Philippine Folk Art History

The Legend and History of Bataan Philippines

Bataan peninsula is located southwards from the western shores of central Luzon, forming the enclosed and well-sheltered Manila Bay to the east that is nearly cut off from the open China Sea in the west. The narrow outlet separates the peninsula from Corregidor Island and Cavite to the south.

The provinces of Zambales and Pampanga form common boundaries to the north. About 80% of Bataan is mountainous or hilly with Mount Mariveles and Mount Natib dominating the interior. Most of the agricultural portion of Bataan is in the north and east.

The province experiences two pronounced seasons; dry from November until April and the wet from May to October. During World War II it was the scene of heavy fighting between Allied and Japanese forces from January 6, 1942, to April 9, 1942. Bataan fell to Japan on April 9 and was retaken by an American force on February 17, 1945.

HISTORY

Several villages in the coastal plains of Bataan were already thriving communities when Spanish missionaries found them in the 1570s. Bataan, then known as Vatan, was part of the vast Capampangan Empire that included what now are the provinces of Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, and some portions of Bulacan, Zambales and Pangasinan, These coastal villages were inhabited by natives who were predominantly fishermen, farmers and craftsmen. Meanwhile, the hillsides were inhabited by nomadic Aeta tribes.

Bataan was established in 1754 by Governor General Pedro Manuel Arandia. Before this, the region was divided into two parts: the Corregimiento of Mariveles and the Province of Pampanga. The towns of Mariveles, Bagac, Morong and Maragondon, Cavite comprised the Corregimiento of Mariveles that was under the jurisdiction of the Recollect Order of the Roman Catholic Church. The province of Pampanga included the towns of Orion, Pilar, Balanga, Abucay, Samal, Orani, Llana Hermosa and San Juan de Dinalupihan. The latter group was under the charge of the Dominican Order. Limay, the twelfth town of Bataan, was named only in 1917.

Long before the outbreak of Word War II, Bataan already earned herself a secure place in the history of the Philippines. The prince of Filipino printers, Tomas Pinpin, a native of Abucay, who either authored or co-authored some of the oldest books in the Philippines and printed them himself between 1610 to 1639 in the printing press located inside the Abucay Catholic Church. In 1647, the plundering Dutch Naval forces were resisted in Bataan, the defenders ultimately chose the glory of death to the ignominy of surrender.

Bataan was among the first provinces to rise in revolt against Spanish tyranny. Two of her sons, Pablo Tecson and Tomas del Rosario, figured prominently in the Malolos Convention in 1898, and were instrumental in ensuring that the Filipinos enjoyed religious freedom. Cayetano Arellano of Orion became the Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Revolutionary Government, and later on became the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

When the Pacific War broke out in 1941, the selection of the peninsula as the locale of the last defensive stand by the USAFFE against the invading Japanese forces brought fame and infamy to Bataan. The loss of life and property cannot be estimated. Bataan then became the symbol of valor and tenacity in its hopeless stand against the much superior invading Japanese Imperial Forces. Today, a national landmark called the Shrine of Valor (Dambana ng Kagitingan) stands majestically on top of the Mt. Samat in Pilar as testimony to the gallantry and sacrifices of the men and women who with their blood, tears, and sweat made the grounds of Bataan hallow.

CULTURE

Most of the 424,000 people living in Bataan are Tagalogs. Kapampangans comprise a significant minority of less than 10% and are concentrated in the municipalities adjoining the province of Pampanga. Recent rapid industrialization has lured thousands of people from other provinces to settle within Bataan.

The province of Bataan has always been linked closely to the culture and economy of Manila. Much of what the province produces is exported to Manila. The primary traditional industry of Bataan is fishing. It is the home of thousands of fishermen whose industry has spawned a unique craft of net and fishtrap making. Nets produced in Bataan take on various forms and shapes like the panli, kalukutok, pambonot, pansiliw, panitig, mananacag hipon, panglusong, hila-hila, kitang, pangapak, bintol, salambaw, dala, bating, pangalabaw and the gulgureta.

