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lewdsaint

May 19th, 2006, 01:10 PM

Wonnderboy, thanks for posting the articles about SAve Calle Real.

Another for Save Calle Real....

Help save 'Calle Real' and win an MP3 player

Would you like to have an MP3 player by simply letting your voice be heard?

All you need to do is review the draft Iloilo City Downtown Central Business District Heritage Conservation Guidelines, email your comments and suggestions, and get a chance to win an MP3 player. Your email serves as your raffle entry.

An Acrobat PDF copy of the guidelines can be downloaded for review from www.philippines.canurb.com, the website of the Canadian Urban Institute (CUI) Philippines, a co-organizer of the forum "Save Calle Real."

Five MP3 players will be raffled during the forum on May 25, 2006, 1:00 P.M. at the Iloilo Grand Hotel on Iznart Street.

Only one email per sender can be eligible for the raffle to be held at the close of the forum which is expected draw together policymakers, urban planners, architects, businessmen, students and members of the arts and culture community.

Comments and suggestions should be sent starting today until May 24, or one day before the forum, to jrpenalosa@skyinet.net, the email address of Jose Roni Peñalosa, chief of the Iloilo City Planning and Development Office (ICPDO), another forum co-organizer.

Emails should have the subject "Save Calle Real" and should contain the sender's complete name, mailing address and contact numbers, either landline or mobile phone. Comments and suggestions should be considerably substantial and relevant.

The cultural heritage conservation guidelines cover conservation, restoration and development measures for heritage buildings and sites in Iloilo City, particularly Calle Real, which originally refers only to J. M. Basa Street but has evolved as a nomenclature for Iloilo City's central business district.

The district, which is home to Art Deco-styled commercial buildings built during the 1920s up to the 1950s, consists of the streets of J. M. Basa, Aldeguer, Mapa, Guanco and Iznart. It has been declared as the Iloilo City Heritage Zone under the Ordinance No. 00-054 otherwise known as the Local Cultural Heritage Conservation Ordinance.

The forum, part of the National Heritage Month celebration, which culminates in Iloilo City on May 31, is organized is by the Iloilo City Cultural Heritage Conservation Council, the body responsible in advancing cultural heritage conservation and promotion in Iloilo City, in cooperation with CUI and the ICPDO.

For more information, you can call Jose Roni Peñalosa at 3351334 or Jay Presaldo of CUI at 3367827, or visit the CUI Philippines website at www.philippines.canurb.com.

(taken from: The News Today
link: http://www.thenewstoday.info/2006/0...mp3.player.html)

lewdsaint

May 19th, 2006, 01:18 PM

2006 Heritage Month Celebration: A series of festivities
By Janice V. Busil
Photos by A.Chris Fernandez

Iloilo City proudly hosts this year's National Heritage Month Celebration. In relation to this, the Iloilo City Government, National Commission for Culture and Arts together with the Iloilo City Cultural Heritage Conservation Council and the Filipino Heritage Festival, Inc. have prepared various activities for the month-long celebration. Different kinds of events featuring the rich culture and talents of the Ilonggos will take place in major heritage sites in the city.

Included in the month-long activities is the traditional mayflower devotion to our Blessed Mother, Flores de Mayo, that will culminate at the end of the month at the San Jose Church. On the other hand, Barotacnons witnessed the first ever Tamasak Festival that was held at the Casa Fiammeta in Barotac Nuevo last May 12. It was a celebration of life in the archaic plantation setting.

Komedya, a traditional theatre form, was held at SM City last May 12. A community theatre company from Barbaza in Antique performed in Iloilo City for the very first time the well-preserved and much-welcomed expression of art.

Arts, crafts, weavings, and textile designs that depict Ilonggo lifestyle were collected for an exhibit that will be shown at the SM City, Archbishop's Residence in Jaro, Magdalena Jalandoni Museum, Rosendo Mejica Museum in Molo, and Museo Iloilo. The exhibit started last May 12 and will last until the end of the month.

On every Sundays of the month, feel the Ilonggo spirit with the popular traditional narrative songs and verse forms in Composo and Binalaybay played at Aksyon Radyo, Villa Regatta, and San Jose Church facade.

An unveiling ceremony took place at Plaza Libertad last May 17 at 8:00 am. Recall the martyrdom of Ilonggo freedom fighters under the leadership of General Martin Delgado and visit the historical marker which commemorates their heroism. Delgado resisted and ended the Spanish domination in Panay on Christmas Day of 1898. Later that afternoon, at 2:30 pm, an Indigenous Culture Lecture and Performance was held at the University of the Philippines in the Visayas Auditorium. The lecture featured the pre-colonial way of living of the people of Panay. At 6:00 pm, the delegates from the Karpenko Kary Kyiv National University of Theatre, Cinema and Television from Ukraine were formally welcomed in an opening program of the XXXI UNESCO ITI at the Robinsons Place Iloilo.

Manilenos experienced the contemporary Ilonggo cuisine through Ilonggo Culinary Festival at the Captain's Bar, Mandarin Hotel-Makati on May 18 to 19. On the same dates, there will be an introductory workshop on theatre followed by a conference, film showing and a discussion on the Conference Room of the University of San Agustin.

The Karpenko Kary Kyiv National University of Theatre, Cinema and Television will be performing at the University of San Agustin Quadrangle May 19, Friday at 7:00 pm to end their 3-day visit.

A Heritage Forum dubbed "Save Calle Real" spearheaded by the Canadian Urban Institute will be held at the Iloilo Grand Hotel. Guidelines in preserving heritage sites, specifically the central business district will be discussed.

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2006/05/19/06.heritage.month1.jpg

From May 26 to 28, the unpublished dances of Panay will be given emphasis on the 3-day seminar-workshop at the West Visayas State University of PESCAR. Meantime, a food festival highlighting the favorite Ilonggo delicacies will keep the Plaza Libertad area busy starting on the 26th up to the end of the month.

Traditional games such as pityaw, trompo,tumba patis, tubiganay, sikyo, and holens will bring excitement to Jaro Plaza in the morning of the 30th and to Molo Plaza in the morning of the 31st. The same games will be played at Plaza Libertad on the afternoon of the 31st.

The length of the historical Iloilo River will be traversed by interested visitors on a special tour, from Muelle Loney to Villa de Arevalo this coming May 30 at 8:00 am. At 10:00 am of the same day, photographs taken by Fr. Rudolf Rahmann and Dr. Marcelino Maceda in the years 1955 to 1965 will be displayed at the Museo Iloilo in an exhibit entitled "The Ati of Panay". Later on that afternoon, there will be a walking tour featuring the selected old houses in Jaro, the Archbishop's residence, and the Magdalena Jalandoni Museum. While some will be preoccupied with the grandeur of the archaic structures, some may enjoy a merienda treat of native delicacies such as bitso-bitso, moasi, bitsokoy, combo, tinanok nga mais, bayi- bayi, and bingka at Jaro Plaza.

