Filipino culture is a colorful one, literally and figuratively. It is filled with many beautiful forms of art, from folk architecture and weaving to oral literature and plastic arts. With a large variety to choose from, I asked some of our Filipino students what their favorite pieces of Filipino art were, from movies to paintings and everything in between.
Charisse Lapuebla (junior, speech-language pathology and audiology) talked with me about two of her favorite Filipino dramas, “On The Wings of Love” (2015-2016) and “Till I Met You” (2016-2017). They are both romantic comedy dramas, the first one dealing with two very different people having to marry for convenience to be able to stay in America, and the latter about three friends who end up forming a love triangle. Charisse fondly reminisced on how she was first introduced to Filipino dramas, recounting, “Ever since I was five years old, I remember coming home from school to my grandparents watching the newest episode of their dramas on the Filipino channel. At first, I wanted to switch the channel to watch “Dora the Explorer.” However, over time, I also got invested in the drama and story. My favorite memories are from running back into the house and sitting around the TV next to my Lola (grandma) just in time to hear “Previously On…” blaring from the speakers.” She confided that these dramas help her feel more connected to her culture, especially being a first-generation American, saying, “ It’s hard to feel like a “real” Filipina or feel connected to my family’s culture. Through these shows, I’m able to be connected to my home country (and watch entertaining dramas because some of these plot twists come out of nowhere!) The simple act of hearing Tagalog being spoken as you consume media allows me to feel a connection to daily life that my parents and relatives must have and do experience in the Philippines.”
Daena Holbrook (sophomore, mechanical engineering) shared one of her favorite Filipino songs, “Rainbow” by South Border. South Border is a Filipino pop and R&B band formed in the early 1990s, and this particular song speaks about impermanence and how tragedy is often followed by good tidings. Daena expressed, “Some songs sound like candy to me, and this song is one of them. I love the melody and the chord progression, and it’s so fun to sing along to!” The song is especially important to her, as she confided that it reminds her of singing with different friends she’s “met in different parts of my life.” She also related it back to Filipino culture, explaining that “This song portrays the general optimism of Filipino culture. It has a chill, welcoming, and romantic vibe that is also reflected in Filipino culture.”
On the other hand, Zach Liebelt (sophomore, math and physics) talked about two beautiful paintings he and his brother inherited from Lolo and Lola. He described the paintings, saying, “One of these paintings showcases a serene and calming night sky with fishing boats peacefully floating on calm waters. The other painting captures a beautiful sunrise, depicting a fisherman poised to catch fish.” He then delved into the emotional ties he has with the paintings, confiding, “These paintings hold a special place in my heart because they evoke memories of my grandparents and the stories they shared about their life in the Philippines. These paintings used to hang in their house, a place filled with fond memories from my childhood. Even though I can't discern the signature of the artist, I am still grateful that my Lolo and Lola recognized the value of these paintings during their time in the Philippines.” He then described them as a tangible connection to his Filipino heritage, saying, “They are unique in that they are not mass-produced media or art pieces, but rather something that has become more personal. They represent my culture by preserving an aspect of the essence of Filipino life, especially the importance of fishing in many coastal Filipino communities. The paintings offer a glimpse into the simple yet meaningful aspects of daily life in the Philippines, making them a cherished part of our family's cultural heritage.”
From modern media to rare gems, Filipino art continues to celebrate and highlight the Filipino experience, with many seeing it as a lifeline grounding them to their culture. It is a pleasure to be able to highlight the beauty of Filipino creativity!
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.