The Birth Anniversary of Manlilikha ng Bayan Masino Intaray is observed on April 10. Masino Intaray, a Palawan native, was a recipient of the Gawad ng Maharlika ng Bayan or Living National Treasure Award in 1993. This was for his outstanding contributions to the performing arts and literature of the Philippines.
History of Birth anniversary of Manlilikha ng Bayan Masino Intaray
The Palawan people of the highlands of Southern Palawan are one of the major indigenous cultural communities of Palawan, Philippines. They believe that the earth, sky, sea, and other natural elements don’t belong to anyone. Their basic social ethic is sharing. Important rituals like the ‘tambilaw’ and the ‘tinapay’ are events that include sharing of food, drinks, skills, and ideas. The ‘tambilaw’ is a ritual offering to Ampo’t Paray, the god of rice, and involves collective cooking and sharing of rice. The ‘tinapay’ is the rice wine drinking ceremony. It’s during these special occasions that the ‘basal’ or gong music ensemble plays an important role. The music of the basal spiritually connects them to the Great Lord Ampo. The basal enlivens the night along with the rice wine. It unites guests under one roof, the ‘kolon banwa,’ meaning the big house that can fit about 100 guests.
This community entwined in nature is where Masino Itaray is from. He was a master of the ‘basal’ and the ‘kulilal,’ a lyrical poem using a lute and zither for accompaniment. He was a skilled ‘bagit’ player, or an instrument depicting the movements, rhythms, and sounds of nature. He was a talented ‘aroding’ (mouth harp) and ‘babarak’ (ring flute) performer. He was also a prolific poet, extremely well-versed in oral traditions such as ‘sudsungit’ or narratives, ‘tutul’ or epics, and ‘tuturan’ or myths of teachings and origins of the ancestors. He had the clarity of intellect, a creative memory, and spiritual purpose. This enabled him to chant countless epics and narratives on long, successive nights.
His legacy lives on and he is remembered for his enduring contributions to the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines.
Birth anniversary of Manlilikha ng Bayan Masino Intaray timeline
Intaray is born in Makagwa Valley, Palawan.
Intaray becomes a master of various Palawan indigenous instruments, a poet, and a prolific storyteller.
Intaray is given the National Living Treasure Award.
Intaray passes away due to complications from diabetes and multiple strokes.
Birth anniversary of Manlilikha ng Bayan Masino Intaray FAQs
What’s the difference between a National Artist awardee and a National Living Treasure awardee?
A national artist only represents himself. A national living treasure awardee represents an entire community.
What are the privileges of a National Living Treasure Award winner?
The winner gets a gold-plated medal from the Central Bank of the Philippines, a cash award of 200,000 PHP, a lifetime stipend of 50,000 PHP, and hospital and medical benefits amounting to 750,000 PHP yearly. They are also given a place of honor in state functions. They are given a state funeral and a place in the Libingan ng Mga Bayani or Cemetery for the Heroes if they so choose.
Why is the National Living Treasure Award important?
Its main purpose is to preserve the skills and knowledge needed to enact, perform, or recreate intangible cultural heritage elements with high artistic, cultural, or historical value.
How to Observe Birth anniversary of Manlilikha ng Bayan Masino Intaray
Listen to recordings of Masino Intaray
This living treasure may not be with us anymore but his work lives on. You can find videos of him online to watch, listen to, and marvel at his unique talent.
Drink rice wine
If you’re lucky enough to source rice wine from the north or south of the Philippines, raise a glass for all the National Living Treasure awardees. If you can’t get your hands on Philippine rice wine, then any rice wine of Asian origin will do. Cheers!
Learn to play an indigenous instrument
Studies show that learning to play an instrument improves your memory. Sure, you could learn piano or guitar, but how many people can say they can play the gong, mouth harp, or even a didgeridoo?
5 Facts To Become A National Living Treasure In The Philippines
You must live in an indigenous community
This traditional community must have preserved its customs, beliefs, rituals, and traditions.
Be engaged in long-standing folk art tradition
This tradition should have existed and been documented for at least 50 years.
Produces consistently superior-quality work
Their work must be of distinctive quality.
Be willing to pass the skill
They must pass on their skills in their folk art to members of their community.
Be known for mastery of their art
They must have a mastery of the materials and tools needed for their art and create works of exceptional technical quality.
Why Birth anniversary of Manlilikha ng Bayan Masino Intaray is Important
It recognizes Intaray’s hard work
Mastering indigenous folk art is not easy and yet Intaray did it. We recognize his skill and celebrate his dedication.
It honors a legend
Although Intaray is no longer with us, his work lives on. Thanks to this award, we will remember his contribution to art for a long time.
We celebrate a country's cultural heritage
Having a day to celebrate someone like Intaray gives us and future generations a chance to know more about him. We are more than happy to keep the nation’s cultural legacy alive.
Birth anniversary of Manlilikha ng Bayan Masino Intaray dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | April 10 | Thursday |
| 2026 | April 10 | Friday |
| 2027 | April 10 | Saturday |
| 2028 | April 10 | Monday |
| 2029 | April 10 | Tuesday |
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