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2006/05/19/06.heritage.month2.jpg
To add spice to this year's celebration, the PNP Band and the CPU Symphonic Band will be performing their brass at the Jaro Plaza and Plaza Libertad on May 30 and 31 at 3:00 pm.

Traditional Filipino martial art, Arnis, will be performed by the Tinagan National Arts Club at the Jaro Plaza on the 30th at 4:00 pm. After that, renowned Ilonggo artists like Cynthia Patag, Jose Mari Chan, Aristeo Demavivas, and Nikki Coseteng will breathe life to the popular musical theatre form from Spain--the Zarzuela. It is a celebration of the once affluent cultural lifestyles of the Ilonggos during the 30s. This once-in-a-lifetime collaboration can be witnessed at the Jaro Plaza covered court.

A second walking tour which targets the old houses, church, convent and the Mejica "Makinaugalingon" Museum in Molo is scheduled on the 31st of May. There will also be Chinese cultural performances which include a song and dance presentation by the Filipino-Chinese community as represented by students and staff of the Iloilo Central Commercial High School and the Sun Yat Sen High School later on that afternoon at Molo Plaza. Simultaneously, a special performance of Capiz Province's traditional dance, Escutis will be performed at St. Anne Parish Convent in Molo. Authentic community group from Sigma will portray the ritual of testing the sturdiness of a newly-built house.

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2006/05/19/06.heritage.month3.jpg

Later in the afternoon of the 31st, beauties clad in Designers Guild of Iloilo City creations will participate in the traditional religious procession, Santacruzan. They will be passing through the San Jose Church, Calle Real, Iznart Street, and Plaza Libertad. Right after the procession, a religious rite called Misa de Gracia will be held at the San Jose Church. This will be followed by a cultural presentation as a tribute to the Blessed Mother dubbed as Halad.

The sky above Iloilo City will be filled with colors as traditional fireworks from Villa de Arevalo will be showcased in the much-awaited fireworks display at the Plaza Libertad.

Indeed, the Heritage Month promises nothing but fun and excitement. Let us all participate and experience the great things that Iloilo has in store for us.

(taken from: The News Today Info
link: http://www.thenewstoday.info/2006/05/19/2006.heritage.month.celebration.a.series.of.festivities.html)

lewdsaint

May 19th, 2006, 01:29 PM

]Josefa Segovia Student Center
Text by Atty. Helen J. Camarista
Photos by A. Chris Fernandez

(The following is the last installment of the series of feature articles on the three houses given citation by the Iloilo City Heritage Conservation Council (ICHCC) for preserving the historical significance of their architecture and for observing the ICHCC guidelines in conservation and preservation--Ed.)

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2006/05/17/segovia.student.center9.jpg http://www.thenewstoday.info/2006/05/17/segovia.student.center2.jpg

It stands in quiet dignity along the bustling General Luna St., Iloilo City. Its clean and well-maintained façade camouflages the years of its serene existence.

It was built by the Arroyo family in the 1920s and also served as the family residence. The Archdiocese of Jaro under Monsignor Cuenco leased it in the 1950s.

Institucion Teresiana , a Catholic lay women's association came to Iloilo in 1955 to spread the gospel and promote human development through education and culture. The group moved into the Arroyo residence in 1956 and converted the place into a university residence and student center. Since then, the place reverberated with youthful laughter as it accommodated up to 40 female students.

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2006/05/17/segovia.student.center1.jpg http://www.thenewstoday.info/2006/05/17/segovia.student.center5.jpg

The year 2000 saw Architect Maripaz Villanueva, a member of the Teresian Association redesigned the residence into a student center for 70 ladies and a residence for up to 14 association members at the site of the original structure.

Today, its homey atmosphere shows on its façade – formal and strong but warm and friendly.

(Reprinted from Iloilo Yearbook 2005)

(taken from: the News Today Info
link: http://www.thenewstoday.info/2006/05/17/josefa.segovia.student.center.html)

Animo

May 19th, 2006, 06:34 PM

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e132/restardo/Instituto%20Cervantes/endangered_filhispanic_web.jpg

FINALLY, after four years, the book is out — "Endangered, Fil-Hispanic Architecture," published by the Instituto Cervantes de Manila.

This exquisite volume is a compilation of position papers presented during the "First International Congress on Fil-Hispanic Architecture" held in Manila last November, 2002. There was something mystifying about that threeday conference. No tempers were lost as no one forgot his or her upbringing. Spanish colonization was a mere point of reference and allusions to the anti-colonial struggle were somewhat oblique. Usually, conferences about anything FilHispanic turn out to be bloody encounters of bitterly contending schools of thought. The "historia negra" always rears its ugly head, making attempts at dispassionate historical analysis rather futile. People still remember that during the 1996 international conference on the Philippine Revolution, verbal missiles were hurled at the slightest provocation. A UP professor lambasted three American scholars for their mere presence; someone demanded a public apology from Spanish historian Fr. Izacio Rodriguez; the Magdiwang and Magdalo factions clashed rhetorical sabres. Delving into our political history is like rubbing salt on festering wounds. So, you can image how pleasantly surprised I was that there was no weeping or gnashing of teeth during that three-day meeting of Fil-Hispanic architects, urban planners and conservationists.

Unfortunately, the majority of Filipinos do not appreciate our heritage churches, least of all the parish priests who should preserve these cultural treasures. While working at the Department of Tourism (DOT), I would meet tour and travel operators who thought it senseless to promote old churches as tourist attractions because most foreign visitors are not Catholics. What appalling ignorance — don’t outbound Filipino tourists admire Buddhist temples, even if we are not Buddhists?

Many compatriots who have been to Europe think that our old churches are clumsy and ugly compared to the ones in the Old Continent. Yet, Spanish architect Javier Galvan, director of the Instituto Cervantes, continues to rave about Filipino heritage churches. How I wish more of our compatriots could have heard the edifying presentations of Architects Antonio Bonet (Spain) and Jorge Loyzaga (Mexico) during the Asia-Europe Transculturation sessions. For decades, these architect-scholars have been fascinated by the Baroque churches in the Philippines, built from the XVIth to the XIXth centuries. They say that although our ancestors followed the dictates of Baroque architectural forms, our churches turned out to be very distinct from the European ones because of their proportions and exquisite ornamentation. By examining the details of our heritage churches, we can learn about the lifestyle of our ancestors, the flora and fauna that existed in those times, the creative strengths of native artisans and how they applied newly-acquired techniques on local materials. Scrutinizing the details of a heritage structure is as informative as reading a primary source document.

