GaMaBa Awards

(Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan)

 The Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan, or the National Living Treasures Award, is conferred on Filipinos who are at the
forefront of the practice, preservation, and promotion of the nation’s traditional folk arts.
 Formalized in 1992, through Republic Act No. 7355, the Manlilikha ng Bayan Act.
 The National Commission for the Culture and the Arts oversees its implementation.
 The main objective of the award is to honor and support traditional folk artists and to see to it that that their skills and
crafts are preserved.
 The award is tied with a program that ensures the transfer of their skills to new generations and the promotion of the
craft both locally and internationally.
 In 2014, the Senate of the Philippines adopted Senate Resolution No. (SRN) 765 aimed at recognizing the
accomplishments of the country’s living treasures.
The award logo is a representation of the human form used in traditional
cloth. Below the logo is the phrase “Manlilikha ng Bayan” written in
Baybayin, an ancient Filipino script used in the Philippines in the 16th
century.

Criteria
 Should be a Filipino citizen or group of citizens belonging to an indigenous / traditional cultural community anywhere in
the Philippines, engaged in Filipino traditional art in the following categories: folk architecture, maritime transport,
weaving, carving, performing arts, literature, graphic and plastic arts, ornament, textile or fiber art, pottery and other
artistic expressions of traditional culture;
 Should have been engaged in the tradition and craft for a significant period of time with at least 50 years of existence and
documentation;
 Should have produced and performed of artistic, distinctive, and superior quality;
 Should possess mastery of the tools and materials that are needed for the art and must have a reputation for being an art
master and craft maker in the community where he / she belongs;
 Should have passed on and/ or will pass on the traditional crafts and skills to other members of the community by virtue
of teaching;
 In case when a Manlilikha ng Bayan candidate is incapable of teaching further his/ her craft and skill due to age or
infirmity;
o He / she should have created a significant body of work and has contributed to the development of the tradition
and craft
o He / she should have played a role in the preservation and revitalization of the artistic tradition in the community.
o He/ she has been recognized as a master of his / her craft and admired for his character and integrity in his / her
community.
Incentives of Awardees
 Specially designed gold medallion
 Initial grant of Php 100,000
 Php 10,000 monthly stipend for life
 In consonance with the provision of Republic
 Act No. 7355, which states that "the
 monetary grant may be increased whenever
 circumstances so warrant," the NCCA board
 approved the following:
 Additional monthly personal allowance of Php 14,000 for the awardees
 A maximum cumulative amount of Php 750,000 medical and hospitalization benefits annually
 The said incentives are similar to that received by the National Artists of the Philippines and funeral assistance/tribute fit
for a National Living Treasure.
GAMABA List of Awardees

Ginaw Bilog is a Hanunoo Mangyan poet from Mansalay, Oriental, Mindoro.

 He is considered as a master of the Ambahan poetry. This wisdom is his key to the
 understanding of the Mangyan soul.
 In 1993, he was given the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan award.
 Ambahan is a poetic literary form composed of seven-syllable lines used to convey
messages through metaphors and images.
 The ambahan is sung and its messages range from courtship, giving advice to the young,
asking for a place to stay, saying goodbye to a dear friend and so on.
 Such an oral tradition is common place among indigenous cultural groups but the ambahan has remained in existence
today chiefly because it is etched on bamboo tubes using ancient Southeast Asian, pre-colonial script called surat
Mangyan.

Masino Intaray was born near Makagwa Valley. He was a skilled and proficient player of the
basal (gong), aroding (mouth harp), and babarak (ring flute).
 He was also well-versed in kulilal (songs) and bagit (vocal music).
 In 1993, he was given the “Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan” award.

Samaon Sulaiman is kutyapi master and teacher of his instrument in Libutan and other barangays
of Maganoy town, Mindanao. He is proficient in kulintang, agong, gandingan, palendag, and tambul.
 In 1993, he was given the “Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan” award.

Lang Dulay is a T'boli artist from Lake Sebu, South Cotabato. She is considered as a traditional weaver of
"t'nalak" or "tinalak" cloth. Her art is considered excellent because of the “fine even quality of the yarn, the close
interweaving of the warp and weft, the traditional forms and patterns, the chromatic integrity of the dye, and the
consistency of the finish”
 In 1998, she was given the “Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan” award.

Salinta Monon was a Tagabawa-Bagobo weaver from Bansalan, Davao del Sur.
 She was cited for demonstrating the creative and expressive aspects of the Bagobo abaca ikat weaving called
inabal at the time when it was threatened with extinction.
 In 1998, she was given the “Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan” award.

