Republic of the Philippines

Tarlac State University

RESEARCH REPORT

Region 3 Arts
(Tarlac)

Submitted by:
CAPUGAN, Ejay P.
CABATBAT, Aira Jayzel M.
ABELLA, Karl Lim
CADIANG, Althea S.
BALBOA, Agnes A.
AQUINO, Jayvi Jayvi E.
BULATAO, Lian Lyle D.
BUGARIN, Angelica Marie G.
AGUSTIN, John Carlo
CABRERA, Jefferson D.
ARCEO, John Miguel P.
BSIT-NA 1B

Instructor:
Mr. Justine Red M. Versola
 Table of Contents

 Summary

 Introduction

 Findings

 Conclusion

 Group Artwork

 Reference List
SUMMARY
 INTRODUCTION

Tarlac City, officially the City of Tarlac (Kapampangan: Lakanbalen ning

Tarlac; Pangasinan: Siyudad na Tarlac; Ilocano: Siudad ti Tarlac; Tagalog:

Lungsod ng Tarlac locally [tɐɾˈlɐk]), is a 1st class component city and capital of

the province of Tarlac, Philippines. This was proclaimed as highly urbanized city

by the former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, but the decision was opposed

by the provincial government. (According to the PhilAtlas)

The city of Tarlac is more commonly known as an agricultural cornerstone

for the Philippines, but its citizens are becoming more adept to the world of

manufacturing designs for furniture, pottery, and other crafts. Because of this, the

local government has seen an opportunity to harness these skills by showcasing

the design and material manipulation skills in the world’s leading lifestyle and

consumer goods trade fair, Ambiente.

Tarlaqueño artists take center stage at the first Tarlac Art Fair from 1

October to 13 November at Diwa ng Tarlac. The exhibit organized by the Tarlac

provincial government is a satellite exhibition of ManilART — the country’s

premier annual national art fair. Through the first-ever Tarlac Art Fair, we aim to

acquaint the public with our province’s take on Philippine contemporary art,” says

Tarlaqueña artist and organizer Melissa Yeung-Yap. “With the support of our

Talarqueño artists, the collection is set to showcase our unique vernacular, rich

history and the heritage of our people. Hopefully, this endeavor can promote more

regional artists and inspire younger artists to get into the arts. The need to

understand the contemporary practice in Philippine art has always been the

burden of the young. Emphatic assortment of paints on top of one another made

more evident by their predominant metaphors reflected in their experimental yet

distinct, confident yet sensitive brushstrokes. Playground weaves all these

assumptions not merely as a conscious interlude of colors, illustrations, and other

media but something that originally perceived in their fragile/fertile imagination.

recognized in national art competitions for their promising visual language and in

finding novel approaches in painting.

“Borrowed Times”
By: Vivina Salcedo in Bamban Tarlac

A mother longing for a daughter in the late 90s gave birth to this masterpiece by Vina

Salcedo. The “Mother and Daughter” cross-stitch is an art inspired by a mother who desires to

have a daughter since she was blessed with two sons and is unable to bear another child because

of age. She went through highs and lows in looking for a daughter that she visited Fabella

Hospital to adopt but unfortunately became unsuccessful. The art was made in 1999 and she

waited for the right time. After 3 years, in 2002, she found a loving daughter that she took in and

loved as her own. Just like the subject of the art where the mother teaches her daughter sewing,

this depicts the genuine love of the mother for the child by teaching or sharing what she knows

and has to her child for them to grow up and become good persons in the future. The love and

sacrifice of a mother for her child to give them a better life.

Monasterio De Tarlac was established in 2003 as the secluded residence for five monks

of the Priory of the Servants of the Risen Christ (SRC), a congregation of monastic brothers
(more appropriately addressed as Frater) led by its Prior, Frater Ronald Thomas Cortez, SRC or

Fr. Archie to his friends.

The year was 1991. It was in July when everything was rumbling. There was zero

visibility if one were riding a car.  Mud and pyroplastic covered by entire horizon of Pampanga,

Zambales and Tarlac.  The people were shocked, disturbed and frightened by this horrible

experience of ash flow. They were all asking each other these questions: When will this turmoil

end? What devastation has come to us? What will come next? Our future is blink with

uncertainty.