There was a wealth of information in the presentations by both local and foreign participants; I felt I had taken an intensive course in the history of architecture and urban-planning. Two papers were particularly startling — "Philippine Plants in the Construction of Churches during the Colonial Period" by chemist/botanist Pio Andrade Jr. and Mr. Edgardo Castro’s "Brick Artistry in the Philippines," an engaging treatise on the molded brickwork of the fabulous Tumauini Church in Isabela.

After the conference I joined the one-day tour of Baroque churches in the Rizal-Laguna loop, organized by the DOT and the Instituto Cervantes. As the two luminaries Architects Bonet and Loyzaga had signed up, I planned to be within hearing distance while they pointed out the unique features of churches in Morong, Tanay Baras, Pakil, Longos and Paete, I had just been elected president of the Heritage Conservation Society so it was a singular opportunity to learn from the masters themselves. I began noticing details I had never before seen — vigas ending in crocodile heads, wooden columns carved with native flowers, Chinese clouds and oriental vases etched on stone facades and myriad shapes, forms and designs that show how our forbears transformed European Baroque into something delightfully Asian, or distinctly "asiatica-latina." You can give yourself that same crash course about endangered Baroque churches and built heritage by acquiring this exquisite book. (gemma601@yahoo.com)

Tune in "Krus na daan," DZRJ, 810 khz, Monday-Friday, 5-6 p.m. Watch "Only Gemma!" RJTV, Mondays, 8:008:30 p.m. Sky 19 (Mla. & Baguio), Sky 44 (Dagupan) Destiny 6 (Cebu) & 79 (Mla), Palompon 23 (Leyte), Colorview 40 (Zambales), Caceres 6, Comsatel 44, Quezon 29, Mananap 18, Mariveles Space 27, La Union 38, Albay 6, Isabela 18.

http://www.mb.com.ph/issues/2006/05/18/OPED2006051864377.html

Wonderboy

May 22nd, 2006, 06:50 PM

http://img455.imageshack.us/img455/8105/bldgsinmanila11is.jpg
Avenue Theater along Rizal Avenue is one of the prewar structures that survived the second world war.

I received this e-mail from Arch. Baustista of NCCA:

Hi Folks,

Just to inform the body that Avenue theatre and hotel
is undoer demolition, as of yesterday, the crown of
the hotel is already dismantled. The crown had a bas
relief of a woman.

Wonderboy

May 22nd, 2006, 09:30 PM

I'm so pissed off - two demolitions in a span of one week!

Pride of Place : Portrait of the Filipina as herself
First posted 11:28pm (Mla time) May 21, 2006
By Augusto Villalon
Inquirer

Editor's Note: Published on page C2 of the May 22, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

Heritage watch

Driving through Villasis, Pangasinan, last week, we noticed that the heritage Villasis municipio had been torn down. A new construction was underway to replace it. Would there have been a way to either save the old building or incorporate it into the new structure somehow? With the replacement of the old municipio, a major part of Villasis history has vanished.

Animo

May 22nd, 2006, 09:50 PM

I'm so pissed off - two demolitions in a span of one week!

Is their a government agency or a law that prevents such things?

Wonderboy

May 23rd, 2006, 12:07 AM

^^ Animo, the heritage bill has been submitted years ago but is still being reviewed.

http://img74.imageshack.us/img74/14/avenue6hf.jpg

For those who would like to save this heritage structure, you can call or fax a complaint to Mayor Lito Atienza at 5276063 or 5274991 or send an e-mail at mayor_atienza@cityofmanila.com.ph.

Thanks to Mr. Binondo for the photo of Avenue theater.

Pinoy_ako

May 23rd, 2006, 09:11 AM

Most of the structures along Rizal Avenue were works of our National Artists for Architecture, like Juan Nakpil. There should have been a complementary law safeguarding a representative body of works of these National Artists so we can appreciate their works better.

Rizal Avenue has already lost Ideal Theater and State Theater. Ever Theater is in a bad state and is being used as a store. Avenue Theater is being demolished. Galaxy Theater, a work of Toledo, is up for lease and might also be demolished in the future. The rise of malls with their cinemas and the route of LRT led to the decadence of Rizal Avenue. Maybe, the pedestrianization of the street will take its toll on the remaining buildings since business may not be that good if the area is not readily accessible.

Recently Lost Art Deco Buildings of Manila

1. Jai Alai
2. Avenue Hotel and Theater

ivanhenares

May 23rd, 2006, 10:57 AM

Is their a government agency or a law that prevents such things?

Sorry to say there is none. I just found out from the NHI that many of the markers they place are simply markings. Unless it is declared, meaning it is a National Shrine, National Historical Landmark, National Monument, Heritage House or Classified Historical Structure under the NHI; or National Cultural Treasure or Important Cultural Property under the National Museum, PD 1505 does not protect a building with an NHI marker. Imagine?! The only way to save these structures is an increase in the level of consciousness of Filipinos. Sabi nga ng kausap ko sa NHI, all we can do now is appeal to the owners' sense of patriotism and nationalism.

Toti forgot to include Moncada, Tarlac. That elegant municipio is gone as well! I drove by Guimba and the charming wooden early American-colonial presidencia is now a concrete structure. Sigh!

Wonderboy

May 24th, 2006, 12:55 AM

Below are pictures that I took yesterday. I will call the company that was tasked to demolish the building. I will try to post an update within the day:

http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/6187/avenue11ne.jpg

http://img65.imageshack.us/img65/280/avenue22pf.jpg

http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/8291/avenue35pc.jpg

http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/6462/avenue41jc.jpg

Lili

May 24th, 2006, 01:40 AM

^ Would it be too late to do anything now? Who owns this building now?

It's just so sad! What is needed is media coverage and mass outcry. If there is some big moneyed person who can at least file for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) before the demolition, but without the law to support the case, I just wonder if the injunction will be grantedl.

dancethingy

May 24th, 2006, 02:16 AM

^^^^ SIGH

Wonderboy

May 24th, 2006, 02:24 AM

Okay. So I called Mr. Esteban Titong of E.V.J. Integrated Services – he’s the one in charge of the demolition of Avenue Theater and I was informed that the site would be turned into a parking lot in the meantime since the owner doesn’t have any plans of putting up another structure.

I was able to get the name as well as the contact number of the owner of the building:

Mr. Eduardo Linton Jua
2584092
(Ms. Alice – Secretary)

He’s the chairperson/ CEO of a Shipping Line. I called the number a few minutes ago and I think it was his wife who answered the phone (it was their residence phone - so folks, hinay hinay lang). I gave out info re: Avenue theater being a prewar structure and all. I was extremely courteous so as not to create too much tension. However, she informed me that they had already made a final decision, which was to demolish the building. She said they don’t have enough money to maintain it.

“I’m sorry hijo, there’s nothing you can do. Nakakkahiya na sa mga contractors if we stop the demolition,” she said.

So could somebody help me out on this? I believe we could still save this heritage structure. Perhaps if the owners will have an incentive or something to help them maintain the building, then it will not be demolished.