Alonzo Saclag is a Kalinga master of dance and the performing arts from Lubuagan, Kalinga. He has also
mastered the dance patterns and movements associated with his people’s ritual.
 He is the founder of the Kalinga Budong Dance Troupe.
 In 2000, he was given the “Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan” award.
 Federico Caballero is a Sulod-Bukidnon epic chanter from Kalinog, Iloilo. He ceaselessly work for the
documentation of the oral literature, particularly the epics, of his people.

 He is considered as a bantugan. He strives to dispense justice in the community through his work as
a manughusay – an arbiter of conflicts.
 In 2000, he was given the “Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan” award.

Uwang Ahadas is from Lamitan, Basilan.

 He is a Yakan, a people to whom instrumental music is of much significance, connected as it is with
both the agricultural cycle and the social realm.
 He is a hands-on-teacher to those who wants to learn playing Yakan instruments including the
kwintangan, kayu, and tuntungan.
 In 2000, he was given the “Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan” award.

Darhata Sawabi is a weaver of pis syabit - the traditional cloth tapestry worn as a head covering by the Tausug of Jolo,
from Barangay Parang, in the island of Jolo, Sulu.

 In 2005, she was given the “Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan” award.

Eduardo Mutuc is from Apalit, Pampanga. He has dedicated his life to creating religious and secular
art in silver, bronze and wood.
 In 2005, he was given the “Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan” award.

Haja Amina Appi was recognized as the master mat weaver among the Sama indigenous
community of Ungos Matata, Tandubas, Tawi-Tawi.
 In 2005, she was given the “Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan” award.

Magdalena Gamis a Filipino master weaver who makes “inabel”, an Ilokano

handwoven cloth.
 In 2012, she was given the “Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan” award.
 Local Materials in the Philippines

Materials
Abaca belongs to Banana family. Its fiber has a natural luster with
colors ranging from pure white to ivory and dark brown.
Bakbak is the outermost covering or leaf sheath of the abaca stalk. It
is a flat thick durable sheath as twine or braided. The strong brown
fiber used to make furniture.
Bamboo is used a raw material in creating many products. It is used
in construction, textile, musical instruments, weapons, and many
more.
Buntal is a cylindrically shaped fibers. The supple ivory white strands
are quite durable, pliable, and have good dyeing qualities.
Buri is extracted from the matured leaves of the buri palm. The fiber
is durable and resistant to moisture.
Coir is the fibrous material surrounding the fruit of the coconut tree.
Nito is a plant belonging to the fern family that grows abundantly in
the hinterlands of Mindanao.
Pandan is a tropical plant. It is processed and transformed into
splints that are being used as raw material.
Raffia is a fiber extracted from unopened buri leaf in 3 stages. It is
loom woven into fabrics or used as wall coverings, upholstery
material, folding doors and window hangings.
Rattan belongs to the palm family. There are different types of rattan
palms, such as high or low climbers, single stemmed or clustered
rattan species.
Tikiw is a large, erect, and aquatic or marshy herb plant. It is found in
central Luzon to Mindanao . It aboundis in fresh water swaps, and in
newly opened rice land at low altitudes.
Tikog belongs to sea grasses. It is a native reed plant used as a raw
material for mat weaving.
Product
slippers, ropes, twine, hammock, frame, display jar, jars, Chelsea
chair
mat, bangkuay bin, boxes, bin, display, jar, Cecilia dining table, and
arm chair
kubing, bungkaka, tongatong, angklung, pateteg, gabbang,
bags, shoes,desk accessories like pen holder, picture frames, file
trays, wallets, place mats, braide, lampshades, window blinds
hats, bags, baskets, memorabilia boxes, perfume tray, & other woven
products
indoor or outdoor fiber carpets, wall covering, doormat, trellises, and
geo textiles
bags, bread tray, lampshade and decorative jar
baskets, hats, picture frames and bags
hats, placemats, folder, shoes, slippers, boxes, portfolio and ladies
bags, placemats, circular, boxes, document boxes.
baskets, picture frames, furniture and other novelty items, Zoya
lounge chair, Valencia queen size bed, Rest divan.
baskets, hampers with lids, bags, rugs, carpets, placemats, jar, and
other decorative items.
bags, decorative mats, hampers, newspaper racks, table mat, waste
bin, tower candle holder, wall décor.

Local Materials to Contemporary

“Puni” is one of the most popular art in Bulacan. It has been part of the everyday lives of the
children before. It was also a simple toy for them, in a way that they will wait for their father or
mother to clean their respective backyards so that they can get all the coconut fronds that they
can. And eventually they can make a toy out of it. That is the first reason why it became popular.

