The constant changes in society can be truly hard to deal with, a ruinous pain especially with how quickly things of the present become things of the past. What Now?, the new exhibit of artist Christian Regis at Kapitolyo Art Space, crafts a chaotic representation of our world, pondering upon the transformation of our city […]
Old Nayong Pilipino: A Park of Cultural Representation
The old Nayong Pilipino was a cultural theme park, managed by the Nayong Pilipino Foundation, that was open from 1970 until its closure in 2002. Its grounds were filled with a vast array of Filipino architectural marvels and iconic landscapes of the archipelago. The park was divided based on the different regions of the country, from the northern provinces of Luzon to the southern regions of Mindanao.
Crafting a Filipino Landscape
National Artist Ildefonso P. Santos Jr., also known as IP Santos, designed the charming landscape of the Nayong Filipino. The 45-hectare property was transformed into a miniaturized realm that recreated landforms and structures famous across the country. As travel was much more difficult at the time, it gave city dwellers and tourists a peek at what the Philippines had to offer.
Photo Credit: Gerard Lico
The Nayong Pilipino was designed to be a living tapestry of the Philippine’s physical and cultural heritage. Works that replicated wonders such as the terraced rice fields of the Cordilleras, the lush hills of Visayas, and the rugged terrain of Mindanao surrounded the central lake. A replica of the Mayon Volcano and its iconic bell tower stood with recreations of rural scenery.
Santos artfully captured the essence of these landscapes and filled the outdoors with a diverse representation of Filipino flora. It was a celebration of our distinct natural environment and the greenery that called it home. Vernacular Filipino structures added to the immersive experience with their display of the indigenously-built environment.
A Showcase of Vernacular Architecture
A wide array of vernacular and historical architecture was recreated by a team of renowned architects. National Artists Leandro Locsin and Francisco Mañosa were involved in designing these structures from across the nation. These buildings ranged from iconic forms of housing and religious structures to large pavilions for events and performances. They were presented in a miniature form meant to serve as replicas, as seen in the workmanship of their decorative elements and regional motifs.
Back then, a classic Filipino jeepney was used to bring visitors around the grounds. There, one would find stilt houses with thatched roofs standing alongside colonial houses, such as the Bahay na Bato. Notable historical structures such as Magellan’s cross were accented by collections of artifacts and informational material. It’s no wonder that it was a popular destination for field trips and tourism during its heyday.
Beyond architecture and landscape architecture, Nayong Pilipino offered other displays of Filipino culture. A catalog of traditional performance, regional cuisines, and age-old crafts put forward the intangible aspects of heritage. Again, these were all easily reachable—it was just across the main airport of the country at its time.
A Conversation on Cultural Representation
Although the old Nayong Pilipino can arguably be said to put forward local culture and heritage closer to the general public, it also had its share of faults. Firstly, critics argued that the park was a distilled version of Filipino culture.
These landscapes and structures were taken out of their original contexts and were instead romanticized within a “theme” park for visitors. Countryside settings were treated as displays rather than the way of life of a good number of our countrymen.
Furthermore, the selection of what regions to showcase put into question the integrity of how the Philippines was being represented. It’s understandable that not every region could be included within the exhibits, but it can come at a cost of perpetuating a particular narrative. These nuances are important as it concerns the public’s perceptions of our national identity.
The legacy of Nayong Pilipino is quite strong up to this day. It offers its lessons in how history, heritage, and culture can be made engaging to the general public. Some of its shortcomings give insight into the ongoing conversations and dialogue surrounding cultural attractions and representation.
A Legacy of Promoting Heritage
Through its masterfully crafted environments, vernacular spaces, immersive experiences, and celebration of regional diversity, the Nayong Pilipino offered visitors a chance to fall in love with the beauty of the Philippines.
Although it may no longer stand today, the park serves as a reminder of how architecture and landscape architecture can be bastions of national identity and culture.
Read more: Mementos from The Past: The Importance of Heritage Buildings
Photos Sourced From Kilusang Bagong Lipunan Youtube Channel unless indicated otherwise.
For most homeowners, picturing a life in a new home means moving to a finished structure with all necessary furnishings already laid-out. But InnovArc helped a millennial couple by designing the Aeries: a single level starter home that spotlights their minimalist style while retaining the flexibility to curate their living spaces thoughtfully over time. A […]
Luxury is often equated with excess. But the newest clinic of CARA Laser Skin Care in Shangri-La Plaza offers a gentler alternative—one that centers on ease, authenticity, and emotional wellbeing. Designed by Barchan + Architecture, the space responds with a spatial language that reimagines luxury not as exclusivity, but as the freedom to feel comfortable […]
Ceramic art is a practice that spans centuries, a combination of functionality and stylistic creativity that has been passed down for generations. Whether merely decorative or serving a bigger purpose in the household, ceramics have existed for as long as civilization has in different forms within the community. This long cultural history especially exists for […]
BluPrint marked a significant milestone for the Philippine design community. The country’s leading authority in architecture and design officially launched its newest seminal publication, “Design Conversations.” Hosted at VCDC M Residences in Katipunan, the event was a vibrant gathering of the nation’s foremost architects, designers, industry leaders, and esteemed guests, all coming together to celebrate […]
The dream of owning a home is a cherished aspiration. Yet the path can seem complex in today’s dynamic real estate landscape. Many prospective buyers weigh concerns about market shifts and significant upfront costs. However, 2025 presents a uniquely favorable window. Industry experts forecast positive trends and innovative solutions that make it easier than ever […]
Download this month's BLUPRINT magazine digital copy from:
Subscribe via [email protected]