Contemporary Performing Arts - in the Philippines credits to the rightful owner Owned by: Caruana, Mangubat and et al.

2. The Filipinos are talented. Not only do Filipinos
excel in the visual arts, but they are also
considered to be a source of world-class
performers. In the diverse field of the
performing arts, whether in music, dance, or
theater, there will always be Filipinos that attest
to the country's artistic giftedness.

3. Filipinos love to sing. No celebration is
complete without a karaoke or videoke
machine. Contemporary music in the
Philippines is a product of our indigenous
traditions and the colonial influences. Before
the arrival of the Spaniards, the types of
indigenous music found in the country were
instrumental and vocal. Musical sounds were
created by various instruments such as flutes,
shell trumpets, drums, and gongs. Vocals were
performed by individuals or as a group.

5. EXAMPLES OF MUSICAL
FORMS THAT ARE STILL SEEN
IN THE PRESENT

7. The kundiman is a musical form that is a
product of Spanish colonization. Kundiman
is an art song that signifies love and
affection for someone. The kundiman, like
many art songs, is performed as a solo vocal
composition combined with an instrumental
accompaniment to achieve musical
harmony.

8. The harana is a traditional courtship
ritual in the Philippines wherein a suitor
serenades his object of affection.
Almost any love song can be sung during
the harana, including kundiman songs.
Traditional harana also uses deep
Tagalog words and is used to implore the
girl to listen or give attention such as
"Dungawin Mo, Hirang" and "O, llaw."

9. The harana is almost always
performed by a man while the
kundiman can be performed by both
genders.

11. The ballad is traditionally a song that narrates an
event in a community. There are many examples
of traditional ballads throughout the Philippines.
The style varies from region to region and from
one ethnic tribe to another. Some examples are
the idangdang of Bukidnon, liyangkit parang sabil
of the Tausug, and composo of the Hiligaynon.
A popular example of a traditional ballad would
be Yoyoy Villame's (1932-2007) "Magellan."
It must be mentioned that in modern times, the
term ballad has been applied to describe love
songs, and a balladeer is an artist whose set of
songs is primarily composed of romantic songs.

12. Notable Filipino contemporary ballad composers are Ernani
Cuenco (1936-1988) and Jose Mari Chan (b. 1945). Some of
the most popular and successful Filipino contemporary
balladeers include Regine Velasquez-Alcasid (b. 1970), Sarah
Geronimo (b. 1988), Jed Madela (b. 1977), and many more.

14. - is a form of instrumental music
composed by a small ensemble
wherein each part is played by
one player, as opposed to an
orchestra where a part is
performed by a group of
musicians. Chamber music is
usually performed by a group of
three to eight musicians.

15. Chamber music in the
country was pioneered by Dr.
Francisco Santiago and
Nicanor S. Abelardo, who
received training abroad,
and later on shared with the
younger generation of
composers.

17. - is a musical composition intended to be performed
by a group of singers called a choir.
The choir is arranged according to voice categories such
as soprano, alto, tenor, and bass. The early choirs in the
Philippines performed in churches, singing religious
hymns during the mass. This is still practiced today
with many churches and religious groups having their
own choir composed of talented volunteers. Schools
also have their own choral groups that perform here
and abroad.

18. Perhaps the most well-known school choir is the
choral group of the University of the Philippines, the
Philippine Madrigal Singers or the
"Madz." The Madz' is one of the most awarded choral
groups in the Philippines and in the whole world. They
have been taught and trained by some of the country's
best musical composers and arrangers such as
Eudenice Palaruan, Robert Delgado, and Fidel
Calalang.

19. PHILIPPINE MADRIGAL SINGERS

21. are songs intended for
Christian church services. Its
early form was inspireld by
Jewish chants during their
religious rituals.

22. Many musicians have adapted liturgical
music to reflect contemporary musical
styles and forms. Some of these artists
include National Artist Francisco F.
Feliciano (1941-2014) as seen in his work
Mass of Saint Andrew (1981), Ryan
Cayabyab (b. 1954) with his work Misa,
and the praise and gospel songs of Gary
Valenciano (b. 1964).

23. FRANCISCO
FELICIANO
RYAN CAYABYAB
GARY VALENCIANO

25. Opera is a combination of both music and
theater. It is a sung drama that entails
collaborative efforts of singers, dancers,
composers. choreographers, etc. One
type of song found in an opera is the aria,
which is a song sung in solo that portrays
the character's emotional state.

26. The opera was introduced in the Philippines in
the middle of the 1800s. Many Filipino
musicians have adapted the form to reflect
more contemporary Filipino experiences and
'tastes. Examples of which are Felipe Padilla's
(1912-1992) Noli Me Tangere, the first full-
length Filipino opera, and Reynaldo T. Paguio
(1935-1999) and Fides Asensios (b. 1931) Mayo
Bisperas ng Liwanag, which was based on a
short story by Nick Joaquin.

