ARTS 10 (3rd QUARTER) Philippines in the field of photography.
(Sunico
and Cabanban, 2015)
LESSON 1: PHOTOGRAPHY
In the early 19th century, photography was
perceived as a purely technical process involving
the recording of visible images through light
action on light-sensitive materials. The term
"photography" itself, derived from the Greek
words "Photos" (meaning light) and "graphos"
(meaning writing), reflects this literal process.
During this period, photography was not initially
regarded as an art form. However, it was in the
20th century that photographers elevated the
concept of "light writing" to become an aesthetic
form in its own right.
George Tapan
The Photographer as Artist He is an award-winning travel
photographer who has won 2 Pacific Asia
Photography is both a process and an art. Tourism Association (PATA) Gold
While capturing a moment is the process, the art Awards, an ASEAN Tourism Association
lies in discerning significant moments, framing award, and 1st place in the National
with an artistic eye, and using tools for Geographic Photo Contest. His highly-
composition. In contemporary photography, acclaimed work has been published in 5
post-production enhances this art, utilizing travel photography books. (Sunico and
darkrooms or digital editing software. Whether Cabanban, 2015).
untouched or digitally altered, the resulting
photographs showcase the photographer's skill in
capturing elements like form, color, light,
shadow, texture, and composition, transforming
photography into genuine art.
Photography as Communication
Photography in the modern era is not just
considered art but a powerful storytelling and
communication tool. It captures authenticity
through immediacy and detail, making
photographs effective in conveying feelings and
ideas. In fields like journalism, advertising,
education, and law, photos play a crucial role
due to their ability to communicate with Images: Cabanban and Sunico 2015
precision and impact.
Noteworthy Philippine Photographers
Filipino photographers, including notable
artists like George Tapan, John K. Chua, Manny
Librodo, and others associated with the
Federation of Philippine Photographers
Foundation (FPPF), contribute significantly to John K. Chua
the global photography industry. Their passion He is best known as an advertising and
and dedication not only bring recognition to their commercial photographer, with over years of
names but also elevate the reputation of the
experience in this field and numerous local and
international award for his work. At the same
time, he has applied his photo artistry to Image: Cabanban and Sunico, 2015
showcasing the beauty of the Philippines.
(Sunico and Cabanban, 2015)
The need to view moving images led to the
Snake Island, Palawan Gulf of Davao invention of the Kinetoscope, a peepshow
cabinet allowing one-person viewing. It utilized
a motor to move a film strip in a loop,
illuminated by an electric bulb.
Simultaneously, European and American
inventors developed the "cinematographe," a
portable device combining camera, printer,
and projector. By 1901, advancements in
filmmaking progressed from single-scene
Image:Cabanban and studio films to multiple-scene narratives filmed
Sunico, 2015 outdoors, marking the birth of the artistic aspect
of filmmaking. (Sunico and Cabanban, 2015).
The Collaborative Art of Filmmaking
Filmmaking is a complex and meticulous
process involving teams of artists, writers,
LESSON 2: FILM production experts, and technicians managing
various aspects like camera work, lighting, sets,
Film or cinema, initially called "motion props, and costumes. All of this is coordinated
pictures," emerged as a new art form in the last under the supervision of a film director. (Sunico
century. This medium showcased moving image, and Cabanban, 2015).
becoming a powerful tool for social and
economic influence, leaving a lasting legacy in
the 20th century.
Film Directing
- The director envisions the final impact of the
Cinema, like other modern arts, has been film on viewers and oversees the
significantly shaped by technology, particularly conceptualization, acting direction,
in its inception. Originating from still cinematography, editing, and sound dubbing,
photography in the late 1800s, advancements akin to how a visual artist composes artwork.
such as "series photography" and celluloid strip
- Collaboration is crucial, and the director
film enabled the capture of successive still
doesn't work alone in these aspects. (Sunico and
photos, laying the foundation for the advanced
Cabanban, 2015)
film medium we have today. (Sunico and
Cabanban, 2015)
Acting
A Technology-driven Art - In the early days, film actors had to adapt from
stage acting, learning to express themselves
naturally without exaggerated facial expressions
and gestures.