NCCA, NHI, HCS? What can we do about this?

By the way, below is the contact information of the demolition team for reference:

Mr. Esteban Titong
E.V.J. Integrated Services
4930087
7835532

I'm thinking instead of calling and bombarding them, perhaps we could send a letter or set up a meeting?

Lili

May 24th, 2006, 02:32 AM

^^ I think we should write a Senator or some big public official to speak with Mr. Linton Jua to stop the demolition in the meantime. But there is just no law to support this cause.

It's futile to call the contractor. It is the owner of the building who should be prevailed upon since they are the ones paying for the services. I just can't believe this Linton Jua and Co., after profitting much from Philippine shipping business, he does not give a damn about historical preservation of the country that made him rich. If I recall, a lot of the areas of Intramuros is also being used as parking of his storage conveyors.

Let us write him a letter copy furnished to the Senator and Congressmen chairing the Committee on Culture or whatever. Let me check the website.

Let me do some quick research on what we can use to back up the case. I will also write some other fora on the matter to raise public awareness.

Can you please contact some media people for coverage? Give them nice, informative materials so that there will be interest in the matter.

Wonderboy

May 24th, 2006, 02:57 AM

^^ Thanks Lili. I already sent an e-mail to some media people that I know.

Nakakapagod ito ah. One-man team. Wala pa akong tulog. At wala pang sumasagot sa mga pinadalaha ko ng e-mail two days ago.

Lili

May 24th, 2006, 03:29 AM

I have emailed the following:

Congressman Edmundo O. Reyes, Jr.
Committee Chair on Basic Education and Culture

Congressman Edgar M. Chatto
Committee Chair on Tourism

Other people that we should contact via email, phone, fax or mail are:

- Mayor Lito Atienza

- Senator Juan M. Flavier
Senate President Pro Tempore and
Chair, Senate Committee on Education, Arts and Culture

- Senator Richard Gordon
Chair, Senate Committee on Tourism

- Senator Rodolfo G. Biazon
Chair, Senate Committee on Urban Planning, Housing and Resettlement

- Senator Franklin Drilon
Majority Leader

- Senator Francis Pangilinan

- Senator Aquilino Pimentel

Lili

May 24th, 2006, 03:32 AM

Here is a copy of the email that I just wrote:

Hon. Edmundo O. Reyes, Jr.
Chairperson
Committee on Basic Education and Culture
Congress of the Philippines

Dear Hon. Edmundo O. Reyes:

It has come to our attention that the historically significant structure, the Avenue Theater on Rizal Avenue in Manila, is slated for demolition. We, a group of historical, cultural and urban enthusiasts, are extremely concerned by this news because the structure is one of the few surviving Art Deco buildings in Manila that survived the destruction during World War II. As the Chair of the Committee on Basic Education and Culture tasked with the preservation and enrichment of Filipino culture, we are asking for your assistance and intervention in order to put a halt to this hasty demolition until such time that there are viable alternatives in order to preserve such a building of historical and cultural significance not only to Manila, but to the country. It is important to preserve these structures because these are testaments to our history and heritage as a nation -- proud reminders of our culture and resilience notwithstanding the bombardment of Manila during World War II. We should not be slave to pure business interests and property ownerships. Ownership of these structures of historical significance are imbued with responsibility and recognition of their importance in preserving historical reminders of our beauty and pride as a nation and as a culture.

It is high time that a National Heritage and Historical Preservation Bill be passed in order to preserve and protect the architectural treasures of the land.

We humbly ask for your intervention and prompt action on this matter before everything is too late and the country is rid of its historical jewels all for the sake of empty profits.

Attached is a link to our website so that you may glean how important this matter is to Filipinos not only based in the Philippines but throughout the world. http://www.skyscrapercity.com/newreply.php?do=newreply&noquote=1&p=8576369

Very sincerely yours,

[complete name]
Skyscrapercity Philippines

Lili

May 24th, 2006, 03:36 AM

To those who are similarly minded, please also write to or contact important or influential people in the Philippines so that hasty decisions are not made destroying buildings and structures of architectural and historical significance to the Philippines.

Intramuros group: It's time to prove your mettle. This is a matter of urgency. We can start here from the outskirts of Intramuros in our goal of historical preservation then move to the the Ciudad de Morada.

Lili

May 24th, 2006, 03:40 AM

I have read this press release in the Congress website. Perhaps they can earmark funds for Heritage preservation in order to promote education and cultural awareness in the Philippines. This will certainly translate in promoting tourism and pride as a nation for the country.

Latest News
OTHER NEWS «
UNESCO chief backs JDV’s debt-for-equity swap
23 May 2006 03:48:20 PM
Writer: Noel Albano, PRID
United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Director-General Koichiro Matsuura received the Congressional Medal of Achievement Tuesday, and then expressed support for Speaker Jose de Venecia’s the debt-for-equity program that heavily indebted countries could use to fund projects in education, culture, and science.

De Venecia presented the Award to Matsuura at the Manila Hotel, in rites witnessed by top Philippine and foreign educators from 90 countries and about a hundred guests from the United Nations who are attending the three-day Leaders Forum of the 31st UNESCO-Intercultural Congress at the Manila Hotel.

Senior leaders from the House of Representatives joined de Venecia during the rites, among them Reps. Jaime Lopez, Antonio Cuenco, and Ernesto Gidaya of the party-list Veterans Freedom Party.

De Venecia called Matsuura’s support “crucial and timely” for the debt-for-equity program the Philippine Speaker conceived last year as an innovative way to convert half of the foreign debt of some 100 debt-saddled nations into equity to fund projects aligned with the UN Millennium Development Goals.

“We are gratified and encouraged by this expression of support from the UNESCO chief. It recognizes the need for debt-saddled nations to find innovative ways to fund programs that will fight poverty, disease, and ignorance, promote culture and science, and propel economic development,” de Venecia said.

De Venecia said Matsuura is one of the highest UN officials to endorse the debt-for-equity project, following Secretary-General Kofi Annan, who endorsed the project in September last year.

De Venecia said Matsuura told him he would try to convince nations to each work out separate bilateral debt-swap arrangements, such as debt for education, debt for culture and debt for science.

Matsuura received in June last year de Venecia and his delegation from the House of Representatives at the UNESCO office in Paris, where de Venecia first unveiled details of the debt-for-equity proposal to him.

He said further that Italy and Spain are seriously considering debt-for-equity conversion programs with the Philippines. The presidents and governments of Ukraine, Bulgaria and Romania were the latest to endorse the debt-for-equity program.

