TOPIC 1 : Investigating the Mangyan Tribe's Jewelry-Making Practices in the Age of Commercialization
The Mangyan has traditionally crafted jewelry using plant seeds as beads, a practice deeply rooted in their history and craftsmanship. However, in recent years, many artisans have shifted to using commercial beads, changing the way of Mangyan jewelry-making. This transition raises questions about the impact of commercialization on the preservation of their cultural identity and the authenticity of their jewelry-making practices.
Research Questions:
- How do Mangyan artisans perceive the shift from traditional seed-based jewelry to commercial materials, and how has the shift affected the cultural identity and significance of their jewelry-making practices?
- What factors have contributed to the shift in traditional practices and material usage in Mangyan jewelry-making?
- What are the perceptions of consumers in Manila regarding the cultural value and authenticity of Mangyan jewelry, particularly with the shift from traditional to commercial materials?
Objectives:
- To examine the changes in jewelry-making techniques and materials used by Mangyan artisans.
- To explore the experiences and perceptions of Mangyan artisans regarding the shift from traditional seed-based jewelry-making to the use of commercial materials.
- To understand the influence of commercialization on the cultural identity and heritage expressed through the Mangyan tribe’s traditional jewelry-making practices.
- To identify the underlying factors contributing to the shift in traditional jewelry-making practices, focusing on artistic, environmental, socio-cultural, and economic influences.
- To examine perceptions of consumers in Manila regarding the authenticity, cultural significance, and value of Mangyan jewelry.
TOPIC 2: An Analysis of the Marketing Strategies and Promotional Practices at Museo ng Muntinlupa
Museo ng Muntinlupa is a cultural and educational institution that offers events and programs to showcase the city’s history, heritage, and culture. However, despite the museum's efforts, there appears to be limited public awareness and participation in these events, which may stem from ineffective promotional strategies. This research aims to explore the factors contributing to the low visibility of Museo ng Muntinlupa’s events and evaluate the effectiveness of its current marketing approaches, while suggesting improvements to enhance public engagement.
Research Questions:
- What are the factors contributing to the low public awareness and attendance of Museo ng Muntinlupa's events?
- How effective are the current marketing strategies and promotional practices in generating interest and increasing attendance at the museum's events?
- What improvements or new approaches in marketing strategies could enhance the visibility and public engagement of Museo ng Muntinlupa's events?
Objectives:
- To identify the factors contributing to the low awareness and infrequent visitation of Museo ng Muntinlupa’s events.
- To assess the current marketing trends and promotional practices employed by the museum.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of the museum’s promotional strategies, analyzing their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
- To propose strategies that can improve the visibility and public engagement with the museum’s events.
TOPIC 3: Weaving Heritage into Modern Fashion: An Exploration of PIOPIO’s Use of Indigenous Filipino Textiles
PIOPIO is a local fashion brand that claims to be dedicated to promoting traditional weaving culture by showcasing clothing crafted from locally wove fabrics. Through close collaboration with indigenous hand weavers, PIOPIO claims to preserve and empower these communities by integrating modern design approaches with traditional craftsmanship. This research aims to explore PIOPIO's process of working with weavers, ensuring the preservation and cultural significance of their textiles and preservation and its role in empowering local artisans.
Research Questions:
- How does PIOPIO communicate and collaborate with local weavers in developing designs for their products?
- How does PIOPIO ensure that the cultural significance of traditional Filipino textiles is respected and communicated through their modern fashion products?
- What role does PIOPIO play in empowering indigenous weavers economically, and how does this impact the preservation of their craft?
Objectives:
- To explore how PIOPIO collaborates with local weavers in the development of product designs.
- To analyze how PIOPIO communicates the cultural significance of traditional Filipino textiles in their products.
- To examine the strategies PIOPIO employs to respect and maintain the cultural integrity of indigenous textiles while adapting them for contemporary fashion.
- To investigate the economic empowerment PIOPIO provides to indigenous weavers and how this influences the preservation of traditional weaving practices.