What will become of our children? Lord have mercy, only a single prayer emanated from

their lips, during darkness and anxiety.

It was in this historical event that God was designing something wonderful for our future.

Fr. Archie and I were dreaming and wishing something beautiful for God… Discussing,

comparing notes, events and experiences for what God has in the Diocese of Tarlac. During the

Pinatubo eruption two souls envisioned a monastery where God can be adored in SILENCE, in

SERENITY, in SOLITUDE and in STILLNESS. What a strange dream it was when everybody

was thinking and hoping for survival. Responding to the call of the moment, Fr. Archie and I

went to a nearby barangay in Dolores to bless an old woman who died two or three days ago.

Before leaving we pray together about our dream – a dream of building of monastery in Tarlac.

Putting our hands together we prayed the Our Father, the Hail Mary, and the Glory Be. There

was zero visibility, but I believed in the unfathomable love of God. The “Lux Mundi” would

guide us in the pursuit of our dream.  The rest were to be the flow of events for 10 years, 1996

Bishop Florentino F. Cinense, Bishop of Tarlac, informed Fr. Archie of a proposal to send him

for post-graduate studies (Licentiate or Doctorate) in Rome.

This meant leaving his assignment at St. Therese of the Child Jesus Parish in Ramos,

Tarlac. We have been anticipating his departure to Rome in July or August because the school

year in Europe starts in September, Fr. Archie prepared himself, worked out his papers and

waited for further instructions from the bishop. God indeed is a God of surprises. A group of

young men approached Fr. Archie for his guidance in starting a religious community. He let

them stay at the parish to discern Gods will for them 1997 The pious group was growing in
number. What we only had in mind was that whatever the bishop decided, we would abide.

There were late nights to early morning discussions about the reality of what we wanted to

pursue. The fears, the sidelights and shadows, the highlights and favors made existence a

rollercoaster. What was God’s will for us was soon to be unfolded. The parishioners in Ramos

were very supportive. Along with them we experienced the birth pangs of the early years of the

monastic community.

ISDAAN FLOATING RESTAURANT IN GERONA TARLAC

prominently seen, along the highway that you will surely never fail to miss, and this is the

perfect place for refuge if you are caught by hunger along the way. Aside from food, you can

enjoy the place without spending, for it has a mini park that can be enjoyed by all ages.

Isdaan was a perfect place to bond with your friends and family because the overall

ambiance is exciting, charming, and unique. It is popular because singing cooks who entertain

guests through their local songs and dance. Another feature that made the restaurant famous

aside from its food and unique ambiance is the “Tacsiyapo Wall” to rid of unhappy thoughts and

feelings making, it easier to move on from a breakup or despair. You can also smash ceramics

out of anger, hatred, depression, frustration, and all other kinds of emotional outbursts. Each

corner of isdaan was perfect for photoshoots. The place is scattered, with large statues. Other

statues resemble those of famous personalities, like Barack and Michelle Obama, Cory Aquino, a

security guard, and others. Also, there are huge art forms all over which are usually seen in

Bangkok, Thailand.

“Lutang sa Langit”
By: Romer Pavilando on June 25, 2018
 Meanwhile, Lutang sa Langit by Romer Pavilando makes use of the epoxy medium to

create a piece that uniquely stands among the clouds.

“Mind Disaster”

By: Fernando Ramos

Fernando Ramos has dealt with his everyday musings in the most ethereal manner.

Through his visual style as evident in these recent works, he skims through various stories

applying appropriate metaphors in them done in vertical monolith they are equally divided into

two parts. The upper portion the materiality dictates whatever mood Ramos is in depending on

what he perceives. Ramos believes artists were blessed with talents as they have a responsibility

to perform in society. Facilitating texture, he uses palette knife and rodela enabling every stroke

as different as the different days where Ramos worked on his pieces. These pieces appear to be

more durable, almost rendered in a dream that only Ramos can comprehend their symbolical
meanings, combining figurative with his abstraction. His paintings are also sensuous variations

of collective narratives, memories, and dreams. Veering to the contemplative, each color

contemplates on hindrances and trials. The fascination in metal-like ground and surface in his

works is evident, rusted and stained in time. It is metaphorical depiction of this world we live in

is paralleled to a slowly decaying, human body that is deteriorating and will turn back into

nature’s dust--our ashes.

