Back Trails

Rizal @ 150 Celebrated with One Peso Commemorative Coins

2012-01-31T16:37:00.002+08:00

It was December of 2011 when I first heard that the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) would come up with new one-peso coins commemorating the 150th birth anniversary of the Philippine national hero Jose Rizal. But it was only today that I actually saw one when a coworker gave me two pieces. Although these are commemorative coins, I believe that they would be in full circulation too.

The obverse side shows an image of Jose Rizal with his face in full view. The image, I think, is taken from his last studio shot in Madrid, Spain. The tails side shows a new design/logo of BSP.

For starting coin collectors, it would be good to keep a few clean and blemish-free copies of these coins.

A Noontime Break at General Paciano Rizal Park, Los Baños, Laguna

2012-01-29T12:29:00.009+08:00

A sudden need to process some documents in the municipal hall of Los Baños, Laguna opened up a chance to visit General Paciano Rizal Park in Los Baños-Bayan, Laguna. The park has a commanding view of Laguna de Bay (Laguna Lake), the coastal areas of Calamba and Los Baños, and the mountainous parts of Rizal province on the other side of the lake. The park was named after Jose Rizal’s only brother Paciano through Ordinance no. 2003-182 on March 10, 2003 as an honor to him. On July 2009, a two-hectare extension project was started to include indigenous flora and recreational facilities.

* Los Baños Therapeutic Massage Center and Health Spa

and the playground in Paciano Rizal Park

* a panoramic view of Paciano Rizal Park

The Paciano Rizal Park was designed for people both children and adult alike to have a breather. A play area has been built complete with seesaws and swings for the kids’ enjoyment. Then for the elders, a spa can be found nearby. There is also a basketball court for the big boys. A large part of the park is still open grounds and so it is safe to assume that more amenities will still be added in the area. A main stage being built has unfortunately succumbed to deterioration due to weather and the disappointing vandalism of kids. I actually witnessed two young people – most probably high school students judging from their uniforms they were wearing – scribbled names on the remaining posts of the stage.

* what remains of the Yatco pier

* this looks like a rest area for the fishermen

* a view of Mayondon Hill

The noontime heat time (dampened only by the foreboding nimbus clouds) and the strong winds did not prevent local folks to brave the rocky shores and hope for some fish catch.

* a view of Laguna de Bay from Paciano Rizal Park

* a vandalized post in Paciano Rizal Park;
don’t we love scribbles?

* local folks trying catch fishes on the shore near Paciano Rizal Park

The park is aptly named after the famed Filipino fighter and general not just for the bravery and courage that the name evokes but also for the chance to be reminded, every time one visits the place, that what we see on that part of Laguna de Bay was probably the same view that General Paciano Rizal saw during his last days in his Los Baños home.

Revisiting the Town of Padre Garcia, Batangas

2012-01-16T16:49:00.007+08:00

* collective symbol of Padre Garcia – cowboy hat and plow

* Padre Garcia Livestock Auction Mall / Market

Padre Garcia is a town where you can actually breathe in the essence of the people’s living. It’s not meant to disparage or anything but the common sight of cow wastes on the streets tells any visitors that livestock rules supreme in this town. A brief side trip to Padre Garcia enabled me to look closer at its lay-out and at any remaining structures from the past.

* stone fence of the Padre Garcia church

* St. Joseph and the church named after him

* church’s main door

* huge buttresses of the Padre Garcia church

* huge stones piled just below the church bell tower

* an upcoming garden site inside the church premises

* the church tower

* the bell and the cross: close-up views

* Padre Garcia church façade

Beside the ever-busy market place of Padre Garcia and the nearby livestock auction market/mall, the town proper is relatively serene. It is relaxing to walk through its narrow streets (particularly if the sun is not lashing out its heat) and see old and modern houses interspersed along the length of the streets.

* a monument for Padre Vicente Garcia;

behind him is the town hall

* Trailer Pransis meeting Padre V. Garcia

* a wagon display on the ground of the town hall

* an unnamed monument for what looked
like a fighter in the Philippine-American war;
is he Miguel Malvar? I wonder

The church, I found, is undergoing renovations. Just below the bell tower huge stones were piled. They most likely came from the dismantled stage found nearby before. Beside the church is a garden of sort in the process of completion. It seems like prayer garden, a solemn place where one can pray or simply reflect.

* Holy Trinity School, Padre Garcia, Batangas

* houses in Padre Garcia, Batangas

* says its all!

A few tasks I have set for myself the next time I visit Padre, Garcia: 1) witness (or if possible participate) in the livestock auction, and 2) dig in more about the priest behind the town’s name. And perhaps rummage for some old photographs of the place when Padre Garcia was still Rosario.

A Peek Inside Basilica de San Martin De Tours in Taal, Batangas

2012-01-16T11:51:00.001+08:00

Just made a recent visit to the tranquil town of Taal, Batangas. I will be sharing about the town’s main treasure: its ancestral houses which have been surprisingly preserved in the place. And also about the town’s history and its prominent people. I took a short video of the interior of the Basilica de San Matin de Tours to provide the viewer a sense of space inside which cannot be conveyed by photos alone.

Sights and Scenes on the Feast Day of Saint Paul the First Hermit in San Pablo City, Laguna

2012-01-16T05:36:00.006+08:00

*‘Welcome to the fair!’’; a sleeping fair area

as the sun rises over Mount Banahaw
early morning of January 15

* banderitas over Rizal Avenue

All the festivities and events in San Pablo City, Laguna this week trace their origins in the feast of Saint Paul the First Hermit. And so in the early morning hours of the feast day, I took the liberty of visiting the city proper to see all the busyness.

* San Pableños attending the early morning mass on January 15

* the man behind the festivities – Saint Paul the First Hermit

* candle vendors on the church patio

There was the usual mass and, I think, a freshly organized competition of drum and lyre bands. The streets were abuzz already, with all those vendors – locals and visitors alike – preparing their goods along the sidewalks. Those sidewalk stalls were indeed the heart of the city busyness for without them the city proper would not be that lively.

* lamps being sold along a street in the city proper of San Pablo

* a sea of stalls and people

* rice delicacies being sold just
outside the San Pablo Cathedral

* ferris wheel in action

The evening came with equal intensity as the main stage roared again with sounds and lights. Fireworks were given as a treat later in the night. The concrete streets were replaced with a sea of heads who were either in for some all-night drinking or just simply observing the night celebrations.

As I have not been able to document all the Coco Festival activities, I can only refer you to the Facebook Account of the City Information Office of San Pablo (be sure to log in with your Facebook account though). The account is loaded with photos of the activities in San Pablo City.

January 13, Mardi Gras Day and Special (Non-Working) Holiday in San Pablo City

2012-01-13T11:02:00.005+08:00

It’s a holiday today in San Pablo City, Laguna!

No talks about Friday the 13th being an unlucky day can hinder San Pableños to celebrate the Coconut Festival and the famed Mardi Gras (pronounced as maa-di’graa) Street Dancing Competition. And to make things enjoyable, a proclamation from Malacañang [Proclamation No. 312] has been issued declaring January 13 as a special (non-working) day in the city. This is good so that more people would be able to see the parade of dancers and floats along Rizal Avenue.

* Photo Credit: City Information Office of San Pablo City, Laguna

Dance Performance at Isdaan Floating Resto-Fun Park

2012-01-12T13:46:00.004+08:00

Watch my video of a dance performance at Isdaan Floating Resto-Fun Park, Calauan, Laguna. I have just opened a YouTube account and I will be using it to post future videos from my travels. Enjoy!

Come Celebrate the San Pablo City Coco Festival 2012

2012-01-09T15:04:00.005+08:00

From its simple beginnings in the 90’s, San Pablo City’s Annual Coco Festival (or Coco Fest) has grown into an anticipated event in the country due to its attractive, and indeed lavish, line up of activities (particularly the Mardi Gras). The Coco Festival is usually held in the week leading to the city’s high feast day, January 15, when San Pableños celebrate the feast of Saint Paul the First Hermit (San Pablo ang Unang Ermitanyo). This year’s schedule is fortunate as the last day of the Coco Festival would coincide with January 15. For sure, activities for this day will be made as grand as possible.

Shown below is the schedule of activities for this year’s Coco Festival. I got this from sanpablocity.net website.

January 7
- 10:00 AM (SM City Atrium) Pre-Pageant of Munting Lakan at Mutya ng San Pablo
- 1:00 PM (SM City Atrium) Pre-Pageant of Lakan at Mutya ng San Pablo 2012
- 7:00 PM (City Plaza (Main Stage) United Pastors Council (UPC) Night

January 8
- 4:00 PM (SM City Atrium) Grand Fashion Show of Munting Lakan at Mutya, Coco Star, and Lakan at Mutya ng San Pablo 2012
- 7:00 PM (City Plaza Main Stage) DepEd / TESDA Night

January 9
- 4:00 AM (ABS-CBN Studio) Umagang Kay Ganda (UKG)
- 7:00 PM (City Plaza Main Stage) Sangguniang Panlunsod / SK Night

January 10
- 8:00 AM (City Plaza in front of Library Building) Sapol sa Singko (TV 5), Opening of Coco Trade Fair 2012
- 6:00 PM (City Plaza Main Stage) Munting Lakan at Mutya ng San Pablo 2012 Grand Coronation Night

January 11
- 8:00 AM (Pamana Hall) Coco Cook Festival
- 6:00 PM (City Plaza Main Stage) Lakan at Mutya ng San Pablo 2012 Grand Coronation Night

January 12
- 7:00 PM (SM City Atrium) Battle of the Bands

January 13
- 11:00 AM (City Plaza Main Stage) Coco Carnival Queen, Float Parade, Annual Street Dancing Competition
- 7:00 AM (City Plaza Main Stage) BM Angelica Jones Alarva, San Miguel Night

January 14
- 7:00 AM (City Plaza Main Stage) Gov. Jeorge “E.R.” Ejercito Estregan’s Night

January 15
- 1:00 PM (City Plaza Main Stage) BANDA SIKLABAN
- 7:00 PM (City Plaza Main Stage) Mayor Vic Amante / Sponsors’ Night (Fireworks Display)

[For more information regarding the Coco Festival, please contact the City Administrator’s Office at (049) 503-1522.]

