All things that are Filipino

Art Object

By CARLOMAR A. DAOANA

Meticulously created, this rendition of a kalesa is one of the more interesting pieces that can be found in Tutuban.

MANILA, Philippines -- With the celebration of Philippine Independence being four days away, I decided to drop by Tutuban—that sprawling destination of commerce in Manila that has revolutionized what we know of the market place. Clean, accessible, in some parts airconditioned, Tutuban is the country’s answer to Thailand’s Chatuchak, Malaysia’s Johor Bahru and Singapore’s Tiong Bahru.

I was in the lookout for pieces of handmade décor with which to spruce up my space. They should be solidly built, beautiful and lasting. In short, not kitschy. What I discovered, as I was poring over the pieces, was that there are so many ways with which to define the Filipino look or design. Every province—with its native handicrafts, souvenir items and unique products—seemed to be represented in Tutuban, from Ilocos north to Muslim Mindanao.

One is spoilt for choice when looking for items perfect for the house. There were mirrors, capiz shell clocks, baskets, sinamay wraps, scranch mats, capiz items, mail holders, wooden carved items, native curtains and rattan placemat sets. Inexpensive baskets and hampers—made from wicker, which is the byproduct of rattan—were also available.

Every province takes pride in a particular weave and Tutuban makes sure it highlights each. Sinamay from the Visayas became clothing, curtains, table runners and pillow cases while abaca from Bicol became handbags, pouches and placemats. Jusi from Aklan and hablon from Iloilo were fashioned into long gowns and barongs while Inabel from Ilocos were constructed into blankets and formal outfits.

Of all the things Filipino-made that I saw in Tutuban, it was the tribal sculptures and paintings that attracted my attention. The artisans took pains to imbue their crafts with the delicacy of detail. Scrolls of T’boli and T’nalak fabric from Mindanao were also displayed prominently.

I wouldn’t say that buying Filipino stuff reflects patriotism—for there are deeper and more meaningful ways to show love of country—but to do so would keep many Filipinos in business, especially now that the country is flooded with cheap knock-offs from overseas. To buy a Filipino product is a vote of confidence for Filipino creativity and craftsmanship.

Speaking of love of country, one can see that exemplified in the exhibit of Romulo Galicano on view at the Tall Gallery of Finale Art File (Warehouse 17, La Fuerza Compound, Gate 1, 2241 Pasong Tamo, Makati City). Titled Siete de Agosto: Allegory of a Farce, the show features an epic mural that embodies the artist’s critique of executive interference on the conferment of the National Artists Award. The date in the title points to August 7, 2009 when artists, cultural workers and stakeholders gathered together at the Cultural Center of the Philippines and showed their indignation to what they saw as a rape to the selection process. Modulated by instances of light and shadow, the figures in the painting are poised in the crux of the debacle, tensed in the struggle for the restoration of integrity and fairness.

Exhibiting with Galicano are members of Bag-ong Hinan-aw (Cebuano for “new perspectives”) that include Publio Briones Jr., Carlos Florido, Jonathan Galicano, Luther Galicano II, Florentino Impas Jr., Facundo Tallo Jr. and Jose Villadolid. Still keeping the tradition of craftsmanship and an emphasis in technique, these Cebuano artists are foraging through new modes of representation as they explore abstract and conceptual possibilities
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