Source: Public Relations and Information Department
Page last updated on 24 May 2006

Lili

May 24th, 2006, 03:55 AM

Here is a similar email I sent to Mayor Atienza:

Hon. Mayor Lito Atienza
Mayor
City of Manila
Philippines

Dear Hon. Mayor Atienza:

It has come to our attention that the historically significant structure, the Avenue Theater on Rizal Avenue in Manila, is slated for demolition. I was born and raised in the city of Manila, particularly in the Sampaloc district and I am extremely proud of my Manila roots. It is particularly distressing to me to read that structures of historical and architectural significance have been slowly, one by one, demolished from the face of my beautiful, beloved Manila.

As a proud Manilena and a member of a group of historical, cultural and urban enthusiasts, I am extremely concerned by this news because the structure is one of the few surviving Art Deco buildings in Manila that survived the destruction during World War II. As an esteemed Mayor of Manila, we are asking for your assistance and intervention using your police power to promote the interests of your constituency, in order to put a halt to this hasty demolition until such time that there are viable alternatives in order to preserve such a building of historical and cultural significance not only to Manila, but to the country. It is important to preserve these structures because these are testaments to our history and heritage as a nation -- a proud reminder of our culture and its resilience notwithstanding the bombardment of Manila during World War II. We should not be slave to pure business interests and property ownerships. Ownership of these structures of historical significance are imbued with responsibility and recognition of their importance in preserving historical reminders of our beauty and pride as a nation and as a culture.

At the same time, we urge that a National Heritage and Historical Preservation Bill be passed in order to preserve and protect the architectural treasures of the land, especially of Historic Manila.

We humbly ask for your intervention and prompt action on this matter before everything is too late and the country is rid of its historical jewels all for the sake of empty profits.

Attached is a link to our website so that you may glean how important this matter is to Filipinos not only based in the Philippines but throughout the world.

Very sincerely yours,

[complete name]
Skyscrapercity Philippines

dancethingy

May 24th, 2006, 05:24 AM

thanks for getting things going on this wonderboy and lili. I hope your examples will encourage people to follow suit. I will write handwritten letters as well as e-mail those involved in the demolition of this landmark.

overtureph

May 24th, 2006, 07:17 AM

Manila gab tackles protection of Asian museum collections

First posted 00:09am (Mla time) May 22, 2006
By Lito Zulueta
Inquirer

Editor's Note: Published on page C4 of the May 22, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

WHILE THERE HAS BEEN A growing awareness of the need to conserve and protect cultural patrimony across Southeast Asia, not much emphasis has been placed on storing and preserving cultural collections.

Public and private sector investments have mostly gone to displays and expositions, but not much has been devoted to expanding or renovating storage facilities and improving methods for storage.

To raise regional awareness on urgent issues on storage and deepen their knowledge of storage science, key heritage workers from Southeast Asia are in Manila for a unique international course on storage techniques and issues. The special event is called Collections Asia or CollAsia2010, and it consists of lectures and workshops that have been going on since May 8 at the St. Thomas Aquinas Research Complex of the University of Santo Tomas.

The participants have come from Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and
Viet Nam. All are heritage professionals with at least three years of experience in the field.

The international course is a joint project of the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM), Seameo Regional Centre for Archaeology and Fine Arts (Seameo-Spafa), and UST under its secretary-general, Fr. Isidro C. Abaño, O.P., who is also the director of the UST Museum of Arts and Sciences and the UST Center for Conservation of Cultural Property in the Environment.

The aim of the course is prevention rather than intervention in protecting collections that are part of Southeast Asia’s patrimony, said Father Abano.

In a majority of heritage institutions, such as museums, libraries, archives and other organizations that hold custody over a collection, objects in storage form the bulk of the collection.

“Therefore a central challenge for these institutions—to maintain their role as centers of knowledge, research and/or inspiration—consists of implementing effective long-term strategies for the adequate care, management and tracking of collections in storage,” saysd Father Abano.

The course aims to consolidate the skills of heritage professionals directly involved with Southeast Asian collections, according to Clarissa Avendano, assistant director of the UST Museum. The heritage workers will study the threats to collections in storage, conceptual and practical tools, storage materials and techniques, relevant to the needs of Southeast Asia.

The threats to the collections are varied. Aside from the climate and the humidity of the region that may impair the collections, there are the threats of air pollution in urban areas, poor provisions for pest control in tropical countries and inadequate security.

The course is headed by Finnish Katriina Simila, a project manager of the Rome-based ICCROM, in partnership with Seameo- Spafa, represented by Irish Kevin Kettle.

The course consists of interactive, participatory sessions, both theoretical and practical held at the UST Thomas Aquinas Research Complex and the National Museum.

Study visits to different heritage institutions in the Philippines will include joint working sessions with the staff of the host institutions.

The teaching team consists of conservation and heritage specialists from the network of organizing institutions. The teachers and the course assistants come from Australia, Brazil, Chile, Finland, Indonesia, India, Italy, Thailand, the Netherlands and the Philippines.

According to Simila, the stress on access to collections must not neglect the need to store and preserve competently the collections.

“Museums must be seen as an integral element in a society,” she says. But because heritage awareness is focused on historic monuments and natural sites (what are called “intangible-immovable”), the problem of storage is often overlooked, she adds.

“The question is how much does a society need to invest in the storage and protection of its cultural capital,” she says. “After all, we cannot let the documents, archives and other cultural properties be food to termites.”

As such, the ICCROM and the Seameo-Spafa have developed programs in the conservation of collections in Bangkok, Lieden in the Netherlands and Manila, according to Kevin Kettle, program development officer of Seameo-Spafa. All in all, the program covers 11 countries in Southeast Asia.

In UST, storage and other heritage concerns are unified in the UST Center for the Conservation of Cultural Property and Environment in the Tropics (CCPET), the organizing body for all cultural heritage concerns in UST.

UST has the oldest museum in the country. Its archives contains important cultural and historical documents. The Heritage section of its library holds incunabula and rare books. UST also runs the Cultural Heritage Studies program, which conducts certificate and graduate courses for cultural professionals and heritage workers at the UST Graduate School.

According to Avendano, the CCPET seeks “to value, promote, preserve through research, technology, education, training and other services, the cultural property and environment specifically in the tropics often at risk in the changing world.”

In partnership with national and private institutions as well as international agencies, the CCPET seeks to be an agent in the development, preservation and promotion of Filipino cultural heritage, Avendano adds.

The UST example could well serve as a model for other heritage initiatives in Southeast Asia.

Collections Asia (CollAsia2010) runs in UST until May 31. Its sponsors and collaborators include Omnibus Bio-Medical Systems, Inc., Nestlé Philippines, Philippine Beverage Partners, Inc. (Wilkins) and King Care.