- To assess the overall impact of PIOPIO’s collaboration with local artisans on the promotion of Filipino weaving heritage in the modern fashion industry.
TOPIC 4: Coconut Traditions and Niyog-Niyogan Festival in Laguna
Laguna is one of the Philippines’ leading coconut producers, and its significance is highlighted during the annual "Niyog-Niyogan Festival" held on January in San Pablo City, which celebrates the diverse crafts and culinary dishes made from coconut. The festival showcases the rich cultural heritage and traditional methods of coconut preparation, including unique techniques such as the use of burnt coconut in local dishes. This research aims to explore how these traditional coconut-based culinary practices contribute to the region's cultural identity and culinary heritage.
Research questions:
- What are unique techniques for preparing, cooking and incorporating coconut into local dishes in Laguna?
- What are the origins of these these techniques and how did they develop over time?
- How does the Niyog-Niyogan festival and use of coconut in local dishes contribute to Laguna’s culinary identity and cultural heritage?
Objectives:
- To discover the historical background of these unique methods of coconut preparation.
- To examine the specific methods and stages involved in the preparation and cooking of coconut for local dishes.
- To analyze how these traditional culinary methods contribute to Laguna’s culture and identity.
- To evaluate how the Niyog-Niyogan Festival highlights and features unique local dishes made with coconut and its role in preserving and promoting Laguna’s culinary traditions.
TOPIC 5: Analysis of the Regional Dishes Featured in Replacing Chef Chico (2023)
Replacing Chef Chico is a 2023 Filipino-produced Netflix series that highlights regional Filipino dishes and locally-sourced ingredients, fusing traditional recipes with modern interpretations. The series plays a key role in showcasing the cultural significance of Filipino cuisine, emphasizing its history and diversity. This research aims to explore how Replacing Chef Chico contributes to raising awareness of Philippine culinary heritage through its media representation.
Research Questions:
- How does the series use reinterpret and showcase modernized regional Filipino dishes to convey Filipino culture and identity through its culinary presentations?
- What specific elements such as ingredients, presentations styles, and cooking techniques are used to modernized these dishes?
- How does the series contribute to raising awareness of regional Filipino dishes and local ingredients?
Objectives:
- To analyze how the series reinterprets Filipino dishes through modern culinary presentations to reflect Filipino culture and identity.
- To identify and examine the specific ingredients, presentation styles, and cooking techniques used to modernize regional Filipino dishes.
- To explore symbolism embedded in these modernized dishes and its impact on viewers’ understanding of Filipino identity.
- To assess the role of Replacing Chef Chico in promoting awareness and appreciation of Philippine culinary heritage.
- To investigate how the series influences public perception and appreciation of Philippine culinary heritage through media.
References:
City Government of Muntinlupa (n.d.). https://muntinlupacity.gov.ph/departments-offices/museo-ng-muntinlupa/
Mangyan Heritage Center (Official). (2012, June 7). Beaded pakudos bracelet Bracelet featuring traditional pakudos design element. Measures 1 x 8 inches. Traditionally, all Mangyan tribes wear beaded accessories made of. [Image attached] [Status update]. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/share/yM1PaUZwupiGcYkL/
Rodriguez, M. (2023, November 24). Food Is at the Center of the First Filipino-Produced Netflix Original Series. https://www.spot.ph/entertainment/movies-music-tv/107216/replacing-chef-chico-creators-food-a4362-20231124
San Jose, C. (2023, May 4). Revisiting Quezon and Laguna via pancit habhab, lambanog, and sinigang sa buko. https://nolisoli.ph/106506/quezon-laguna-culinary-heritage/
Sorilla, F. (2020, April 24). Liwayway, La Herminia, Filip + Inna, and More: Local Brands That Champion Filipino Weaving Heritage. https://www.tatlerasia.com/style/fashion/local-brands-championing-filipino-weaving-heritage
The Mangyans. (2009, April 7). https://mindorenians.wordpress.com/2009/04/07/the-mangyans/