27. Notable Filipino opera singers include
Jovita Fuentes (1895-1978), the first
Filipina to be recognized as a National
Artist for Music, and the female soprano
Rachelle Gerodias.

28. Jovita Fuentes Rachelle Gerodias

30. Popular music or pop music is used to describe music
that is readily available to the broad populace. It is an
umbrella term that encompasses a multitude of
different genres of music such as RnB, Rap, Rock, Hip-
hop, Dance, etc.
Many critics look down on this type of music because
some songs gain recognition due to their popularity
and rarely for their quality. A song's popularity can be
manipulated through the amount of radio play,
marketing hype, and gimmicks of recording companies,
which often overshadow a song's creative merits.

31. Many of the popular music played in the Philippines are
Western imports that become a strong influence to many
contemporary singers and artists. Filipino musicians create
their own version of pop music by combining the Western style
with Filipino taste. Early examples of Filipino pop were Fred
Panopio's (1939-2010) "O! Ang Mga Babas and Yoyoy Villame's
"Mag-exercise Tayo Tuwing Umaga." Pinoy pop or Filipino pop
music came about when Filipino musicians wanted to create
music that they can call their own. These composers and
musicians focused on the youth for support and gave birth to
early Pinoy rock. A product of this genre was "Ang Himig Natin"
by the Juan de la Cruz Band. This song inspired other Pinoy
rock artists such as Sampaguita and Mike Hanopol.

32. The musical group Hotdog similarly combined Western pop with
Filipino lyrics and created what was then known as Manila Sound.
These songs were light and carefree, using words and lyrics that
combined Tagalog and English; these songs were quickly accepted
by the youth of the time. Songs that fall into this category include
"kaw ang Miss Universe ng Buhay Ko" by Hotdog, and Apo Hiking
Society's "Mahirap Magmahal ng Syota ng Iba."
Pinoy folk music is a genre of Pinoy pop that is heavily influenced by
the musical style of Western folk singers such as Bob Dylan, Peter,
Paul and Mary, among others. Well-known Pinoy folk musicians
include Freddie Aguilar, Noel Cabángon, Grace Nono, and Gary
Granada. Like their Western counterparts, these songs are often
accompanied by classical and acoustic guitars, and their messages
are often commentaries about society.

33. Freddie Aguilar
Noel Cabangon
Grace Nono
Gary Granada

34. Some artists of folk music such as Joey Ayala and Bayang
Barrios have incorporated ethnic instruments and styles from
the different ethnic groups, combining the traditional with
modern sounds.
Rap is a music genre that became popular in the late 1980s in
the Philippines. It originated from the African-Americans and is
distinctive of its fast and rhythmic narration accompanied by
electronic music.
The pioneers of Pinoy rap were Francis Magalona (1964-2009)
with his song "Mga Kababayan Ko," and Andrew E. (b. 1967) with
his song
"Humanap Kang Pangit."

35. Francis Magalona
Andrew E.

36. Closely related with rap is hip-hop. This music genre
incorporates not only rap but also includes RB, beatboxing, and
electronic and turntables as accompaniments. Many
contemporary Filipino rap artists identify themselves as both
hip-hop and rap artists.
Contemporary rap artists include Gloc-9 (b. 1977), Abra (b. 1991),
and Filipino-American Apl.de.ap (b. 1974), among many others.
Piny pop music continues to struggle against foreign songs for
airplay, whether it is from the West or from other Asian countries
like Korea and Japan. But Filipino musicians have not given up;
they continue to write music, adapting to the ever-changing taste
of the public.

37. Gloc-9
Abra
Apl.de.ap

39. Protest songs are songs that bring to light injustices and
inequality in society. These seek to inspire nationalism and
heroism from their listeners.These can come in many musical
forms and genre such as kundiman as seen in "Bayan Ko"
(1928). "Bayan Ko" is one of the most popular and recognizable
examples of a protest song. It was a collaboration between
Jose Corazon de Jesus (1896-1932) who wrote the lyrics that
was set to music by Constancio de Guzman (1903-1982).

40. Although it was made almost a century ago, this song is still used in
many protest movements because of the strong emotional effect it
has on its audience. The song's melody is similar with that of a love
song, but instead of it being dedicated to a woman it is a tribute to the
Motherland and the plea of its citizens to be free from struggle and
oppression. The song was first used as a call of independence from the
Americans and later on from the Japanese. It was also a popular song
used in rallies and marches during the Marcos era. Some protest songs
tackle environmental issues such as the band Asin's protest pop song
"Masdan ang Kapaligiran" (1978) and Gloc-95 rap song "Nag-lisang
Mundo" (2005).