Copyright 2006 Inquirer. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

http://news.inq7.net/lifestyle/index.php?index=1&col=&story_id=76540

overtureph

May 24th, 2006, 07:20 AM

BREATHLESS IN BULACAN
The province north of Manila is a heritage powerhouse

First posted 11:26pm (Mla time) May 21, 2006
By Ryan R. Reyes
Inquirer

Editor's Note: Published on page D1 of the May 22, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

THE SIMPLETON WHO thinks Bulacan is only about paputok (firecrackers) is going to do back flips over these:

Centuries-old churches with magnificent frescos and architecture; beautifully restored ancestral houses of historic significance; a fine tradition of songs, dances and native craftsmanship; sumptuous delicacies; and historic caves where nation-shaping decisions were mulled over—all within a province just 20 km north of Manila.

Considered as the Gateway to the North, Bulacan has seen the country cradled from a turbulent Spanish colony to today’s busy democracy. As a result, it is replete with rich culture and art which are by-products of roughly 500 years of civilization.

Despite its cultural riches, Bulacan has remained largely unappreciated by cultural tourists. So it’s only fitting that the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the Department of Tourism chose to highlight Bulacan culture and travels in the Filipino Heritage Festival this month.

The festival organized Lakbay Bulacan, a one-day exploration of the province’s many treasures.

“Bulacan is full of cultural heritage,” said Bambi Harper, festival director. “It would surprise people how all the architecture in the houses and churches were preserved, and how the traditions were upheld in a place this near to the Metro. It should be a matter of pride to all Bulakeños.

Harper herself is a Bulakeño. “I have roots in Bigaa (now Balagtas), and I’m certainly proud of what Bulacan is,” she said.

The Lakbay tour kicked off in the rustic town of San Miguel de Mayumo, right by the Sierra Madre borders.

The town is a study in irony. It has all the quaint charms of small rural towns—peaceful, unaltered surroundings, hospitable people—but the town sprawls bigger than any Bulacan town except its neighbor Doña Remedios Trinidad.

The tour participants witnessed a showcase of classic Bulakeño hospitality—young dancers from the Sining Bulakenyo Dance Troupe performing the traditional welcoming ritual Salubong, which involved a brisk folk dance capped by the dancers adorning the guests with garlands of fruit and dairy tarts, and serving refreshing coconut juice.

Historic caves

The Biak-na-Bato National Park in San Miguel sheltered freedom fighters during the Filipino-Spanish wars. Its caves served as secret “conference halls” for Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo and his top advisers.

The jagged cave walls therefore are silent witnesses in the formation of the nation.

Today, the expanse of rushing river and rock has hanging bridges over the waters, connecting the network of caves and steep rock formations.

The place looks like a scenic picnic and trekking spot, with historical overtones to boot.

Sweet tooth

San Miguel de Mayumo is also the home of the famous Sevilla Sweets, makers of the beloved dairy delicacy pastillas de leche.

These sweets really define the town. In fact, the town was literally named after them: Mayumo literally means sweet.

And the people have really embraced their heritage. Among the many festivals the province is celebrating this month is their very own Pastillas Festival, held for the first time last May 7.

Bulacan’s tasty treasures, though, extend beyond pastillas. Malolos has its ensaymada and inipit; Bustos its minasa; Bocaue and Sta. Maria their crunchy sitsaron; and Paombong, of course, its famous vinegar.

Also an attraction is the Bulacan specialties, particularly the sinigang na ulang and the various recipes for sugpo and tilapia grown in farms.

The seemingly extinct art of the tertulia, usually not seen outside performance halls and cultural showcases, proved to be very much alive in Bulacan.

The Lakbay participants were also treated to a serenade of soaring kundimans and a humorous balagtasan by the Barasoain Kalinangan Ensemble, a creative arts society in Malolos composed of the province’s passionate youth.

Grand dames

Bulacan also boasts its share of beautiful ancestral homes, which were either skillfully restored to their glorious original sheen or preserved since their heydays. These estates still serve as sprawling landmarks that bear witness to the province’s growth and development.

In San Miguel de Mayumo alone, the houses still flourish, turning up in street corners like grand old dames in full regalia.

The De Leon House, built in 1914, was the home of LVN studio matriarch Doña Sisang de Leon. It still attracts people with its antique furnishings and Old-World feel.

The airy two-story mansion now holds a reportedly miraculous century-old statue, “San Miguel and the Devil,” which has weathered wars, storms, earthquakes and floods.

Also notable is the Tecson House, site of the signing of the historic Pact of Biak-na-Bato.

In Bustos stands another grand old house, the Mercado’s. This century-old mansion boasts of its unique stone carvings and distinct turn-of-the-century Mexican villa air.

Apart from old houses, Bulacan also has some of the most beautiful churches in the country.

One of them is the famous Barasoain Church in Malolos. It is both historically and architecturally significant.

In Angat stands the Church of Sta. Monica, which merges Baroque architecture and contemporary motifs.

Enclosed in its stone-carved façade of baroque images of saints is a ceiling frescoed with a “modernized’ Sistine Chapel’s Ceiling.

Alterations include vignettes covering Pope John Paul II’s World Youth Day visit to the Philippines in 1995.

All that glitters

Meycauayan, just 20 km from Metro Manila, has carved a niche for itself in jewelry art.

The intricate craftsmanship and painstaking creative dedication the town’s jewelers pour into their creations have made the town the leading producer of silver and gold jewelry in the country.

The Lakbay tourists had the chance to visit the goldsmith and silversmith workshops and the showroom of Goldenas Jewelry, one of Meycauayan’s leading jewelry producers.

A stone’s throw from Meycauayan, in the town of Marilao, is a top-caliber Bulakeño talent, Arnel Papa. His accessories, made from crystals, stones and carabao horns, have been featured in top fashion magazines. They are much sought after by the country’s fashionista crowd.

World-class craftsmanship characterizes the Bulakeño, whether it be making hand-woven and embroidered fabric and hand-crafted décor.

The finest hand-woven clothes and embroidery come from the towns of Sta. Maria and Bustos.

Bone-inlay furniture and the famed buntal hats are crafted in Baliuag. Fine terra cotta can be found in Calumpit.

Of course, the world-renowned pyrotechnics of Bocaue remains a defining feature of Bulacan, a powerhouse province in itself.

Copyright 2006 Inquirer. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

http://news.inq7.net/lifestyle/index.php?index=1&col=&story_id=76538

Wonderboy

May 24th, 2006, 09:20 AM

Lili, thank you very much! I will forward your letter to the HCS Secretariat.

ivanhenares

May 24th, 2006, 10:03 AM

From: Barn Balquiedra <barn_carlos@hotmail.com>
Date: May 24, 2006 12:21 PM
Subject: Tayabas, Quezon's small church's gate in danger of demolition

I am sending photos of a small Spanish-era church in Tayabas, Quezon which I think is in danger of being bastardized.

You will see in the third photo that they are building a new wall behind the old wall. I am afraid that they will demolish the old wall together with the old gate. I am not a cultural guru but I think the gate & walls should be conserved.

