13 April, 2009

M1102: Salambao Fishing Postcard

The postcard shows the salambao, a fishing device made of a movable wide net mounted on a bamboo craft (balsa). The back of the postcard reads "Salambao Fishing, Pangasinan," but does not name the river. Am not really sure if its really a Pangasinan river or the Paranaque River.

M1102: Salambao Fishing Postcard

12 April, 2009

M1098: Manila Night Lights Postcard

The postcard shows neon lights rippling over the waters of the Pasig River. I think that the bridge seen in the postcard is the Jones Bridge (named after Atkinson Jones) leading to Escolta district.

M1098: Manila Night Lights Postcard

11 April, 2009

M1088: Sagayan Postcard

The postcard shows the Philippine war dance Sagayan, performed by the Far Eastern University Dance Troupe. Sagayan is a Philippine war dance performed by both the Maguindanao and Maranao. The term Sagayan comes from the Tausug word of sagay, meaning head-hunter. The war dance depicts in dramatic fashion the steps their hero, Prince Bantugan, took upon wearing his armaments, the war he fought in and his subsequent victory afterwards. On most occasions, this dance is performed before any celebration or gathering to drive away evil spirits (tunong) and to welcome good fortunes or omen.

M1088: Sagayan Postcard

The back of the postcard reads:
A dance of royalty, Sagayan portrays a Maranaw warrior who anticipating combat, displays his valor and prowess in the handling of the kampilan (bladed weapon) and the shield before the ladies of the court.

The dance involves leaping, turning, jumping, kicking and the rolling movements of a warrior ready to defend his master in battle. Performers, depicting fierce warriors would carry elaborately painted shield with curlicues, rounds, twirls and mirrors which are attached with shell noisemakers in one hand. In their other hand, they carry a double-bladed sword (kampilan) of metal or wood. Dancers are dressed in three tiered skirts, brightly colored topper and headgear embellished with all the imaginable colors of twine trimmings formed into flowers, balls, sunbursts etc. Long, yellow playful tassels almost hiding the face surround the headgear.

SOURCES:
Sagayan Wikipedia Entry
Dance 3: Sagayan and other warrior-like dances
Likha Pilipino Folk Ensemble

10 April, 2009

M1085: Rizal Monument Postcard

The postcard shows another view of the Rizal Monument in Luneta Park, Manila. Also seen in the postcard are two soldiers guarding the monument. Some say that guards are present by the monument's side 24/7, although on the M1084: Rizal Monument Postcard there seems to be no soldier guarding the monument. Again seen in the postcard is the National Library.

M1085: Rizal Monument Postcard

RELATED ENTRIES:
M31: Rizal Monument Postcard
M1084: Rizal Monument Postcard

09 April, 2009

M1084: Rizal Monument Postcard

The postcard shows a night view of the Rizal Monument (not Rizal Shrine as identified in the postcard) in Luneta Park, Manila.

M1084: Rizal Monument Postcard

RELATED ENTRY:
M31: Rizal Monument Postcard