Grade 4 – Music and Arts

Quarter 2 Lesson: Influences of Faiths and Beliefs on Music and Arts in Iloilo

Introduction

Iloilo is called the “Heart of the Philippines”

because it is full of culture, tradition, and

strong faith.

 

Festivals, churches, dances,

and artworks in Iloilo all show how faith and

beliefs influence the daily life of the people.

 

By studying these, we can better understand

how music, theater, dance, and visual arts

are connected to the values and traditions

of the Ilonggos.

In this lesson, you will learn about:

1. Local music, theater, dance, and arts in Iloilo influenced by faith and belief

2. The mediums and practices used in these local creative works

3. How these works reflect the culture and devotion of the Ilonggos

 

Part 1: Music in Iloilo

Dinagyang Festival Music –

The Ati-atihan–style drumbeats, chants,

and songs in honor of the Santo Niño.

The repeating rhythms and powerful

drum patterns bring energy and spirit

to the celebration.

 

 

Liturgical Music – Hymns and choirs in old churches like Jaro Cathedral and Molo Church show devotion and faith.

 

Traditional Chants – In rural areas, folk songs and chants are sometimes sung during harvest or fiestas, thanking God for blessings.

 

Key Idea: In Iloilo, music is used to express praise, thanksgiving, and celebration of faith.

Part 2: Theater and Dance in Iloilo

Theater

The Pagtaltal sa Guimaras 

(nearby Iloilo) and local Holy Week

dramatizations are examples of stage

plays showing the Passion of Christ.

Barangays also present street dramas

and pageantry during fiestas to honor

patron saints.

Dance

Dinagyang Dance Rituals – Colorful

dances performed in honor of the

Santo Niño. These include synchronized

movements, body paint, and costumes

inspired by the Ati people.

Folk Dances – Dances performed during town fiestas

often include themes of thanksgiving for harvest,

amily, and blessings.

Iloilo is known for folk dances such as Paseo de Iloilo,

a Spanish-influenced courtship dance, and Katalana,

a folk dance from the province. The region also

celebrates these traditions through events like the

annual Saot Ilonggo, a folk dance festival.

Other regional dances include the La Jota San Joaquina, a version of La Jota from San Joaquin, Iloilo, and the more general Filipino folk dances like Cariñosa and Tinikling are also popular in the region. 

Key Idea: Theater and dance in Iloilo are closely tied to devotion, fiesta traditions, and thanksgiving rituals.

Part 3: Visual Arts in Iloilo

Church Architecture – Miag-ao Church,

a UNESCO World Heritage Site, shows

carved designs of plants, saints, and local

symbols mixed with Spanish Baroque style.

 

The Santo Tomás de Villanueva Parish Church, known as Miagao Church, in Miagao, Iloilo, Philippines, is a Roman Catholic church recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the four "Baroque Churches of the Philippines" inscribed in 1993, notable for its unique fortress-like structure and facade.

 

Architectural features and defense

 

Unique facade: The facade blends

Spanish and native influences,

featuring a prominent bas-relief of

St. Christopher dressed in local attire,

holding a coconut tree. Carvings also

depict local life and flora such as

papaya and palm trees.

 

Fortress design: Constructed between

1787 and 1797, the church served as

both a place of worship and a defense

against Moro raiders. It has a deep

foundation and thick stone walls

supported by substantial buttresses.

 

Watchtower belfries: Unequal-sized bell towers flank the church and functioned as watchtowers.

 

Distinct color: The church's yellow-ochre color results from materials like adobe, egg, coral, and limestone used in its construction.

 

Molo Church – Known as the

“Feminist Church,” it is filled

with statues of women saints,

showing devotion and artistry.

 

The Molo Church, officially known

as the Saint Anne Parish Church,

is a historic and architecturally

significant Roman Catholic church

in the Molo district of Iloilo City.

 

It is celebrated for its neo-Gothic design, beautiful facade made of white coral stone, and its unique collection of statues of female saints. Declared a national landmark in 1992, the church stands as one of the most famous historical sites and tourist attractions in Iloilo.

 

Religious Icons and Paintings – Aside from the two churches above, statues of the Santo Niño, murals in chapels, and fiesta decorations all reflect faith.

San Joaquin Church

This church stands out for its

militaristic and artistic heritage.

Intricate bas-relief: The most

famous artistic work here is the

large bas-relief carving of

The Rendition d' Tetuan on

its facade.

 

It depicts the battle between

the Spanish army and the

Moroccan invaders in Tetuan.

 

Religious and historical symbols:

The facade also features religious

icons of the Virgin Mary, Saint Peter

Regaldo, and Saint Francis of Assisi.

 

 

Weaving and Crafts – Hablon weaving of Iloilo uses patterns inspired by nature and faith, often worn during fiestas and religious occasions.

 

Iloilo has a long and rich tradition of weaving and crafts, most notably the handwoven hablon textile. The province was once known as the "Textile Capital of the Philippines" before cheaper, machine-made fabrics caused a decline in the industry. A revival is now underway, with government support and the efforts of local artisan communities helping to promote and preserve the cultural significance of Iloilo's woven products.

 

Weaving Hablon 

 

What it is: Hablon is a handwoven

textile made from a variety of fibers,

traditionally including cotton, abaca

(Manila hemp), and piña (pineapple

fiber). The name comes from the

Hiligaynon word habol, which

means "to weave".

 

Cultural importance: Hablon weaving is a deeply-rooted part of the Ilonggo culture, representing the community's identity and heritage. The fabric often features vibrant colors and distinct patterns, including a mix of plaid and checkered designs.

 

Location: While Miagao is considered the home of hablon, weaving is also prominent in other Iloilo towns, such as Oton, Igbaras, Badiangan, and Dueñas.

 

Notable products: Hablon is used to create shawls, patadyong (a wrap-around skirt), sashes, table runners, and high-quality formal wear, including Filipiniana attire.

 

Where to find it: Arevalo Handwoven Products in Iloilo City is a long-standing business that features hablon. The Camiña Balay na Bato, a heritage house in Arevalo, also thrives on its hablon weaving business.

 

Key Idea: Visual arts in Iloilo highlight the people’s deep devotion, creativity, and connection to tradition.

Part 4: Mediums and Practices in Iloilo

Mediums: Drums, bamboo instruments, woven textiles, carved stone, church bells, colorful costumes.

 

Practices: Singing hymns in church, playing drum ensembles during Dinagyang, weaving hablon, and decorating homes and chapels during fiestas.

Part 5: Connecting to the Competencies

By looking at Iloilo’s music and arts, learners can see:

• Sound – Drumbeats and chants in Dinagyang; church choirs and hymns.
  
  
• Theater – Holy Week dramatizations and street performances.
  
  
• Dance – Ritual dances honoring the Santo Niño; folk dances of thanksgiving.
  
  
• Visual Elements – Carvings in Miag-ao Church, weaving patterns, costumes, and fiesta decorations.

Remember

In Iloilo, faith and beliefs strongly influence music, theater, dance, and visual arts.

Festivals like Dinagyang, churches like Miag-ao and Molo, and crafts like hablon weaving show how Ilonggos express devotion, gratitude, and identity through creative works.

Music and arts in Iloilo are not only for entertainment, but also for worship, thanksgiving, and community pride.