INDIGENOUS ATTIRE (AHP PARTY 2)

the AHP family by Uan Latayan*

When the Advocates for Heritage Preservation (AHP) family decide to have a party, it is normally done with grace and aplomb! Our second year as an advocacy group was no different since it was held in the Intramuros area at Barbara's restaurant. No one actually said it was going to be a dressed up dinner. It was never announced. However, since all of the members are heritage advocates, those who decided to attend the Christmas Party came dressed to the nines in Filipiniana outfits.

Dennis Castanos, Gema Gonzales, Lito Ligon, myself,  Annie Obeya, Johnson Bernardo, Mafe Dajalos, Alice deVera Vasquez, Aye and Tito Encarnacion. Photo by Annie Grace Nicandro Obeya*

Now let me clarify things, since the proclamation of the Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act of 1997, indigenous communities have been promoting the use of their attire for the right reasons. They disdain the term indigenous costume, which has a negative connotation or perception among those who do not hail from their community. And they are right! Costume denotes pretense... fun! what they wear on a daily basis is an indication of their true identity. Their clothes are literally and figuratively, the very fiber (pun intended) of who they are as Filipinos. What they wear is almost sacred to them.

all smiles... photo by Ofie Palma*

So when the AHP holds a party, we showcase Filipiniana outfits to its truest, most basic form without the frivolity nor the freedom to interpret indigenous attire according to our whims. Yes we do have fun and we make it a point to do so without disparagiing these clothes like some do in festivals and in street dancing competitions.

family portrait by Lito Ligon*

The AHP Christmas Party set another record as far as attendance was concerned. Almost a hundred members were present at the buffet dinner organized by no less than AHP founder Tito Encarnacion, assisted by Fritzie Ramos and Aizah Basuel. To make the party more exciting, some members donated fabulous prizes for the raffle. Among the favored raffle prizes were bags and water bottles (from Bhel Esquierdo Asinas) rare books (Jose Benigno Salvador, Gema Gonzales, Addel de Dios Lapira), commemorative coins (Lito Ligon), gift items (Annie Obeya), valuable paintings (Noel Panaligan, Noel Bueza, Joel Aldor and another lady artist whose name I can not recall).

photo by Fritzie Ramos*

The Titas of AHP did not disappoint! Pheeyah Salones came as a Carnival Queen complete with tiara. Bhel Asinas costume in baro't saya came complete with diken and palayok. Lea Amante Villapando's full T'boli attire was encrusted in beads. Vica Tigno, Maricar Anatalio were in Ifugao dress. Febe Sevilla was in Ifugao dress with a pasiking to boot. Some of the ladies came in patadyong and Maria Claras. Some came in mestiza dress and terno. All the women came dressed to the hilt. Jocelyn Cabreito was in a glittering terno. Gema Gonzales was in a pineapple fiber shawl wrap. Fritzie Ramos was in  Maria Clara with a hand-painted panuelo.

Friends and family. Photo by Mafe Dajalos*

The men were not to be ignored, however. Jigs Medina came in a rajah outfit in turquoise and gold brocade complete with a fez. Dennis Roland S. Castanos was dressed as General Luna in rayadillo. Addel de dios Lapira was in a barong and 18th century gilded salakot and an alampay. Lito Ligon was a gobernadorcillo in a top hat and baston de mando. Ace Burwell sported a sarimanok headdress on his head. Dominic Benedict Santos-Viola Faustino was a regal southern datu. The San Pablo contigent composed of tito Naning Esguerra, Earl Esguerra, Mark Fule, Erico Brion Gapangada, Faviola Torres Hidalgo and Mike Asinas were all dapper in their barong tagalog and black trousers - so elegant! Pio and Elma Luistro were in updated his and hers Filipino attire with top hat for him and parasol for her.

The gentlemen of AHP. Photo by Allan Pardilla Martinez*

The big winners for the evening were Ness Sembrero who won a Noel Bueza painting of koi in a pond. Ace Burwell won two paintings one by Noel Panaligan of a street scene and another was a landscape by a Malolos artist donated by Jose Benigno Salvador. Joel Aldor's donation of  a ceramic plate with a Madonna and child done by National Artist Jose Joya went to the gregarious MC, Jose Benigno Salvador. I actually went home with nothing but I had a great time. Let's wait for next year, I may actually take home a prize...

