The Bauhaus interior design style was the merging of artistic craftsmanship with the prevalence of industry from the 1920s to the 1930s. Birthed from the aftermath and widespread impact of the industrial revolution, this movement birthed and influenced the sleek and minimalist tropes we liken to modern design aesthetics. The History of Bauhaus The Bauhaus […]
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.
Do you hang framed pictures of your family and relatives? Maybe you have an altar or incredibly large furniture and appliances. Perhaps you also display old inherited pieces, souvenirs from a trip, or academic achievements. If you have answered all of the above, then congrats! You are a Filipino living in a maximalist house. But have […]
In a fast-paced city life where most people race towards something new, Cecil Ravelas chose to settle in a building seasoned by time. A condominium once covered with history and memories of the past now serves as her personal meditative space. You might wonder, “Why invest in an old, poorly maintained place when there are […]
The 13th National Architecture Symposium (NAS): Leadership in Architecture is a prestigious event bringing together over 500 leaders, professionals, and students from the global architecture community. This year’s symposium, held on May 4, 2024, at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), features renowned architect Riken Yamamoto, the 2024 Pritzker Architecture Prize Laureate, as the Principal […]
Empowering women starts at home—literally! Looking to add a touch of personality and purpose to your space? Your home decor choices can make a difference, especially when you support talented women entrepreneurs. As women gradually build a reputation as successful business owners, now is the best time to patronize what they offer, particularly in elevating […]
The rise of small houses in the Philippine poses a challenge on how to properly place indoor plants. Considering the country’s humid climate, uncurated plant arrangements can easily overwhelm your space. Knowing the right spots for these potted ornaments can help alleviate energy costs and elevate interior features even with limited space. Corners For A […]