- With the advent of sound in the 1920s, actors
had to master delivering lines naturally and
believably. (Sunico and Cabanban, 2015)
Cinematography influential of the century. The financial success
of films led to an increasing number and variety
- Cinematography involves capturing the of releases, shaping the diverse film genres
director's vision through camera work, lighting, known today. (Sunico and Cabanban, 2015).
and special techniques.
Evolution of Film Genres
- It plays a pivotal role in translating the
director's creative vision into visual storytelling. - Silent films, led by Charlie Chaplin and
(Sunico and Cabanban, 2015) slapstick comedies of Buster Keaton and later
Laurel and Hardy, relied on purely visual
comedy.
Editing - Introduction of sound technology gave rise to
- Film editing is the art of selecting, sequencing, new genres like gangster movies, horror, and
and joining film sections to achieve the director's fantasy films.
desired visual and emotional effects.
- Sound editing became essential as films Further Cinematic Developments
incorporated more ambitious effects beyond
dialogue and background music. (Sunico and - Advancements in cinematic and sound
Cabanban, 2015) technology led to the emergence of various
genres: war and disaster films, westerns,
thrillers, historical or biographical films, epics,
Production Design and adaptations of literary classics.
- Production and set design recreate the - Progress in computer technology fueled
director's mental image through location, futuristic or science fiction films and special
scenery, sets, lighting, costumes, and props. effects movies featuring live actors, animated
characters, or a combination.
- It involves meticulous attention to detail in
creating worlds, whether imaginary or historical,
enhancing the overall visual experience. (Sunico Documentary Films
and Cabanban, 2015)
- A non-fiction genre utilizing real-life footage
and file materials to present various issues.
Evolution of Films
- From silent films, contemporary movies Art Films (Indie or Independent Films)
integrate a vast range of voice, music, and sound
effects to suit diverse genres. - A special genre catering to a niche audience
and critics, emphasizing the artistic merits of a
- Animated films today leverage computer motion picture. (Sunico and Cabanban, 2015)
capabilities, captivating audiences of all ages.
(Sunico and Cabanban, 2015)
Philippine Filmmakers
Film Genres In the Philippine film scene, American
influence was notable in pre-World War II and
The public reception of motion Liberation years, featuring song-and-dance
pictures was immediate and musicals, romantic dramas, and comedies.
enthusiastic, evolving from However, in the 1970s, a shift occurred with the
makeshift nickelodeons in 1904 to emergence of progressive Filipino directors
luxurious "dream palaces" for focusing on contemporary social issues and
middle-class audiences by 1914. exploring the Filipino character. (Sunico and
Following World War I and the establishment of Cabanban, 2015).
Hollywood as the hub of American filmmaking
in 1915, the movie industry rapidly grew to
become one of the most significant and
Among them were:
Lino Brocka
Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang, 1974
Maynila, Sa Mga Kuko ng Liwanag, 1975)
Mike de Leon
Itim, 1976
Sister Stella L, 1984 Salome, 1981 Tanging Yaman, 2001
Bayaning 3rd World, 1999
Ishmael Bernal
Himala, 1982 and
Peque Gallaga
Oror, Plata, Mata, 1983.
Marilou Diaz Abaya garnered attention
and respect with impactful films, including "Jose
Rizal" (1998) for the Philippine centennial
celebration, "Muro-ami" (1999) exposing
harmful child-diving practices, and "Bagong
Buwan" (2001) addressing the
Muslim-Christian conflict in
Mindanao. (Sunico and Cabanban,
2015).
Lino Brocka A Mike de Leon Film Ishmael Bernal
Outstanding female directors have likewise
made their mark in the Philippine Cinema
among them are Laurice Guillen and Marilou
Diaz Abaya.