Gema Gonzales, Ferdi Bolislis, myself, Dennis CAstanos, Jogs Medina, Jose Benigno Salvador, Febe Sevilla. Photo by Allan Pardilla Martinez*

Thank you to those donors who I have not been able to mention, I may have forgotten your names but it doesn't mean your generosity this Christmas season went unnoticed. Meantime,  enjoy what remains of this wonderful time and have a brilliant 2018!!!

Myself, Bhel Esquierdo Asinas, Dominic Viola Faustino. Photo by Febe Sevilla*

DRESSING UP OUR LADY

Elaborately embroidered cape of the Sorrowful Mother

I can not let October pass without paying homage to our Blessed Mother.I happened to be on tour assignment at the time and experienced this exhibit by chance. Sometimes I do get lucky when I'm working. The tour group I was with was gob-smacked at this assemblage of Marian images specifically focused on the Sorrowful Mother- our Mater Dolorosa.

Our Lady of Lasalette

Escultura Religiosas Filipinas is an online group that was established in 2007.  Their main aim is to assemble enthusiasts who have a deep affection for religious images and to share expertise on the maiantenance and upkeep of their prized possession.  Now on its tenth year, this group of devotees put their resources together in mounting a special exhibit focusing on the various incarnations of Our Lady centering on the Dolorosa. The exhibit opened on the 21st of September and lasted until the 1st of October just in time for the month of the Holy Rosary.

Mater Dolorosa la Macarena

The images were presented in detailed fashion. No expense was spared in the execution of the exhibit. The various tableau for each image were festooned with flowers both fresh and artificial. Silver candelabras and "ramilletes" which are bas relief of flowers embossed on silver plates and used as adornment for altars. However, it was the vestments that stood out in the curating of the exhibit.(not to forget the precious stones) that encrusted the  golden crowns and "potencias" on the virgins' heads and the daggers in her heart.

San Agustin's convento proved to be a fitting venue to showcase. The halls of the monastery with its high ceilings were more than enough to accommodate the canopies of some of the images as well as the carozas included in the collection. the hallways were also wide enough to fit in the magnificently embroidered cape done in "inuod" style (raised embroidery in satin stitch).

The older images were obviously in ivory. Some of the statues were made in wood but done in ivory finish (encarnado). I can discern the hand of Willie Layug in  some of the images that are more contemporary. I find that I have a predilection for embroidery done in gold thread. I think because gold thread is hard to come by these days. Nevertheless, even the vestments embroidered in silk thread must have cost a pretty penny.

There's still a few more hours before the month of October ends. As I continue with my daily rosary to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary, I look at these photos for inspiration. I hope you, my dear readers, realize that the rosary may be prayed anywhere, at any time of the day, for any purpose whatsoever with or  without these  meticulously designed religious images. I'm just glad, though, that centuries of our devotion to our Mother has not waned...

SAVING THE LAST LUNG

People probably do not realize this but there are only four areas in the City of Manila that have the presence of trees: Rizal Park, Manila Zoo, Malacanan Park, and Arroceros Forest Park. So when it was announced that a gymnasium was going to be built within the Arroceros Forest Park, naturally netizens rose up in arms. It would mean a sizeable portion of the park would have to be cleared of trees. It would also ruin an ideal forest-like sanctuary for those who want to bask in the glory of nature at absolutely no cost. 

Mrs. Paterno (center)  welcomed by Mitoy Orosa and Mye Atienza

Dakila'ng Pamana ng Lahi (PAMANLAHI) and the ADVOCATES FOR HERITAGE PRESERVATION reached out to the GREEN FOUNDATION's Madam NINIT ROCES PATERNO to express support in blocking the said move by the powers that be in Manila City Hall in the wanton destruction of trees within the park. On hand to welcome Mrs. Paterno were Lino Atienza, Mye Atienza, Tito Encarnacion,  Mitoy Orosa, Febe Sevilla, Lito Ligon, Johnson Bernardo and myself. Other members of the AHP joined in to show support as well: Mabelle Tenorio, Leah Amante Villapando, Maricar Anatalio, Aurora Rosacia Pagayon, Tara Anne Camille, Ace Burwell, Raffi Chavez,  Claro Villoria, Cristine Valeriano, et.al.

