Ilokano Folklore Art: Fabulous Traditions with Modern Interpretations

Ilokano folklore art refers to the artistic expressions and creative representations of the cultural stories, myths, legends, and traditions of the Iloko people, who are an ethnolinguistic group native to the northern Philippines, particularly the Ilocos Region.

This art encompasses various forms of artistic expression, including visual arts, literature, music, dance, and even crafts.

Visual Arts: Ilokano folklore is often depicted in visual arts, including paintings, sculptures, and textiles. Artists may create images of legendary figures such as Lam-ang (a hero in Ilokano folklore) or scenes from traditional stories and myths.

Literature: Ilokano folklore has been passed down through generations through oral tradition, and many of these stories have been documented in written form. Traditional epics, chants, and folk tales often serve as inspiration for Ilokano writers and poets.

Music and Dance: Ilokano folklore is also expressed through music and dance. Traditional songs and dances are often performed during festivals and cultural events. These performances may tell stories of bravery, love, and cultural values.

Crafts: Traditional Ilokano crafts, such as weaving and pottery, may also incorporate elements of folklore art. Patterns and designs in textiles and pottery might be inspired by mythical creatures or symbolic representations from Ilokano myths.

Mythical Creatures and Symbols: Ilokano folklore is rich with mythical creatures and symbols, which can be depicted in various art forms.

For example, the "tikbalang" (a half-human, half-horse creature) and the "kapre" (a tree-dwelling giant) are common figures in Ilokano stories and can serve as subjects for artistic interpretations.

Cultural Festivals: Many Ilokano cultural festivals incorporate elements of folklore art. Festivals like the Pamulinawen Festival in Laoag City celebrate Ilokano culture through various artistic performances, parades, and displays of traditional crafts.

Storytelling and Performance: Traditional storytelling and performance are essential aspects of Ilokano folklore art. Storytellers pass down myths, legends, and folk tales to younger generations, often accompanied by music, dance, and visual aids.

Contemporary Interpretations: In addition to traditional forms of Ilokano folklore art, contemporary artists may reinterpret these stories using modern artistic techniques and media, blending old and new styles to keep the folklore alive and relevant.

Art plays a crucial role in preserving the cultural heritage of the Ilokano people and connecting them to their ancestral stories and traditions. It continues to evolve as artists find innovative ways to express these stories while honoring their cultural roots.

10 Benefits of Becoming a Board Topnotcher in the Philippines

Becoming a board topnotcher in the Philippines is a highly esteemed achievement that can have significant benefits for an individual's professional and personal life. These benefits span across various aspects, including career opportunities, personal growth, and societal impact. 10 Reasons Board Topnotchers are a Big Deal in the Philippines 1. Enhanced Career Opportunities : Achieving topnotcher status in board exams in the Philippines often opens doors to a plethora of career opportunities. Many employers, particularly in competitive fields such as engineering, accountancy, and law, view topnotchers as individuals with exceptional capabilities and a strong work ethic. As a result, topnotchers often receive job offers from prestigious firms, government agencies, and private corporations. Additionally, they are frequently offered higher starting salaries, leadership roles, and opportunities for advanced training and education. 2. Professional Recognition and Credibility : Topnotche...

The Importance of Monitoring Access to Organizational Archives

In any organization, the preservation and management of archives is a task that requires meticulous attention and responsibility, particularly when it comes to monitoring who accesses these valuable records. As a record manager, one of the crucial aspects of the role is ensuring that the access to archives is both controlled and recorded. This blog post explores why it's essential for record managers to keep track of who accesses organizational archives and the benefits this control brings. By the way, I designed an Archives Log Book that can help record keepers monitor who accesses their archives, especially the ones stored on-site in boxes or file cabinets: https://www.amazon.com/Archives-Log-Book-Organizational-Unauthorized/dp/B0B35H8P6L Protecting Sensitive Information Organizational archives often contain sensitive information, which could include personal data, confidential business strategies, legal documents, and financial records. Unauthorized access to such informa...

A Library Can Help Remove Bias and Prejudice in the Community

Human library as a concept for your makerspace? Here are some information about this kind of library and what can be achieved by organizing something like it. We are not Alone In This Advocacy The Human Library Project is actually a world-wide advocacy made up of various organizations. So, check out what has been done and what the future holds for this project at www.humanlibrary.org . What is a Human Library It is a safe space for interesting characters and those interested in them to learn and interact. Simply put, readers read a person rather than a book. Thus, a reader initiates the question and answer session under the watchful eye of a marshall, who monitors the interaction to ensure the human book’s safety and security. What is the Goal of a Human Library? It transforms a book library into a safe place for healthy discussion about controversial topics with the ultimate goal of unjudging someone. Readers can read more than one book per session, depending on the availabili...

3 Easy Ways to Instantly Improve Your Handwriting

Handwriting doesn’t have to be a lost art, even in today’s digital world. Whether you’re taking notes, writing a letter, or just doodling in your journal, legible handwriting is a skill worth mastering. Let’s start with three quick tips to make your writing more readable: 1. Pay Attention to Spacing Spacing is one of the most overlooked aspects of legibility. It’s tempting to let your letters and words run together, but that’s the quickest way to turn your notes into an indecipherable mess. Make a conscious effort to leave some space between each letter and word. This breathing room allows the reader to clearly distinguish one word from the next. Slow down, and you’ll find your spacing naturally improves. 2. Hold the Pen Correctly You might not think much about how you hold your pen, but it plays a big role in your handwriting. Too tight a grip, and your hand tires quickly, causing shaky lines. Too loose, and you’ll struggle to control the pen. Aim for a relaxed but steady grip that le...