I am sorry but I do not know the details about the church (name, date of construction, etc.) because I am not a Tayabas resident. I am from Lucena and I just happened to
drive by the area recently on my way to Lucban.

I attended mass there once a long time ago and I was mesmerized by its antiquity. Most of the Spanish-era churches have been remodeled already but from what I remember this particular church retains its old charm.

I hope you can do something to save it. Thanks!

Barnard Balquiedra

http://mail.google.com/mail/?view=att&disp=emb&attid=0.1&th=10b64982945cca20

http://mail.google.com/mail/?view=att&disp=emb&attid=0.2&th=10b64982945cca20

http://mail.google.com/mail/?view=att&disp=emb&attid=0.3&th=10b64982945cca20

ivanhenares

May 24th, 2006, 03:16 PM

Other people that we should contact via email, phone, fax or mail are:

- Senator Richard Gordon
Chair, Senate Committee on Tourism

Reply from Gordon's office...

"Our answer will be the same.

"Dick wanted to take over the Post Office Bldg and the Metropolitan Theatre as DOT after getting feelers from foreign investors like Raffles of Singapore who wanted to set up shop here while preserving the landmarks infrastructure. No dice.

"Dick got $5Million from the JICA to rebuild maestranza wall after convincing the Japanese that it was their warplanes that destroyed the walls during the Battle of Manila in WWII. Atienza filed a TRO through Barangay Captains and only recently after 3 years have the courts decided. At last now the project can commence.

"What we realy need is a law like the Tourism Act. For now, we suffer because of the Local Government Code of 1991. Its up to the Mayor as national agencies have no police power over these historical/heritage sites. My advice is go to media. Bombard the emails of Inquirer and their columnists - Ambeth, etc who have been "hitting" Dick for Intramauros and Lapu Lapu. Local elections are around the corner, maybe such snippings from media personalities will soften Atienza's hardline stance."

rocky-j

May 24th, 2006, 03:32 PM

Lili, thank you very much! I will forward your letter to the HCS Secretariat.

hi wonderboy and lili,

i feel your pain. so much beautiful buildings have been replaced with ugly structures or just parking lots. anything i can do to pitch in? btw, have you been in touched with the media and ang ngo about this? the lopezes have thier bantay bata and kalikasan, any chance they have a similar program to protect old buildings? what about cultural preservation oriented shows and tv programs? maybe someone can alert the media about this.

my 2 cents...

overtureph

May 25th, 2006, 07:58 AM

RP ranks 125th in int’l environmental protection index

First posted 05:02am (Mla time) May 25, 2006
By Blanche S. Rivera
Inquirer

Editor's Note: Published on page A5 of the May 25, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

THE PHILIPPINES ranks 125th among 146 countries rated by the 2005 Yale Environmental Sustainability Index (ESI), indicating the country’s poor ability to ensure sustainable development of its natural resources.

The Philippines, one of the 17 megadiverse countries in the world which together account for up to 80 percent of Earth’s biodiversity, only ranked higher than countries like Haiti, Pakistan, Iran, Sudan, Iraq and North Korea.

Bukidnon Representative Nereus Acosta cited the 2005 ESI during a forum on climate change and renewable energy yesterday as he urged better coordination among government agencies to ensure sustainability.

“It confirms that we are still largely incapacitated when it comes to protecting our environment, averting hazards, reforesting, etc.,” Acosta said in an interview after his presentation.

The ESI evaluates countries based on 21 indicators, including natural resources, pollution levels, and environmental management efforts that characterize and influence environmental sustainability on a national scale.

Scandinavian countries such as Finland, Norway and Sweden topped the ESI last year, placing first, second and fourth, respectively.

The ESI is done annually by the Yale Center for Environmental Law and Policy, along with invited experts from all over the world. The results are presented every year to the World Economic Forum.

“This is evidence that things are not transparent, that people are not being held accountable,” said Lorenzo Tan, president of World Wildlife Fund-Philippines.

Tan cited the cases of mining explorations and logging that are being done even in protected areas like the Northern Sierra Madre National Park in Isabela province.

Acosta, a former member of the panel of experts invited by Yale to do the ESI, said the Philippines’ ranking was dragged down by its very low performance on social and institutional governance.

Governance, along with environmental systems, vulnerability to stress and disasters, impacts on human health and global stewardship were the major criteria for the ESI.

“What really brought us down was governance. We have rich biodiversity but we don’t get our act together, we don’t put our money where our mouth is,” Acosta said.

He said the Departments of Environment and Natural Resources, Finance, Energy, Transportation and Communication needed to coordinate their initiatives for an ecology-dependent economy.

Acosta said the government’s poor investment in science and technology -- only 0.2 percent of the gross domestic product -- was considered an indicator of institutional support.

The Philippines has only around 150 scientists per one million people, a fact that the ESI also noted, he said.

Acosta called for an environmental accounting of the country’s natural resources amid the government’s aggressive promotion of mining as the economic growth propeller.

He said the development picture would not be complete if the government considered only the revenues and direct benefits of mining without a valuation of the biodiversity and its other possible benefits that would be lost due to extractive activities.

Copyright 2006 Inquirer. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

http://news.inq7.net/nation/index.php?index=1&story_id=76945

lewdsaint

May 25th, 2006, 01:22 PM

From the Heritage Champion : Iloilo

Hala Bira!!!

ILOILO HERITAGE FORUM SET TODAY

“An Invitation to a Proud Heritage”

Pagemaker
By Zedrick Señeres[/CENTER]

In line the National Heritage Month Celebration, the ILOILO HERITAGE FORUM, a noble gathering to “ Save Calle Real: The Iloilo City Downtown Central Business District Heritage Conservation Guidelines,” will be held at 1:00 pm today at the posh Iloilo Grand Hotel.

http://www.theguardianiloilo.ph/lifestyle/photo/lifestyle.jpg

The old world charm-Calle Real, with its colonial buildings, the vintage architectural designs which in time and again have survived the test of times, a living witness to our ancestor’s struggling years from anguish of war..to the present for this landmark to rise again amidst adversity.

While the world class structures kept on rising in various corners of Metro Iloilo, still they could not outshine the splendour of this vintage edifice that adorn Calle Real, which holds the distinction as the very first commercial center to rise in history in the region!

The preservation and the piece by pace renovation and preservation of this structures is a race against time… due to negligence that causes fast deterioration…memories are slowly fading, but a closer look of this “jewels” is indeed a treasure worth keeping.

http://www.theguardianiloilo.ph/lifestyle/photo/lifestyle1.jpg

Responding to the call for cultural and heritage tourism, the Iloilo City Government created the Iloilo City Council Cultural Heritage Conservation Council (ICCHCC) by enacting the April 2000 Ordinance No. 00-54 otherwise known as the Cultural Heritage Conservation Ordinance. The council, composed of individuals from the arts and culture community, was envisioned to be the body responsible in advancing cultural heritage conservation and promotion. It also addressed the call of the tourism Sector Plan of the 1998-2010 Iloilo City Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUO) for a program in this conservation program.

http://www.theguardianiloilo.ph/lifestyle/photo/lifestyle2.jpg

The council was tasked to conduct an inventory of the cultural heritage and legacy buildings and promulgate rules and regulations for their preservation to address the need to preserve Metro Iloilo’s vintage structures that could for sure will become a major tourist attractions in the city

Afterall the revival of these areas will spur more investments and create more jobs dearies!

