AHP DOES PAMPANGA 1

Just this past weekend, members of the Advocates for Heritage Preservation descended on the province of Pampanga to visit old churches and again admire the beauty of these heritage structures and have as much fun as we can. Four vans and a few privately owned vehicles convoyed to Pampanga and we found our way towards our first stop.

with Lea Amante Villapando

Minalin, Pampanga
Sta. Monica

The church of Minalin is dedicated to St. Monica. Allow me lift information from the Tourist Guide to Notable Philippine Churches.  

     The town's Renaissance church was built by the Augustinians in 1834, rebuilt in 1854, restored and embellished by Father Isidro Bernardo in 1877 and repaired again in 1885 by Father Galo dela Fuente) and 1895 (by Father Vicente Ruiz). It is 52 meters long, 13 meters wide and 11 meters high and is distinguished by its unique triangular pediment and its array of superpositioned coupled Corinthian columns at the Facade's center.

     The pediment's tympanum is broken into two levels by a horizontal stringcourse supported by coupled Corinthian columns at both ends. Above it is a lantern-like campanille complimented by balusters at the raking cornice. The semi-circular arch of the main doorway and the arch of the window above it are decorated with lavish floral carvings. Twin four-storey, low and squat octagonal bell towers flank the facade. Its frame is a whole composition. Inside the church is a transept and some beautiful retablos. Both the church and the convento are enclosed by a low stone atrium with four capillas posas (a rarity in Philippine churches. Minalin is located 69 km north of Manila.*

Sta. Monica church frescoe

Bacolor
Church of San Guillermo

Located in Barangay Cabambangan, it is one of the oldest and largest churches in Pampanga. This church was probably built by Father Jose Coronel (parish priest from 1617- 1629) on the lot of Don Guillermo Manabat. It was damaged during the 1645 earthquake, a fire in 1672 and suffered heavily during the British Occupation. The church was restored in 1852 by Father Manuel Diaz, damaged during the 1880 earthquake, repaired by Father Eugenio Alvarez in 1886 and Father Antonio Bravo in1897. It was partially buried in six meters of lahar from Mount Pinatubo's 1992 eruption and the church's floor is almost at the level of the windows (the current doorway is the window of the choir loft)

The church measures 56 meters long, 15 meters wide, and 12 meters high. Its central nave has a well lighted transept with windows. The main retablo, side retablo and pulpit are gilded with gold leaf. The richly designed baroque facade has square ionic columns with vertical flutings and ornamented capitals terminating up to the cornice molding. The semi-circular arched main entrance has a smaller window directly above it, all profusely and intricately ornamented. The upper part of the facade has square mouldings, scrolls and volutes and a tempietto at the top resting above the stringcourse of the blind arch.. Its four storey hexagonal bell tower on the left has semi-circular arched openings and is topped by a domical roof topped by a tempietto. Bacolor is located 72 km from Manila and 5 km south of the city of San Fernando.*

Willy Layug and me

The convoy had a  brief stop at the atelier of famous scultptor Willy Layug. This unassuming artist is now world famous after having presented Pope Francis with a statue of Our Lady of Hope. A bozeto of the Madonna is currently in his workshop amongst other works currently in progress. Willy Layug is an alumni of the University of Santo Tomas' Fine Arts program. He has also apprenticed in ateliers in Madrid and Barcelona to perfect his technique in creating santos and retablos. Beautiful life-like images are strewn all over his studio where his workers have their own particular "assignments". A film directed by no less than award-winning Brilliante Mendoza on his life and art are currently in production. Much to our surprise, Willy mentioned that he is willing to give back by accepting apprentices to his workshop. What a humble artist!

