The Best of Filipino Art: Juan Luna

Juan Luna y Novicio was born in Badoc, Ilocos Norte, on October 23, 1857, and, like Hidalgo, was the third of seven children. Early in his life, the family moved to Manila and lived in Trozo. The young Luna received his early education at the Ateneo Municipal and later at the Escuela Nautica de Manila. In 1873, he became an apprentice officer and traveled to various Asian ports. Whenever his ship was in port in Manila, he took painting lessons in the Academia de Dibujo y Pintura of Fr. Agustin Saiz.

The Best of Filipino Art: Fernando Amorsolo

Fernando Amorsolo

The first National Artist for painting, Fernando Amorsolo is the foremost Philippine artist of the early 20th century. An outstanding art student, the businessman Enrique Zobel de Ayala awarded him with a study grant to Spain. This allowed him to visit important museums in Europe and the United States.

In contrast to Luna's heavy and predominantly European themes, Amorsolo was known for sunny landscapes of Luzon and smiling images of dalagang bukid (country girls). His rendition of Philippine sunlight and its nuances was unparalleled during his time. Fernando Amorsolo was named National Artist in 1972.

Filipino jewelry from the colonial period

The Philippines had such beautiful colonial styles during the 1800s, this is only a glimpse into the world of the past when women were adressed as "Señora" and gentlemen rode on kalesas (horse carriages). I absolutely love the beauty and glamour of it all, and it's a part of our culture that really should be cherished.

Reliquary pendants with elaborate chains. Filigree and repoussé work on gold with Sulu pearl accents. 19th Century.

Gold and silver insignia, part of accountrements of Virgin images. (Esoteric Philippine and perhaps Masonic sources) 19th Century

Gold and silver insignia, part of accountrements of Virgin images. (Esoteric Philippine and perhaps Masonic sources) 19th Century

Mosquito net clasps. Repousse and engraving on silver. 19th Century

Peinetas (decorative combs) Sulu pearls, gold, silver, tortoise shell. 19th Century

The Best of Filipino Art: Part 2

You always hear young Filipinos saying that there's nothing beautiful about our culture, or that our culture does not have any artistic achievements. Whenever you hear that, take those Filipinos to one of the Heritage Libraries in the Philippines and show them these works of art, or the works of literature written in Spanish, Tagalog, Filipino Languages, and English by great Filipino authors.

Sunday Morning by Fernando Amorsolo

Fiesta by Jose W. Hernandez

Market Scene by Greg Bolanos

Mother and Child by Isabelo M. Quiles

Pagigik by M. Evangelista

Pila sa Bigas by Manansala

Filipinos love Merienda

Arroz Caldo

Don't we just all love merienda?

Merienda, a Spanish word and tradition, translates into "afternoon snack," but its evolution varies from country to country where the influence of the Spanish lingers.

In Mexico and South America, it is generally a simple affair: a piece of buttered bread or roll, or perhaps pan dulce left over from breakfast. It is usually eaten with coffee at the end of the extended afternoon "lunch" break, just before people head back to work at around 4 or 5 in the afternoon.

In the Philippines, afternoon merienda is more substantial and is sometimes called "the fourth mealtime."

Lumpia

Banana con hielo

Turrón filipino

Halo-Halo

The Philippine merienda often includes bread, rolls and rice cakes. But Filipinos also eat noodles, soup and steamed buns called siopao, filled with shredded chicken and pork. For drinks: coffee, sodas and juices.

Thanks also to my friend Animo for the inspiration.

The Best of Filipino Art: Part 1

There just a plethora of Filipino art that is going unappreciated by many Filipinos in this world. Here's just a few of the many beautiful pieces done by renowned Filipino artists.

Harana
Francisco

Early Risers
Hugo C. Yonzon
1957

Mag-ina Sa Banig
Nestor Leynes
1960

Mag-anak

Tam Austria

Mariang Makiling
Hugo C. Yonzon
1974