Hopefully I would be able take some time off to roam th city plaza in the coming nights and take some photos to be shared here.

The Curves of a Maiden: Mount Maquiling (Makiling)

2012-01-09T14:01:00.002+08:00

Ever since I first heard about Mount Maquiling (found in the province of Laguna and Batangas) shaped like a lying maiden, I have always sought to figure out the curves of that mythical woman. But up to now I am still having a hard time doing so. And so this chance shot from Santo (Sto.) Tomas, Batangas (in particular from the Malvar Shrine which I will be sharing here soon) compelled me to think longer about the mountain’s contours. At least from this view one can imagine those peaks at the left side as…her breast. Just sharing.

An Eerie View While in Transit

2012-01-09T12:28:00.002+08:00

I’m not easily frightened of talks or of experiences of the supernatural but this shot I made leisurely while aboard a bus definitely got on my nerves. There is something spooky with the way the hair of a female passenger flew as the bus passed a dark part of a hilly road. Fright crops up in unexpected places particularly while in transit.

Year-End Scenes

2011-12-31T23:56:00.005+08:00

* all lights and sound: firecrackers and horns

being sold in the marketplace in San Pablo City

As the New Year nears, we can only hear the buzz of people negotiating for food to be served on Media Noche and firecrackers to be exploded at the stroke of midnight. I made a brief side-trip to the market just to see the busyness of the place. Firecrackers, fruits, cakes, horns, bread. Practically everything associated with the celebration of the coming of the New Year.

* all tents: stalls of vendors in the marketplace;

the street in front of the city mall was practically occupied by them

* a fire truck in standby near the market just in case of any emergency

One thing that I have just observed is the relatively ‘safeness’ of the streets in our city hours before midnight. There were years before when it would be entirely impractical to go out even in the afternoon as explosions of firecrackers are already around. Perhaps people are saving them for the exact time of celebration, can no longer afford too much expense on lights and sounds of explosions. But in the end, we all differ in the manner through which we celebrate the New Year.

Rizal is in the Heart Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow

2011-12-30T01:59:00.002+08:00

Words will flood again as Filipinos celebrate today Rizal Day, a commemoration of the martyrdom of Jose Rizal, physician, doctor, patriot, national hero. The air we’ll breathe will soon be saturated with the scent of flowers from the wreaths offered in different monuments and statues. Having read his works and studies parts of his life, Rizal indeed is worthy of all the honors still being given to him. As for me, Rizal is in the heart yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

Food for the Trails: Enjoy Barrio Fiesta at Isdaan Floating-Resto Fun Park

2011-12-29T12:30:00.025+08:00

The term ‘barrio fiesta’ evokes images of lavish food, merriment, and simple Filipino feasting. As development continues to eat up places in the country (to be turned into urban areas), it is always good to have places where we can enjoy the spirit of those rural feasts. One such place has been recently built, fortunately, in the province of Laguna. The Isdaan Floating-Resto Fun Park is situated on the wide plains on the boundary of the towns of Calauan and Bay. An ocular survey of the place would reveal to you that it covers a number of hectares.

* Isdaan welcomes you with its iconic big fish

* mermaid[?] statues with Hindu/Buddhist themes

* TACSIYAPO!

* Boodle Fight; ang umayaw talo!

* San Kilo Bridge

As one enter Isdaan, you’ll be greeted by huge (and I mean huge) statues of what look like mermaids decorated in Hindu and/Buddhist motifs and big fishes as well. Designed not to intimidate, such artworks would only compel you to go inside and discover more of that curious place.

* more mermaids[?]

* big Buddha; you ring the bell behind it and make as wish

* big fish!

* statues you’ll see as you go the comfort rooms

* ladies for inspiration or are they the Furies?;
you’ll see them as you go out of the bathrooms

* Spiderman up on the roof

* cracked (dinosaur?) eggs

* Brontosauruses

Isdaan is composed of what look like different restaurants (although they all have essentially the same menu being offered to customers). They have area for Tacsipayo where you can vent out your anger or frustration with anyone by breaking kitchen wares there as you shout ‘Tacsiyapo.’ Please note however that there are fees for it. The place has other ‘pakulo’ like the San Kilo Bridge where you can win one kilo of fish (to be cooked depending on your choice of dish) by crossing a small ledge/bridge surrounded by six-feet-deep water. There are still other features like that and one can enjoy them by roaming the place.

* cottage number 33!

* isang bilaong fried sea foods!

* fried crab, woo!

* tacsiyapong gulay!

* revisit to Isdaan

* little calderos where the rice is cooked

The most eye-catching in the place are the statues (or are they sculptures?) ranging from Jurassic Period dinosaurs to Disney cartoon characters to famous politicians, most of them life size. They essentially make the place alive as you would probably spend a good deal of time in the place looking at each and every one of them and taking pictures of/with them too.

* a lady dancer

* young people doing an ethnic dance

* kid acrobats

* acrobat trio!

* Isdaan’s buco king

* Mama Chit: Ina ng Barrio Fiesta

And define a wide-ranging menu! I took the liberty of documenting their menu and visitors can choose among their specialties on vegetables, fresh fruits, bakahan at manukan, energy drinks, pork, Japanese dishes, soups, pancit, fishes and other sea foods. You’ll be given a large menu where you can freely choose your food and drinks combinations. And as you eat, you will be treated (if you came in at the right time in the evening) with cultural presentations – ethnic dances, folk dances, acrobats, among others – all organized for the visitors to have fun!

* Trailer Pransis strikes for a pose

* pose with co-workers (and bosses)

Isdaan Floating-Resto Fun Park is located in Hanggan, Calauan, Laguna and they also have a branch in Gerona, Tarlac. A future Isdaan is currently being prepared in Talavera, Nueva Ecija. For reservations please contact the number 0932-4117793.

[How to go to Isdaan Floating-Resto Fun Park: From Manila and Calamba City area, one can simply hail a bus bound for Sta. Cruz, Laguna (buses are Green Star, HM, and DLTB) and ask the conductor to drop you off at Isdaan; it is just along the highway. Alternatively for those coming from Calamba, you can board a jeepney bound for Sta. Cruz, Laguna too.]

Supreme Buses Now Have Their Rival

2011-12-28T08:59:00.003+08:00

Supreme Buses, which ply the roads connecting Lucena City in Quezon and Batangas City, is now up for a competition. It caught me by surprise too, seeing a P&O Transportation Bus in Candelaria Sambat bound for Batangas City as I have never thought that any bus line would come and share that travel route. One thing that could possibly come out of this budding rivalry is the eventual upgrade of the buses of Supreme and/or additional buses on the part of P&O. As for the passengers, there would be more buses for their convenience on those parts. Cheers!

A Day in Candelaria, Quezon

2011-12-28T07:55:00.005+08:00

* my dream house in Candelaria just had its roof makeover;
it’s obvious that renovations are underway; I still wish I could buy this house

* the Narra Tree which President Manuel Quezon planted many years before

Christmas vacation allows those in the academe ample time to do travel escapades to different places, be it here in the country or abroad. As for those like me who are in a tight budget, visits to neighboring cities or provinces are enough. A day visit to the town of Candelaria, Quezon (where some Emralino clans are based) proved to be fulfilling, seeing again those familiar streets and structures. A change of ‘atmosphere’, however brief, is relaxing too. Different sights, different random sounds and noises at least for a day. The night in the town is soothing also, with those chilly winds touching you as you walk through the town streets.

* the St. John the Baptist church facade at night

* a night mass in Candelaria

* simple lights in the Quezon tree

As with other places that I have visited so far, there are those elusive sites that I am yet to discover on my own. The Del Valle Tower in Candelaria is a place there I am yet to see and marvel at.

A.G. Saño’s Dolphin Art Work at U.P. Rural High School

2011-12-27T00:25:00.004+08:00

Dolphin Crusader A.G. Saño has found his way to Laguna and made an artwork of his dolphins along the fence of U.P. Rural High School in Barangay Paciano Rizal (Mainit), Bay, Laguna. I am just within the neighbourhood on work days but it took some time before I was able to understand that it was his work. The dolphins should have been a giveaway.

There may be no seas near the Laguna area but awareness on this kind of advocacy should be widely disseminated, especially among young people. This is not only to promote dolphin advocacies but also to instil the fire to promote a worthwhile cause on our own.

Food for the Trails: Puto Bungbong

2011-12-26T19:08:00.004+08:00

One bonus during the so-called Christmas season is the ease in which one could walk the city streets. Barring the possibility of getting mugged, you get to have other people too wandering the streets under the cold December night, sifting through the labyrinth of food stores and food stalls around.

One delicacy which sprouted on the perimeters of churches either at night or in the early morning is the puto bungbong. A food which falls under the category of rice delicacies, puto bungbong is more prominent during the December nights before Christmas Day as it has become part of the traditional Filipino food (alongside bibingka, among others) being sold and eaten during Simbang Gabi or Misa de Gallo.

One night when my sister and I decided to do food tripping, I treated myself with puto bungbong. Freshly baked from that little cooking machine, it was wrapped in banana leaves and topped with margarine. A hot food for a cold night. Puto bungbong will surely be missed but I think puto bungbong vendors are just around, all year round.

Sunset in Downtown Calamba City

2011-12-25T17:59:00.003+08:00

Despite human attempts to revolutionize our form of living and to create new structures that would define the level of our knowledge and skills, nature still rules supreme. One time as I trudge through a downtown street of Calamba City, Laguna breathing in the late afternoon smoke and dust, I chanced upon this view of the sunset. Beyond those people crossing the recently-made foot bridge the sky bleeds red, signalling the coming of the night. With all the work and busyness of the day, we tend to forget the soothing abilities of nature. One look at the vivid colors of the sunset and I am reminded how good it is to live despite all the hardships and problems. More than this thought, one realizes too that we do not have to travel far to appreciate the beauty of nature.

