NCCA’s Buhay Na Buhay

What is Filipino culture? What makes it distinct and vital? “Buhay na Buhay,” a new television documentary series attempt to answer these important questions. Produced by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and hosted by Sen. Loren Legarda, the show is aired every Saturday, 5:45 p.m. on GMA-News TV.

Presented in the Filipino language, the documentary series is based on the study of Filipino culture by former NCCA chairman, Prof. Felipe de Leon, Jr., which he categorized in eight cultures or sub-cultures. These cultures are well and alive, thus, the title of the series.

The presentation of each 30-minute episode is fast-paced and hip to draw in younger audiences. There are engaging discussions in between by Prof. De Leon and host, Sen. Loren, NCAA’s Dangal ng Haraya awardee for patronage of arts and culture.

The eight cultures tackled in the “Buhay na Buhay” series are: Kultura ng Pagdidiwata (Harmony with the Deities, Creative Forces of Nature, and Ancestral Spirits); Kultura ng Pag-uukir at Pag-uuma (Poetic Mysticism and Devotion to Islam); Kultura ng Pamamanata (Devotion to the Patron Saint and Village Community); Kultura ng Pananahan (Devotion to Home and Family); Kultura ng Paglilining at Pangangatwiran (Culture of Reflection and Reasoning); Kultura ng Pag-aaliw (Culture of Entertainment or Sensations); Kultura ng Pamumuna at Pagtutol (Culture of Social Criticism, Concern, Protest); and Kultura ng Pagka-Pilipino at Pagkabansa (Devotion to the Nation and Being Filipino).

Distinct and apart, the eight cultures span both our nation’s history as well as entire, disparate belief systems, schools of thought, traditions and innovations. Taken together, they allow us to understand our own complexities as Filipinos trying to negotiate a fuller appreciation of our culture.

De Leon’s academic work was first presented as a concert titled, “Mga Kulturang Filipino…Buhay na Buhay” at the Cultural Center of the Philippines to mark NCCA’s 25th anniversary in 2013.

Taking a step further to provide a better understanding of the eight living cultures to a wider audience, it is now presented to Filipinos through a more popular medium—television.

Sen. Loren is optimistic that through the series, “We will experience and witness how our culture continues to be buhay na buhay.”