I. Subject in Art 7.

Genre Painting – Depicts everyday

life, often interior scenes. (e.g., The
• Definition: The matter depicted by
Milkmaid by Jan Vermeer).
the artist, such as a person,
object, scene, or event. II. Content in Art

• Types of Subjects: • Definition: The message conveyed

by the artwork.
o Representational/Objecti
ve: Recognizable images • Nature of Content:
(e.g., Mona Lisa by
o Natural World – E.g.,
Leonardo da Vinci).
Machu Picchu
o Non-
o Common Experiences –
Representational/Non-
Everyday life themes
Objective: No recognizable
images. o People – Depictions of
individuals
Common Kinds of Subjects in Art
o Events – Depictions of
1. Still Life – Depiction of inanimate
historical/social moments
objects like flowers, fruits, and
(e.g., The Procession of the
food. (e.g., Willem Kalf’s Still Life
Black Nazarene).
with an Aquamanile).
o Objects – Art focused on
2. Landscape – Natural scenery,
objects (e.g., Marcel
cityscapes, seascapes. (e.g., John
Duchamp’s sculptures).
Constable’s The Hay Wain).
III. Meaning in Art
3. Self-Portraits – The artist paints
themselves. • Definition: The deeper
significance of an artwork beyond
4. Portraits – Depictions of people
its aesthetic value.
(e.g., Mona Lisa).
• Ways to Analyze Meaning:
5. Nature – Focuses on specific
natural elements. (e.g., Sunset by 1. Formal Analysis –
Fernando Amorsolo). Examining size, shape, and
mass (e.g., Duchamp’s
6. Abstract – Art without
Fountain).
recognizable forms. (e.g.,
Contemporary Abstract Art by Ivan 2. Subject Analysis – What
Acuña). the artwork portrays (e.g.,
 The Annunciation by Henry • Lyrical expressionist who
Ossawa Tanner). emphasized drawing over
decorative color.
3. Contextual Analysis –
Understanding the • Known for depicting solitary figures
historical, social, and of scavengers in dark landscapes,
cultural background (e.g., symbolizing social struggles.
Gathering of Heroes by
• Notable Work:
Juanito Torres).
o Sabel
4. Iconography – Symbolism
and its meanings (e.g., o BenCab Museum
Arnolfini Portrait by Jan van
II. National Artist for Sculpture
Eyck).
Guillermo Tolentino
IV. Differences Between Subject and
Content • Influenced by the Revival period in
Philippine art.
• Subject – What is depicted.
• Former professor at UP School of
• Content – The meaning or
Fine Arts.
message of the artwork.
• Designed the Ramon Magsaysay
Award medals and the seal of the
I. National Artist for Visual Arts Republic of the Philippines.

Fernando Amorsolo (Grand Old Man of • Major Works:

Philippine Art)
o UP Oblation
• Known for illuminated landscapes
o Bonifacio Monument
portraying Filipino culture,
traditions, and rural life. III. National Artist for Architecture

• Used natural light in his paintings. Juan F. Nakpil

• Major Works: • Pioneer of Philippine architecture

that reflects local traditions and
o Dalagang Bukid (1936) –
culture.
Club Filipino Collection
• Major Works:
o Planting Rice (1946) – UCPB
Collection o 1937 International
Eucharistic Congress Altar
Benedicto Cabrera (BenCab)
 o Reconstruction of Rizal’s • Awarded by the National
House in Calamba, Laguna Commission for Culture and the
Arts (NCCA).
o University of the Philippines
Administration & Library

o Rizal Theater

IV. National Artist for Cinema

Fernando Poe Jr. (FPJ)

• Cultural icon and craftsman

known for his roles as an underdog
hero.

• Actor, director, writer, and

producer.

• Portrayed the struggles of ordinary

Filipinos in action films.

V. National Artist for Literature

Nick Joaquin

• One of the most distinguished

Filipino writers in English.

• Wrote plays, novels, poetry, short

stories, essays, and journalistic
works.

• Major Works: (Not specified in the

document, but includes "The
Woman Who Had Two Navels" and
"A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino")

VI. GAMABA Awardees (Gawad sa

Manlilikha ng Bayan)

• Recognized for preserving

indigenous and traditional arts.
This episode of Dayaw explores the Maguindanaon culture, used for
Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan storytelling, courtship, and rituals.
(GAMABA) or National Living Treasures
Sulaiman’s dedication to the kudyapi
Award, a prestigious recognition granted
ensured that younger generations could
by the National Commission for Culture
continue this tradition. He also played
and the Arts (NCCA) to master artisans
other traditional instruments like the
and cultural bearers who have dedicated
kulintang, agung, and gandingan.
their lives to preserving indigenous
traditions. Established under Republic
Act 7355 in 1992, the GAMABA award
2. Masino Intaray (Palawan) – Epic
honors individuals whose craftsmanship,
Chanter and Musician
artistry, and knowledge uphold the rich
cultural heritage of the Philippines. • Born: 1943, in Brooke’s Point,
Palawan
The episode highlights deceased
GAMABA awardees, showcasing their • Died: November 30, 2013 (age 70)
significant contributions to Filipino • Awarded GAMABA: 1993
culture, their artistic mastery, and their
efforts in preserving and passing down Masino Intaray was a master epic
their traditions. chanter, storyteller, and musician of the
indigenous Pala’wan, Tau’t Batu, and
Tagbanua communities. He was known
Honored GAMABA Awardees for his mastery of:

1. Samaon Sulaiman (Maguindanao) – • Tultul – epic chanting, which

Master of the Kudyapi recounts myths, history, and
wisdom.
• Born: March 3, 1953, in
Mamasapano, Maguindanao • Kulilal – lyrical love songs
accompanied by stringed
• Died: May 21, 2011 (age 58)
instruments.
• Awarded GAMABA: 1993
• Bagit – instrumental music
Samaon Sulaiman was a master of the mimicking nature sounds.
kudyapi, a two-stringed wooden lute
• Basal Ensemble – a traditional set
played by the Maguindanaon people. He
of gongs used in rituals.
learned to play at 13 and became known
for his intricate playing technique. The His dedication to oral tradition helped
kudyapi is an important instrument in preserve the cultural heritage of the
indigenous peoples of Palawan.
 "dreamweavers," possess the gift of
translating these visions into fabric.
3. Ginaw Bilog (Mangyan, Mindoro) –
Keeper of Surat Mangyan and Ambahan Her intricate designs carried spiritual and
Poetry cultural significance, depicting nature,
folklore, and ancestral wisdom. She
• Born: 1953, in Mansalay, Oriental
dedicated her life to training younger
Mindoro
generations, ensuring the survival of
• Died: 2003 (age 50) T’nalak weaving.

• Awarded GAMABA: 1993

Ginaw Bilog was a Hanunuo Mangyan 5. Salinta Monon (Tagabawa Bagobo,

poet and guardian of Ambahan, a Davao del Sur) – Inabal Textile Weaver
traditional poetry form written in Surat
• Born: December 12, 1920, in
Mangyan, an ancient script. Ambahan
Bansalan, Davao del Sur
poetry consists of seven-syllable lines
expressing wisdom, emotions, and • Died: June 4, 2009 (age 88)
cultural values, often carved onto
• Awarded GAMABA: 1998
bamboo.
Salinta Monon was one of the last
He worked tirelessly to document and
traditional weavers of Inabal, a
promote Ambahan, recognizing the threat
handwoven textile with bold geometric
of cultural erosion due to modernization.
designs and vibrant colors. Weaving a
single fabric required months of
meticulous labor, making it a rare and
4. Lang Dulay (T’boli, South Cotabato) –
highly valued art form.
T’nalak Dreamweaver
Despite the decline of weaving among the
• Born: August 3, 1928, in Lake
younger generation, she continued her
Sebu, South Cotabato
craft until her passing, ensuring that the
• Died: April 30, 2015 (age 86) Bagobo-Tagabawa people’s weaving
heritage was preserved.
• Awarded GAMABA: 1998

Lang Dulay was a renowned T’nalak

weaver, a traditional textile made from 6. Haja Amina Appi (Sama, Tawi-Tawi) –
abaca fiber. The patterns of T’nalak are Master Mat Weaver
believed to come from dreams, and only a
• Born: 1925, in Tandubas, Tawi-Tawi
few T’boli women, called
• Died: 2013 (age 88)
 • Awarded GAMABA: 2004 1. The Fragility of Indigenous Traditions

Haja Amina Appi was an expert in Many of these crafts are at risk due to
pandan mat weaving, a craft that modernization and a declining number of
required precision, patience, and artistic practitioners. The episode highlights the
vision. Her mats featured elaborate, urgency of preserving these traditions.
symmetrical patterns that reflected Sama
2. The Role of Cultural Masters as
culture.
Knowledge Keepers
Her artistry gained national recognition,
GAMABA awardees were more than
and she became a key figure in preserving
artisans—they were mentors and
the banig weaving tradition. Before her
cultural historians. Their dedication to
passing, she trained younger weavers to
passing down knowledge ensured the
continue the practice.
survival of their respective traditions.

3. The Connection Between Art and

7. Darata Sawabi (Tausug, Sulu) – Pis Identity
Syabit Weaver
Each craft is deeply tied to the identity
• Born: 1943, in Parang, Sulu and spiritual beliefs of its respective
community. Whether through weaving,
• Died: March 12, 2005 (age 62)
poetry, or music, these traditions express
• Awarded GAMABA: 2004 the soul of indigenous cultures.

Darata Sawabi was a master weaver of 4. The Challenge of Preservation in a

the Pis Syabit, the Tausug people’s Changing World
signature textile, used as a headscarf and
The episode emphasizes the importance
ceremonial attire. The Pis Syabit features
of government programs, cultural
bold, geometric designs and is
education, and community efforts to
traditionally woven from silk or cotton.
support indigenous artisans and ensure
Despite economic hardships and the that their art remains part of the national
challenges of living in a conflict-affected identity.
region, she remained committed to her
craft. Her work kept Tausug weaving
traditions alive, inspiring future Conclusion
generations of weavers.
This episode of Dayaw honors the legacy
of these National Living Treasures,
emphasizing their crucial role in
Key Themes Explored in the Episode
preserving the Philippines' rich cultural
heritage. Their artistry and dedication
continue to inspire new generations,
reminding Filipinos of the importance of
safeguarding traditional knowledge.