 Bulakenyo's way of decorating using leaf fronds folding

 The Art of Leaf Fronds Folding in Bulacan Province Philippines
 A tagalong term from the province of Bulacan which means to beautify or decorate with the
use of coconut leaf. Coconut leaves are fashioned by folding, plaiting, braiding and simple
weaving, which may have functional as well as aesthetic uses.
 Puni was used for decoration, especially to the ceiling of the old houses. Puni is one of the main attraction during fiestas and other
happenings. Almost all of the houses in a barrio have their puni on it. Also, puni took part in the beautification of arc during Santacruzan
and other barrio festive.
 Puni designs can be categorized according to their uses. The most common designs are in the form of toys such as birds, fish,
grasshopper, etc. Puni truly established its finest and made a mark in the province of Bulacan. It is even made a name in the local of
Bulacan, until it was named as the provincial art of Bulacan.
 They are also used as food containers for suman, rice and various kakanin, the most commonly known is the “puso” and paraphernalia
for religious rituals especially during Palm Sunday when these design are used to accentuate the “palaspas”.
 But today they serve as modern artistic expressions and arrangement. The art is being revived through practical ways by preserving,
developing and transforming these puni designs into decorative pieces used as decors, accessories and accents for various arrangement
or crafts.
 But today they serve as modern artistic expressions and arrangement. The art is being revived through practical ways by preserving,
developing and transforming these puni designs into decorative pieces used as decors, accessories and accents for various arrangement
or crafts.
 But today they serve as modern artistic expressions and arrangement. The art is being revived through practical ways by preserving,
developing and transforming these puni designs into decorative pieces used as decors, accessories and accents for various arrangement
or crafts.
 But today they serve as modern artistic expressions and arrangement. The art is being revived through practical ways by preserving,
developing and transforming these puni designs into decorative pieces used as decors, accessories and accents for various arrangement
or crafts.

Video clips to watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52BHOWH46aw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sFkUs9PSY0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7u8jACnttU
 Singkaban or Bamboo Art is a local term for bamboo arches elaborately designed with kayas.
In the celebration, Singkaban also refers to “Sining at Kalinangan ng Bulacan” (Arts and Culture
of Bulacan).

 Filipino word for decorated bamboo arch, is used as a welcome signage of a town, city or
village in the country. It is widely used as decoration during town fiestas in Bulacan.
 Singkabans are artfully-made entrance arches used during fiestas and other important events
in Bulacan. Bamboo is primarily used in creating a singkaban, and the art is most prevalent in the
old towns of Hagonoy and Malolos.
 “The bamboo, like the Filipino, will stand up against the wind. It is stronger than steel and harder than rock. The singkaban is a manifestation
of Filipino creativity in transforming plain bamboo into a work of art.
 Singkaban Festival is an annual provincial event of Bulacan where Bulakenyo culture and arts are featured in a week-long celebration.
 It showcases the traditional arts of the literary form “Balagtasan,”folk dances, and traditional songs known as “kundiman.”
Video clips to watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ApRkH89sPGs&t=48s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=960lYSFLgjQ

Saniculas cookie mold carvings (Pampanga):

 Saniculas cookies are arrowroot cookies that have the image of St. Nicholas molded on it ergo the name
Saniculas. St. Nicholas is also known as “the healer” and is the go to saint for those who need “healing” from
illnesses.
 Legend say that if you consume these cookies when one is ill, you get healed and recover in a shorter amount
of time than it would usually take.
 The moulds are an exceptional piece of folk art and a rarity, if I do say so myself. Saniculas cookie makers
would commission the carvers of these molds with one of a kind designs. They would also have the initials of the
owner monogrammed on the molds.

Video clips to watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyZLJTJV9XY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgqMbjRE1Uw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gx73nK4yFY

Pabalat or Pastillas wrapper cutting art (Bulacan):

