ARCHITECTURE
The architecture of the Philippines is a reflection of the history and heritage of the country. The most prominent historic constructions in the archipelago are based on a mix Indian, Japanese, Chinese, Indigenous Austronesian, American and Spanish influences.
Cave and rocks was the earliest form of shelter of the Filipinos. Later on the invention of various tools allowed for the fabrication of tent-like shelter and tree houses. The pre-colonial architecture of the Philippines consisted “ Nipa Hut ” made from natural materials. The Bahay-Kubo was one of the common house of the people. The architecture of early Filipinos are also the skills that used at the time of war and battlefield. They built fortresses called “kota” or” moong “to protect their communities during war. During this period thre are three types of houses. These are the lawig or the small houses, the mala-a-walai or the large houses and the torogan or the wooden palace. Houses of the early Filipinos is similar to those found in neighboring countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia and other countries of Southeast Asia.
Spanish colonization introduced European architecture into the country. The Philippine architecture was dominated by the Spanish influences. During this period the traditional “ Bahay na Bato “ style for the large houses emerged. These were large houses built of stone and wood. Other architecture during this period are the Intramuros the old walled city of Manila, the Fort Santiago which is the defense established by Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, the Paco Park which was planned as a municipal cemetery for the well-off and established aristocratic Spanish families who resided in the old Manila(Intramuros), the Augustinian Churches
The earliest examples of the Philippine art include carvings of Gods and Godesses(anitos), ceremonial masks, and other