42. Dancing, much like music, is very popular in the Philippines. It is a way
to bond and share our talents with the rest of the community. This can
be seen on how we can easily join in the latest dance craze and post it
online.
The types and forms of dances expressed in the Philippines is quite
diverse. This is especially true for the indigenous dances of the
Philippines. Indigenous dances in the Philippines are influenced and
molded by various factors, such as the experiences and events in the
community as reflected by the war dances of the people of the
Mountain Province.

43. It can reflect the group's values and beliefs like the Samal's pangalay
that is performed slowly with intricate poses. Most indigenous dances
were performed as ritualistic dances to ask for good fortune and
abundance. Some are performed as narratives of the community's
daily life as evident of the different mimetic dances all over the
archipelago.
With the arrival of the colonizers, the dancing tradition and forms
changed. Many indigenous ritualistic dances were adapted to be used
as vehicles of veneration to the different figures in Christianity. Social
dances during this time were influenced by the trends in Europe.

44. Popular European dances that we have adapted to our own were the
pandango, the polka, and the ballroom dance rigodon de honor, which
can till he seen performed in debuts.
The American occupation introduced many dance forms from the
West and its colonies. This is also the beginning of contemporary
dance in the country. Through the Americans, the Philippines was
exposed to the Afro-Cuban dance forms such as the tango, samba,
mambo, cha-cha, among others. Throughout the US occupation,
popular dance crazes from the US like the foxtrot, Charleston, boogie
woogie, mashed potato, and twist soon found their way in the
different dance halls in the
country.

45. During the early twentieth century, European classical ballet was
introduced to the Filipino audiences as many foreign dance troupes
performed in Manila. Some of these professionally trained classical
ballet dancers extended their stay in the country and taught the
Filipinos ballet. These pioneering Filipino ballet dancers became the
first generation of Filipino ballet dancers, teachers, and
choreographers.
This tradition of passing of skills and knowledge is the basis of the
continuing development of Philippine contemporary dance. On the
next page are some of the contemporary dance forms found in the
Philippines.

47. Aerobic is a dance routine made into an exercise program.
It is usually accompanied by upbeat pop music. Formal aerobic
dance class has three phases; the first is the warm-up, followed
by aerobic dance, and capped with cooldown exercises. Over the
years, there have been many variations of aerobic dancing,
usually dictated by the type of music used. Examples of which
are jazzercise, aero hip-hop, ballroom dancing, belly dancing, and
more recently the Brazilian-developed Zumba.

50. Ballet is both a dance and theater art. It is a style and dance
technique that follows strict set of moves and performance. It
originated from the European court spectacles and was later
brought to the Philippines by the Americans.
There are different contemporary reiterations of the ballet form,
namely, modern ballet, opera ballet, and folkloric ballet.
The modern ballet uses traditional ballet techniques and style set
to contemporary ideas and subjects. It is a type of modern dance
that uses contemporary, and sometimes experimental attitude
toward traditional dance techniques and style.

51. This type of ballet is not limited to the confines of the stage and can be
presented outdoors and in other unconventional venues. These ballet
performances tackle prevailing themes and are accompanied by modern music.
The pioneer of modern dance in the Philippines is the founder of Ballet
Philippines, Alice Reyes (b. 1942). Examples of modern ballet performances in
the Philippines are Tony Fabella's (1941-2009) Limang Dipa (1981) that was set
in a street in Manila and Beautiful Girls (1990). which was about a beauty
contest.
Another type of ballet is the opera ballet and its more modern version called
the rock ballet. This type of ballet combines dance and song.
One of the first rock opera ballet in the Philippines was Mahal (1975), a product
of the collaborative efforts of Abel Labrador, Mon Faustmann, Rahissa Lahat-
Wala, and Julie and Rose Borromeo. Another was Rama Hari (1988) by Ryan
Cayabyab, Bienvenido Lumbera, and Alice Reyes.

52. A folkloric ballet is a performance that presents
subjects and themes based on the art and culture of a
community. Examples are Agnes by the Davao-born
Agnes Locsin (b. 1957), Tapestry/Bayanihan by Alice
Reyes, and Baile de Aye by Corazon Generoso-Inigo
(b.1930).
As of the moment, there are three major ballet
companies in the Philippines, namely, Ballet Philippines
(1969), Philippine Ballet Theater
(1987), and Ballet Manila (1995).