The Tragedy That Was the Revolution, The Tragedy that Was Andres Bonifacio: A Short Book Review

2011-12-22T10:51:00.005+08:00

Adrian Cristobal’s “The Tragedy of the Revolution” immediately begs the question: what was the tragedy all about? More than being a mere object of curiosity, the book starts out with the assertion that Andres Bonifacio was the heart of the Revolution (the Revolution being the 1896 revolution against the Spanish colonial government in the Philippine Islands) and that Andres Bonifacio is the Revolution. It seemed that what eventually happened to Andres Bonifacio was also the fate of the Revolution.

In six concise essays which formed the bulk of the book, Cristobal set to unravel details (however scant and fragmentary) of Bonifacio’s life starting from his childhood to his life as a leader of the secret society KKK or Katipunan. What is surprising is that most of the details elaborated in the book are not seen in our traditional Philippine history books. These certainly made the reading from one chapter to another engaging.

The tragedy from my reader’s viewpoint started in the form of small friction between the two widely known councils of the Katipunan, Magdiwang and Magdalo. Such friction inevitably grew into internal political differences culminating in the fracas in the Tejeros Convention. It must have been the start of Bonifacio’s falling out with the Katipuneros under Magdalo. But Cristobal retraced other accounts and laid down the fact that differences went back earlier than the Tejeros assembly.

Somehow it must have been Bonifacio’s destiny to be the embodiment of the Revolution’s tragedy, but that makes him more deserving of honor from us, his descendants. It may have been simply part of the ‘politics’ during the time of the Revolution but we must see through it and give what is due to the Katipunan’s founding father.

Rereading of Cristobal’s book would be good before Bonifacio Day in order for one to be reminded of the details and worth of the Supremo’s life and achievements as a Filipino fighter and hero.

Reference: Cristobal, Adrian E. The Tragedy of the Revolution. Quezon City: University of the Philippines Press, 2005.

Back Trails is Two Years Old!

2011-12-13T14:12:00.003+08:00

Back Trails started out in 2009 as a pet project in my desire to share photos taken during some of my travel escapades. Eventually, it grew to become a travel / history / culture blog which I claimed, on this blog’s first year, to have been accomplished. Well, to a certain extent. Much more can still be done here.

Back Trails was not established primarily to have a healthy traffic or to be part of any blog awards. They may soon prove to be good prizes but I still want to pursue my desire to share and discuss things about travelling and Philippine history. I may be faring well today but I hope to extend the scope of these blog post-discussions. Travels to farther places in the Philippines, travels abroad (cross fingers), discussions with travelers and people. These and more can still be included in this simple blog. But the two years of existence of Back Trails is enough motivation for me to continue this for as long as the passion for history, travel, and writing is still alive in me.

More to come in Back Trails!

U.P. Los Baños Christmas Decorations for 2011

2011-12-13T10:59:00.006+08:00

* UPLB Christmas Tree in vivid yellow lights

* Belen at Carabao Park

The setting-up of Christmas decorations in U.P. Los Baños (UPLB) is one of the anticipated events in December in the campus primarily because of the pomp accorded to the ceremony to mark the start of the Christmas celebration there. More than anything else, the Christmas Tree being erected each year just beside the UPLB Administration building is the most prominent feature of the Christmas decorations in the campus. Standing several feet high, it is actually higher than the Administration building itself. The Tree is decked with different decors and its lighting is superb, especially when viewed at night. I’ve seen each day how a crew of workers prepare the ‘spine’ of the tree and eventually put up the decors around it.

* closer views of the Belen

* Santa Claus in UPLB?

Then there is also the Nativity scene found as one enters the Carabao Park (also outside the Administration building). The materials used in this decor, as I have read it from an invitation, were from the tree trunks downed by the typhoon Milenyo several years ago. UPLB then commissioned workers (natives up north if I am not mistaken) to work on the sculptures. Aside from these, the other decors are mostly Western themed. I guess we cannot easily escape that colonial mentality in the near future, at least not yet.

These UPLB Christmas decors provide a place for friends to lounge for a while and for families to take a breather. (I haven’t found such occasion yet. Hopefully in the future.)

A Christmas Tree in Calamba City (Bayan), Laguna

2011-12-12T16:03:00.001+08:00

A towering Christmas Tree put up in the plaza just in front of St. John the Baptist Church and across Rizal Shrine serves to illuminate the nearby streets which are generally dark at night. Below this tree are small tiangges put up to sell food and sale items. There is also a program running until before Christmas sponsored by the local government.

One attraction is walking through the streets of Calamba City Bayan at night are the old houses which I was not able to notice before. Will probably do a run through the streets in Calamba Bayan soon.

Saint Paul the First Hermit (San Pablo) Cathedral Continues to be Renovated

2011-12-12T11:09:00.007+08:00

A rather free weekend enabled me to breathe in again the familiar San Pablo air and roam the city proper. Naturally, my feet brought me to where being a stranger is an advantage: the San Pablo Cathedral.

* a new balcony inside the San Pablo Cathedral

* newly refurbished ceilings and dome

* ‘golden’ altar

* ceiling designs which I have seen since I was a child

I have already shared here a few months earlier some of the changes in the said cathedral but now it seems that the renovations are quite extensive. This time, scaffolding is being set-up right outside in the place where the statue of Saint Paul (San Pablo) was once found. The set-up is quite curious as it could only mean that they will be constructing something in the area. Just as one enters the church threshold, you’ll immediately notice that a new balcony has been constructed, most probably to serve as a gallery of sort (for choir member or musicians?).

* statue of Saint Paul the First Hermit
found inside the cathedral

* cathedral exterior;
notice the scaffolding on the lower left portion of the photo

* an attempt to shoot long range;
birds idling on top of the outer portico

* the San Pablo Cathedral façade

Then there’s the fully renovated altar with its now modern-looking retablo. One would wish that they kept the original one, but that is beyond our hold. Lastly, and I only noticed this when I took a seat to rest for a while, the dome of the church has been renovated. The antique look of the windows surrounding the bottom part of the dome is gone but the new look nevertheless still gives the church a majestic look.

Perhaps after six months I would make another post about the cathedral to see the additional changes to the place.

Christmas Preparations in San Pablo City, Laguna

2011-12-07T16:13:00.005+08:00

* Christmas decorations at the San Pablo City Plaza

I haven’t posted any thing here for quite sometime now due to some sad affairs that befell the family and some intimates. Nevertheless life must continue. And so a brief respite in all of those affrays and in my work enabled me to come home for a few hours. Dragging along my sister (who seemed to relish bombarding me now with personal questions), we went to visit the city plaza which they said is now decorated with Christmas decors.

* Hapi-Hapi Gabi-Gabi: The Happiest Night Market
found along Regidor Street, San Pablo City, Laguna

After taking a few photos, went to the market area to see firsthand a nightly tiangge dubbed as Hapi-Hapi Gabi-Gabi: The Happiest Night Market. Such a scene is not new to me, having witnessed for a number of years already the nightly beer plaza in San Pablo during the annual Coco Festival. Then there’s the night tiangge put up in the market area of Lipa City, Batangas every Friday night where there is a wide array of street foods to enjoy. I don’t know the motivation for this night market in San Pablo but it is obvious that it was opened in time for the Christmas season.

Now that the Christmas break is nearing, it is good to know that there would now be ample time to go to different places and marvel again at how Filipinos keep this tradition we adopted more than three hundred years ago.

On Changing History: From EDSA to Cory Aquino Avenue

2011-11-24T15:32:00.004+08:00

With such a large House (literally the Batasang Pambansa), one will definitely have all the time to think of plans and dreams both serious and hilarious. And with the news that a certain congressman has filed a bill seeking to change the name EDSA to Cory Quino Avenue, that certainly falls under the label hilarious. If he cannot think of EDSA without thinking of Cory Aquino, then I certainly cannot think of Cory Aquino Avenue (if that really happen eventually) without thinking of the people's devastatingly low appreciation of our history.

EDSA is EDSA. Cory is Cory. To replace EDSA with Cory is to put Epifanio de los Santos’ contribution to the country to shame. Let us leave EDSA alone. No name changing can reduce the traffic and pollution in the place. Let us do away of making too much fuss over names.

Reminiscing Scouting Days through Photos from a Film Camera

2011-11-14T14:40:00.006+08:00

* Pransis in front of an old house near a seaside area
in Boac, Marinduque

* during the Scout Youth Forum in
Marinduque National High School, Boac, Marinduque

Scouting made my high school days very memorable. Any recollection of those years would not be complete without me mentioning the joys of hiking through hills and mountains; swimming, bathing, washing clothes, and even drinking from rivers; sleeping under heavy downpour; among others.

* scouts and scout masters from San Pablo City

during a parade in Teresa, Rizal

* Pransis with other participants in the parade in Teresa, Rizal

* Pransis with scouts from the Aurora Boy Scouts Council

I can still recall those formative camping when we were just being groomed as scouts during elementary days. I never thought that I would eventually march on a National Court of Honor, an event where scouts are awarded the highest rank a scout can receive, the Eagle Scout Award.

* scouts from San Pablo before

the National Court of Honor in Teresa, Rizal

* during the National Court of Honor proper

Perhaps scouting made me closer to the beauty of nature, something that I can still feel inside me, that’s why I tend to travel more to places. Our scouting adventures may not have been fully grounded on history but I daresay that they definitely boosted one key trait in me: the passion to explore more.

Reminiscing our Trip to Tacloban City, Leyte through Photos from a Film Camera

2011-11-09T15:33:00.006+08:00

* Pransis, haggard and lacking in sleep,
aboard a Philippine Airlines plane bound for Tacloban City, Leyte

* Trailer Pransis at the Tacloban City airport;
notice how browny and skinny I was then

I have been browsing through my old documents in preparation for a contest that I will be joining this month. Rummaging through my old stuff necessarily included rummaging through old photographs as well. Of course we can very well remember that before digital cameras and DSLRs became the staple photo-capturing devices, film cameras (what we fondly call “de-film”) were the kings. From my old photos I was able to get a few which were taken during some of the travels I’ve taken. One intact set of photos I found was from our trip to Tacloban City, Leyte.