Each net type responds to various needs and uses. There are also various fishtraps like the saluhin, paclang, aguila, panghipon and pangalalo.
The province exports the excess of its fish catch and the town of Orion is famous for its tuyo (dried fish). Orani used to have large tracts of nipa groves, which used to produce a native beverage called tuba. Tuba is still produced but in smaller quantities and primarily for local consumption.

POINTS OF INTEREST

First Line of Defense Marker (Dinalupihan) – Marks the first strong line of defense of combined Phil. and USAFFE troops against the Japanese invasion during World War II.

Fall of Bataan Marker (Balanga) – This commemorates the fall of Bataan, in memory of war veterans, living and dead. The marker symbolizes the courage and the enduring commitment of a Filipino soldier to his country.

Surrender Site Marker (Balanga) – Marks the spot where the grim surrender of Bataan and Corregidor was signed by Maj. Gen. Edward King Jr., on April 9, 1942. Surrender marker can be found within the compound of Balanga Elementary School.

Democracy Marker – Situated at the provincial boundary between Pampanga and Bataan which depicts the role of Bataan in the fight for freedom for the preservation of democracy.

Death March Marker (Orani) – The folk arts statue commemorating the defiant spirit of Bataan, where Death march marches passed on their way to the prison camp.

Dambana ng Kagitingan (Shrine of Valor) Pilar – Natural shrine atop Mt. Samat which immortalizes the agony of the Filipino and Americans against the forces of aggression and articulates the Commitment of the Filipino people to freedom and dignity.

Tomas Pinpin Monument – In memory of first Filipino printer. It was in Abucay church where Tomas Pinpin co-authored and printed the earliest books in the country with Fr. Blancas de San Jose in 1610

Mt. Samat – Was the scene of the most heroic defensive battle during World War II.

First Abucay Catholic Church – On this site a fierce battle between the Dutch and the natives together with defenders took place in June 23, 1647. The church is one of the oldest churches in the Philippines. It housed the first printing press in the country which outdated any single press in the US

Mt. Malasimbo – A cinica-shaped mountain cinsidered as a weather forcasting device predicting a coming typhoon when its summit is covered with dark clouds.

The Main Battle Position (Abucay Town) – The battle possition of the USAFFE, known officially as the Abucay -Morong Line, under the War Plan Orange 3. The then second Lieutenant Alexander R. Miniger, Jr., 57th Infantry (PS) Gainsville, Georgia was posthumously decorated the Congressional Medal for an action on this line 12 January 1942, and became the first America’s highest military decoration.

Abucay Municipal Building – A historic relic of one of the largest town of Bataan.

Bankal Settlement -A newly created barangay where the Actas still maintain their traditional customs and usages in accordance with our cultural heritage.

Battle of Toul Pocket Marker (Bagac) – Marks the significant pockers where a battle ensued as a prelude to the final defense in Bataan. The series of fights to eliminate the Japanese forces known as the Battle of Pockets fought from Jan 27 to Feb. 17.

Sibul Spring – A tourist potential with sulfuric swimming pool and wide area for outdoor recreation.

Pasukulan Falls – A natural wonder at the valley of Mt. Natib which has fresh vegetation and unexplored area.

Bagak Town – Zero Kilometer Marker. The start of the infamous Death March that also marks the beginning of Japanese control over the nation.

Maria Canon Statue – This tower was erected for the repose of many dead souls in the Philippines during World War 2 by the Mie-ken Daiichi Shueesec of the Japanese Sohtohshuh Spot, September 1978.

Philippine-Japan Friendship Tower – This symbolizes that after a war, there is a period of reconciliation, peace and friendship.

Kaytibong Falls – This natural waterfalls remains to be developed.

Roosevelt National Park – A forest reservation ideal for outdoor adventures and Boy Scout Camporal area with facilities for irrigation and game hunting.

Catholic Church Belfry – This was used as a site for Japanese artillery bombardment of Mt. Samat where both Filipino and American Forces gave their last stand.