Now, before pro-city hall advocates react negatively, consider these facts:

• The area was formerly a part of the PARIAN (the old Chinese settlement) during the Spanish Colonial period before it was transferred to Binondo in 1593.
• It was the site of the Fabrica de Arroceros, a tobacco factory owned and operated by the General Compana de Tabacos de Filipinas.
• During the American Period, it was a military garrison which housed the Signal Corps at the Cuartel de Infanteria and the Surgeon General's office at the Estado Mayor.
• When the Philippines gained independence after WWII, the barracks were used as the Department of Education prior to its transfer to Quezon City.
• In 1993, the park was established through the initiative of the Winner Foundation under then First Lady Mrs. Amelita Ramos.
• The park was closed in 2003 by then Mayor Lito Atienza in order to build a teacher's dormitory and a school administration building.
• Of the 8,000 trees, critics of the embattled mayor claim that only 2,000 trees remained after the construction of said buildings.

Seeing as how the area remains a significant patch of land in the City of Manila, naturally concerned citizens would take up the cudgels in saving the park from what is claimed would be a mark of yet another sign of progress - a school gymnasium... que horror!

Prof. Edru Abraham with the Kontra-Gapi gamelan

Now, why should we save the Arroceros Forest Park? Quite simply, the park is Manila's LAST LUNG!

• The park is the only nature park in the city.
• The area covers 2.2 hectares planted to trees and ornamental plant species provided by Bulacan Gardens during its humble beginnings.
• There are currently 61 different varieties of trees planted in the area.
• There are 8,000 ornamental plants that provide habitat for 10 species of  birds.
• Migratory birds come and rest in the forest park.
• Birders have claimed at least 18 species of birds have been seen in the park, e.g.:  long-tailed shrike, pied fantail, zebra dove, Pacific swallow, yellow-vented bulbul and brown shrike.^[4]
• Among the varieties of trees in the park are: acacia mangium, acacia auriculiformis, African tulip tree, agoho, anahaw, banyan, bunga de china, dapdap, eucalyptus, ficus benjamina, fire tree, Indian tree, kamagong, mahogany, MacArthur palm, molave, narra, neem, rain tree, rattan, rubber tree, talisay, teak, tiesa and yucca.
• the ff fruit trees in the park are:  aratilis, avocado, banana, caimito, coconut, guava, macopa, mango, santol,
• ornamental plants like calachuchi, gardenia, golden shower, palomaria and ylang-ylang.

Prof. De Lara in an impromptu number

As a sign of protest (for lack of a better term) PAMANLAHI along with members of  the AHP (Advocates for Heritage Preservation) held a Harana kay Ina'ng Kalikasan (Serenade to Mother Nature) coinciding with a national holiday to commemorate the heroism of Ninoy Aquino. The rain clouds gave way to glorious weather on the 21st of August, 2017! 

Lino Atienza  with a lush backdrop

At around 9:00 a.m., people started arriving some carrying signed petitions in support of the retention of the trees in the park and calling for the abolition of plans to build a gymnasium in the area. Present at the harana were the Kontra- Gapi from the University of the Philippines headed by esteemed musician/artist/performer Edru Abraham.  singers from the multi-awarded choir of the DLS-College of St. Benilde, and Prof Michael de Lara. Kontra-Gapi is a gamelan (Indonesian term for orchestra) known worldwide for its music utilizing local and asian instruments. Their claim to legend status is the music for the opening credits of popular TV series Game of Thrones. The talented singers of St. Benilde rendered a few Kundimans (local love songs) and OPM (original Pilipino Music) songs. Prof. de Lara obliged with an impromptu number on his guitar. the guest of honor was Mrs. Paterno who was grateful for our support. She was mildly surprised that her uphill struggle against the erring mayor was not singularly her own.

Arroceros forest  park canopy

By mid-day, all of us were singing and dancing to drumbeats and percussion and taking videos and selfies of the indignation rally for cutting the trees. It is a hell of a way of protesting albeit fun... After the event which lasted till one p.m., we stayed and went around to admire the park designed by Wilfrido Dizon and the Bulacan Garden Corporation, promising to return and raise our songs to a higher pitch until our songs to nature are heard by city hall. Now, tell me, why would anyone want to cut down those beautiful trees? Hello!!!