55. Folk dance is the different dances performed by various cultural groups
throughout the country. It changes from region to region and is performed by
nonprofessional dancers who are members of the said community. It is often
performed during rituals, festivals, fiestas, and other community
celebrations.
Under the category of folk dances are mimetic dances that are dance
movements imitating animals like the Kadal Blelah of the T'boli and the
Kinabuwa of the Mandaya. Mimetic dances also depict movements that copy
communal activities such as planting rice and harvesting.
Examples of this type of mimetic dance are the Mananagat of Cebu, which
imitates the movements of a fisherman, and the Pangasinense's Tanobong,
which mimics the steps in making a broom.

56. These traditional dances have been used by the ethnic groups to celebrate
their identity and are based on their literature, legends, and beliefs. Some
examples are the Tinkling of Waray, which is considered as the Philippines'
national dance, and the Subli of Batangas. Some folk dances are integral to
festivals such as the'Ati-atihan of Aklan, the Masskara of Bacolod, and Sinulog
of Cebu.
Some professional dance troupes that specialize in showcasing folk dance are
the Bayanihan Dance Company, Darangan Cultural Dance Troupe of Marawi,
and the Tambuli Cultural Troupe.of Tawi-tawi.

59. Street dance is a term used to describe vernacular dances or dances that
developed organically within a community. Street dance is a dance form that
began in urban open spaces, such as parks, streets, yards, and night clubs,
rather than in formal dance studios. Early forms of street dance gained
popularity during the late 1970s. These dances were improvisational and
social in nature. It encouraged interaction with the audience as well as with
other dancers. Street dance became more common in the Philippines in the
1980s, coinciding with the popularity of punk and rap music. Popular street
dance moves in the Philippines include hip-hop routines such as b-boying
(breakdancing), popping, locking, and roboting. Today this dance form is
especially popular with the youth as the songs that are used to accompany
street dance are often the musical hits of the time and is promulgated
through television, music videos, and the Internet.

60. Due to its popularity, this dance form is often adapted as an aerobic exercise
in physical education classes, dance studios, and gyms.
Popular street dance groups include the Philippine All-star Dance Crew who
became two-time champion in the World Hip-hop Dance Championships in
2006 and 2008, the A-team who won the same competition in 2014, and XB
GenSan who won back-to-back championships in the 2015 and 2016
Dance2Dance World Streetdance Showcase Competition.

62. Many say that theater is the ultimate art since it is
a collaborativeart form that combines the various
disciplines of art such as literature,visual arts, music,
and dance. The Philippines is known to produce
world-class theater artists and playwrights like Lea
Salonga, AudieGemora,Tony Perez, and Rene
Villanueva. This art form is part of the country's
cultural heritage from the precolonial time up to the
present.

63. Ang Paghihintay kay Godot
Paglilitis ni Mang Serapio

65. The Brechtian theater is an example of a modern theatrical show.
lt is also referred to as epic theater. It is based on Bertolt
Brecht's(1898-1956)proposition that the audience should not
emotionally identify with the characters or action on stage but
instead stimulate self-reflection and critical analysis of the events
unfolding in the play. It is hoped that after watching the play the
audience would recognize the injustice presented and awaken
change in the society.

67. is a nonmusical play that is intended to elicit
tears and emotional attachment to the
characters. The main characters of these
melodramas are often victims of tragedies who
suffer cruelty from the people around them but in
the end will rise triumphantly. These melodramas
are regularly seen on television.

68. is a type of play wherein an individual actor
speaks and acts out the character's thoughts and
emotions.This one-person performance is often
used for the audience to better understand a main
character. Some plays utilize a dramatic monologue
for the entire play.

69. Examples of this type of play in the
Philippines are Tony Perez's
AlexAntiporda(1974) and Anton Juan
Jr.'s Taong Grasa (1985), which wasfirst
performed by veteran theater actor Lou
Veloso.

70. Musical theater are plays wherein music is an essential part
of the production. This includes traditional
Filipino theater such as the sarswela and ritualistic dramas.
With the love of Filipinos for music, it is not surprising that it is
one of the most popular forms of theater.
This is seen with the majority of theater companies producing
musicals such as the Aegis-inspired PETA play Rak of Aegis and
the repertoire of Francis Magalona songs used in 3 Stars and a
Sun.

71. Tula-dula or poem-play was developed by
the University of the Philippines in the 1970s.
It is minimalist in attack wherein a poem is
dramatized by a narrator who recites the
piece while two or three actors provide the
movement and the sound effects.

72. Political theater is a form of theater whose intention is to transform or improve the
current system of the government. Some political dramas are direct to the point, while
others use symbolisms and allegory to air their political views.
One type of political theater is the seditious play. Seditious plays often use symbolism
and allegory to deliver their antigovernment sentiments. Seditious plays are sometimes
called symbolic dramas.
These plays present a rebellious attitude toward the people in power or the
government. Since its content and message are sensitive and seditious, symbolisms are
often used to mask its rebellious tendencies.