* view of the Leyte Landing Memorial

depicting the return of Gen. Douglas MacArthur
to the Philippines in 1944

* view of the San Juanico Bridge

* part of the San Juanico Bridge leading to the province of Leyte;
shot from the Samar province side

The trip to Tacloban City took place more than ten years ago, during my elementary days in fact. It was connection with a national press conference for elementary and high school students. It was a one-week activity but most of the time we were out visiting different tourist sports and sites in Tacloban City. The ones posted here are the only I was able to shoot because our elder companions did all the picture taking from their cameras. One memorable experience was crossing the San Juanico Bridge. We only did that because the tourist guide we hired had to pee. What a way to seek relief: crossing a magnificent bridge and knocking in someone’s house!

* posing in a dried fish store in a Tacloban market

* some of the companions in the Tacloban trip;
the one in the center and the one on the right
became my orgmates in college after 14 years

One advantage at least of these old photographs is their ease with which they transport us back to the past and allow us to see how we look back then and how much we have accomplished. For my case, I see these old Tacloban photos as a reminder of how big I have grown now (from that skinny little kid into a fat-bellied young man now) and how far I have reached so far from that simple trip (although I am yet to experience travelling abroad).

Kulay ng Pitong Lawa Painting and Sculpture Exhibit in San Pablo City, Laguna

2011-11-06T19:09:00.022+08:00

Upon receiving an invitation from the boyfriend of my cousin to see one of his paintings in exhibit in Ultimart in San Pablo City, Laguna, we went there to see his artwork.

* (left) “Still in Life 1” by Maryam Ballaran [acrylic on paper];

(right) “Blue” by Nica Francia [acrylic on paper]

* some of the artworks in exhibit

It turns outs that his work was part of a Painting and Sculpture Exhibit of Kulay ng Pitong Lawa Art Group based here in San Pablo City. Composed of San Pableño visual artists, the group showcased the artworks of:
Lito Ballaran;
Ed Gamo Jr.;
Maurice Panganiban;
Niño Malatag;
Zaj Galindo;
Jose Carlo Mendoza;
Wilmer Faylon;
JC Panganiban; and
Nicole Manzanero.

* the other artwork in exhibit

Two guest artists in the said exhibit were Nica Francia and Maryam Ballaran. The exhibit was actually part of a larger activity organized by Barangay ni Jose (BJAI) entitled “Pitong Lawa Pitong Sining”, a large part of which was composed film showings in the movie theatre at Ultimart.

* a painting entitled “Intonation”

* “Grief” by Maurice Panganiban

The group of artworks did not have any unified theme but their worth was seen right there as some of them were already sold. One undeniable realization from this exhibit is the fact that San Pableños are now building an art scene in the city. It may not be that ‘mainstream’ yet but one can see that appreciation of visual arts will soon be entrenched in the city. [Hopefully the same thing can be said of literature or literary groups. Lit crit group in San Pablo? Not unlikely.]

* some of the sculptures of Ed Gamo

* “Holy Face of Jesus Christ” by Ed Gamo

* “Birheng Dolorosa” by Ed Gamo

* “San Sebastian” by Ed Gamo

* the other sculptures of Ed Gamo

One distinct part of the art exhibit was the sculptures of Ed Gamo. Most of the sculptures in exhibit are in fact sold already. It can be inferred that some San Pablo residents are already art enthusiasts. Ed Gamo’s works were placed on the sides of the stairs leading up to the movie theatres. One turn-off only was the seeming hastened way in which they placed the labels for the artworks. They could have placed more appealing tags and not those oversized fonts. But I general, it was good to see sculpture works getting exhibited in public areas in San Pablo.

Of Souls and Saints 2: Visiting the Old San Pablo Municipal Cemetery

2011-11-04T16:31:00.005+08:00

* one of the entrances to San Pablo Municipal Cemetery

* Trailer Pransis posing beside the grave of our relatives

Rereading the novel “Noli Me Tangere” (particularly the chapter about All Saints’ Day) has encouraged me once again to do my own visit of the cemetery and see first hand the activities (and traditions) that the Filipinos have come to keep and/or incorporate in remembering the saints and the dead. But a visit on All Saints’ Day (and sometimes even on All Souls’ Day itself) is no longer practicable primarily because of the number of people who troop to the cemetery and the high possibility of having your things lost or of getting yourself trampled (if you’re not smart enough to go with the flow of the people). I can make myself through easily in a large crowd but laziness took over and I opted to visit San Pablo City’s old cemetery a few days before November 1, dragging along my ever-reluctant sister. (As a further note, a new cemetery called ‘Memorial’ is found in Brgy. San Gabriel. I think there is also a new cemetery in the area of Brgy. San Ignacio.)

* views of the San Pablo Municipal Cemetery

The usual things can still be observed inside the cemetery: people selling candles and flowers; people asking you for painting jobs or people lending light bulbs (plus electricity lines of course) for those who will stay at night. Personally, I have never been a religious follower of tradition and so it looked somewhat awkward for us to visit our relatives’ grave without any candle or flowers to offer. In any case, I thought our presence was good enough.

* a towering Ferris Wheel in a perya put up near San Pablo Municipal Cemetery

As an observation, the overcrowding of the roads leading to the cemeteries is not caused by the number of people visiting. It is actually because of the stalls put up on the road sides. These stalls sell clothes, toys, slippers, shoes, tattoos, among others. As always, Filipinos find it a very good place to make some money. (One has to give credit for that trait of the Filipinos.) A makeshift fair (perya!) is also present along the road leading to the cemetery. Perhaps it is one of the reasons why I am always drawn to the cemetery during these days – I practically grew up visiting every perya sprouting in the city proper.

* an old house found on M. Leonor Street,

the street leading to San Pablo Municipal Cemetery

* Los Filipinos Bakery, still found on M. Leonor Street

* Fish-da Bakeshop, still found on M. Leonor Street

As an end-thought, what I missed doing is taking pictures of those big mausoleums inside the cemetery. I still have not come into terms with their presence. (But such musings can be reserved for next year.)

Of Souls and Saints 1: Children’s Trick-or-Treat

2011-11-04T11:51:00.004+08:00

*candies we prepared for the children

* the children lining up for their candies

* the children posing for picture taking

Trick-or-treat (or trick-or-tricking) is an activity primarily done by children and is actually part of the celebration of Halloween. Although the celebration of the All Saints’ Day and the All Souls’ Day is somehow rooted in religion-related traditions, Halloween has its origins in pagan practices. But such differences are no longer relevant and are in fact largely ignored. That’s why we have trick-or-treat as part of these early November holidays.

What made the trick-or-treat I have witnessed quite amusing is its closer resemblance to a gift-giving or Christmas Day celebration where children just await for gifts of sweets. There was no threat of any ‘trick’ from the children. In the end, whether an event comes from heathen traditions or not, they are pardoned in favor of brief treats and pleasure for children. Children must always be happy, so they say.

Las Piñas (Saint Joseph) Church: Home to the Bamboo Organ

2011-11-04T11:06:00.009+08:00

In so far as my several travels around southern Luzon area are concerned, I have learned that the constructions of churches coincided with the emergence of towns through the efforts of the Spanish conquistadores. And it was not different in the case of the town (and now city) of Las Piñas.

* façade of Saint Joseph Church, Las Piñas

“Las Piñas or Las Peñas?”: The Origins of the Name of Las Piñas

Translated as “pineapples”, the name was allegedly derived from the pineapples which came from the areas of Batangas and Cavite being temporarily transported to the town before they are distributed to the markets in the vicinity. But one refutal for this is the inscription on the bell now found in the museum adjacent to Las Piñas Church: “SIENDO CURA DEL PUEBLO DE LASPEÑAS EL M.R.P. PADRE DIEGO CERA SE FUNDIO ESTE EQUILON ANO DE 1820” something that was taken by some quarters to mean that the town’s name was derived from the quarrying in the place at the time.

In any case, tracing evidences on either this pineapple activity or quarrying is engaging. Perhaps someone has already written something or someone is doing a research right now about them. It is only left for us, history enthusiasts, to go and look for the research outputs.

* a side entrance to Saint Joseph Church, Las Piñas

* some altars found inside the Las Piñas church

* candle stand

* a possible Las Piñas resident interned inside the Las Piñas Church,
one sign that the people there during
the Spanish times were of wealthy background

A Brief History of Las Piñas Church

Las Piñas was established as a pueblo in 1762 but was later separated from the parish of Parañaque in 1775. It was about 20 years later, on December 26, 1795, that Las Piñas’ first resident parish priest was designated to the place: Fray Diego Cera dela Virgen del Carmen. He spearheaded the construction of the town’s first stone church from 1797 to 1819. The famed Bamboo Organ was made from 1816-1824 which was composed of around 902 pieces of bamboo and around 129 tubes made of tin. Two earthquakes, one in 1828 and 1863, partially destroyed the church.

* view of the Las Piñas Church’s interior and main altar

Due to the series of earthquakes that happened 1880 [there were 5 catalogued strong earthquakes in the year 1880 (see reference below)], the church was no longer used for mass. Repairs were made in 1883 but it was never fully restored. The marker in the church is silent about the years from 1883 up to the Japanese Occupation in the Philippines during the World War II. During that time, it was used as camps for the hostages and as a makeshift hospital during the liberation period.

Through the joint efforts of the parochial community and the Historical Conservation Society, the church was restored to its former state from 1962 to 1977.

* behold, the Las Piñas Bamboo organ (front view and rear view)

The Bamboo Organ, the Bamboo King

The Bamboo Organ of course has its own story. Quoting from bambooorgan.org:

“Padre Diego Cera began work on the organ in 1816, while the church was still under construction. Having previously built organs in Manila with some organ stops made of bamboo, he decided to built one using only bamboo for the pipes. Bamboo was abundant in the area and used for hundred of items. The organ was first heard in 1821 yet without the horizontal trumpets. He completed the work in 1824 after finally deciding to use metal for the horizontal trumpets whose character of sound he could not get with bamboo resonators. These bamboo resonators now stand as the rear facade pipes of the organ.

