Ethnographic Object Archives - Cultural Mapping of Panay and Guimaras

February 18, 2026

CMPG

The 1911 Rizal Monument Marker, located at the Negros Museum, was originally attached to a monument in front of Rizal Elementary School in Bacolod City. Made from hardwood, it features engraved names of key political figures involved in the monument’s construction, along with decorative carvings of ferns, flowers, and ribbons. The item, 113 years old, has suffered discoloration, surface damage, holes, and missing parts due to age and exposure. The marker was discovered in an antique shop and donated to the museum in the late 1990s. Although no major restoration has been done, museum staff continue to monitor and protect ...

Ethnographic Object, Tangible Movable Heritage

BULALO FOR POTTERY MAKING OF THE FORTUGANA FAMILY

Iloilo, Miagao

February 18, 2026

CMPG

The bulalo is a small, glassy stone tool used by the Fortugana family in Miagao for almost 200 years to polish pottery and enhance its shine. Measuring just 2 cm high, it was discovered along the Cagbang riverbank and found to produce a distinct luster not seen in other stones. It has been passed down through six generations and remains a vital part of the family’s pottery-making tradition. The stone’s ability to make pots more visually appealing helps increase their market value, making it economically significant. Today, the bulalo is rare and hard to replace, with few similar stones found ...

Ethnographic Object, Tangible Movable Heritage

REMNANT OF THE 1852 ESCUELA DICTADA IN LEON

Iloilo, Leon

February 18, 2026

CMPG

The 1852 coral stone remnant from the old Escuela Dictada in Leon is a rectangular carved marker made of grayish-white coral stone, showing weathered patterns and the inscription “Año de 1852.” This remnant once belonged to a school built under the Royal Decree of 1839, which required the creation of public schools during the Spanish colonial period. The school had separate rooms for boys and girls, reflecting the non-coeducational system of that era. Today, the stone is placed near the tourism building. It is the only surviving piece of the original school, making it an important symbol of Leon’s early ...

Ethnographic Object, Tangible Movable Heritage

SUNGKAAN KANG TAJANLANGIT FAMILY(BRGY. 1 POBLACION, IGBARAS)

Igbaras, Iloilo

February 18, 2026

CMPG

The sungkahan or sungkaan of the Tajanlangit Family is a traditional Filipino game board made of granite stone, estimated to be around 50 years old. It has 11 holes and was used to play sungka, a game involving small pebbles or seeds distributed in a counter-clockwise direction to capture the most pieces. The game was a favorite pastime for the family’s children and helped bring them together during holidays and school breaks. Over time, as family members grew up and moved away, the game was played less often but remained a cherished memory. The stone board is rare today because ...

Ethnographic Object, Tangible Movable Heritage

GARINGAN NGA BATO KANG AQUINO FAMILY SA ANILAO

Anilao, Iloilo

February 18, 2026

CMPG

The garingan, a traditional stone mill from the 1970s, is owned by the Aquino family and used for grinding rice, corn, coffee, and cacao. Made of two limestone slabs measuring 50 cm in diameter, it played a key role in rural Filipino food preparation. Once essential for milling corn, it is now a valued heirloom symbolizing resilience and cultural heritage. Though still functional, it risks becoming obsolete due to modern technology. The garingan holds historical, social, and economic significance in preserving traditional cuisine. No formal conservation exists, but the Aquino family maintains it through regular cleaning.

Ethnographic Object, Tangible Movable Heritage

SINGER SEWING MACHINE KANG FRONDOSA FAMILY(BRGY. RIZAL, JORDAN)

Guimaras, Jordan

February 18, 2026

CMPG

The Singer sewing machine owned by the Frondosa family is a treadle-operated model used for making garments and mending items. It was inherited by the family from Domingo Frondosa, and has been passed down through generations, remained in active use for several decades. It is a limited edition machine with the Singer’s centennial badge attached. The machine was used to create uniforms for workers at the Guimaras Bulk Sugar Installation and known to have even mended a hat for President Diosdado Macapagal during his visit. Although the machine is currently not in use and in a deteriorating condition, it holds ...

Ethnographic Object, Tangible Movable Heritage

BANGKAW NI OTO VALENTIN(BRGY. TRANGKA, MAASIN)

Iloilo, Maasin

February 18, 2026

CMPG

The bangkaw of the Valentin family, is a spear made with a kamagong handle which has been passed down through generations within the family. The bangkaw is unique for its historical significance, rarity, and association with the spiritual practices of the babaylan, highlighting the power of the healer to protect others. Said to have been owned by Oto Valentin, a revered babaylan and community leader, the spear was used both as a ritual tool and a weapon for protection, carried during his exploits across Panay Island. Even after passing it unto his son Gregorio, the bankaw’s powers was believed to ...

Ethnographic Object, Tangible Movable Heritage

SANDUKO KANG LOMA FAMILY (BRGY. PANURAN, LAMBUNAO)

Iloilo, Lambunao

February 18, 2026

CMPG

The sanduko owned by Roger Loma is a traditional bolo with a single-edged, curved blade with a wooden mahogany hilt. The hilt features a distinctive carved crocodile design with intricate scale patterns and sharp teeth, showcasing the craftsmanship and artistic expression of its maker. The sanduko plays a significant role in the Loma family’s community, used for both practical purposes like cutting vegetation and in cultural rituals such as “awag.” It represents the history of blacksmithing in the area, with local craftsmen often drawing inspiration from their environment, such as animals like crocodiles, for the handle’s design. It is currently ...

Ethnographic Object, Tangible Movable Heritage

KAWA KANG CARABAGO FAMILY(BRGY. TIGBAUAN ROAD, CABATUAN)

Cabatuan, Iloilo

February 18, 2026

CMPG

The kawa of the Carabago family is a traditional cauldron, made of iron, used primarily for large-scale cooking, and was once used to boil sugarcane juice to make muscovado sugar. This kawa was purchased in 1974 and has been passed down through generations, now owned by Gener Carabago. With a wide, shallow shape and signs of wear, including rust and abrasion, the kawa was a central tool in the local sugar production industry, contributing to the community’s economy and social life. Its use declined when there were no longer workers available to operate it, but it remains an important symbol ...

Ethnographic Object, Tangible Movable Heritage

KAYOG KANG CACHUELA FAMILY(BRGY. QUINAR-UPAN, BINGAWAN)

Bingawan, Iloilo

February 18, 2026

CMPG

The kayog of the Cachuela family is a traditional farming tool made from wood and steel, primarily used for harvesting crops like rice and cutting grasses. It was crafted by Adirano Paez, said to have been from the helmet of a Japanese soldier. The tool is now owned by the Cachuela family. The tool’s steel blade is said to have been designed for efficiency, allowing farmers to cut stalks and weeds without damaging crops. The tool is commonly shared among neighbors, creating and fostering a sense of community spirit. Though it has become less effective due to rust and a ...

1911 RIZAL MONUMENT MARKER AT THE NEGROS MUSEUM

Cultural Mapping Of Panay and Guimaras

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