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.

Your City Needs Its Writers: 3 Steps to Improve the Writing Culture in Your City

There is a La Union Books and Arts Exhibit right now at the SM City La Union, and this got me thinking. Every city has its share of storytellers. Some write novels. Some write long social media captions that probably should have been novels. I personally think a city with no active writers feels a bit empty, like a place that only knows traffic and billboards but has no imagination. A writing culture is not optional. It is the difference between a town that thinks and a town that merely exists. If you want to encourage a writing culture where you live, start by following these 3 steps: Step 1: Make writers visible. Invite local authors to your library, schools, community centers, and yes even your neighborhood book clubs. In fact, book clubs are one of the easiest groups to involve, because they already read, already discuss stories, and usually already have snacks. A sponsored book club event featuring a hometown author can do more for visibility than a month of posters. And honestly,...

Better Library Shelfing by Colocation: Grouping Similar Items

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Weekly Facebook Reel Plan 006 Thrifting

F ocusing on a single theme like "Thrifting" for a week can provide a cohesive and engaging experience for your audience. Here's a that outlines a one-week Reel plan centered around thrifting: Day of the Week Concept Execution Monday Thrift Store Tour Move through different sections of a thrift store, highlighting unique finds. Tuesday DIY Thrift Flip Transform a thrifted item into something new. Move from the before state to the after state. Wednesday Budget Thrifting Set a budget and move through the store, showing what you can get within that budget. Thursday Thrifting for Different Styles Move between racks and sections, picking out items that fit various fashion styles. Friday Thrifted Outfit Challenge Create an outfit entirely from thrifted items. Move from the selection process to the reveal. Saturday Thrifting Tips Share tips for effective thrifting. Move from general advice to specific examples. Sunday Thrift Haul Showcase your week's finds. Move from unbaggi...

Why the Banned Book 1984 by George Orwell Seems Prophetic Now

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Five Most Tedious Tasks Every Librarian Knows Too Well

Ah, the life of a librarian! While many might imagine it's all about leisurely reading behind a desk and shushing noisy visitors, the reality is far from it. Being a librarian involves a slew of behind-the-scenes tasks that can be quite tedious but are essential to keeping the library running smoothly. Today, let's shine a light on the five most tedious tasks every librarian faces, celebrating the unsung heroes of the quiet aisles. 1. Cataloging and Classification Imagine trying to organize a giant, never-ending jigsaw puzzle where pieces keep changing shapes. That's cataloging and classification for you. Each book, magazine, and digital resource must be meticulously categorized by subject, author, title, and a myriad of other criteria. It's a task that requires precision and attention to detail, ensuring that visitors can find exactly what they're looking for among thousands of items. 2. Shelving and Re-shelving Shelving might seem straightforwar...

Storytelling Appeal Rating for Roronoa Zoro of One Piece

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Let us Teach Kids How to Become Lifelong Learners

Lifelong learning is a journey that shapes who we are and who we become. It’s not just about formal education; it’s about embracing curiosity, the desire to grow, and the drive to understand the world better. For children, this journey begins with reading. Teaching kids to read isn’t just about helping them understand words on a page—it’s about unlocking a lifetime of possibilities. The Foundation of Learning Reading is the key to all learning. When a child learns to read, they don’t just grasp language—they unlock the ability to explore any subject, from science to history to art. It’s a tool that helps them understand complex ideas, fuels their imagination, and gives them the confidence to tackle challenges. Reading is the doorway to knowledge, and by teaching kids to read, we give them the tools to explore the world with curiosity and independence. Reading Builds Confidence As kids become better readers, they gain confidence...

Why Every Library Needs a Hometown Authors Shelf and How to Promote Them

I have previously written about building a Local Authors Collection in a library in a previous post, How to Start a Local Authors Collection . Now, I will discuss further why this is mandatory for every library, especially public ones. All libraries often highlight international bestsellers—but what about the author who lives just down the street? A Hometown Author Shelf tells the story of your community, written by its own people. Local authors offer unique perspectives that national voices can’t. Their work may reflect regional issues, dialects, history, or folklore that rarely reach mainstream publication. Also, they don't have many followers, because they're just doing their thing and not getting much attention. This is where the library comes in. When patrons see familiar names or places in print, it deepens their emotional connection to both the library and literature. It says, “Your story matters here.” It also attracts local media attention, potential donors, and mo...

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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...

Ruby Galvez, RL

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