2021 New Discoveries

The #NationalMuseumPH commemorates the birth anniversary of Ginaw Bilog, the first awardee of Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan in 1993. 

Manlilikha ng Bayan Ginaw Bilog was recognized for the preservation of the surat Mangyan, or Mangyan script and the ambahan, a metaphoric poem with seven–syllable lines etched on bamboo tubes used in conveying messages among the Hanunuo Mangyan of southern Mindoro. The ambahan is recited during social gatherings and accompanied by musical instruments such as guitars, fiddles, flutes, and jew’s harps. One of the four remaining syllabic scripts in the country, the surat Mangyan, is instrumental in perpetuating the use of ambahan. The Philippine syllabic scripts were declared National Cultural Treasure in 1997 by the National Museum of the Philippines, and have been officially inscribed in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register in 1999.

According to Manlilikha ng Bayan Ginaw Bilog, ambahan is the key to the Mangyan soul and this was his motivation to continue keeping its scores that were both written on bamboo nodes and in his notebook for this purpose. He has also maintained the ambahan collection of his father and grandfather, which served as his inspiration and guidance in his endeavors. He has shared both collections with his fellow Mangyan and promoted them to other groups on every possible occasion.

Manlilikha ng Bayan Ginaw Bilog passed away in 2003.

#GAMABA

#ManlilikhaNgBayan

#GinawBilog

Text and poster by the NMP Ethnology Division and NCCA GAMABA Executive Council

© The National Museum of the Philippines (2022)

Chinese blue and white porcelain pouring vessels from the Lena Shoal shipwreck

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  Lena Shoal blue and white boxes and pouring vessels

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  Lena Shoal dishes and a bottle

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  Lena Shoal excavation

Did you know that December is declared as National Energy Consciousness Month?

Before we light up the sky as we welcome the new year, allow us to present to you the energy from deep within the earth — the geothermal energy.

Geothermal Energy is a renewable energy source. Its name comes from the Greek words geo (earth) and therme (heat). The energy is derived from the heat within the earth that is a result of constant friction of the rocks along the margins of continental plates and from the radioactive decay of materials. To tap this energy, wells are drilled several kilometers underground for steam and water. The heat is then brought to the surface through an intricate system of pumps and pipelines. 

Geothermal energy is widely used as an electricity source, particularly in the Philippines. In other countries, geothermal energy is extremely helpful for space heating from residential to industrial buildings. It is also used in melting snow and ice in critical areas like highways and greenhouses.

The Philippines is among the top geothermal energy producers in the world. Its strategic position allows it to have extensive potential for geothermal resources. Initiatives to put up geothermal power plants in the country started in 1962 with the geothermal studies conducted by the then Commission on Volcanology. By 1977, the country had its first commercial geothermal electricity in Tongonan, Leyte. At present, several geothermal energy power plants are already operating in many parts of the country with many more plants in the development stage. 

Find out more about geothermal energy and many other renewable energy resources at the NMNH Gallery 3. Book your next visit through this website.

#MuseumFromHome 

#StaySafe

#GetVaccinated

Text and image by the NMP Geology and Paleontology Division

© National Museum of the Philippines (2021)

Are hamon or lechon served on your table for Nochebuena and Media Noche?

On the last week of celebrating this month’s festive season, today’s #TrowelTuesday by the #NationalMuseumPH highlights pigs in the context of archaeology.

The role and evidence of pigs in prehistoric times can be traced back to the trash deposits mostly in areas or zones identified archaeologically as residential. Pig remains from Philippine archaeological sites are usually represented by the teeth and fragmentary bones, found associated with pottery, cobble and flake tools, other animal bones, and human bones. 

Excavated pig remains in the Batanes Islands and Nagsabaran in Cagayan, dated about 3200 years and about 4500 years ago, point to pigs’ earliest existence in the Philippines based on archaeological evidence. 

The acquisition of wild pigs (Sus scrofa) in prehistoric times was through hunting activities or trading. Excavations in Leta-Leta Cave in Palawan yielded modified fragmented pig bones, suggesting the animal’s use other than as food.  The bones are dagger-shaped, carved, with a hole drilled at the larger end, probably used as implements or pendants.

A boar’s canine recovered from a burial site at Wahing Cave A in Mabini, Bohol, found with a deer antler fashioned into a pendant, indicates the early practice of ornamentation and the materials used for adornment. Using pigs’ teeth as necklaces, especially the canine, has been observed in the country. This practice of using these remains as ornaments and charms persists in some ethnolinguistic groups.

Historically, pigs served as sacrificial animals, along with chickens, water buffaloes, and dogs. It is usually part of the ritual feasting events, offered together with plant foods and alcoholic beverages. The quantity and quality of offered pigs are dependent on the social rank, wealth, and political power of the sponsoring elite. Apportionment of the food also reflects the social status of the feast’s participants and their relationship with the sponsor.

During the feast, whole or pre-butchered parts or chosen cuts of the animal are given to the elite. The crania or skull of the sacrificed pig was a preferred body part, displayed inside or outside the house as a potent symbol of wealth and social prominence in the community after the sponsored celebration. Pigs represent a consumable animal wealth traditionally expended in status-reinforcing feasts.

Before the festive season ends, celebrate it by exploring your #NationalMuseumPH collections by booking a tour through this website.

#ArchaeologyOfPigs

#MuseumFromHome

#YearOfFilipinoPrecolonialAncestors

#MaligayangPasko

Text by Ame Garong and Hazel Ramirez and poster by Timothy James Vitales | NMP Archaeology Division

© National Museum of the Philippines (2021)