Architecture of Luzon: Heritage and Churches

Architecture of Luzon

• Calle Crisologo: 15th-century Spanish street in Vigan, Ilocos Sur; recognized as a heritage site with antique houses and shops leading to historic churches. Known as "Intramuros of the North."
• Tumauini Church: Baroque church constructed in 1873 in Isabela; made entirely of red bricks, featuring a wedding cake-style bell tower, recognized for its artistic brick architecture.
• Spanish Gate: Built in 1885 in Olongapo City, Zambales; original entrance to a Spanish naval station, essential for maritime repair and supply.
• San Andres Apostol Parish Church: Also known as Masinloc Church, a 19th-century Baroque structure in Zambales; notable for its construction using coral stone rather than adobe.
• Three Kings Parish Church: Located in Gapan City, Nueva Ecija; one of the largest and oldest churches in the region, featuring Byzantine architecture elements and constructed with bricks and adobe.
• St. Dominic De Guzman Parish Church: Also called Abucay Church; a 17th-century Baroque church built in 1587, distinguished by its five-layer bell tower and ornate windows.

Sculpture of Luzon

• Bul'ul: Wooden carved figure representing rice granary spirits of the Ifugao; symbolizes wealth and well-being, crafted from narra wood.
• Paete Carving: Known as the "Woodcarving Capital of the Philippines," famous for creating intricate statues of saints and decorative carvings.
• Higantes: Large papier-mâché figures originating from Angono, Rizal; traditionally represented hacienderos and now symbolize farmers and fishermen.

Athletics

• Definition: A collection of sports events including running, throwing, and jumping; the term comes from the Greek "athlos" meaning "contest."
• Track Events: Typically held on a 400-meter track; includes sprints, middle-distance, long-distance, hurdles, relays, and race walking.
• Short Distance: Sprint races generally include 100m, 200m, and 400m.
• Middle Distance: Races like 800m, 1500m, and 3000m emphasizing endurance and pacing.
• Long Distance: Primarily consists of 5000m and 10,000m races, focusing on pacing and endurance.
• Hurdles: Races require athletes to jump over obstacles; typical distances include 100m, 110m, and 400m hurdles.
• Relays: Team races involving baton hand-offs between four runners.

Swimming

• Definition: Competitive individual or team sport involving movement through water in pools or open water.
• Front Crawl: Fastest and most efficient stroke; involves alternating arm strokes and flutter kicks while keeping the body horizontal.
• Butterfly: Known for its power and grace; most difficult stroke using a dolphin kick and simultaneous arm movements.
• Breaststroke: The slowest stroke requiring endurance; characterized by a frog kick and arms pulling while lifting the head to breathe.
• Backstroke: Offers easy breathing but requires good technique as swimmers face upward.

Folk Songs in Luzon

• Definition: Traditional songs reflecting popular culture, typically written in local languages and passed down orally.
• Characteristics: Lyrics in native tongue, unknown composers, simple key signatures, and focus on community culture and traditions.

Liturgical Music

• Pasyon or Pabasa: Lenten narrative focusing on the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus; sung in five-line stanzas.
• Salubong: Re-enactment of Christ's meeting with Mary featuring children in angel costumes singing.
• Flores De Maria: May festival praising Virgin Mary; involves flower offerings accompanied by the song "Alay."
• Santacruzan: Procession commemorating the finding of the Holy Cross; features participants in elaborate gowns and a marching band.

Arts and Crafts in Luzon

• Inabel: Handwoven fabric from Ilocos; translates to "to weave."
• Kain: Traditional wrap-around skirt from the Cordillera region, known for bright colors and decorative panels.
• Kadangyan: Luxury burial cloth in Mountain Province, signifying wealth.
• Bontoc Fabric: Features geometric shapes inspired by nature.
• Wanes and Lufid: Traditional costumes from the Igorots; Wanes being a loincloth for men, and Lufid a wrap-around skirt for women.
• Bakwat: Belt adorned with beads, worn by mothers post-birth, designed with symbolism from nature.
• Tingguian Design: Textiles with simple linear patterns, each signifying cultural meanings, often used in special occasions.
• Batangas Embroidery: Characterized by fine, delicate stitches, particularly with piña and jusi fabrics.
• Barong: An embroidered formal wear for men, versatile for special occasions.

Explore the rich architectural heritage of Luzon through important historical sites like Calle Crisologo and Tumauini Church. This quiz covers various churches and structures built during the Spanish colonial period, highlighting their unique architectural features and cultural significance.