This statue is a fitting tribute to the town’s former mayor who later gained national fame

as a senator and opposition leader against President Marcos. Its placement at the Municipal

Building where he once held office couldn’t have been more appropriate. Tributes like this are

becoming more important, given current attempts to rewrite history to portray the assassinated

Ninoy in a negative light

Starting on the year 2007, every month of November has a festival held in the province of

Tarlac known as the “Belenismo sa Tarlac”, where the creativity, unity, and the love on

celebrations of every Filipinos are manifested. It is a competition in recreating the Christmas

nativity scene portraying Joseph, Mary, and Baby Jesus. Through this, people of Tarlac can show

off their talent in arts and at the same time they can even show their love and appreciation to the

Christmas. Since it started, Tarlac continuously organized this festival and is yearly provides

color and beauty during Christmas season. And with that, Tarlac is named as “Belen Capital of

the Philippines.
HISTORY ACHIEVEMENTS OF TARLAC IN ARTS
 Through the years, Tarlaqueños have shown that their determination in times of

trying challenges have united them, despite their cultural diversity. Tarlac, which is

largely known as an agricultural province, seeks to develop its SMEs and reach out to

other markets so that the province’s potential may further be enhanced. As Tarlac is one

of the most multicultural provinces in the country, the fusion of different cultures has

brought about a diversity of arts and crafts, from a wide array of terracotta pots and

innovative lanterns to intricately designed furniture and colorful and safe educational

toys.According to Susan yap “Whenever I go around Tarlac, I always hear that we need

jobs and our entrepreneurs need access to more markets ,”.

The history of Tarlac is the history of its people. Through the years, Tarlaqueños

have shown the best in the Filipino resolute in times of trying challenges, and united

despite cultural activities. Although it was the last province in Central Luzon to be

organized under the Spanish administration in 1874, Tarlaqueños have played a vital role

in shaping Philippine history.

During the Philippine Revolution of 1896, Tarlac was among the first eight

provinces to rise against Spain. It became the new seat of the first Philippine Republic on

March 1899 when General Emilio Aguinaldo abandoned the former capital, Malolos,

Bulacan. This lasted only for a month before the seat was moved to Nueva Ecija in

Aguinaldo’s attempt to elude the pursuing Americans. The province is the cradle of

heroes. Camp O’Donnell in Capas, Tarlac became the terminal point of the infamous

Death March during World War II.

Tarlac is the most multicultural of Central Luzon provinces, with four distinct

groups: the Kapampangans, Ilocanos, Pangasinense, and Tagalogs sharing life in the

province. It will amaze you how some of the best cuisines the pinakbet of the Ilocanos,

the sisig of the Kapampangans, the chicharon and Iniruban rice cakes of the Camilenos,

and the kinalting buko of Victoria and Gerona — all come together in the province.
 FINDINGS

ARTS IN TARLAC

Defiance to the norm and piercing its persistence in memory have always

been rooted in this unobtrusive Central Luzon province. The continuous

wandering of the aetas that dwell along its streets is a blatant reminder of

negligence yet one’s constant exposure is reminiscent of their pure and simple

precolonial ways. The long McArthur highway is witness to rebellion to another

colonial rule that tested our inner core in the infamous Death March. Some even

lived to experience life more painful than death to this day.

It is not only the geography that veers Tarlac from Manila. Less than 3

hours and 107 kilometers away by road travel, Tarlac directly manifests the

disparity in directions concerning the Philippine art scene. With only an aging

museum to speak of, there are neither art galleries nor art spaces abound. Ironic as

it is paintings on canvases have found their way of conducing what is already

lacking in the society. A visual critique thrives in an abundance of newly found

expressions on how these emerging artists look at themselves and their

communities. In Alfredo Baluyot’s silent yet haunting pieces shout the loudest

meanings. Desperation marked by insensitivity of the powers-that-be Baluyot

succumbs to his rants to ease his numbness to anger and deceit. Decay seeps in

fluid-like strokes capable to overreaching the viewer to sympathize in this

decreasingly bleak plight.