Lamao World War II Marker – World War II exempted almost no place in the province that this town overlooking Manila Bay and Corregidor deserves a marker.

Alangan River – In Bataan every place is a place to go. No small creek or river is without a tint of history and of practical value.

BEPZA – The Bataan export Processing Zone Authority is the site of many foreign based factories and companies producing items ranging from dolls to automobiles for export.

Flaming Sword – A symbol of the Filipino courage and gallantry in the face of external threats to the nation’s democracy and peace

Final Battle Site Marker – To remember the coutage and heroism of Bataan defenders amidst hunger, sickness and death.

Battle of Trail 2 (Capot Hill) – A point where several men died in defense of freedom and democracy.

Dunsulan Falls – Ideal site for pocnics and inland swimming.

U.N. Refuge Center – Located in Morong Town. A temporary resettlement area and processing center for Indo-Chinese refugees migrating to European, American and Facific countries.

Nuclear Power Plant – The country’s first controversial commercial nuclear power plant with a capacity of 620 megawatts.

Cayetano Arellano Marker – Located on Orion Town. This marks Orion, as the birthplace of the first Filipino Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

Francisco Balagtas Monument – In honor of the great Filipino poet and patriot, this monument was erected.

Sitio Diwa – A full-pledged barangay but a glorious example of a small village which answered the call for the united defense against foreign aggressors. (From Tambayanet)

Philippine Folk Medley

The Van Rensselear Children Portrait 1840 antique oil painting ! Folk art $24,900.00

Antique Pair of Iconic American Folk Art Carved Pine Wood Eagle Sculpture – RARE $20,000.00

Metal Art Sculpture Sculptor for Hire Travel Design fabricate install folk art ! $20,000.00

Mamie Falk Folk Art Oil Painting – Considered Minnesota’s “Grandma Moses” $19,750.00

Yuri Gorbachev ORIGINAL Landscape Oil painting Folk Art $17,500.00

Folk Art wood statue of Grover Cleveland 1894 $9,500.00

Antique Ship Captain Folk Art Carved Coconut Chalice $8,500.00

Original Oil On Canvas Painting by Minni Hines Bayou Scene Folk Art 24×48 $8,495.75

Chinese folk art sculpture carving stone inkstone for painting and handwriting $6,890.00

Chinese handcraft folk art stone sculpture carving inkstone inkslab fly dragon $6,329.00

Banjo Boy/ Pre-Civil War Folk Art on Linen $6,000.00

LARGE Antique Americana Folk Art Painting of Boy -Civil War Col. Orlando H Moore $5,999.99

Yuri Gorbachev Original Oil Painting Russian Art Folk $5,990.00

Chinese handcraft folk art sculpture carving inkstone inkslab—Avalokitesvara $5,590.00

AMERICAN FOLK ART PUPPET THEATRE QUEENS,NY $5,000.00

Clementine Hunter Signed Framed Folk Art Painting Cotton Pickin’ c1977 20×26.25 $5,000.00

vincent van gogh sculpture outsider folk art Dale Teachout assemblage junk $5,000.00

Bessie Harvey Folk Art Found Object Museum Piece!!! $5,000.00

PAIR OF 19TH C FOLK ART PORTRAITS PAINTINGS SIGNED P MARTIN 1886 HUSBAND & WIFE $4,999.99

ANTIQUE 19th CENTURY AMERICAN FOLK ART ETCHED GLASS ALLEGHENY CTY PA GERMAN WOW $4,999.99

ANTIQUE 19th CENTURY AMERICAN FOLK ART FISH HOOK MASSIVE IRON TRADE SIGN $4,999.99

Signed OLD master GESSO FRAME OIL ON CANVAS PORTRAIT NELSON pipe Folk art $4,999.00

Clementine Hunter Folk Art Painting Signed “Picking Cotton” $4,850.00

Chinese folk art sculpture carving stone inkstone double dragon holding the sun $4,690.00