Jose Rizal, 1998 Muro-Ami 1999
Laurice Guillen gained international
acclaim with "Salome" (1981) at the Toronto
International Film Festival. Her later films,
including "Tanging Yaman" (2001) and "Sa'Yo
Lamang" (2010), received recognition, Crossing over between projects for
solidifying her standing among contemporary television and for the big screen is veteran
Filipino moviegoers. (Sunico and Cabanban, film director Mayo J. Delos Reyes. The
2015). heartwarming drama film Magnifico won for
him the Best Director distinction at the 2003
FAMS Awards and garnered other local and
international film awards as well. Delos While there is an error in attributing certain
Reyes continues to be active in both film animated films to Filipino animators, it is true
and television media, having become known that the Philippines has made notable
for well-loved teleseryes (Television drama contributions to the global animation industry.
series). (Sunico and Cabanban, 2015). Filipino animators have gained recognition,
leading to growth in the local animation sector,
spurred by opportunities abroad.
Animation Council of the Philippines
Magnifico, 2003
The Animation Council of the
Philippines, Inc. (ACPI) is a non-profit
organization aiming to establish the Philippines
as a preferred source for global animation
services. Collaborating with educational
institutions, TESDA, and government agencies,
ACPI promotes animation as a promising career
for Filipinos. Since 2013, it has offered 2D and
3D Animation Scholarships. ACPI organizes
Brillante Mendoza was originally a Animahenasyon, an annual festival showcasing
production designer for films, commercials Filipino animators' works, and presents awards
and music videos and started directing films such as the "Outstanding Emerging Artist in
in 2005. But in ust four years, his film Animation" and the "Lifetime Achievement
Kinatay (the Execution of P) won for him the Award" to recognize contributions to the
Best Director award at the higly prestigious Philippine animation industry.
Cannes Film Festival of 2009. (Sunico and
Cabanban, 2015).
Philippine Animation Studio, Inc.
The Philippine Animation Studio, Inc.
(PASI), founded in 1991, has actively engaged
in collaborations with foreign partners on
various animation projects and series. Notable
works include Captain Flamingo, Producing
Parker, Groove High, and Space Heroes
Universe. PASI's involvement in the latter
resulted in winning the Best Animation Category
at the 2012 Pixel Awards, following a
Kinatay (The Execution of P), 2009 partnership with a children's entertainment
company in Sydney, Australia.
LESSON 3: ANIMATION
rendered in 2D animation and backdrops created
using 3D animation. "Dayo" made history as the
first animated movie to be screened during the
Metro Manila Film Festival in 2008.
LESSON 4: PRINT MEDIA
Print media, including newspapers,
magazines, journals, books, posters, brochures,
flyers, menus, etc., coexists with their digital
counterparts in the contemporary media
landscape. While digital forms are prevalent on
the internet, there is a sustained demand and
purpose for physical printed materials. Both
printed and digital versions showcase Filipino
artistry, highlighting the enduring importance of
traditional print media alongside evolving digital
platforms.
In 2008, a significant milestone in the Advertising
Philippine animation industry was achieved with
Despite the rise of online advertising and
the release of "Urduja." This animated film,
social media, print media remains crucial in the
based on the legend of the warrior princess of
field of advertising in the Philippines.
Pangasinan, marked the first fully-animated
Advertisements, ranging from newspapers to
Filipino film. Produced by APT Entertainment,
magazines, posters, brochures, and flyers, often
Seventoon, and Imaginary Friends, Urduja
rely on Filipino artists for their creation. This
employed a traditional hand-drawn animation
involves a collaborative effort among various
process with some 3D effects. The movie
professionals, including art directors,
featured a renowned cast of actors from
photographers, graphic designers, illustrators,
Philippine cinema and television, with the
and additional specialists like food stylists or
screenplay written in Filipino.
fashion stylists, aiming to produce visually
appealing and targeted ads for specific
readerships and markets. The physical print
format remains significant in reaching potential
customers.