Simple Way to Ask Library Users to Rate the Library Service

Library users do not always share their thoughts on how the librarian or school can improve their library service. In fact, some won't ever, unless prompted. Soliciting their thoughts using a suggestion box is also not as good a strategy as it is predicted to be. After all, the blank piece of paper near the suggestion box doesn't really guide the user. I also noticed that users would only use the suggestion box if they have a complaint, but not if they just want to go about their business and leave. There must be a more pro-active way to solicit users' opinion. A simple solution would be to offer a short survey to measure how successfully users were able to complete some common activities in the library. This assessment uses the Likert scale, which is typically a five, seven, or nine-point agreement scale used to measure respondents' agreement with various statements. For example, the scale can range from "very unsuccessful" to "very successful."...

Insightful Lessons from The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

"The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho is a widely acclaimed novel that offers many insightful lessons through its allegorical tale. Here are ten key takeaways from the book: 1. Follow Your Dreams: The protagonist, Santiago, teaches us the importance of following our dreams. His journey to find a treasure he dreamt about symbolizes the pursuit of personal desires and goals in life. 2. Listening to Your Heart: The novel emphasizes the importance of listening to one's heart and understanding its desires. It suggests that the heart knows your true desires and can guide you towards your destiny. 3. The Personal Legend: Coelho introduces the concept of the "Personal Legend" – an individual's destiny or purpose in life. The book encourages readers to identify and pursue their own Personal Legends. 4. The Fear of Failure: Santiago faces numerous fears, including the fear of failure. The book shows how overcoming these fears is essential for personal gro...

Asian Fruit Salad with Dressing

Because I miss travelling to Bangkok and Vietnam where I once tasted the best mangoes and dragon fruits, here's a food post for you! Asian fruit salad is known for its vibrant colors, refreshing tastes, and mix of exotic fruits, often dressed with a citrusy or spicy sauces to enhance the flavors. Here's a simple recipe for an Asian-inspired fruit salad that you can easily prepare at home: Asian Fruit Salad Recipe Ingredients: - 1 cup of diced mango - 1 cup of diced papaya - 1 cup of pineapple chunks - 1 cup of lychees, peeled and pitted (can use fresh or canned) - 1 cup of dragon fruit, cubed - 1/2 cup of pomegranate seeds - Mint leaves for garnish Dressing: - Juice of 1 lime - 1 tablespoon of honey (adjust to taste) - 1 teaspoon of grated ginger - A pinch of salt - Optional: a sprinkle of chili flakes or a teaspoon of finely chopped mint for an extra kick Instructions: 1. Prepare the Fruits: Peel and cut all the fruits into bite-sized pieces. If you're using canned l...

How to Start a Local Authors Collection in Your Library: 3 Steps

Looking to celebrate the voices in your own backyard? Starting a Local Authors Collection is one of the most meaningful ways to connect your library with its community. This will also promote your library to locals who may not have heard that your library is open and accessible to everyone! It will also send the message that you value your local authors and would like to work more with them in the future! Step 1: Audit! Begin with a simple audit: Do you already have hometown authors on your shelves? Create a list. Then, reach out to local writing groups, independent publishers, or universities—places where emerging writers often surface. Step 2: Curate! Don’t overlook self-published authors. Many have strong followings and are eager to share their work. Establish clear submission guidelines to ensure quality and consistency. Step 3: Promote! Highlight the new collection with shelf signage or a dedicated reading nook. Monthly features or “Local Author Spotlights” on social media also ...

Book Review: Am I the Last One to Read The Midnight Library by Matt Haig?

I may be biased in this review because I like libraries, and this book features one! "The Midnight Library" by Matt Haig caught my eye for several reasons. Firstly, the premise alone is enough to draw anyone in: a magical library that lets you explore alternative lives you could have lived. Talk about seizing your attention! I was particularly intrigued because the idea of "what-ifs" has always fascinated me, and I thought the book would provide an interesting take on this universal human experience. Summary The story revolves around Nora Seed , a woman burdened by regrets, choices, and missed opportunities. At the lowest point in her life, she discovers the Midnight Library—a metaphysical space suspended between life and death. Guided by the librarian Mrs. Elm, Nora gets the chance to live as if she had made different choices at pivotal moments in her life. Each book in the library represents a different life Nora could have led. As she leafs through these volumes...

High School Study Habits: Do They Still Work in College?

Back in the University of the Philippines, it didn't take long for me to realize that most of what I knew about "studying for exams" in high school no longer apply. It was the first big exam after enrollment; the trial of fire. It was when each of the new students could get a feel of who among their compatriots are their competition. Because, to most of the freshmen in that school, everything is a competition. So, a few days before the exam. I read and re-read the reference and my notes, and recited the material out loud. I took notes while I browsed the books. Everything I did in high school, I applied. But my final score was mediocre. To others, this would have been enough. But I wanted to know what else I can do, and even more badly, I wanted to know why my old study strategies didn't seem to work anymore.

Ruby Galvez, RL

Search This Blog