Maniam Pukaque 2 is the offering of a group of thirty-one visual artists to

the Tarlaqueno community. It pays attention to the individual interests of the

artists and emphasizes the diverse contexts that fuel it; oeuvres heralded by

amalgamations of interactions and sentiments of the indulgent times. Upon

reflecting on the creations of these artists, one will comprehend an expression of

unwavering souls advocating for individuality and identity, contentment, and

inner struggles amidst what it seems to be sentiments brought by the mirror of the

mind. These various ideologies trigger different modes of storytelling that are so

unalike yet so coherent—a likely association to a patchwork of grass playing

under the shadows of fleeting clouds, dancing with the strong wind. It is a mere

influx of grasslands that resembles the quilt of Tarlaqueno greeneries that are seen

stretching as far as the eye can see.

The promising sense of incessant stylistic probing is innate within Tarlac’s

art community for the province gets its name from malatarlak, an aboriginal word

that descends from the Aetas denoting to the species of grass that abundantly

grows wildly in the moist and sloping parts of the land. Its seeds travel with the

currents, possibly resting on a fallen leaf riding the river tide or the kindest breeze

of the earth chancing towards a distant mountain and there, slowly settling.
 ARTS IN RAMOS

According to the citizens in Ramos, Art is everywhere. We need it because

it gives satisfaction, pleasure, and gratification. Also, this is the one reason to how

express our feelings and develop out skill in different ways. “My perspective in

arts is it allows to communicate in different ways and express our emotions. For

me, art is something that is created using your imagination. It is a way of

expressing your feelings or emotions through painting, sculptures etc.”. Artists

use perspective techniques to create a realistic impression of depth, 'play with'

perspective to present dramatic or disorientating images. Understanding

perspective in art makes your work look real and in proportion. Learning how to

use perspective to add distance along with using proper values, will give depth to

your painting or drawing and make it so much more interesting and realistic. Art

technique for creating an illusion of three-dimensions (depth and space) on a two-

dimensional (flat) surface.

According to the citizens in San Clemente, Art unites us. “The purpose of

art is to emphasize the beauty of everything around us. Art makes our life more

colorful. Also, the main purpose of art is to improve the imagination, skills and

abilities of each person”. It gives color to our life and allows us to express our

imaginations. It can also help with improving self-esteem and gaining popularity.

“Art has many purposes, people express their feelings, emotions and dedication

through art. Many people that have low on self-esteem they use arts to give the

message. Art also helps people and places become popular”.

And some say that art requires understanding to appreciate one’s work.

“For me, art is a non-grammatical way of expressing imagination, such as things,

places, and ideas that are unreal. It requires skill and meaningful learning and

appreciation. It crosses boundaries to unite people.

ARTS IN GERONA

Based on Gerona citizens shared about their opinion in arts. Art is a

creative activity that expresses imaginative or technical skill. It produces a

product, an object. Art is a diverse range of human activities in creating visual,

performing artifacts, and expressing the author's imaginative mind. The product

of art is called a work of art, for others to experience. Art expresses emotions or is

an expression of life. Art is a creation that allows for interpretation of any kind. I

have read that art is considered a human skill as opposed to nature, a skill applied

to music, painting, poetry etc. I believe that nature is an art as well. If something

is made by someone or by nature in a certain way, then it’s unique and special in

its own way. art has always played some part in my life.
 “Now You See Everything”

“F*ck Up Island”

“Thy Kingdom
Come”
ARTS FOUND IN TARLAC
 “Battle Realms”

Maniam Pukaque 2 is the offering of a group of thirty-one visual artists to

the Tarlaqueno community. It pays attention to the individual interests of the

artists and emphasizes the diverse contexts that fuel it; oeuvres heralded by

amalgamations of interactions and sentiments of the indulgent times. Upon

reflecting on the creations of these artists, one will comprehend an expression of

unwavering souls advocating for individuality and identity, contentment, and

inner struggles amidst what it seems to be sentiments brought by the mirror of the

mind. These various ideologies trigger different modes of storytelling that are so

unalike yet so coherent—a likely association to a patchwork of grass playing

under the shadows of fleeting clouds,

“Lamp made from bamboo sticks and metal scraps”