“The final result conforms very closely to the classic Mediterranean organ, built in a style that essentially looked backward to the eighteenth century. It has one manual, divided registers with separate knobs for the bass and treble, horizontal trumpets in the facade, a few short pull-down pedal notes plus of course a few of the favorite effects: Pajaritos and the Tambor. It is a curious fact that the sound of many Spanish and Italian organs built quite late in this tradition have a unique charm, only emphasized in the Bamboo Organ by the choice of the material.

* entrance to Las Piñas Adoration Chapel

* possibly the first bell of the Las Piñas Church;
the second photo shows an close up view of the bell
with Fray Diego Cera’s name inscribed on it

“Down through the years, earthquakes and typhoons damaged both church and organ. The first repairs were still done by Fr. Cera and later by locals who were trained by the builder himself. At the start of the 20th century, the organ is hardly playable. Several attempts were made just to keep it playing until an inevitable restoration is badly needed after the Second World War.

“In 1972, through the efforts of the CICM priests of St. Joseph's Parish, Fr. Mark Lessage and Fr. Leo Renier, a contract for restoration was awarded to Johannes Klais Orgelbau of Bonn, Germany. The entire instrument was disassembled and shipped to Germany in 1973 and was restored under climatic conditions simulating those at Las Piñas. While the restoration of the organ was taking place in Germany, the church and grounds were restored to their original state with the help of the entire parish community. The restored organ returned home in March 1975 to a joyous welcome by the people of the Philippines. Since then the scene of many concert festivals, the Bamboo Organ is described by international organ masters as one of the finest old organs in the world. Its construction of bamboo is noted as being one of the major factors that gives it a truly unique and lively sound.”

* inside the Las Piñas Church museum

The Bamboo Organ is indeed a site to behold in the Las Piñas Church’s interior. Lodge up near the church entrance, the Bamboo Organ enthralls the visitors with its unique design and appearance. Combined with the ambiance of the place, reflection is very conducive for visitors, believers and non-believers alike.

* a statue of Fray Diego Cera found outside Las Piñas Church

* view of the patio in front of the Las Piñas Church

References:
- bambooorgan.org
- Maso, Miguel Saferra, SJ. “Catalogue of Violent and Destructive Earthquakes in the Philippines with an Appendix: Earthquakes in the Marianas Islands 1599-1909.” Manila: Bureau of Printing, 1910.

[How to go to Las Piñas Church: Anyone wishing to go to Las Piñas Church and see the Bamboo Organ (whether you’re coming from Metro Manila or from the South Luzon provinces) can start from the Star Mall in Alabang (formerly Metropolis). Then board a jeep bound for Zapota Bayan and ask the driver to drop you off at the ‘Bamboo Organ.’ From Alabang you’ll find the church on your left side.]

Staging “Tatlo”: Three Women in Jose Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere

2011-10-27T16:26:00.003+08:00

The coming of the All Saints’ Day (or what others commonly call as ‘Todos los Santos’) brings to my mind Jose Rizal’s novel Noli Me Tangere. This novel of international fame begins with a sumptuous dinner a few days before All Saints’ Day. And with the novel in mind, I’ll share here about a play I’ve watched about three woman characters in the novel. It is actually a play reimagining these women’s roles in the story, with some comic lines and political references thrown in.

This play entitled “Tatlo” revolves around the story of Sisa, Maria Clara, and Salome. The part about Sisa, to a certain extent, stays true to her life story as read from the novel. But it deals deeper into the psychological effects of her husband’s treatment of her and their children. Maria Clara’s part however was totally different as she transformed into a humorous lady. Her lines and actions were simply hilarious, something that we could not have possible imagined Maria Clara of doing in the novel. Salome’s part was appropriately put in the end as it pacified the excitement of the first two parts. Semi-serious but still comical, the story on Salome put into a present setting her dilemma regarding Elias’s plight and her future.

The original script for ‘Tatlo’ was written by Nick Pichay and Chris Millado. This particular play was directed by Edward Perez, currently affiliated with Colegio de San Juan de Letran Calamba and ARTIST, Inc.

(Acknowledgement goes to Ms. Susa of the Culture and Arts Department, Colegio de San juan de Letran Calamba, for providing the photos above.)

An Afternoon Walk in Intramuros, Manila

2011-10-23T14:30:00.009+08:00

* the semi-controversial monument put up for

former President Cory Aquino, former Senator Ninoy Aquino,
and former Jaime Cardinal Sin found
on the outer part of Intramuros near Manila Hotel

* these young plants to be grown as trees have the label
“Tree Planting Sagot sa Global Warming”;
still found on the outside walls of Intramuros

* a portion of a golf course outside Intramuros;
Manila Hotel is partly seen on the left

* one of the entrances to the fortress

A rather early walk-out from a conference I attended a few months ago led me to the historic place of Intramuros. It was not my first time to visit the place but I never realized that a thorough walk and keen attention to details would be the two most important things to do and to have if I really have to see and appreciate the whole of Intramuros until that time. What I am wishing as I writ this today is that I will be able to find the time (perhaps a day or two would do?) to fully make a circuit of this old fortress and marvel at the remaining architectural treasures still found in the place.

* Behold, Intramuros! Letran Intramuros is partly seen on the background

What I shall share here are just some of the photos I took as I braved the afternoon heat in Intramuros. They are, admittedly, random in nature as I only wanted to walk through its streets.

Lourdes Church and Convent

Here once stood the first permanent house of the Franciscan Capuchin Friars in 1891. First chapel built in 1892. Dedicated to Our Lady of the Divine Shepherd (Divina Pastora). Statue of Our Lady of Lourdes carved by Filipino sculptor Manuel Flores in 1892. Church designed by Federico Soler built in 1897. The Lady of Lourdes was enshrined in 1898 as titular head. Church and convent destroyed in 1945. Moved to Quezon City in 1951 where the original statue stands today. (Source: Intramuros Administration marker)

* view of some of the structures in Intramuros

* one of the marvels of Intramuros: the San Agustin church;
San Agustin Museum is founds on the right

* the door of the San Agustin Church with its ornate carvings;
this door never fails to amaze me; it always seem that it is transporting
me back to the Spanish times in the Philippines

* the office of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines
(CBCP) in 470 General Luna Street, Intramuros

* a wall graffiti in Intramuros

The sources of the information snippets were the historical markers found in the sites of the structures.

Why Back Trails Blog is Worth the Effort

2011-10-20T16:17:00.003+08:00

Just opened my e-mail account for sending and receiving messages about my blogs and I came upon this short message. It looks like a message from an elderly person but whoever the person might be, the person's letter definitely raised my spirits. It shows that it pays to share things about our country’s history, culture, and tradition however naïve it may seem to some. Beyond receiving positive messages such as this one, it feels good to see one of the backbone purposes of this blog getting realized and that is to make Back Trails a platform for open discussions for and about the Philippines’ history and culture.

Novice, yes. This blog still has a long stretch of road to tread. But I am glad of simple pats to the back like this one. Hail to Back Trails!

My Civil Service Exam Experience and a Short Revisit to Santa Cruz, Laguna

2011-10-18T16:06:00.028+08:00

* morning views en route to Santa Cruz, Laguna

* a street in Santa Cruz town proper

* Civil Service Exam schedule

The plan to take the Civil Service Examination was brewed for three years already but it was only this year that I was able to acquire the time and resources to file the necessary documents and eventually take the said exam. This plan was made and carried out not out of whim but out of the desire to take the first few steps towards materializing one of the plans I have often talked about. That plan, incidentally, was posted by the organizers of a writing contest which I joined last year (click here to visit the said website):

* screenshot of my profile from energyyouthleaders.com

Whether I’ll be fulfilling this plan in the near future is, for now, unclear. In any case, the point is that I was able to take the exam.

* a tiny map for the room assignments for the Civil Service Exam

* the stage inside PGMNHS where I was awarded a prize for editorial writing

* exam takers after the three-hour test;
note that PGMNHS started out as Laguna High School in 1926

The exam itself was relatively challenging and I can only hope to pass it. Except for a few glitches, the exam proper proceeded as planned. It felt good to feel again the pressure of time. It felt good to be like a student again, at least for three hours. But more than that, I was glad to return to Pedro Guevarra Memorial National High School where I was once awarded a prize for writing an editorial piece more than ten years ago. I could not help but take a few photos just to bring home a few remembrance of the place.

* two backs: the back of the Santa Cruz church and

the back of a Jose Rizal statue in the town plaza

* a statue erected in the town plaza most likely
in commemoration of the soldiers and fighters during World War II

* a view of Santa Cruz Town Hall

* a wall art (a bas relief of some sort probably?)
found along a street in Santa Cruz;
the sun on the bottom part contains the words ESSO CHEMICALS

* view of the bridge and the river near the town plaza;
too bad I was not able to take note of the river’s name

* children swimming in a river in Santa Cruz, Laguna

I came out of the testing area in high spirits and passively endured the searing noon heat to take a stroll through some of the streets in the town proper and see some of the old houses still standing in town. The town center is somewhat sleepy during that Sunday afternoon except for the roaring engines of the passenger jeepneys plying the road breaking the general silence. Upon arriving at the bridge near the town plaza, I saw some children fighting off the heat by swimming on the river. An urge come upon me to go down the riverside and join the swim. Perhaps next time, I should really give in to such things. Small pleasures are sometimes the most memorable.

* different views of Villa Valenzuela in Santa Cruz, Laguna

A ‘Mansion’ in Santa Cruz: Villa Valenzuela

A rather prominent structure near this particular bridge and river is a huge house, more like a mansion to me, called Villa Valenzuela. I was able to track some online searches regarding this house and so this revisit is a fortunate one (as my previous shots of this mansion were rather blurry and dark). It is curious how the place ended up being a restaurant of some sort. The presence of a restaurant could have enhanced the place but the owners seemed to have a different thing in mind. But then, who am I to comment? At least the mansion itself is kept intact although the place obviously needs some thorough make over. If that happens, it would be like a welcome diadem of the town: an elegant mansion at the entrance of the town proper.