AHP IN LIPA, PADRE GARCIA, IBAAN

I haven't blogged in a while since I was busy working with the  National Artist for Dance for a production of Ballet Philippines' Gala. Most of my free time was devoted to the show's success. However, I wouldn't let an Advocates for Heritage Preservation tour to Lipa just pass me by. Of course I had to join or miss out on a lot of great fun that only van 3 has to offer (there were five vans).

Last year's AHP tour was in Binondo and it got rained out. It didn't stop us then, it sure as hell wouldn't stop us this year. Faviola Torres Hidalgo is this tour's organizer so he made extra certain preparations for this tour would not fall flat. Thank you, Faviola!

Our first stop was at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Lipa. The church is dedicated to St. Sebastian, Vanguard of the Church and patron of athletes and soldiers. He was a soldier who had been found out to be secretly a Christian supporter during Diocletian's reign in 288 A.D. Despite being under the service of the Emperor, we was punished by being tied to a tree and executed by a legion of archers. He survived the arrows and was nursed back to health by St. Irene of Rome. Later on, he warned the emperor of his transgressions and eventually was clubbed to death. The Lipa cathedral has three versions of St. Sebastian's martyrdom in the left  transcept and at the main altar.

The massive church was built on site in 1779 as a result of Taal volcano's eruption in 1754. Originally the church was in another area that was damaged by the volcano's activity and had to be moved to its current location. Fr.  Ignacio Pallares spearheaded the building of the church and picked up by Fr Manuel Galiana in 1787. The transept was completed in 1865 by Fr. Manuel Diez Gonzalez and completed in 1894 by Augustinian priest Fr. Benito Vargas. The church was heavily damaged (like everything else in Lipa) during WWII due to the carpet bombing of American forces to flush out the Japanese. In 1944 Msgr. Alejandro Olalla and Fr. Vergara added two side aisles and completed re-construction in 1957. It is now the seat of the Diocese of Lipa.

The church is done in the high Renaissance style with arched windows and entryway. The facade is divided into three segments with superimpositioned columns. The pediment is broken by arches that are centrally located and topped by a turret.  On the church door if the high relief of the history of Salvation. the knave and dome are painted in tromp l'oeil style and on the right transept is an pipe organ. We were fortunate to have heard Mass prior to our tour.  Lipa is located 85 km south of Manila.

Snacks were served at the Museo de Lipa where various collectibles were curated. One of Lipa's drawing power is the fact that it was at one point, the coffee central of the world after a blight destroyed coffee plantations worldwide. Ergo, a lot of wealth was created and the benefits of which was thoroughly savored by the landed elite at the time. Ex- Governor, now Congress woman Vilma Santos-Recto is an " adopted" daughter of Lipa by virtue of marriage to one of the scions of the Recto clan. Her wedding gown is among the garments displayed at the Museo.

Next stop was at Casa de Segunda. The visit was made more interesting by personal stories by the grand daughter of the former owner after whom the house takes its name. Segunda Katigbak was Jose Rizal's first love if stories are to believed. Born to a wealthy family of Lipa, she was an "interna" sent off to a boarding school in Manila (La Concordia). Rizal's sister was her classmate and it was this opportune event that had made her endearing to the young Jose. Unfortunately, to secure the family,s finances, marriages were arranged among the wealthy and landed elite at the time. Even before they could establish any meaningful relationship, Rizal was dissuaded from courting her and she was married off to a young scion of the Luz clan. That was that! Poor national hero stood no chance of winning her as a bride.

Mrs. Lileth Malabanan was an engaging hostess and story teller. She welcomed us into the home of her grandmother. The house is mostly unoccupied but it gets busy with visitors that come by the bus load... much to her exasperation! It is indeed a lovely house... replete with original photos and books of her proud ancestry and her noble lineage...

Pio and Elma Luistro welcomed us into their ancestral home next. Kape'ng barako, a local version of pilipit and empanditas were served as refreshments. The Aranda ancestral home may not be as old as the others as the house was burned in WWII. However, it had a homey feel as the home was decorated using asian objets d'art. It's an eclectic collection that was thrown into the aesthetics and utilized old wood and varnished with a fine sheen.  The azotea has a lot of interesting plants that pique one's interest. Archbishop Obviar used the home as his residence even when he was the Archbishop of Lipa. The home beside it has a quaint Juliet balcony and a chapel that served as their oratorio. 