Our Lady of Hope by Willy Layug

Betis

St James the Great

** photo from personalgeographic.wordpress.com

Located in Barangay Betis9 founded 2 May, 1572) as a visita of Tondo and later as a visita of Bacolor, it was first built with light materials by Augustinian Father Fernando Pinto, rebuilt with stronger materials by Father Jose dela Cruz and continued from 1660 to 1770. The main nave was finished during the first stage and the transept and facade in 1738. Father Manuel Camanes repaired the church along with the convent between 1868 and 1894. He also built a cemetery and the first artesian well in the Philippines, built at the center of the plaza fronting the church and still existing. The church is now listed as a National Cultural Treasure.

The church is 60 meters long, 16 meters wide, 12 meters high and has a profusely ornamented, two-level, German Baroque facade with decorative, coupled columns and skillfully arranged flora, spirals and intricate curvilinear carvings decorating the projecting portico ( a later addition). The first level has  windows with white painted frames and latticed panels and the second level has a stained glass rose window with a cross as the main design. A frieze decorated with geometric dentil forms, separates the two levels. Its pediment has a huge volute emphasized by two wing-like and receding decorative mouldings.

painted dome

The wooden entrance doors are intricately carved with the "Dreams of Jacob" from the Old Testament. The huge, elaborate retablo is furnished with authentic icons. Spectacular murals of nineteenth century artist Simon Flores as well as father-and-son team of Macario and Jose Ligon (finished before World War II) fill the walls. The interpretation of the Bible is painted on the entire wooden ceiling and dome. The four-storey bell tower, on the church's right, has alternating flat and arched windows and a graceful campanille crowning at the top.  Guagua is located 77 kilometers from Manila and 10 Kilometers south of the city of San Fernando.*

baptistry

Before we headed of for lunch, we stopped at what remains of the Lopez Mansion, took our photos and  then went to lunch at Aling Luring's cafe where we did the obligatory introduction of new members. Indeed the AHP family is growing everyday... After lunch, we were off to Sta. Rita, Pampanga to admire the church.

Lopez Mansion

Sta. Rita
Church of St. Rita

The town's present masonry churh was built by Father Francisco Royo in 1839 and completed by Father Juan Merino in 1868. It is 55 meters long, 13 meters wide, 10 meters high and has a single nave, a large well-lit transept and a solid mass, Baroque like facade. The facade has  relatively slender single columns, triangular windows and a pediment flanked by mini-towers and enlivened by a mini retablo. The church is flanked by a squat, foru-storey bell tower on the left and a stone-arcaded convent on the right. Santa Rita is located 79 kilometers from Manila.*

We explored the town plaza and I ended up with AHP member Esquierdo Bhel Asinas at the grounds of Villa Epifania. The heritage home is owned by the Guanzon clan and was used as the movie set of the award-winning movie Tanging Yaman starred in by Gloria Romero and Lino Brocka's Tinimbang Ka Nguni't Kulang. The house is believed to haunted. Unfortunately, it was closed and the caretaker was not in close proximity. So instead of ghost hunting, we headed to the Lansang-Ocampo residence whose family has been producing famous Pampango delicacies like turrones de mani, Sans rival and also mamon tostado. to get relief from the humidity and heat. some members soothed themselves with buko and avocado sherbet from a lady with a cart.

Then finally we motored to our last stop.

Lubao
Church of San Agustin

The church was first built in Barangay Santa Catalina by Father Juan Gallegos using light materials. The present brick and adobe church was started by Father Francisco Coronel, continued by Father Geronimo de Venasque  in 1635. and completed by Father Francisco Figueroa in 1638. It was damaged during the 1645 earthquake and was enlarged in 1829  using masonry materials. Father Antonio Bravo did some repair work in 1877 while Father Antonio Moradillo worked on the interior decoration in 1893 (the murals depicting the life of St. Augustine were probably done during this time.)

The church was occupied by revolutionaries in 1898, used as a hospital for American soldiers in 1899 and in 1942, during World War II, the dome, transept and roof collapsed during the heavy Japanese bombardment. The main retablo was undamaged but sunken panels and other liturgical ornamentations done by Italian artis Alberoni were lost. It was restored from 1949 to 1954 by father Melanio Garcia but was again damaged during a strong typhoon in 1962. 

