ideas, aims to stimulate self-reflection and critical analysis in the audience rather than emotional identification with characters
• Children's theater productions in the Philippines are intended to educate, inspire, and encourage creativity, often based on folktales and legends
• Melodrama is a nonmusical play that aims to elicit tears and emotional attachment to the characters, often portraying victims of tragedies who triumph in the end
• Political theater aims to transform or improve the current government system, using direct or symbolic means to convey political views
• Musical theater, a popular form in the Philippines, incorporates music as an essential part of the production, including traditional Filipino theater like sarswela and ritualistic dramas
• Realism in theater provides an accurate depiction of real-life situations through well-developed characters, realistic plot, dialogue, and staging
• The National Artist of the Philippines is the highest recognition given by the government to individuals who have excelled in the arts, contributing significantly to Philippine culture
• The National Artist of the Philippines is the highest recognition given by the government to a person of the arts, covering categories like architecture, dance, film, literature, music, theater, and visual arts
• The award was created through Presidential Proclamation No. 1001, s. 1972 to recognize citizens who have made outstanding contributions to Philippine arts
• The National Living Treasures Award recognizes artists who keep alive the rich cultural traditions of the Philippines, with benefits like a title, medal, cash gift, monthly pension, life insurance, state funeral, and a reserved place at state functions and cultural events