Exotic Philippine Islands Offer Culture, Fashion & Intrigue: A Colorful Escape From The Ordinary Artisan Culture Makes Visit To Tropical Archipelago Unique & Rewarding
Apart from its role as a pivotal U.S. ally in World War II, most North Americans are largely unaware of the truly unique 7,107 Southeast Asian islands known collectively as the Philippines. History buffs arriving on Philippine shores to visit the American WWII Cemetery and ruins of Corregidor often discover another side of the Philippines – the colorful, artistic qualities of the proud and perseverant Filipino spirit.
Best observed though the Filipino penitent for vibrant color and the ingenuity of designs found in its art galleries, furniture, clothing and handicrafts, the Philippines is a product of cultural fusion with influences from Spain and other parts of Europe as well as a broad spectrum of Asian ethnicities from India to Japan. Elements from North America and the Middle East further round out the Philippines and add to its range of artistic inspiration. Its fashion designers are among as the most innovative and daring in the world, and its artisans are regarded as true pioneers, light years ahead of the global art community.
“We are proud of our varied heritage and the one-of -a-kind artistry our rich history has inspired,” said Annie Cuevas, Director of the Philippine Department of Tourism – Los Angeles, noting that “Philippine art imports are among the most highly sought by international collectors, some of whom make regular trips to the Philippines to discover new artists and enjoy bargains on imaginative sculptures and paintings.”
“Our distinct perspective gives us a unique eye when it comes to artistic endeavors,” said Cuevas. “Americans would be surprised to learn how many blockbuster Hollywood productions were directed by Filipinos or actually filmed on location in the Philippines,” she added.
The Philippines has made great fiscal strides in the last two decades and has outpaced many of its neighbors, however, this has not always been the case. Following the country’s break from Spanish colonial rule, certain materials became very scarce and expensive for the average Filipino. This history has taught Filipino people to think outside of the box and to be creative in their construction of furniture, clocks and other ordinary objects, utilizing any materials that are available.
Filipinos may be comparatively well off today, but this ingenuity has remained a strong component in the make-up of the Filipino persona and can be seen in the unique chandeliers of five-star hotels and the quaint hand-made wooden furniture constructed on-premises at some smaller, boutique properties in the country’s more remote island paradises.
Perhaps the best example is the Philippine jeepney (pictured right). Constructed mechanically from Suzuki parts and motors imported from Japan, the exterior of these very common vehicles is comprised of the scraps from former U.S. army jeeps, usually with an extension bridge in the middle for increased passenger capacity. The sight of army vehicles can be off-putting, however, so expressionistic Filipinos decorate their jeepney with vibrant colors inside and out, often with religious messages to acknowledge their devout Catholic piety.
“The jeepney is a great example of how no material goes unused in the Philippines. We’ve even been known to recycle the rubber from our tires,” said Cuevas, referring to a practice where old tires have been cleaned and transformed into lawn and patio furniture in parts of the island of Bohol. “It seems absurd when you think about it, but it’s really quite remarkable when you see it blend with nature in the form of a bird bath complete with vegetative growth. It’s profoundly beautiful, actually.”
The Philippines is home to many of the world’s most noteworthy artisans and fashion designers whose work is prominently displayed and featured across various continents. Many of the artists have utilized various materials and cultural aspects to add a special, unique flavor to their work.
Napoleon Abueva, coined as the “Father of Modern Philippine Culture,” has helped shaped the sculpture scene in the Philippines since the beginning of his career using all types of material including hard wood, adobe, metal, stainless steel, cement, marble, bronze, iron alabaster, coral and brass. Abueva’s masterpieces reside in numerous landmarks across the Philippine region.
Benedicto Cabrera, a well-known painter, was a pionner of the fine arts and had a tremendous influence on many of his peers. Working out of a small studio in the city of Baguio, Cabrera began to use handmade paper as a medium for his work which eventually earned him several major art awards.
Ramon Orlina was born in Manila, and after completing his architectural degree at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, he began to practice architecture, painting, sculpting and drawing. All of his designs were based from his experience as an architect in the region. He eventually began to create sculptures from glass cullets or crystal blocks to express his visual imagery.
Many fashion designers from the region draw on the unique culture and traditions and emulate these aspects into wearable masterpieces. Jose “Pitoy” Moreno, renowned as “The Fashion Czar of Asia,” began his career creating costumes for the world-famous Bayanihan Philippine Dance Company. He was the president of the first association of Manila designers and the founder of the fashion-cultural organization known as the Karilagan International. His collections have circled the globe and have graced the fashion pages of top magazines such as Vogue and Harper’s Bazar.
Diane Monique Lhuillier is a Filipino fashion designer based in the U.S. Her mother’s glamorous style and extensive travels were some of her earliest influences. Lhuillier, along with her husband Bugbee, founded Monique Lhuillier in 1996 and launched their first bridal collection. The line was extremely well-received by fashion-savvy brides and celebrities including Britney Spears, Christine Baumgartner (Kevin Costner’s bride), and the former U.S. Vice President Al Gore’s youngest daughter.
Lotte Delima Edwards, a Cebuana-bred fashion designer, recently launched a summer collection named after the islands in Cebu – Hilontongan, Olango, and Santa Fe Island – bringing the enchanting and seductive atmosphere of each island to life.
Travelers with artistic inclinations or passions should make a pilgrimage to the Philippines – Asia’s undisputed capital for art, culture and fashion – at least once in their lives. Philippine specialists such as Rajah Tours (800-884-8566; www.rajahtours.com.ph) on the West Coast, as well as New York-based Pacific Asia Leisure (212-661-3270; www.pacificasialeisure.com), Pacific Holidays (800-355-8025; www.pacificholidaysinc.com) and Orient Flexi-Pax Tours (800-545-5540; www.orientflexipax.com) offer complete land/air packages at an amazing value. In fact, one can experience up to seven days in the Philippines for the cost of airfare alone to some Asian cities.
Travelers are encouraged to save some room in their luggage, however, as no visitor to the Philippines leaves without indulging in at least a small amount of shopping – and it’s easy to go overboard as designs are brilliantly unique and the U.S. dollar goes very, very far.
For more information about the Philippines, or to book the vacation of a lifetime, contact one of the Philippine Department of Tourism accredited tour operators listed above, visit www.experiencephilippines.ph, or contact the Philippine Department of Tourism in Los Angeles (213-487-4525), San Francisco (415-956-4060), Chicago (312-782-2475) or New York (212-575-7915).
The Philippine Department Of Tourism
The Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT) is one of the Executive Departments of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines responsible for the promotion of travel to the Philippines, tourism investments, and enhancement and preservation of tourism products in the country. Field offices in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and San Francisco provide the following services free of charge on a selective basis: dissemination of tourism information, maps, brochures and posters; lending out of videos, CDs and other tourism-related materials; recommendations on places to visit; endorsement of relevant entities; and assistance to those traveling to the Philippines. These offices also engage in a number of promotional activities: presentations to travel organizations, travel trade shows, media inserts and joint marketing arrangements.
The Philippine Department of Tourism is headquartered in Manila, Philippines, with offices in New York, Chicago, San Francisco and Los Angeles. For more information, visit www.experiencephilippines.ph or www.wowphilippines.com.ph, or call the toll-free Philippine travel information hotline at 1-877-PHIL-TRAVEL.
August 27, 2009
Posted in: Philippines