* view of some of the houses found in Santa Cruz, Laguna

As with the other houses in town, it seemed (without the benefit of history reading materials) that the town enjoyed a period of elegance as can be observed from the presence of those big houses. They are not strictly Spanish in form and structure and so I have a rather naïve guess that they are from the early 1900s era. It would be more elegant to see such houses in full bloom again; most of them are in need of repairs and repaints. I was not able to check yet if they are any cultural or heritage groups or organizations existing in Santa Cruz but it would be good to have one or two. The town is blessed to possess such architectural treasures. What remains to be done is for the townsfolk to take the initiative to preserve them. After all, they are already collective treasures of the Santa Cruz people.

Travelling and Knowing the Philippine through its Trees: The Pinoy Trees Blog

2011-10-11T16:05:00.001+08:00

Many share the passion for travel but it would be interesting to know more about the individual motivations for travelling.

Today I learned of one. Patrick Gozon, who is trained in the field of architecture but who is also a plant enthusiast, travels to places to see different species of trees and flowers. His tours and blogging started out as part of his thesis and evidently it grew into something larger that. Browsing through his blog entries, one will be surprised to realize that we can learn many things from trees, plants, and flowers. The origin of the names of towns and cities for example. His passion for trees and plants definitely helped Patrick guide him towards knowing which tree’s or plant’s name was used to name a place.

Old houses for Pransis. Trees for Patrick. Whatever the motivation, the point is one gets to know more about the Philippines, its culture and tradition, and more importantly, its history. Knowing the Philippines, I realize just now, must be on a daily basis. One does not have to travel everyday to different places. After all readings are good supplement. The important thing is a day does not pass that we do not learn something about the Philippines. And today I learned more than just a historical snippet thanks to Our Philippine Trees Blog.

My Copy of “Remembering Rizal: Voices from the Diaspora” Book Finally Arrives

2011-10-11T14:43:00.006+08:00

Due to work schedule, I had to leave to my sister the registry notice from the post office informing me of a package sent to me. I was wondering what package it might be for I have not requested any catalog from the internet in the past few weeks. It was with excitement that I learned that it was the complimentary copy of the “Remembering Rizal: Voices from the Diaspora” book in which two of my poems have been included for publication.

* the package sent by the editor himself, Mr. Edwin Lozada

* view of the book cover

* the title page

* part of the table of contents

Published by the Philippine American Writers and Artists, Inc. (or PAWA, Inc.), the book is mainly a collection of writings on and/or about Rizal by Filipinos either studying or living abroad. The introduction part made me realize how fortunate I was to have this chance to share two works on Rizal: only two poets from the Philippines were included in the collection.

Content wise, the book is definitely a rich source of new thoughts about Rizal, ranging from re-imagining parts of Rizal’s novels to translating some of his works from their original Spanish forms into English. One interesting write up is the analysis of an alleged photo of Jose Rizal in a Masonic garb. The position of the writer is that the man was not Rizal based on the analysis of the man’s facial and body features.

* “Ode to Usman” poem

* “Stove Flames” poem

* a short bionote

The book has a total of 320 pages and can be ordered online (see pawainc.com/rizal.html for purchase details). My hope is that copies of the book can be readily available here in the country. After all, the book is all about a Filipino. It should be read by fellow Filipinos.

The Marvel That Was Manila Metropolitan Theater

2011-09-30T14:06:00.008+08:00

* the façade of the Manila Metropolitan Theater

As one exit through one of the Intramuros gates near Colegio de San Juan de Letran, one can see a number of cultural and and historical treasures in the city of Manila. There is the nearby National Press Club office, the Pasig River, the Manila Post Office, and the Liwasang Bonifacio. Beyond this cluster of public fixtures is a curiously-looking structure, dressed in pale pink paint, found after you cross the street near Liwasang Bonifacio.

* a closer look at the Metropolitan Theater’s façade

Behold the Manila Metropolitan Theater or simply ‘Met’ to some homegrown Manila folk. The Manila Metropolitan Theater started out as a national venue for theatrical presentations. The building that houses the theater was designed by Architect Juan Arellano who came from a family of renowned architects dating back to the Spanish times in the Philippines (you read his short biography provided by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines or NHCP here). Later on, the Theater catered not only to local talents but also to international artists. Operas, pageants, and Spanish and English plays translated into Tagalog were some of the presentations held in that place. From the online biography of Juan Arellano, the Theater is described: “…as built in the modern style, with motifs of Philippine Flora – like a frieze of native mango and its leaves on its ceiling – as part of its decor.”

* the entrance doors of the Theater

Like many other buildings in the budding city of Manila, the Metropolitan Theater became an unwilling victim of World War II. During the so-called Liberation of Manila 1945, the structure was severely damaged by the bombings in the city. The damaged building became the temporary shelter of squatters (informal settlers in today’s terminology) and earned the moniker Besa Boxing Arena. Renovations were done in 1978 but as of this writing, it is quite obvious that much must still be done to actually restore the Theater to its former glorious state.

* some of the Theater’s façade details

Through online readings, I learned that parts of the façade decors were designed by an Italian artist while parts of the interior were designed by a Filipino artist. I may not be fully oriented in the events surrounding the eventual disuse of the Theater but the decay of what we could truly say as an architectural treasure is a sign of our general disinterest in the performing arts as well as visual arts. One does not just ignore one’s treasure. You keep it, secure it, and show other people how much you care for your treasure. The further people delay the renovations of the Metropolitan Theater, the more we entrench that ugly image about us, that we are not capable of taking care of a very important cultural, and indeed historical, heritage. Yes, we do have the Cultural Center of the Philippine with all its spacious halls and rooms but it is not reason for us to forget the ‘Met’. (It is for this reason that projects to save the ‘Met’ currently underway are encouraging moves.) This may be somewhat pessimistic in tone but it is my hope that it would make some ripples in the air and compel further the concerned individuals or groups to make the necessary actions now.

Tabako from Northern Luzon

2011-09-29T15:23:00.003+08:00

Just recently I asked an acquaintance who made a tour of some parts of Ilocos Sur to bring back tabako as pasalubong. Although I was expecting this product in larger quantity, five pieces of five-inch tabako are good enough.

As the dried leaves turned into smoke, I am starting to anticipate a travel to Northern Luzon. It has been a while since my grandmother visited her relatives there in the north. I hope plans regarding a return trip (hopefully with a larger party) would be underway next year. Not just to obtain precious Northern Luzon products (walis tambo from Baguio, tabako and tuba from Ilocos, etc.) but also to learn more about the roots of this side of my family, their unique traditions (if any) and to pick up local historical tidbits as we go and visit places. This borders on daydreaming and so I will stop here. Ilocos: you’re my next tour target!

The 2011 Visit of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, La Naval de Manila to Colegio de San Juan de Letran Calamba

2011-09-25T19:48:00.013+08:00

From the usual titles of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, La Naval de Manila visits to Colegio de San Juan de Letran Calamba (Letran Calamba for short), it seems that the visit of the Image has taken place a number of times already.

* the tarpaulin put up for the La Naval Visit:

“Taunang Pagdalaw ng Mahal Nating Ina ng Santo Rosaryo
La Naval de Manila”

* the image of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary,
La Naval de Manila placed on the school lobby

* angels

* the image of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary,
La Naval de Manila at sunset

And this year’s visit attracted once again the devotees of the Image from around Calamba City. One slight change in this annual event is the entrance of the Image which is now from the back gate of the Colegio, close to Saint Albert the Great Convent. As I have only been recently acquainted on La Naval’s annual event, I shall share first some historical details regarding the Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, La Naval de Manila which I obtained by reading through the souvenir booklet on the commemoration of the Coronation Centenary of La Naval (year 2007).

* Letran Calamba’s Tining Chorale group
performing during an activity for La Naval

* Tining’s choir director Mr. Lorenzo Gealogo

*(left) a member of Tining who rendered a solo performance;
(right) snapshots of Tining performance

Early accounts about the image of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, La Naval de Manila can be traced back to the devotion of the Filipinos to the Image during the threat of Protestant Dutch invaders in the Philippines, a devotion which exhibited the long existing faith of the early converted Filipino Roman Catholics to Mary as their intercessor.

* an image of the rosary made on Letran grounds

during the Living Rosary

* devotees trooping out of the main lobby
to join the procession after the closing rites

* the image of La Naval being escorted by devotees for the procession

The original image of La Naval was made in 1593 through the efforts of General General Luis Perez Dasmariñas to be given to the Dominicans in Manila. It came to my knowledge however that the La Naval image which visits Letran Calamba every year is already a replica.

The canonical coronation of the original La Naval image was held on October 5, 1907 after Pope Pius X responded positively to the request of the Dominicans to have the Image crowned as Patrona de Filipinas. Today the Image of La Naval is housed in Santo Domingo Church in Quezon City.

Lakbay Lahi sa Cavinti, Laguna 3: Roaming the Streets of Cavinti

2011-09-21T15:26:00.014+08:00

This last entry in my Cavinti series collates the remaining observations I have noted plus a few accompanying photos. The poblacion is not the only place of interest in Cavinti. Perhaps the more popular spots are Caliraya Lake, a man-made lake found also in the mountainous area of Cavinti and Pagsanjan Falls which technically falls within the jurisdiction of the town of Cavinti. Or course I would love to visit these places and I hope I can do so in the near future.

* the tour jeepneys crowding a street of Cavinti

* façade of Cavinti municipal building

* silhouette of what could be an interpretation of “Inang Bayan”

* a simple monument commemorating the fighters,
both soldiers and guerillas alike, who fought during World War II

The Houses in Cavinti

I was not able to find any old houses (that is, houses built around the time of the Spanish occupation in the Philippines) in streets around the town center. One might speculate that they either suffered the usual wear-and-tear or perhaps negligence or possibly destruction due to earthquakes recorded in the town’ history. Or perhaps during World War II. It was with regret that I did not look up on any information about this in the municipal library.

* some of the houses found in Cavinti

* Nakatagong Paraiso Resto-Bar;
an old woman told me that this bar has several stories underground;
too bad we were not able to see the interior as the bar was closed

Native Products of Cavinti

The good thing about the town of Cavinti is that it takes pride in its town-made products. At least for this one, we could commend the town’s current leadership for putting emphasis on the townsfolk’s capabilities.

