The First Souls of the Philippine Islands - Malakas and Maganda by Romel Abapo Obellano

This painting, titled "The First Souls of the Philippine Islands," is a striking acrylic on plywood piece (40"x15") by artist Romel Abapo Obellano. It captures the primordial essence of Philippine mythology through the unique Paninap art style, which masterfully bridges the gap between traditional figurative painting and evocative abstraction.

Visual Composition and Narrative

The artwork depicts the Philippine creation myth of Siakal and Silakas (the first man and woman) emerging from the sacred bamboo.

• The Central Figures: At the heart of the vertical composition, the two figures emerge from the split stalks of bamboo. Their forms are rendered with clarity, yet they remain intertwined with the organic environment. The woman, positioned in the foreground, gazes directly at the viewer with an ethereal expression, while the male figure stands behind her, integrated into the deep shadows and greenery.

• The Bamboo and Flora: Large, architectural green bamboo stalks frame the figures, grounding the piece in Filipino folklore. Above them, vibrant, sweeping strokes of hot pink and magenta suggest exotic flora or perhaps the spiritual energy of the Diwata (deities) watching over the creation.

• The Primeval Waters: The bottom third of the painting is dominated by swirling, deep blue waves. The "Paninap" style is particularly evident here, where the motion of the water is captured through bold, gestural sweeps that feel both fluid and abstract, representing the vast Pacific from which life began.

Style and Execution

Obellano’s Paninap style uses "dream-like" execution to create a dramatic emotional impact.

• Traditional vs. Abstract: While the human faces and the bamboo segments are detailed and recognizable, the background elements dissolve into abstract flourishes. The sharp contrast between the dark, moody blues and the explosive pinks creates a sense of divine drama.

• Texture and Medium: Using acrylic on plywood allows for a rich layering of color. The wood grain subtly adds to the organic, "earth-born" feel of the subject matter, emphasizing that these souls are birthed from the natural world.

Symbolic Impact

The painting serves as more than just an illustration; it is a visual exploration of cultural identity and origin. By blending clear details with abstract emotionality, Obellano captures the "dream state" of mythology—where history and legend become indistinguishable.

Note on "Paninap": The term often refers to a vision or a dream. In this context, the artist uses abstract strokes to represent the intangible spiritual forces that governed the world before the dawn of recorded time.