Buhay na Buhay Premieres with ‘Kultura ng Pagdidiwata’

Senator Loren Legarda invites everyone to watch the premiere episode of Buhay na Buhay, which will feature “Kultura ng Pagdidiwata” (Harmony with the Deities, Creative Forces of Nature and Ancestral Spirits) on Saturday, February 17, 5:45pm, on GMA News TV.

Legarda said that the first episode showcases the Filipino culture that looks at life in harmony with nature, deities and ancestral spirits. For them, art, myth, ritual, work and activities of everyday life are all integrated into one.

“This part of Filipino culture is manifested by many of our indigenous peoples whose lives are connected to nature. They have established a connection with the forests, the trees, the animals, and the climate. This is manifested in their way of life and traditions—their rituals, songs, dances, weaves,” said Legarda.

The episode features the Aeta group whose skills and knowledge in forest survival are evidently the product of many years of adapting to nature.

It also looks into the “hinagabi” ritual of the Ifugao and the “pinaing” ritual of the Tingguian in Abra, and features Bai Yabing, a 100-year old B’laan weaver who is not only a master in weaving the abaka ikat but also a vessel of rituals and prayers that are offered to deities who have taught them the art of weaving.

Buhay na Buhay, produced by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), is an engaging and informative series that introduces the eight living cultures of the Philippines.

Legarda, the program host, presents the groundbreaking study of Professor Felipe De Leon Jr., former NCCA Chairperson, in this eight-part weekly series written by Floy Quintos and directed by Jeypi Salonga of Business Unusual Media Solutions (BUMS) Inc.

“The Philippines is a culturally diverse country. We continue to unravel artifacts and ways of life of our forefathers, and we have been constantly learning about our rich heritage, culture, and the arts. We are always in pursuit of deepening our understanding of the very soul and identity of being a Filipino. Through this series, we will also experience and witness how our culture continues to bebuhay na buhay,” said Legarda.

Buhay na Buhay is a product of academic and scholarly work presented in an engaging manner through an interesting narration and video documentation. It is presented in the Filipino language so that more Filipinos would better grasp the different facets of our culture.

Buhay na Buhay airs every Saturday, 5:45 p.m., on GMA News TV.