“Flower vase made of paper and plastic”

“Cross-Stitch Pocket”
By: Agnes A. Balboa

“Plastic bag”
By: Jayvi Jayvi Aquino
 REFERENCE LIST

Talaib Artists (2018). Maniam Pukaque II

https://www.globalnpo.org/PH/Tarlac/156574351428063/MeMo-
Art-Space
Jay Bautista (2015). Tarlac Artists: Serious Play
https://philvisualarts.blogspot.com/2015/05/tarlac-artists-serious-
play.html?m=1&fbclid=IwAR0dg-
MkNfKnRCr_gCVtfMZeUf3Hp4VczfVUfGJoz3HZTISCNarghaFBanc
Philippine Star (2018). Chrisanto Aquino: The Art of Pintado
https://www.pressreader.com/philippines/the-philippine-
star/20180520/282385515170871?
fbclid=IwAR0BSKovmC5r6hInAFhVeaN5JBuUkg-Y2K_QxGk-
8_gFeI9fIvIqKqiIz3o
Ian Ocampo Flora (2019). “Paintings of late Kapampangan artist on
exhibit in Tarlac”
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1816456
Jay Bautista (2017). Tarlac Artists Collaboration: Contemporary
Philippine Art via McArthur Hi-way
https://philvisualarts.blogspot.com/2017/08/tarlac-artists-
collaboration.html?
m=1&fbclid=IwAR3RSeOvVr0cd12Gmpl447WrSNjZZyCJPuNXyGOFk
qC_chhkILMmHnJ3Als
Gyaanipedia (n.d.). Monasterio De Tarlac
https://gyaanipedia.fandom.com/wiki/Monasterio_de_Tarlac#:~:text=Hist
ory%20%5B%5D%20Monasterio%20De%20Tarlac%20was
%20established%20in,Cortez%2C%20SRC%20or%20Fr.%20Archie
%20to%20his%20friends.
Rev. Fr. Elmer Gonzales, SRC-DC (n.d.). Ora Et Labora
http://monasterio-de-tarlac.weebly.com/about-us.html
Thets Torres (2020). “Tarlac to be introduced as first partner artisan
community at German lifestyle trade fair”
https://nolisoli.ph/73473/tarlac-first-partner-artisan-community-at-
ambiente-ttorres-20200122/
Philippine Star (2015). “Traditional Christmas lanterns, eco-friendly
bamboo bicycles and home decors at Tarlac
https://www.pressreader.com/philippines/the-philippine-
star/20150208/282480002217938
Kathy Moran (2017). “Tatak Tarlac lands at IFFT Japan”
https://www.pressreader.com/philippines/the-philippine-
star/20171202/282604558170184
Jay Bautist (2017). Jeff Salon: Truth Well Painted
https://philvisualarts.blogspot.com/2017/08/jeff-salon-truth-well-
painted.html?m=1&fbclid=IwAR38DcvUzul4-
vyKgW5G2Sx2nreaS_nvpAg2yWATfPBL-vtnsb0BTgJtzSI
Jay Bautista (2016). Fernando Ramos: As Ethereal as Painting
https://philvisualarts.blogspot.com/2016/11/fernando-ramos-as-ethereal-
as-painting.html?
m=1&fbclid=IwAR0S0IXryYL7VGaESQeneISm7BPMROmdEvcJpM3w
UtM3Ej51ZJ2tqWJyefs
Hilaga (2020). FIESTA: Tarlac City’s Belenismo Festival
https://dakonghilaga.wordpress.com/home/?
fbclid=IwAR2Z04CmVcBm94BiCG6RnhBG6NDcMHdT9mzD9-
2GUUpZRlcncPdPglwhB5c
Eunoia (2020). “Isdaan Floating Restaurant”

https://www.facebook.com/111725170652217/posts/158997352591665/