 The word pabalat has two levels of meaning. On a literal note, it pertains to the pabalat as a product
(paper cut-outs). On a metaphorical level, it connotes the state of the art practice .The art is not only a
cultural product or an artistic expression but also cuts through some cultural, social, even political
discourses and issues.
 Pabalat is also a folk art or in Filipino term, siningbayan. It is a folk art because it originated among the
townsfolk reflecting their traditional culture. The art practice has also been passed from generation to
generation and its creative elements and aesthetic values mirror the people’s everyday life.
 Another important aspect of this folk tradition is that the makers of these intricate paper patterns do not see themselves as artists and do
not consider their works as arts. Taking a quote from Dr. Brenda Fajardo in her book Ang Inukit na Kaalamang Bayan ng Paete:
Video clips to watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txw6h27VsAI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0M3EAvz595I
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msW4yfh0ABw
 Taka (Laguna):
 Taka refers to paper mache made using carved wooden sculpture used as a mold. The craft originated in the
town of Paete, Laguna in the Philippines.
 Paete derived its name from paet, a Tagalog word for chisel, a principal tool used in woodcarving. The proper
pronunciation of the town's name is probably "Pa-e-te", but natives call it "Pay-ti" (Pi-tè) with the guttural "e" sound
at the end. Only when conversing with visitors and outsiders do Paetenians use "Pay-ti." When the American
Maryknoll missionaries came to Paete in the late 1950s, they even referred to the town as "Piety."
 The art of “taka” or “taka-making” is not an exclusive Pinoy art. Paper mache and decoupaging have been
around for centuries. In the Philippines, the first recorded or mention of a created taka was by a woman named
Maria Bague in the 1920’s.
 A takaan, a carved wooden sculpture, is used as a mold in making taka. Brown craft paper is used as a final
layer for taka made for export. This provides a thicker base and smoother finish for the craft.
 Taka is also painted. The traditional way of painting a taka is to use primary colors, add simple flower motifs and use repetitive lines and
shapes. Gold finish, usually used in angel, reindeer and huge taka is accomplished by using gilded paper.
 Taka was pioneered by Paete local, Maria Piday. During Christmas, Piday was in charge of the church's decorations. The wooden angels
and cherub was heavy causing the carvings to fall. Piday devised the lightweight taka paper mache as an alternative to the wooden
sculptures.
 Piday was also a maker of local toys such as the yoyo and the small acrobat hand puppet. Taka eventually became folk art and was sold
to nearby towns for festivals. In the 1970s, Tere Afuang, a knowledgeable practitioner of the craft, popularized the craft
 Subjects of Taka : Common and traditional subjects of taka include the manok, kabayo, kalabaw, dalaga (chicken, horse, carabao, maiden)
which is made primarily for local use. Due to exposure and migration of Paete residents to Manila and abroad, European-influenced paper
mache toys began to be made for export to other countries, such as Germany.
 Taka making became more popular during the American colonization period when there was an excess of newsprint. And because Pinoys
hate wasting anything, the people of Paete decided to create more takas and even diversified into different animals and not just the
traditional red horse.
 The Paeteños believe that the idea originated in Mexico with a significant difference to what we have in Paete. While the Mexican “pinata”
is decorated with cut-off colored paper, the Paete’s takas are hand-painted and are sometimes small enough for little girls to use as dolls.
 Takas have indeed become the epitome of folk art. They exist in every possible bright and happy color combination, simplified curvilinear
forms, flora & fauna motifs, sweet innocence, and delectable charm. These designs change rapidly as time goes by. The development of
the taka and takaan (and any cultural norm for that matter) usually spread in an outward path from its source. The present generation
seems to have forgotten where the taka originated.

Video clips to watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHreiIuX0CY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_jyN4kOHmA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zbx6tTlb5zg

Pagbuburda (Taal, Lumban, Laguna)

 In the highlights of Philippine history, Taal embroidery has always made an exquisite
presence. Former presidents Diosdado Macapagal and Ferdinand Marcos were usually seen in
Taal-embroidered Barongs. A number of former First Lady Imelda Marcos’ fabulous ternos were
Taal-embroidered.
 Taal embroidery has also adorned garment accessories and home décor items. Although the
embroidery looks exquisite on jusi and piña fabric, it’s also dainty on cotton, linen and ramie.
 Dolores Landicho, 79, said: “The people now do not buy the original because of its cost.”
 Original Taal-embroidery costs about P75,000 to P100,000 and waiting time of three months.
 Ninety-three -year-old Remedios Reyes, who started her Taal embroidery business in 1947, after World War II, worries about the dwindling
market for their products. She has handed down management of her business to her daughter, Chona, who points to other reasons that
led to the diminishing demand for the real Burdang Taal: “Five years ago, the exporters stopped exporting our products. Also, instead of
buying an original Burdang Taal gown, many just rent
 The embroiderer would have to slightly dampen the textile and separate thread by thread, and then stitch them together to achieve the
dainty netted look of calado embroidery. Truly mad props to embroidery artisans of Lumban for this feat.
Video clips to watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTDau1GdQiw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgCnk6T9i5o
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOCykqvac_c