From Bahay Kubo to Pinoy Pop

A: Alright, so let's really dive into what makes Filipino creativity unique, starting with these core concepts: 'Sining' and 'Disenyo.' How do you see those fitting together?

B: Well, to me, 'Sining,' or art, feels like the internal expression. It's that raw feeling, the imagination that comes from within you, whether it's positive or negative. It's open to so much interpretation.

A: That's a good way to put it. And then 'Disenyo,' which is design, is more about the external, right? It's how those internal ideas are shaped to appeal to our senses—sight, sound, touch. Like the color or texture.

B: Exactly. And we see this split in two main branches: Functional Art and Non-Functional Art. Functional art, it's art that serves a purpose. Think of traditional architecture, or even weaving, like the intricate Yakan textiles. Or even something as specific as a Butukan, a traditional birthing chair.

A: So, beauty with utility. On the flip side, Non-Functional Art is pure expression, without a direct practical use. Like painting, music... Natty Castro Ocampo's 'Pabalat' art, that delicate paper cutting, or even the artistic plating you see at a place like Toyo Eatery with their banana ketchup and tortang talong, which aims to elevate simple ingredients.

B: It's all about expression there. And it makes you think about how art communicates. Kress and Van Leeuwen, along with Halliday, even explored the idea of a 'language' of art, suggesting it has its own grammar and structure to convey messages, much like spoken language.

A: You know, when we talk about design, the very first spaces people construct tell such a rich story about their values. Traditional Filipino architecture, like the Bahay Kubo, wasn't just a house; it was a masterclass in climate-responsive, sustainable design. It's so clever!

B: It really is. How exactly did it adapt to the local conditions, say, compared to something like the Ifugao's Fale or the elaborate Meranaw Torogan with its incredible 'Okir' carvings? Those are all so distinct.

A: Well, the Bahay Kubo, for instance, is elevated for flood protection and ventilation. The Fale, with its pyramid-like roof, also keeps things cool. And the Torogan, a royal house, showcases intricate 'Okir' designs—those are the unique curvilinear motifs, often fern or snake-like patterns—that are just beautiful cultural markers. But then, things shifted dramatically with the Spanish, right?

B: Absolutely. That's when we saw the transition to stone. Suddenly, the architecture became less about adapting to the immediate environment and more about permanence and colonial influence. The Miag-ao Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a prime example of that solid, almost fortress-like aesthetic.

A: And it’s interesting how that concept of 'constructing spaces' extends beyond just buildings to performance. We have 'Dula,' or Philippine Theater, which also built its own kind of space.

B: Yes, 'Dula' has such a fascinating history. It started from pre-colonial rituals and storytelling. Then, under Spanish rule, it evolved into forms like the 'Senakulo'—our Passion Play—and the 'Sarswela,' a musical theater style. And later, the Americans brought 'Bodabil,' which was essentially Vaudeville.

A: From practical dwellings to sacred stone churches, and then onto the theatrical stages that held up a mirror to our evolving culture—it’s all interconnected.

A: So, from traditional architecture and theater, we're zooming into the art of the everyday, starting with what we call 'Pinoy Pop.' What exactly does that encompass?

B: Pinoy Pop, short for popular culture, really covers anything widely embraced by the masses, heavily influenced by technology and mass media. It's the current pulse, you know?

A: Right, the trends that catch on. And a huge part of that is the novelty song! Those are uniquely Filipino, with their humor and use of 'Taglish'—our mix of Tagalog and English—and often comment on current events.

B: Precisely. Yoyoy Villame is actually known as the 'Ama ng Pinoy Novelty Song,' or Father of Pinoy Novelty Song, with classics like 'Butsekik.' They're catchy, but sometimes... a bit controversial, like 'Bulaklak' by Viva Hotbabes, for its commercialization.

A: Oh, definitely! From songs, we see this playfulness in language extending to things like pick-up lines, which are practically an art form themselves. But speaking of persuasive language, what's the difference between a 'slogan' and a 'tagline' in advertising?

B: Good question, they're often confused. A slogan is a broader, memorable phrase capturing a brand's essence, like a company motto. A tagline, though, is more specific to a product or campaign, highlighting a key feature or benefit. It’s about impact versus detailed explanation.