The church is 82.45 meters long, 21.12 meters wide, 10.50 metershigh and has 2.54 meter thick walls. The simple, plastered Neo-Classic-style facade has a semi-circular arched main entrance flanked by engaged, fluted pilasters spanned by a lintel arrangement and flanked by small niches. Above the window is a statued niche with a small segmental pediment above it and elegant curvilinear lines flowing from the midsection. An imaginary triangular pediment masks the roof.

Its only nave was originally painted by Dibella and Alberoni, both Italian artists. The central retablo 

is flanked by rectangular openings with triangular segments as well as coupled pilasters on the first level and single columns on the second level. The five-storey, 31 meter high stone and brick bell tower, still unrestored, has two square stories and three octagonal. The convent, at the opposite end of the church is profusely ornamented. Lubao is located 83 kilometers from Manila and 16 kilometers south of the city of San Fernando.*

After documenting all of these places, we went back to Manila on separate routes and we were home by sundown... There will be another trip to Pampanga in the near future... it's just begging to be explored even more...

*Tourists Guide to Notable Philippine Churches, Benjamin Locsin Layug, New Day Publishing, 2007 

#DANCEMNL

#DanceMNL audience

Never before has Philippine dance gotten a boost until #DanceMla came along.

jampacked CCP Lobby

For once,  the top three  dance companies in the country decided to pool their resources together and conduct a week-long event involving the art. The three Artistic Directors Ronilo Jaynario of Philippine Ballet Theater, Lisa Macuja-Elizalde of Ballet Manila and Paul Morales of Ballet Philippines got together to plan this collaboration featuring the greatest artists of this generation as far as classical ballet and contemporary dance is concerned.

Ballet Manila Artistic Director Lisa Macuja-Elizalde

Master classes in dance technique, lectures, round table discussions on the future of dance as a profession and art form were devised to prepare the younger dance students for a career... a lifetime of dance. Dance professionals, educators, company members, choreographers and pioneers in Philippine dance were invited to ensure #DANCEMNL's success. Some dance schools with exceptional students also performed for the gala evening headed by the Halili Cruz School of Ballet, Acts Manila, Dwight Rodrigazo's school and Malu Rivera- People's Westlake School of Dance in Daly City, USA.

Me with PBT Artistic Director Ronilo Jaynario

The gamble paid off, I would think. #DANCEMNL attracted a huge turnout judging from the attendance of the Gala performance dubbed as The Winner's Circle.  Filipino dance artists who have won awards in dance competitions abroad and who are now performing in foreign companies had a home-coming specially for this show. 

Me, Robert Medina, Lisa Macuja-Elizalde

The evening proved to be a re-union of sorts also for the past generation of dancers from the three companies as well as the "greats and the near-greats" of ballet. So prior to the performance, there were pockets of performing artists happy to see each other and gathering for groupies and reminiscing the good old days.

Me with Augustus Damian III

The Winner's Circle Gala was a spectacle of more than two hours with a combined repertoire of classical and contemporary pieces. Among the stand outs were: 

Jasmine Cruz's Kitri variation from Don Quixote. Her performance elicited applause from an appreciative audience. Her turns were sharp and her endings were spot-on. This little firecracker from Malu-Rivera-Peoples' school can probably do pirouettes on a saucer if you ask her to. She's daring and flirty and her cambres are a source of envy for the students in the audience.

Rench Isaac Soriano.  This unassuming lad from Bacolod who danced Colas' variation from La Fille Mal Gardee did a clean performance. Dwight Rodrigazo's ward was perfect for the variation. All of fifteen years with a face that brings out the maternal instinct in everyone, his jumps were done well  and his endings were solid.