A few questions about the town’s products led to a detailed discussion about the making of the town’s primary product: the sambalilo. It is a woven hat used mostly by farmer of workers in the mountains, easy to carry, and relatively cheap compared to the work hats. The material used for making the sambalilo is also found in Cavinti so there are no high costs put into the sale of the finished products.

In talking to the elders who indoctrinated me in the craft of sambalilo making, they said that the pandan leaves we usually use for our rice is not the real pandan. They call it pandan-pandanan. They say that the real pandan leaves are wider and have fine thorn-like protrusions that must be removed prior to the making of sambalilo.

The process of removing those little thorns is called “hininik” which one can easily understand given its root word. The next process would be to cut them (or “baak” as they have termed it). Then the leaves must be sun dried (“bilad”) at least for a day. The next step would be to cut the leaves into four (remember that leaves are wide) or “linasin.” Depending on the product in mind (banig, bag, place mat, etc.), the next step would be to put the cut leaves into the “ilohan” (the process would be called “ilohin”). The sambalilo actually has a number of parts but since I have rendered my notes on these incomprehensible due to the difficult task of understanding what was being said about the process and writing notes at the same time. Nevertheless, one thing I can share about a part of sambalilo would be the “puyo” which is the topmost part of the hat.

* Kalakal Cavinti atbp. Souvenir Shop, found in Brgy. Duhay

* some of the students who walked a good distance
just to visit Kalakal Souvenir Shop

* native products sold at Kalakal Souvenir Shop

The Town Library

Upon entering the municipal library, I felt like I was transported back into an earlier time. Posters and photos are hung up the walls: of the past town leaders, even of the past Congress of the country. There are collections of books which, however they may seem old and outdated given the rapid influx of new published materials into the academe, would definitely help any young Cavinti folk to get to know the Philippines and the world in general. I know of other libraries in other Philippine towns which are already closed or have devastatingly small collections of books. I even learned of a town which does not even have a town library! Thus I am quite happy to find the Cavinti library which still thrives despite the modernity that creeps into neighboring towns. The town may be somewhat rural in nature, but its people would not be left behind with these books. One can read books and reach places one only dreamt of in the past.

* a look inside the municipal library of Cavinti

* a giant sambalilo which won third place
during the last La Laguna Festival / Contest

* Rizal Monument found in a covered court in Cavinti, Laguna

* students polishing their write-ups after a half-day tour of Cavinti

In Summing Up

Besides the overhaul on my interview approach, our visit to Cavinti, Laguna made me realize more that the term travel as it is used these days is not only confined to visits to highly-commercialized tourist spots. Travel, as it seems to me now, is immersing into places and understanding their culture, their people, their history. After all, we go to places carrying different perspectives. This is now my disposition. Rural or urban, this is my concept of travel.

Lakbay Lahi sa Cavinti, Laguna 2: The Cavinti Church

2011-09-19T16:44:00.023+08:00

* the façade of the Cavinti Church

* Cavinti Church: built in 1621

* view of the church altar

* a close-up view of the image on the retablo

* view of the lower portion of the altar;
(inset) an image of a saint found on the side

The story of the construction of the Cavinti Church has its parallel in the town’s oral tradition which I was able to learn from the elders I have interviewed during the Lakbay Lahi. The mountainous terrains of what is now Cavinti was said to be once part of the town of Lumban(g), found on the lower plains. Townsfolk used to go up to those part of the mountain to work. Once they found an image of a saint on a tree which they promptly brought down to town. By the next day, they would find the same image of the saint up there on the mountain again. This incident happened several times until they took this phenomenon to mean that the saint wanted them to build a church on the place. Thus, the Cavinti Church is now found on those mountainous parts.

* view of the pews and the church balcony in semi-darkness

* a marker of the church’s baptistery

* candle stands

* an image of a saint found on the side of the church

* the church’s bell tower viewed from below

Historically, the ecclesiastical administration on the town of Cavinti was under Lumban(g) until 1619 [from the marker found outside the Cavinti Church]. In 1621 the first stone church was constructed along with the convent. But the Chinese uprising in 1639 damaged the church and the convent [an interesting line of inquiry: the reasons of the Chinese uprising in those regions]. Eventual constructions of the church were also damaged, specifically due to the earthquake which happened in 1824. The church and the convent were repaired in 1851. Another earthquake, in the year 1880, caused the church tower to collapse and its wall to suffer cracks. Later, an earthquake in 1927 further damaged the church walls.

* this has an ancient feel to it

* do these stones form the original church’s walls? I wonder

* view of a buttress of the Cavinti Church

* an arc found inside the church

* a shade recently annexed to the church façade

Not a very lively story as it is full of destructions. But the reconstructions show the extent of the resilience and resolve of the people to maintain their place of worship in the town. Today the church houses the image of the alleged image from the oral tradition, placed on the higher portion of the church façade with lighting day and night. The lighting was put there in order to prevent the image from going down to the ground. Officially the churched is named Transfiguration Parish Church.

* a space on the church’s front allotted for the Stations of the Cross

* view of what look like very old stones for the walls
of the adjoining convent of the church

* elders/[volunteers?] doing some morning tidying up
of the church small landscape gardens

* an arc found as you enter the church grounds

In observing the place, the church is built on high grounds. Some said that they could actually see the top of the church from a distance. I believe the church could have been visible as far as the Cavinti Bridge if not for the trees and houses. Lastly, the church’s location and set-up is very similar to that Liliw, Laguna.

Next in the Cavinti series: the town’s environs.

The 32nd Manila International Book Fair Experience

2011-09-18T19:25:00.014+08:00

* one of the entrances to the Manila International Book Fair

in SMX Convention Center

* University of the Philippines Press Booth

* Ateneo de Manila University Press Booth

* school children attending the MIBF 2011

I can readily count on the fingers of my right hand the times I have been to the Manila International Book Fair (fondly called MIBF by others): 1) in 2005 when I met in person then Mayor Lito Atienza [held then in the World Trade Center Manila], 2) in 2008 with a fellow book enthusiast and 3) this year 2011. If before I only went to do random book picking, I can say that I have been relatively successful in this year’s MIBF as I was able to collect a number of Filipiniana books, especially those that I will need for my book project.

* a simple merienda bought from Albergus

* one of the buffet tables of Albergus

* Pastor Hiram Pangilinan in the book signing session of his new book
“Hula, Multo, Faith Healing, Atbp.”

* Trailer Pransis and Jordan, DJ of Perfect Rhythm radio program

The MIBF is a five-day event but one can visit all the booths, skim through the books on sale, in one day. However, each day has highlight activities. On the day we attended, book readings for children occupied most of the afternoon slots in the stage area.

* all-metal-and-pipes ceiling of SMX Convention Center

* book reading session of “The Boy with the Book”

* book reading of Kuya Jun at the Stage Area

* “though shall be known by the mark”: MIBF marks

Some booths also have their special activities. As an example, the OFM Literature Booth hosted a book launch of Pastor Hiram Pangilinan, a preacher I have known in a not-so-distant past through his writings. One bonus at the OFM booth was meeting Jordan, the DJ of the 702 DZAS program “Perfect Rhythm”, a half-hour radio show airing every Sunday. My mother always tunes in the radio to this particular station and somehow my ears have become accustomed to Jordan’s greeting as I wake up every Sunday. During our brief conversation, he mentioned that a lot of people treat his program as their alarm clocks.

* façade of the Archdiocesan Shrine of Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life

* close up view of the church’s retablo and the interior

* some of the books in the 2011 MIBF

In recalling the booths I have visited which catered to Filipiniana books, I can only say that the Philippines has a wide array of written materials, from books on indigenous culture and arts, to technical manuals on medicine or engineering. Not to mention pocket romance books! The only thing that the Filipinos need to have and cultivate is the affinity for reading. Yes, it is good to see people buying and conducting book reading sessions in that kind of activity. But unless we get to the point where reading is as commonplace as smoking in public, we still have a long way to go to entrench the culture of reading in the Philippines.

* This blog entry also appears in Viole(n)t Mugs blog

Lakbay Lahi sa Cavinti, Laguna 1

2011-09-14T14:09:00.006+08:00

* the seal of the municipality of Cavinti, Laguna

If there was anything which ‘revolutionized’ my perspective on the way I do this ‘Back Trails’ activity (that is, visiting places, digging into their history, and hunting old houses), it was my participation in the activity called “Labay Lahi.” The said research trip was organized by a department in the school where I am currently affiliated.

Our trip to the town of Cavinti, Laguna was not different from the other travels I have done before. But the great shift in the way I gathered information came in the form of interviews. And I mean sustained interviews. I have never done interviews in that extent: laying down some tentative questions, then after getting answers, I would make some follow-up questions and details would come flowing out of the people.

* Trailer Pransis with new friends (from left):

Sister Gloria Quilapio, Merlie Perez,
and Baldomera ‘Bading’ Flores-Duma

I may not have formal training (yet) on social researches (or on local history for that matter) but I think a basic principle that I learned is you have to treat the people you interview with respect. And one has to show keen interest to know and understand what the people know. With that, a certain connection is built and you will walk away feeling that you have been given information more than you needed in the first place.

Such realizations did not come in late. I still consider myself novice in the craft of travelling and history digging and they will definitely help improve my data gathering methods.

* view of a river from Cavinti Bridge;

notice that the man in yellow was looking up to us

The Quiet Town of Cavinti

The town of Cavinti is nestled in the mountainous part of eastern Laguna, close to the Sierra Madre mountain ranges. It is approximately 100 kilometers from Manila as the 100-km-marker is found close to the town proper. I can describe it as a quiet town but it is more of a sleepy town really. The morning we arrived the town proper is relatively quiet but I observed it all throughout the afternoon. There are occasional trucks and other vehicles passing by but they did not disturb the general serenity of the town proper. More than anything else, I daresay that this town is ideal for a reclusive getaway or a quite permanent life.

* the streets in Cavinti town proper:

(left) a side road leading to Magsaysay Drive;
(right) Rizal Street

The Origins of the Name Cavinti

Although I have already read some accounts regarding the origins of the name ‘Cavinti’ on the internet, it is better to share here the details as relayed to me by a native of Cavinti.