Next, it was back to the Museo de Lipa where we were served, Tulingan (tuna), Bistek (beefsteak), Binagoongan (pork stirfry in shrimp paste), Laing (taro leaves stewed in coconut cream) and fresh fruit for dessert. A fiesta suite of local dances was presented by a college dance troupe and they performed the Subli (a coquettish dance using bamboo clappers as castanets), Sayaw sa Bangko (a courtship dance to lively music jumping over wooden benches, and a muslim dance of T'boli women whose title i can nit recall at the moment.

After lunch, it was a short drive to the Luz-Librea- Bautista ancestral house now converted into a guest house for Carmelite nuns. This massive house has a lot of character! Wide stairways lead to the recibidor to welcome guests and then it opens up to a main sala. Some furniture remain that give you a glimpse of its glorious past. An Ah Tay four-poster bed complete with carved head and foot board is in one of the bedrooms. Apparently, the last heir was a Carmelite nun, who upon her deathbed, bequeath the home to the order.

Since we're at it... the next visit was at the Convent of the Carmelites in the heart of Lipa. The convent is a favorite spot of devotees owing to its controversial post war occupants. Sister Teresing Castillo witnessed an apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary atop a bush in the garden. She along with other postulants  had experienced miracles such as a shower of rose petals that filled the entire convent with a sweet perfume. They had reported the incident to the Vatican who had sent an emissary to check on tghe veracity of the report. Archbishop Obviar could not deny the miracles and so Archbishop Versoza also went to check the reported sightings. Rome had decided that it was a hoax and decided to quelch the growing influx of people to the site. That ended the " hysteria" and Sister Teresing Castillo left the convent only to visit intermittently. Reports that the shower of rose petals even followed to her home in Baclaran and then she passed away last year.

The devotion to Our Lady, Mediatrix of all Grace did not end when she left the convent. Even to this day, devotees come for quiet reflection and petitions for various causes. As a concession to her strong faith in God and her devotion to the order, her mortal remains were laid to rest at the side of the church as she was not able to take her vows. Lately there is a resurgence on the growing petition to declare the incidents in Lipa authentic apparitions.

A few meters away was another church dedicated to Our Lady, Mediatrix of all Grace. The spanking new church built of land donated to religious worship is done in Italianate design with  eight super impositioned pilasters on each side framing arched windows. the pediment is a broken triangle topped with a cross and finials on each side. The bell tower is topped with a cupola and the middle segment has arched windows. The interior has a simple retablo done in gold leaf and framing an image Our Lady, Mediatrix of all Grace..

Padre Garcia was our second to the last stop for the day.  We visited the church dedicated to Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary. Established in 1778 by the Augustinian Recollects, the  church was in an area called Lobo but was moved due to pirate raids. The town was burned by the revolutionaries during the Fil-American war and deserted. It was called Lumangbayan due to the transfer to the present day Rosario. By 1928, the church was administered by the Oblates of St. Joseph under Rev. Fr. Fanchini,OSJ. He was murdered by the Japanese on 14 February, 1945 and after the war the Order reconstructed the church. By 1949, Rosario was renamed Padre Garcia after Vicente Garcia who was a native parish priest.

Last on our list was the church of Ibaan, Batangas. The church of St. James, the Apostle was built in 1817. In 1854, it was rebuilt by Fr. Manuel Diez Gonzalez. In 1859, Fr. Bruno Laredo, O.S.A. completed the facade and roofing. The twin towers were started in 1865 by Fr. Laredo and completed in 1876 by Fr. Vicente Maril. Fr. Francisco Alvarez repaired the church from 1891-1896 after it was damaged in the 1880 earthquake. The facade has 3 sets of round pilasters mounted on rectangular bases. The pediment is adorned with a rose window.

Just recalling the events of the day is enough to tire me out. The rains and the long itinerary were balanced out by the fun, laughter and the camaraderie of the AHP family... five vans in all and some privately owned vehicles that went as far as 135 kilometers south of the metro. 

