Art Forms in the Philippines During Spanish Colonization

Spanish Colonial Architecture

• Spanish colonization began with the establishment of Cebu and Manila, replacing wooden constructions with fortified cities.
• Early structures focused on wooden materials, which were vulnerable to rebels and disaster, leading to a shift towards fireproof adobe in the late 1580s.
• Fr. Antonio Sedeño, an engineer, trained locals in building with stone before Chinese architects took over.

Churches

• Churches served as the central community hub, made primarily from adobe or bricks, around which towns formed.
• Notable churches, like the Paoay Church in Ilocos, exemplified the use of buttresses due to earthquake risks.

Bahay na Bato

• The bahay na bato symbolizes Spanish colonial architecture, emerging from economic growth and the rise of a new upper class (Ilustrados).
• Architectural features include:
  • Wooden legs supporting a stone base.
  • Multi-roomed second floors accessible via interior stairs.
  • A large entrance hall called "Zaguan" emphasizing space.

Key Architects

• Luciano Oliver: Notable for designing Taal Church and the Manila Cathedral in 1872.
• Felix Rojas Sr.: The first Filipino architect known for neo-Gothic and neo-classic designs, including the Santo Domingo Church.
• Juan Hervas: Designed the Tutuban Railroad Station and several bahay na bato.
• Arciado Arellano: Served as an architectural adviser and worked on elite residences.
• Genardo Pelacios: Famous for San Sebastian Church, recognized as the first all-steel church in the Philippines.

Baroque Influence

• Predominant architectural style, characterized by grandeur and emotional appeal, used in church designs.
• Churches featured retablos, ornamental altars highlighting religious figures.

Musical Influence

• Western musical instruments were introduced during colonization, with Catholic liturgical music established in 1742 at the Manila Cathedral.
• Traditional forms like "pasyon" emerged, narrating Christ's passion through chant.

Cultural Retention and Evolution

• Traditional songs such as kundiman emerged, with Bayan Ko gaining prominence during the 1986 EDSA Revolution.
• Religious processions replaced pre-colonial theatrical forms, emphasizing pagentry.

Forms of Theater

• Zarzuela: An operetta blending singing and dialogue, with prominent playwrights like Severino Reyes.
• Komedya: A theatrical form depicting conflicts between Muslims and Christians, including religious ("komedya de santo") and secular types ("moro-moro").

Folk Dances

• Dances such as cariñosa and pandanggo reflect Spanish heritage, combined with local traditions.
• Artistic expressions like murals (Heaven, Earth, and Hell) conformed to patrons' preferences.

Early Printed Works

• The Doctrina Christiana was the first printed book in the Philippines (1593), containing religious teachings and song lyrics.
• The Basi Revolt is chronicled in Esteban Villanueva's paintings, depicting the tensions surrounding the monopoly on rice wine.

Explore the rich history of art forms in the Philippines during the Spanish colonization. This quiz delves into how architecture and cultural practices evolved from pre-colonial times to the influence of Spanish rule. Test your knowledge of this transformative period in Filipino history.