Karatong, India Ink on Abaca Paper

“Tinta sa Abaka” is a collection of paintings by 24-year-old Filipina artist Jirah Millano. The artist debuted this style in October 2022, combining media that is long-lasting and reflects the Filipino heritage theme. Jirah is an active member of local heritage-advocate groups such as Renacimiento Manila, Urban Sketchers Manila, Philippine Botanical Art Society, and Philippine Fauna Art Society. Through visual art, she seeks to help raise awareness on the status of local built and natural heritage.

The Karatong dance is named after the bamboo instrument worn by the male dancers around their waist. The karatong is struck to a fast rhythm, in the hopes of attracting good luck and driving away evil spirits. The female dancers dance with sticks that are representative of bunga mangga, or mango trees.