PANGIL, PAKIL and PAETE

Nstra. Sra. de la Natividad church with Lloyd Anthony Nuestro Rafols, Pheeyah Salones and Maricar Anatalio. Photo by Pheeyah Salones

I have written about these three municipalities in the southern part of  the province of Laguna but on this visit, I was with the Advocates for Heritage Preservation (AHP) family. What makes this  trip interesting is that we went by way of Antipolo, passing through the towns of Tanay, Baras, Pililla ad the other towns bordering the northeastern side of Laguna de Bay.

Bas relief on the Facade

The first stop was at Pangil, Laguna. Not a lot has been written about this small, sleepy town just at the outskirts of the junction leading to more popular towns of Pakil and Paete. Pangil, translated in English, literally means fang. The municipality sits on a land projection that juts out towards Laguna lake. It occupies the northeastern side at he foothills of the southern tip of the Sierra Madre mountain range. However, this monicker may not always be the most reliable origin of its name. Some indicators point out the fact that in pre-colonial times, the ruler of the area was named Gat Paguil. Another story indicates its inhabitants were known as Panguilagan. 

Bernard Manimbo, Lorenzo Mateos, Rheeza Santiago Hernandez, Marichelle A. Santos, Dennis Roland S. Castanos

Two Franciscan friars, Fr. Juan de Placencia and Diego de Oropesa were notably given permission by the Spanish government to establish the early settlement in Panguil. They  wanted to establish a church in the area  as its micro-climate, clean rivers and waterways and other natural resources were ideal for both inhabitants and missionaries. They built a church dedicated to the Nuestra Senora de Natividad built around the 1700's. Even books on church history have very little information on this church. A monument to Prince Charles of Spain marks the corner buttress where the belfry stands. Part of urban legend relates the story that Prince Charles of Spain stayed in the convent for four years to live amongst the locals. When he left the municipality, he went back to Spain and ascended the throne as King Charles IV (another statue of his more mature self stand in Plaza Roma in Intramuros).

Pangil Church

On the day of our visit, we viewed the church and its environs figuring which parts were still original from the time it was built. It was bright and airy and the altar obviously had been replaced with a new one. Some bas relief were still evident in the few remaining frames hanging on the walls. I even attempted to climb the  belfry but had second thoughts as part of the stairwell had probably collapsed and in its place is a steel ladder precariously perched on top of the cut off stairwell. That being said, I was unable to photograph the bells. 

St Peter Alcantara church, Pakil, Laguna

We then proceeded to Pakil (see my older post on both Pakil and Paete). It will take normally less than five minutes as all the driver has to do is cross the junction and drive up to the gem of a church dedicated to St. Peter of Alcantara. Built in 1676 by Father Francisco Barajas (Franciscan) and destroyed by fire in a matter of nine years, Rebuilt in 1767 and constantly retouched and added on by successive parish priests. In 1959 Arch. Joseph Regan changed the altar to marble in 1959 and consecrated by Bishop Alejandro Olaila. It eventually became the shrine of  Nstra. Sra. delos Dolores de Turumba (Our Lady of Sorrows of Turumba). They have, according to records, the longest Marian celebration which lasts for nine weeks starting from Ash Wednesday in which the image of our Lady is led out in a procession every Wednesday thereafter...Pakil is located 115km from Manila and 90km from Tanay, Rizal.

Nstra. Sra. de las Dolores de Turumba icon

Finally, we reach Paete before lunch ( again, check my older posts re. Paete). The church of Saint James holds a special place in my heart. I did spend summers in the area with my cousins. Holy Week is special in Paete. The town takes its name from Paet (chisel).As you can guess, their main trade is carving. This town is home to famous carvers and painters. Something about Paete's location, climate and topography lends its influence to the art and culture of its people which is very evident in its church. Notable are the collaborative works of its local artists in carving tableaus of biblical scenes and paintings on heaven and hell and the double exposure murals of St. Christopher in which each version is the exact depiction except for the rendition of the saint done in Indio and Mestizo styles. a short walk along the main road leads one to curio shops, furniture stores, papier mache workshops and novelty items. If you get hungry, the food at Bengas restaurant at the end of the road is tasty and very affordable. For an entire meal for four, the bill came out to a total amount of 420.00 pesos. It may take a while for your order but it's worth the wait.

St. James church, Paete, Laguna