Brief Summary
This video introduces the "Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan" (GAMABA) or the National Living Treasures Award, a distinction given by the Philippine government to traditional artists. It highlights the importance of preserving Filipino culture and identity through these artists, who maintain traditions despite modernization. The video features past GAMABA awardees, showcasing their skills in music, storytelling, and weaving, and emphasizes their contributions to Filipino heritage.
- The Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) is a prestigious award recognizing traditional Filipino artists.
- GAMABA aims to preserve and promote the country's rich cultural heritage.
- The awardees exemplify the highest standards in their respective art forms, such as music, storytelling, and weaving.
Introduction to Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA)
The video introduces the fourth season of "Dao," which focuses on culture bearers who preserve vital aspects of their cultures. It emphasizes the importance of documenting and keeping alive Filipino culture in a rapidly changing world. These culture bearers have maintained their knowledge through generations, surviving colonization, conflict, and marginalization.
The Significance of Traditional Artists
The Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA), or the National Living Treasures Award, is presented to the finest traditional artists in the Philippines. Institutionalized in 1992, the award is conferred by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). Professor Elena Mirano, head of the GAMABA committee until 2015, explains that GAMABA recognizes the living culture and identity of the Philippines, questioning and understanding the nation's deepest cultural roots.
Remembering Samaon Sulaiman: Musician
Samaon Sulaiman, a master of the kutyapi, a two-stringed lute, was known for his mystical and sensual music. He was a complete person, not just an artist, but also a father, farmer, and Imam. His music was said to speak, conveying beautiful stories. Sulaiman's holistic approach to life and art made him a respected figure who honored every occasion with his presence.
Remembering Masino Intaray: Storyteller
Masino Intaray, a chanter of epics and storyteller from Palawan, was also a poet and musician. He preserved important traditions through storytelling, poems, and music. Intaray's knowledge of the forests, stars, and cosmos reflected the traditional Palawan worldview. His creative memory, intellect, and spiritual purpose made him a valuable treasure.
Remembering Ginaw Bilog: Poet
Ginaw Bilog, a Hanunuo Mangyan from Oriental Mindoro, dedicated his life to preserving the ambahan tradition using the Surat Mangyan script. The ambahan poetry, consisting of seven-syllable lines, conveyed messages of love, wisdom, and humor. Bilog's efforts to revive and popularize this tradition among young Mangyans earned him the GAMABA distinction.
Remembering Lang Dulay: Weaver
Lang Dulay, a T'boli weaver from Lake Sebu, was the first T'boli to receive the GAMABA award. Her mastery of weaving abaca fibers into tinalak cloth and her innovative designs gained her many students. Dulay's legacy extends beyond her weaving skills; she was also a leader who valued education and inspired younger generations.
Remembering Salinta Monon: Weaver
Salinta Monon, a Tagabawa Bagobo weaver from Bansalan, Davao del Sur, preserved the identity of her community through intricate abaca weaves. Her dual tinalak patterns were minute and difficult to execute. Monon was a quiet and introspective artist who maintained a weaving house where she worked alone, creating perspective designs.
Remembering Haja Amina Appi: Mat Weaver
Haja Amina Appi from Tawi-Tawi was a humble mat weaver known for her complex geometric designs and color combinations. Her mats, made from wild pandan leaves, were praised for their straight edging and intricate patterns. Appi's expertise in all stages of mat weaving and her vibrant sense of color were highly admired.
Remembering Darhata Sawabi: Textile Weaver
Darhata Sawabi from Jolo, Sulu, was the last master of the Tausūg pis syabit weaving. She never married and attained financial independence through her weaving. Sawabi's intricate and colorful designs lived on in cotton and commercial threads, preserving the tradition of Tausūg textile art.
Conclusion: Honoring the National Living Treasures
The video acknowledges the efforts of the NCCA and Susan Calo-Medina in documenting the first GAMABA awardees. Despite their passing, their contributions to the nation remain immortal. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing these artists in a society often focused on materialistic success. Their work links us to a deeper appreciation of Filipino identity and culture, honoring the idea of a diverse and inclusive nation.