FOLK ART OIL PAINTING PORTRAIT CHILD ICONIC RED DRESS PRINCE CHARLES SPANIEL $4,500.00

Corbels Pair Wood Winged Griffins Victorian Old Paint Architectural Folk Art $4,500.00

FOLK ART PAINTING SULLIVAN COUNTY NEW YORK J R GEROW $4,500.00

Exceptional Folk Art Painting $4,500.00

Johnnie Swearingen! Great Folk Art!!! Peddling Melons $4,500.00

New England Folk Art Portrait on Canvas Ca.1830 $4,500.00

Clementine Hunter Signed Framed Folk Art Painting Wash Day c1977 19.25 x 23.25in $4,500.00

A Outstanding Early Trade Axe,Folk Art Hatchet, $4,500.00

Yuri Gorbachev Original Oil Painting Russian Art Folk $4,490.00

FANTASTIC FOLK ART CHEST $4,200.00

Clementine Hunter Signed Framed Folk Art Painting African Headdress c1977 25.5h $4,000.00

ANTIQUE MINIATURE PRIMITIVE FOLK ART WOOD RURAL SCENE FRAMED 12 1/4″ UNIQUE $3,885.00

*RARE TRAMP / FOLK ART Shoe Shine Box – Brass/Wood-Detailed-Ornate-Exquisite $3,800.00

Antique KNOTTY Tree Root Twig FOLK ART CHAIR Set GOODY KOONCH West Virginia $3,750.00

Original Mexican Folk Art Icons Retablo:18-19th century $3,650.00

Chinese handcraft folk art sculpture carving inkstone-an old man finshing alone $3,590.00

Folk Art Hand Carved Soldier,6ft Tall Pick Up Only $3,532.50

Unique/Exceptional Large Oval Folk Art Santa Claus Wood Carving signed Cobb 98 $3,500.00

Painting Vintage 50s Cowboy Folk Art Levis Jeans Vinicur Little Buckaroo Parade $3,500.00

Advertising Art / Folk Art / Christmas Hooked Rug – 5′x3 1/2′ $3,500.00

Johnnie Swearingen! Great Folk Art!!! $3,500.00

Chinese handcraft folk art sculpture carving inkstone inkslab—Lofty aspiration $3,490.00

Terrazzo Marble Micro Mosaic Latin Ethnic Musicians Mural Folk Fine Art $3,374.99

Original Mexican Folk Art Icons Retablo:18-19th century $3,250.00

FINE 19c EARLY FOLK ART PORTRAIT PAINTING $3,225.00

Israel Jewish Art,Sara Hagay,Israeli Folk Dance “hora”,Oil,Judaica,Framed $3,000.00

mud painting signed jimmy sudduth a real folk art outsider master piece $3,000.00

ANTIQUE AMERICAN FOLK ART WOOD CANE ISLE ROYALE FIRE WW2 D DAY GI ? KENOSHA WI $2,999.99

FRANK WYSO OUTSIDER FOLK ARTIST PENNSYLVANIA COAL MINERS 4 WORKS OF ART $2,999.99

King’s Couch Rare One of a Kind Yard Art from Chicago Folk Hand Made furniture $2,999.99

ANTIQUE 19th AMERICAN FOLK ART NATURALIST BUFFALO SETON STYLE CATLIN PAINTING $2,999.99

Chinese handcraft folk art sculpture carving inkstone inkslab man walk in forest $2,999.00

Chinese handcraft folk art sculpture carving inkstone inkslab a man watch moon $2,999.00

fine Chinese handcraft folk art stone sculpture carving inkstone inkslab scenery $2,890.00

Temperance Movement Folk Art Painting Folk Art Temperance Painting $2,850.00

Anonymous Folk Art Carving Figure with Crown in Skirt with Snake $2,799.99

ANTIQUE OIL PAINTING FOLK ART NEW ENGLAND ‘HUGES’ 1892 $2,750.00

Chinese handcraft folk art stone sculpture carving inkstone inkslab with dragon $2,690.00

