Philippines is a melting pot of culture and traditions, of the old and the new, thriving in an island paradise that is home to 7,100 different views of the sunrise and the sunset. Like the term Filipino, the Filipiniana Style is a product of the country's rich history – from the prehistoric times of Datus that ruled the land, to the Colonial era under the Spanish regime, down to the modern day trends dictated by western pop culture.
Festivities and Filipino Dishes are major parts of the Filipino culture, of happy hours spent with close family and dear friends. What more could be the best way to portray such a festive event in the comforts of your own home? If you love the exotic flavors of the Philippines, you will definitely love to share the Filipiniana Style with your guests.
Whether you are remodeling or adding a bar inside your home, here are some helpful tips in creating an authentic Filipiniana feel:
- To achieve a Filipino-inspired setting, you must consider that Philippines is a tropical country and you will do well with choosing the tropical style.
- Colors must be native to the Philippines. You may choose the colors of the rainbow, which can be seen on those lovely Vinta in the Muslim part of the country. Colors need to be bright, and can be complemented with sun-drenched colors of sand and gold.
- Philippines has been under the Spanish rule for over 300 years, and you may choose to make use of terracotta tiles for your bar counter and walls. Red and oranges can blend very well with wrought-iron bar chairs, sconces, and chandeliers.
- For wines, you can buy locally-produced coconut wines called Lambanog. This is a native liquor more often called coconut vodka. It is sold in colorful bottles, which can add a nice contemporary touch to your bar.
- When it comes to furniture, nothing beats Philippine furniture in its durability and design. You can choose bar stools made of rattan and white linen fabrics. You can also go for those made in bamboo. A Narra table with intricate carvings may be tough to find due to a recent move in the conservation of Narra, a Philippine hardwood. You may opt to buy those made in Molave. Most of these furniture pieces are lacquered and sealed to protect against insects and dust.
- Choosing accents will be the fun part of setting up your Filipiniana-inspired bar. You may purchase paintings done by Filipino artists. You may also choose among hundreds of ethnic items from Tesoro's online store, which is the country's flagship store for Filipiniana items. You can choose from a variety of accents made from coconut husks, capiz shells, and kamagong wood. You can also buy hand-woven table runners made by indigenous tribes from the North to the South, from Kalinga to the Tinguians.
Do not be afraid to mix and match unique Filipiniana items. The Filipino culture is a curious hodgepodge of traditions, which reflects in the style itself. Always remember to make a festive atmosphere that is reminiscent of those more than the usual smiles, which can only be found in the Philippines.
Marissa Sayno - Marissa Sayno is a professional freelance artist and writer, pushing the limits of her creativity, combining expertise with the best ...
