Doors to Diplomacy Participants

Saint Louis University Laboratory High School (2012 Doors to Diplomacy Project ID 7239)
Philippines, Benguet, Baguio City
Official Status: Final Project: Ready for Judging
Teacher:
Category: 8. Arts and Culture

We estimate 4 student(s) from 15 to 15 will work on this entry.

Description of Our Team: "Adurenzo B. - Born on December 6, 1996,a cheerful young man, the artist of the group. Kelli C. - Born on October 5, 1996, a versatile young lady, a wushu enthusiast. Grace L. - Born on October 16, 1996, a straight forward leader, the optimist of the group. Kai O. - Born on October 17, 1996, a charming school girl, reticent and wise."

Project Description: " Our team joined together for this project to inculcate to the people the idea of simplicity in lifestyle through introducing a Nipa Hut which is an icon of Philippine culture as it represents the Filipino value of “bayanihan”, which refers to a spirit of communal unity or effort to achieve a particular objective and simplicity in structures. The work had been divided equally. Each contributed and gave the best we can. The nipa hut also known as “bahay kubo”, is an indigenous house used in the Philippines. Bahay kubo is a shelter made out of bamboo and palm leaves. It is a good place to take rest and eat typical food in the farm because of its material which allows good ventilation. The roof of the first Philippine houses, nipa huts, or bahay kubo, were high inclined and typically open gabled to allow for ventilation. The steeply sloping pitch also protected from the wind and rain in the typhoon season. The roof also provides wide extension roof space to provide shade from the hot sun. The native house has traditionally been constructed with bamboo tied together and covered with a thatched roof using nipa/anahaw leaves. Nipa huts were the native houses of the indigenous people of the Philippines before the Spaniards arrived. They are still used today, especially in rural areas. Different architectural designs are present among the different ethno linguistic groups in the country. Nipa Hut is considered as one of the Philippines' cozy and pleasurable places to relax. It is widely used in the Philippine resorts and has airy surroundings. One reason why most of the foreigners who stayed here in the Philippines prefer nipa huts on the sea sides rather than choosing concrete structures is because it’s comfortable and more relaxing in the inside. Resort owners choose nipa huts as their rooms because they aren't expensive and easy and thrifty to maintain. With construction costs and property values soaring into the stratosphere, a “dream home” remains just that for most of us – a dream. We want to promote the beauty of what Philippines have like this Nipa Hut."

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