Discovering the Extraordinary: The Works and Expertise of Latest GAMABA Awardees
The Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) awards are considered the most prestigious recognition given to Filipino indigenous artists. It is an honor bestowed on those who have dedicated their lives to preserving and promoting their heritage and artistry. The latest batch of awardees, announced last October 2019, showcases some of the most exceptional and extraordinary individuals who have contributed to the rich cultural tapestry of our country. Let’s take a closer look at their works and expertise.
The Culture Bearers
First on the list is Estelita Bantilan, a master mat weaver from the T’boli tribe of South Cotabato. She is known for her intricate designs, which reflect the beauty of their traditional stories and beliefs. Estelita has been weaving since she was 8 years old and has since become a revered member of their community. She has conducted workshops and demonstrations to promote the mat weaving tradition, showing how it can be used in modern-day design.
Another awardee is Alonzo Saclag, a Kalinga master dancer and choreographer. He has devoted his life to the preservation of the Kalinga culture, focusing on their dance forms like the Toddy Dance, Banga Dance, and Salisid. Alonzo has trained several generations of dancers and has also worked with international artists to showcase their traditional dances to the world.
The Visual Artists
Moving onto the visual arts, we have two awardees, who both have unique styles and techniques.
First, we have Yabing Masalon Dulo, a B’laan woman from Sarangani province, who has mastered the art of beadwork. She creates intricate designs using different types of beads, and her pieces often depict their traditional myths and legends. Yabing has used her art to promote their culture in various events, even creating a fashion line utilizing beadwork.
The second awardee, Waway Saway, is a T’boli artist and musician. His paintings reflect their myths and legends, while his music incorporates traditional instruments. He has been instrumental in promoting T’boli art and culture, showcasing it in various galleries and exhibitions.
The Tradition Keepers
The last two awardees are considered the tradition keepers, who have dedicated their lives to preserving their respective crafts.
First, we have B’laan storyteller Federico Caballero. He has been retelling the ancient myths and legends of their tribe to children and adults alike. He has been instrumental in keeping the oral traditions alive, passing on the stories from generation to generation.
Finally, we have Pagdiwata artist Lang Dulay, a T’boli weaver who has been instrumental in reviving the dying art of T’nalak weaving. T’nalak is a fabric made from the fibers of abaca, with intricate designs weaved by hand. Lang has been weaving since she was a child and has been recognized internationally for her expertise. She has also trained several generations of weavers, ensuring that the tradition lives on.
Conclusion
The GAMABA awardees for 2019 are talented and exceptional individuals who have shown their love and dedication to our cultural heritage. They have faced various challenges and obstacles, yet they persevered, ensuring that their art and traditions will continue to thrive and evolve. Their stories are not just tales of extraordinary artistry but also a testament to the resilience and richness of our diverse cultures, which we should all strive to preserve and celebrate.