Aetas used to live on the area of what is now Cavinti, said Ms. Baldomera Flores-Duma. And one of the wedding rites of these early dwellers was for the male to chase the women. The one a male will get by the leg/s shall be his wife. It was a pretty easy way to win a woman at first glance. In the chase a shout is cried: “Kapit sa binti, kapit sa binti!” which, obviously, was shortened to become ‘Cavinti.’

The church in Cavinti is related to the founding of the town. I shall share about this on the next the blog post.

Plea from the Residents of West Tower Condominium and Barangay Bangkal, Makati City

2011-09-09T17:32:00.000+08:00

I found this photo I took in July this year while doing a flash drive clean-up. It was taken during a ride to Laguna from Manila. I have known that the West Tower Condominium is around the area of Bangkal, Makati City, having walked the length of that highway with my mother a few months ago.

The current plight of the residents of the West Tower and of Barangay Bangkal as well is, of course, well publicized. And one cannot deny the extent of the disaster and of the possible repercussions of this accident. In this case, one can only hope for the best actions on the part of those responsible for it.

Isang Sulyap sa Sulyap Gallery Café and Restaurant (Part 3): Sulyap’s Decors

2011-09-05T15:21:00.012+08:00

* a priest[?] / a friar [?] in prayer

* some of the religious items found inside Sulyap Café

* Christ crucified

* a woman in prayer

More than the good food we ate, I thoroughly enjoyed the decors which surrounded us as we ate. Religious artifacts, objects from five or more decades ago, such things can be found on drawer tops and walls of the Café.

* St. Francis of Assisi, without his arms

* looks like an angel to me

* a boy piper?

* some of the hanged religious images

They may not have the collective historical value (for they were obviously obtained from different places in the country, perhaps abroad) but they are certainly worth collecting. The religious items are astounding. There was a portion where I can imagine myself in a prayer room inside an old house during the Spanish times in the Philippines.

* lamps, reminds me of Isagani of El Filibusterismo

* an old telephone!

* dreg of a wine and a glass

* tinted bottles

There may be pros and cons regarding the collection of such antique objects, but I for one would really like to build a collection of my own such as that one found in Sulyap Café. Whether I will be able to do that in the near future, I cannot say for now. But we’ll see, we’ll manage.

Isang Sulyap sa Sulyap Gallery Café and Restaurant (Part 2): Sulyap’s Food Offering

2011-09-05T15:16:00.006+08:00

* the menu book

* the refresher: a glass of water

* the appetizer: cheese sticks

* a personal new find: kare-kareng sugpo!

* after-meal drink, a coffee

Sulyap Gallery Café has a variety of food delicacies to offer. However, a word of caution, especially to the visitors who are on a limited budget: stick to the relatively cheaper ones which will give you taste bud satisfaction but will not hurt your pockets.

For our dinner we ordered kare-kareng sugpo and another dish (the name of which I forgot). For the drinks, I opted for coffee but I forgot the name again. It was good to share the food (as well as the payment) with friends.

Isang Sulyap sa Sulyap Gallery Café and Restaurant (Part 1)

2011-09-02T16:06:00.011+08:00

After an amicable meeting with the resident members of the organization which I joined during my college years, some of the alumni in attendance decided to go another place, have a light dinner and discuss random things (random things meant mostly about the org).

* org members, all first-time visitors to Sulyap Gallery Café and Restaurant

Tagging along the (unprepared) current president, we trooped to Sulyap Gallery Café and Restaurant to have a peek – a sulyap – to the place, famous for its intimate atmosphere and good food. After all, we are San Pableños and we ought to know places in the city which still have a sense of the past and history.

* view of the ceiling of the ground floor/floor of the upper story of the Café

* Spanish windows?

* close up of a window design

Sulyap as we saw it consisted of several ancestral houses most likely transported from another town (I have read somewhere the place where they obtained those houses but I forgot it). The place also has a museum but it was already closed for viewing when we arrived.

* an old clock hanging on the wall of the Café

* bamboos planted on…guess where...within the restroom

* the bamboos as seen from a mirror

The houses, most likely dating back to the Spanish times, are small compared to other houses such as those found in Candelaria, Quezon. But the size fits the idea of making the place cozy and intimate. The interior of the house/restaurant reminded me of Mexico or Peru. The fixtures inside are also noteworthy but more of that on a later blog post.

Visit their site at www.sulyap.net.

* the company of wine glasses

* the flower on the table

* table arrangements inside the Café

[How to go to Sulyap Gallery Café and Restaurant: From Manila, one must board a bus bound for Lucena, Quezon. Drop off at “Medical” (meaning in front of the San Pablo Medical Center). This will be a several meters past SM San Pablo. From Medical, you will find jeepneys bound for the city proper (Bayan). Board one (fare would be 8 pesos) and then drop off at Sambat (near Puregold San Pablo). From Sambat, you can hail a tricycle and ask the driver to take you to Sulyap or to the old BIR office. For a comprehensive road map to the place, click here.]

Batis ng Kasaysayan 2011 Book Launch

2011-08-31T15:17:00.002+08:00

The Philippine National Historical Society and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts are set to launch Batis ng Kasaysayan 2011 – The Movement for Independence in the Philippines (1896-1898): Calendar of Documents in the Archives of the Cuerpo de Vigilancia de Manila. Its Executive Editor is Bernardita Reyes Churchill. Associate Editors are Eden Manalo Gripaldo and Digna Balangue Apilado.

Date: September 5, 2011
Time: 4:30 pm
Venue: Tanghalang Nicanor V. Locsin, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, 633 General Luna Street, Intramuros, Manila.

RSVP: 921-4575 / 926-1347

Fiesta Bayeña 2011 (Bay, Laguna)

2011-08-28T19:24:00.006+08:00

* Fiesta Bayeña 2011 Trade Fair Exhibit

* the ubiquitous arc put up every time a fiesta comes

A sudden change in vehicle routes in Bay (Ba’i), Laguna led us to the town proper, first to take a much-sought lunch and then to be in the midst of a festivity, the Fiesta Bayeña 2011.

* some of the booths installed for the trade fair exhibit

The feast in the town proper of Bay is not new to me as I have been a commuter who passes by this town for seven years already. But this year’s celebration is different as it has a quite pompous list of activities and a longer list of sponsors. One such addition is the Fiesta Bayeña 2011 Trade Fair Exhibit. The exhibit is composed of several booths from each of the town’s barangay designed with local materials. In each booth special products are either shown or sold. This is quite good as it compels each barangay to bring out their finest produce. Whether it is a simple malunggay or grilled fish, a showcase is a good part of the feast as it enriches the celebration.

Another salient addition is the stage in Arietta Park, found just in front of the town hall. Called Tanghalang Bayeña, the townsfolk now has a sturdier place for programs and presentations. (I remember the truck they used last year for presentations. It was good but not that appealing.) But it was quite obvious that the construction of the stage area was rushed to make it to the dates of the feast. At least it will no longer be a makeshift stage.

* Tanghalang Bayeña

*despite the rain spectators await in Arietta Park
for the presentations to start

* tarpaulin put up to show the official candidates to the Ginoo at Binibining Bay 2011

I wish I could have taken note of the other activities but the incessant pouring of rain and strong winds discouraged us to stay longer. We’ll have our luck hopefully next year.

A Peek into Museo ng San Pablo (San Pablo City, Laguna)

2011-08-25T15:46:00.009+08:00

* Museo ng San Pablo: A Cultural Work in Progress

* the main entrance to the old municipal/city building
and to the Museo ng San Pablo

* the flight of stairs fronting the Museo has been tiled

The news of the opening of the Museo ng San Pablo definitely excited me. For one, I am expecting that some of the exhibits would help me in building my draft for my little project on the history of the San Pablo. Unfortunately, the Museo seemed to be closed when I visited although I am aware that it is open throughout the week. Maybe it was temporarily closed for that particular day.

* the grand staircase leading to Museo ng San Pablo

* parts of the staircase, however, must be repaired immediately

* a banner of the Museo

Anyway, there were some exhibits on the outer corridors on which I feasted upon. There were old photographs of group meetings, sceneries in San Pablo, and politicians printed on small-size tarpaulins. There were also some fixtures that have been put up although there were no indications that they came from old San Pablo families. I was also informed that artworks of young and talented San Pableños were put up for exhibit there but I missed them too. Perhaps it was not really my day to view the contents of the Museo.

* some furniture found as one enter the Museo

* chandelier art

the Museo seemed to be closed on the day I visited it

“Museo ng San Pablo: A Cultural Work in Progress” – it is indeed a fitting title, as the city is just building a work on which the people of San Pablo could look upon to see their cultural heritage (although such term is debatable) and their history. Yes, history. I do hope that they put up and they will put up a lot of exhibit that would give us a real view of the city’s past. I strongly believe that it must be the most crucial element in the Museo that must be highlighted. Finally, I do hope no subtle political advertisement or political pa-pogi would grow from that place. Let the Museo be free from such things. After all, the Museo is all about San Pablo, the place and its place, and no other.

Again, I look forward to seeing the whole of the Museo and sharing its contents here in Back Trails.

History Comes Alive! with Dr. Ambeth Ocampo | Queridas ni Rizal: Love and Sex in Philippine History

2011-08-23T14:48:00.004+08:00

The 2011 leg of Sir Ambeth Ocampo’s lecture at the Ayala Museum continues with “Queridas ni Rizal: Love and Sex in Philippine History” which will most likely tackle the love affairs of Rizal and other things in Philippine history revolving around the (battered) concept of love and the (semi-controversial) issue of sex. The lecture will be held on September 10, 2011, 3 pm, at the Ayala Museum Lobby.

For the ticket details:
- 350 pesos for adults
- 200 pesos for students, senior citizens, teachers and Ayala Museum members

For other details and further inquiries, you can call (02) 757-7117 to 21 local 24/25/35 or send an e-mail to education@ayalamuseum.org.

(Will I be able to make it to the lecture this time? I hope so.)