FOLK ART Antique Wood Polychrome Carved Asian Figure Sculpture $2,500.00

HUGE 37″ Antique 19th American Folk Art Carved Gilt Wood Eagle Statue Americana $2,500.00

Antique Primitive Folk Art Hand Carved Wooden Dough Bowl $2,500.00

FOLK ART OIL PAINTING OF THE SS “OCEAN” STEAMSHIP $2,475.00

Ca. 1820 American Folk Art Painting Deformed Man $2,450.00

James Harold Jennings Amazing and Colorful Folk Art! $2,400.00

Doris Lee – Folk Art Painting – Signed and Titled – Original Condition $2,400.00

DC: Prison Folk Art Matchstick Ship, HUGE 5′ Length $2,379.00

Amazing ORIGINAL NAUTICAL AMERICAN FOLK ART PAINTING $2,285.00

Early 20th Century Folk Art Sheep Painting/ Inside Barn $2,250.00

FOLK ART COLLAGE/Presidential Stamp Collage $2,250.00

Folk Art Handmade Ceramic Sculpture Plaque Dentist Pulling Tooth Dicker Vintage $2,200.00

ANTIQUE Americana TRADE SIGN IMMIGRATION FOLK ART NYC ICE CREAM PUSH CART $2,200.00

Ohio Pioneer Abraham Betz 1818 HANDWRITTEN LESSON BOOK with FOLK ART $2,150.00

HAITIAN ART: Vibrant PAINTING, SIGNED by Renowned Folk Artist TOUSSAINT AUGUSTE $2,150.00

Philippines National Artist Abdul Imao Brass Sculpture w/ Base Mindanao Folk Art $2,100.00

Ellen Eilers Calico Country Folk Art Woodcut Ornamental Trees Rare Early Work $2,000.00

antique 19th century oil painting folk art still life portraiture PA Amish girl $2,000.00

ANTIQUE 19th CENTURY AMERICAN FOLK ART FRUIT STILL LIFE WATERMELON OIL PAINTING $1,999.99

ANTIQUE AMERICAN FOLK ART WOOD BALEEN CARVED SPERM WHALE GROTESQUE AMERICANA WOW $1,999.99

ANTIQUE AMERICAN FOLK ART SHIP LIGHTHOUSE LARGE OIL PAINTING GERNAND VERMIER $1,999.99

Vtg Rutherford Tubby Brown Xmas 25″Folk Art Santa Claus $1,999.99

AMERICAN FOLK ART GAMEBOARD TABLE WITH SWASTIKAS $1,999.00

Chinese handcraft folk art sculpture carving inkstone peasant work on his land $1,999.00

LAURA SIQUEIROS “POSEIDONS ADVENTURE” FOLK ART PAINTING $1,999.00

Old Folk Art Cinderella pre Disney & Kincade Beautiful $1,995.00

Clyde Connell 1943 Folk Art hooked rug signed LISTED $1,900.00

ANTIQUE AMERICAN FOLK ART WOOD CARVING TOBACCO CIGAR TRADE SIGN ? DISPLAY WOW $1,899.99

Chinese folk art sculpture carving stone inkstone for painting and handwriting $1,890.00

WELSH AMERICAN SIGNED FOLK ART PAINTING JFK PT 109 $1,850.00

ORIGINAL TEXAS ARTIST FERGUSON OIL PAINTING FOLK ART $1,822.50

C Peterson ORIGINAL modern FOLKART sculpture SIGN ART painted OUT of WORK tools $1,817.00

48x48x1.5″█OIL▀PAINTING█ART█LARGE█BIG█PAINTINGS█FINE█RAW█MALE█REALISM█FOLK_POP█A $1,800.00

American Folk Art Painting of Little Girl Circa 1825 $1,800.00

Emma Schrock Folk Art 16″ by 12″ $1,795.00

c1920 Girl Knitting Folk Woman Antique Art Signed Oil Estate Painting $1,795.00

Folk Art Wood Carving Listed Folk Artist Albert Hoffman $1,750.00

Folk Art New England Oil on Canvas Painting/Circa 1860 $1,750.00