Comics
Philippine comics, locally known as
komiks, have a rich history highlighting Filipino
artistic talent. The popularity began in the 1920s
with features like "Mga Kabalbalan ni Kenkoy"
in Liwayway magazine by Tony Velasquez, later
In 2008, "Dayo: Sa Mundo ng Elementalia" recognized as the "Father of Filipino Comics."
was released as the Philippines' first all-digital Influenced by American comics, local
full-length animated feature film. Produced by counterparts like Darna and Captain Barbell
Cutting Edge Productions, the movie showcased emerged. Before foreign influences, komiks
Philippine mythical creatures as endearing creators incorporated Philippine folklore,
characters in a young boy's adventure. Involving mythology, and history. Comics became a major
over 500 local animators, the film utilized a "tra- reading form for many due to limited access to
digital animation" technique, with characters books. Filipino comics artists gained recognition
globally, working for publishers like DC
Comics. In recent times, comics series like
"Pugad Baboy" by Pol Medina, Jr., address
political and social issues with humor. Aspiring LESSON 5: INNOVATION IN PRODUCT
artists now have diverse subjects, characters, AND INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
formats, and artistic opportunities in the In recent decades, Filipino artists have
Philippine comics scene. showcased creativity and ingenuity in industrial
design and product development, particularly in
interior accessories and fashion. This innovation
extends from haute couture and bridal ensembles
to casual wear. As a result, numerous Filipino
designers have gained recognition both locally
and internationally, achieving stardom in their
respective fields. (Sunico and Cabanban, 2015).
Book Design and Illustration
The field of book design and illustration in
the Philippines offers significant opportunities Kenneth Cobonpue
for young artists, thanks to forward-thinking
publishers like Bookmark, Anvil Publishing, Cebu-based multi-awarded designer
Adarna Books, and Tahanan Books for Young Creative Director of Hive: a design and
Readers (now Ilaw ng Tahanan Publishing). manufacturing facility for interior
These publishers provide local designers and accessories and lighting
illustrators with professional recognition,
allowing them creative freedom to showcase Known for fresh and exciting design
their talents. concepts
Recognized for excellent craftsmanship
Acclaimed by discerning clientele globally,
including prominent Hollywood celebrities
(Sunico and Cabanban, 2015)
Digital Media Monique Lhuillier
Artistic skills and techniques used in print Renowned Cebu City fashion designer
book production, as mentioned by Sunico and
Initially known for exquisite wedding
Cabanban in 2015, are now being applied in the
gowns
growing digital media world. Traditional books
are converted to digital formats, and new ones Gained popularity among Hollywood
are crafted specifically for online platforms, celebrities
influencing the entire book creation process.
A-list stars frequently wear her couture Creations reflect Filipino sensibility,
creations to various events, including featuring embroidery, beadwork, and hand-
weddings painted prints
(Sunico and Cabanban, 2015) (Sunico and Cabanban, 2015)
Lulu Tan Gan
Noted for fashionable knitwear lines since
1985
Dubbed "The Queen of Knitwear" in the
Philippines
Josie Natori Evolved specialty into a hand-woven line,
Filipino-American fashion designer from Indigenous Couture
Manila Blends Filipino artisan crafts, fabrics,
Started career as an investment banker fibers, and local materials
before transitioning to fashion Recognized for a signature style in fashion
Renowned in the New York fashion (Sunico and Cabanban, 2015)
industry
Known for creating lines of lingerie, resort
and lounge wear, semi-formal, and casual
attire
Rajo Laurel
Dita Sandico-Ong
Renowned Filipino designer and television
personality Filipina designer and advocate for local
weaving techniques
Best known as a judge on Project Runway
Philippines Recognized as the "Wrap Artiste" for bold-
colored warps
Admirable designer with numerous
national and international awards Experimented with the local weave of
Ilocos Sur (inabel) and pineapple fibers
Trained at New York's Fashion Institute of blended with Irish linen (pinaliino)
Technology and Central Saint Martin's in
London Renowned for promoting the use of natural
fibers in her designs
(Sunico and Cabanban, 2015)