Monica Gana and Victor Maguad. They did the pas de deux and variations from Esmeralda. I guess it helped that Monica just arrived fresh from the Helsinki Ballet Competitons with Gary Corpuz (who performed earlierin the evening with Denis Parungao). I noticed a renewed confidence in her performance. This is interesting because apart from the fact that her technique has improved even more, she now, obviously is enjoying her performance. she just oozes confidence in her balances and turns. Her patner, Victor once again amazes us with his aerials. his tours enl'air and jetes en tournant were amazingly high amd his turns left nothing to be desired.

Front row: Edna Vida Froilan, Perry Sevidal, Cecile Sicangco-Ibarrola, Gener Caringal
Back row: Butch Esperanza, Ramon Victoria, Brando  Miranda, Robert Medina

I could go on and on reviewing each piece but I have to praise eachand  everyone in the production. The ensemble pieces by Halili-Cruz, Ballet Manila's Amid Shadows, the modern and classical variations just elevated the standards of dance in the country. Tiffany Chiang, Regina Magbitang, Jemima Reyes, Rita Winder, Gerald Francisco, Cyril Fallar. Rudy de Dios were the ever-reliables. They weren't boring! You just knew what to expect from them. Christine Rocas, Jared Tan and JM Cordero and Candice Adea, I think, deserve their status in the ballet firmament. 

The next gathering is slated after three years. I can only wait with bated breath...

MAJESTIC MASUNGI GEORESERVE

limestone galore

There's only one way to describe Masungi Georeserve - MAJESTIC!

I scaled that monolith

If you have plans of visiting the place, don't worry, this article isn't going to be a spoiler alert. It's just that, I have fallen in love with the place it's hard to have some form of abandonment. I saw a friend's photos when he visited the place. I initially looked up means of getting there. Apparently I wasn't the only one who liked the post. Friends from Advocates for Heritage Preservation  (Pheeyah Salones and Ofie Palma) had the same thoughts as I did. Thanks to Tim Delez, arrangements were made with Ms Elvie Manlulu  for us to visit on the 19th of June. The deal almost fell through after some invitees backed out after learning of the 3:30 a.m. call time.

Wild ground orchid

I was grateful that a party of six expressed interest in joining so all systems were a "go". I was at the eyeball point at half past two. This was due to extreme excitement that the trek was happening on the appointed date. Otherwise I would have had to wait for another slot in September. Whilst motoring down to Baras, the rain started to pour in torrents. Our scheduled slot of a five a.m. was delayed by 45 minutes. But thank God for the downpour, our entire trek was not as  infernally hot as I'd expected.

*photo by Pheeyah Salones

Masungi Georeserve is located at Km 45 Baras (Tanay) Rizal. It is over a thousand hectares of protected area nestled along the Sierra Madre mountain range on the eastern side of Luzon. only about a third of it has been developed for recreation the rest is (thank God) primordial forest. The name Masungi is a derivative  of the word "sungki" meaning jagged. Formerly ancestral lands occupied by Dumagats, the poor indigenous groups were driven away from their precious lands by illegal loggers and poachers. Fortunately, the illegal logging groups have been restricted from the area by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and proclaimed it a protected area. 

me and Pheeyah Salones

Participants are made to sign waivers and signature drives to SAVE MASUNGI. An orientation is given and safety gear is distributed to the party. Groups are limited to 12 persons to allow the guides control over park visitors' attention and safety. I tell you, sometimes you can be unmindful of certain narrow passageways and jagged rocks because there's just so much nature to breathe in. Elmer was our assigned guide. He was courteous and knowledgeable of the plants and the terrain (he is Dumagat, after all). I am having sepanx (separation anxiety) after leaving the place. Proof of fact is, I have 255 photos of the land, flora and a few fauna (just insects).

Nanay peak

The experience was even made memorable with a tasty lunch at Cafe Katerina a few minutes drive away. Native cuisine made even better overlooking the view of Tanay, Pililia windmills and Laguna Lake.  For those who want to experience Masungi, they have a Facebook page or look up Kilometer0PH for bookings. It is so worth every cent of admission paid. 

Thank you, Ms Elvie Manlulu of Kilometer 0 PH for arranging the tour and Masungi Georeserve. This was one for the books!!!

after the trek Masungi Bagets Group

ANTHOLOGY: ARCHITECTURAL FESTIVAL

When ex-president and now Manila Mayor Joseph Ejercito Estrada asked the question: "Nakakain ba ang Heritage?" The heritage advocates definitely weren't amused! The dilemma to save a building or completely restore it with a new one was thrust into the consciousness of people who have actually taken it for granted that architecture has stood as mute witnesses to major historical upheavals.

wood working seminar by Escuella Taller

Given that premise, I was delighted to learn that an Architectural Festival was going to be held at the Plaza Roma in Intramuros for an entire weekend. The scheduled dates were 17-19 June, 2016. I actually took the initiative to register online despite the fact that I am not an architect and was mildly surprised that my request was granted. You see, I am fascinated with buildings that have character. The older the better. I have very little knowledge of how buildings are erected but I appreciate the history that goes into a living, breathing space.

Arch Jeffrey of Escuela Taller giving masonry pointers to a  participant

I missed the opening but made an effort to go on the second day. I am glad I did. My first stop was at the registration booth. I got a confirmation text from an Architect Kevin Bacalla for my attendance on the opening day. The second day roster did not include my name in the list. But to their credit, they welcomed me anyway. I headed towards the tents to observe the events happening on that hot afternoon. I was glad to find Escuela Taller (Spanish pronunciation, please; talyer). There was one young lady trying to experience masonry: chipping away at a block of adobe doing her best to keep the plane as level as humanly possible. Architect Jeffrey was giving her pointers on how to attack the problem of protrusions on the adobe by hitting a chisel from a different angle.

jampacked forum on Critical Thinking

Another booth had a young architect giving a lecture to a huge group of students about work he has accomplished. His audience was caught up in the symposium. despite the air coolers in the half open tent. I eventually sought my refuge in my recent haunt... The Book Stop! It's a small kiosk of shelves filled with books and a bench and some stools that is open to the public. It was first introduced to the public in Glorietta in Makati, then moved to Plaza Roma. You'll find it somewhere in San Juan next. The rule is anyone can stop by, pick a book that interests him/her and spend the time reading. People are allowed to take books but replace it with another one. some brochures are free for the taking. Magazines? Take your pick! One can also donate unwanted books rather than throw them away. I've frequented this reading "room" a couple of times while waiting for my guests so it wasn't new to me.

Tosot Pavilion display

Manila Cathedral Restoration plans

Another pavilion had scale models and related material regarding restoration. It showed projects that have been completed as well as over-sized prints of new design blending in with the heritage structures. This was the pavilion was sponsored by Tosot.and it featured Intimate Architecture. Students were milling around and viewing great photos,,, i espied a visitor that was so comfortable with his surroundings I let him do his thing... a sleeping cat!

It was there I was entertained by a young lady. As it turns out, she is an architectural student on an apprenticeship with WTA (Architecture+design studio) the company spearheading the festival. She tried to introduce me to the company owner, a young architect named William T. Ti, but he had Singaporean guests he had to entertain so I ended up with another young architect tasked to head the whole event. Manolo Guanzon graduated from an architectural degree from the University of Santo Tomas and is also connected with WTA. Since this is the maiden festival, I forgive Manolo some of the oversight for planning a massive festival. 

The Book Stop

I even ran into a colleague at the CCP who gave Manolo his two cents worth as far as events were concerned. The event would have gone on until evening but I was too tired. So I headed home to prepare for another adventure the very next day... 

Architect Manolo Guanzon, event head

I look at events like this and I hope they get enough success to merit another next year... and hopefully, WTA spends extra money to make it a yearly summer event. This is an advocate's dream! With #AnthologyFestival, the preservation of our heritage looks bright!

Head Honcho Architect William Ti