And surely so, this noble endeavors spearheaded by the City Officials, led by ever dynamic Mayor Jerry Treñas, the creative team of the ICCHCC

chairman Arch. Antonio Sangrador, the building owners, the concernes citizens and others who will work hand in hand for one common purpose will for sure make Calle Real glitter once again to dazzle the world!

Aton gid ni Ya!!!.

(taken from: The Guardian Iloilo
link: http://www.theguardianiloilo.ph/lifestyle.php)

lewdsaint

May 25th, 2006, 01:46 PM

The truly Heritage Champion of the Philippines.

Preserving Iloilo City’s legacies
By Nereo C. Lujan

Iloilo City is a virtual time machine that will transport anyone back to its colonial past. While malls have risen in various corners of the city, they could not outshine the splendor of its colonial buildings and houses that respectively adorn its commercial center and its adjoining districts. They are not only testimonies of city’s rich cultural heritage but are tourism assets worth promoting.

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However, these mute witnesses to the rise and fall of the Queen City of the South stand voiceless to those who found them of no use as they struggle daily to put food on their tables and clothes on their backs. Jeepney drivers pay no attention to their elegance. Sidewalk vendors shut their eyes to their grandeur. Bargain hunters take no notice of their value.

To the common folk, they merely serve as backdrops for the clatter of traffic, the sweat of commerce and the dust of shopping. They appear inconsequential to the everyday street tenant. As they labor to keep both ends meet, they are oblivious to the splendor hidden behind billboards and panaflex signage.

But at closer look, Iloilo City’s heritage houses and buildings are treasures worth keeping.

As a response, the Iloilo City government has embarked on a laudable program that is aimed at conserving its heritage buildings in a bid to boost economic development through tourism and by reviving business activities along the city’s central business district.

But the program is not just about culture, tourism and economic development. It is also about public-private partnership, about multi-stakeholder approach to planning and about innovative strategies worth looking into.

The Colonial Past

Built during the sugar boom and mostly found in the Central Business District, these structures are not just symbols of opulence and luxury but are proofs to Iloilo City’s economic, industrial, educational and cultural dominance during the mid-19th and early 20th centuries.

The opening to world trade of the port of Iloilo in 1855 saw the birth of the Queen City of the South. Serving as hub for support services to the flourishing sugar industry in nearby Negros Island, Iloilo City became host to banks, social clubs, warehouses, machine shops, printing presses, retail shops, commercial firms, educational institutions and medical services.

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e248/lewdsaint/calle1.jpg

Before the turn of the previous century, Iloilo City already has electricity, telephone, telegraph, railway, ice plants, automobiles, theaters, cemented roads and other modern conveniences. It was also the home of the country’s first department store, first car assembly plant, first commercial airline and first luxury liner. Proof to its early global dealings was the presence of foreign business houses and the consular offices of Spain, Great Britain, China, Japan, Netherlands and Norway.

Even outside of the commercial district, there are a lot that speaks about Iloilo City’s distinguished history. The famed cathedral of Jaro and its belfry across the street as well as the church of Molo symbolize the engineering genius of the Spanish friars. The academic legacies of the Ilonggos started with the tutelage of the Augustinians and other religious orders who opened a number of schools that up to these days, still mold the minds of the youth. Iloilo City’s mansions and old houses stand with majesty as they display a unique mix of Asian and Hispanic architecture.

The decline of the sugar industry and the Japanese invasion did not only doom the city’s economy but also left some of these structures in ruins. While nothing can be done to rebuild or restore those that were ravaged by neglect and bombs, those that are left standing require a second look. Conservation efforts are a must to promote Iloilo City’s cultural heritage, and arrest the disappearance of these heritage structures as they are torn down to give way to new and modern buildings in the city.

Restoring the Pride

These structures can be a source of pride for every Ilonggo; reminders that this city was once an important economic anchor for the Philippines, starting from the Spanish colonial period to the American commonwealth era. As such, they can also encourage everyone to strive for greatness. Restoring the splendor of these structures, especially those found in the Central Business District, can also provide the local government with the much-needed income from tourism. Iloilo City’s distinctive landscape, the unique architecture of its heritage structures and its historical wealth can give tourists a very fulfilling visit.

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e248/lewdsaint/calle2.jpg

Recognizing this, the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Canadian Urban Institute (CUI) sponsored in October 1998 a cultural heritage tourism workshop. Attended by individuals from local and national governments, cultural institutions, universities, tourism-related businesses and concerned citizens, it introduced the concept of cultural and heritage tourism and identified local cultural and historical resources, and determined how they can be best marketed locally, nationally and internationally.

Responding to the call for cultural and heritage tourism, the Iloilo City government created the Iloilo City Cultural Heritage Conservation Council (ICCHCC) by enacting in April 2000 Ordinance No. 00-054 otherwise known as the Local Cultural Heritage Conservation Ordinance. The council, composed of individuals from the arts and culture community, was envisioned to be the city government’s body responsible in advancing cultural heritage conservation and promotion.

Preserving Heritage

The council was tasked to conduct an inventory of cultural heritage and legacy buildings and promulgate rules and regulations for their preservation to address the need to preserve the city’s heritage structures that are slowly disappearing and enhance the city’s tourism potentials. Tourism is seen as a major economic driver for Iloilo City, generating investments and local government revenues as well as jobs for its people.

The main target of this conservation effort is the Central Business District, which consists of the streets of J. M. Basa, Aldeguer, Mapa, Guanco and Iznart. Declared as the Iloilo City Heritage Zone, the area is home to Art Deco-styled commercial buildings built during the 1920s up to the 1950s. A catalogue of these buildings has already been prepared as an initial step in conservation planning.

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The ordinance, which underwent some amendments in April 2001, states that all buildings in Iloilo City that are 50 years or more in existence are to be considered heritage or legacy buildings. Likewise, Plaza Libertad and the district plazas of Molo, Arevalo, Mandurriao, La Paz and Jaro were declared historical and cultural landmarks and can only be used for historical, cultural and fiesta celebrations. The ordinance mandates that the use, upkeep and preservation of these structures and landmarks as far as practicable shall always be the concern of the Iloilo City government.

Owners, administrators, lessees or any persons in charge of heritage or legacy structures are prohibited from undertaking any repair, rehabilitation or construction of any kind unless there is a favorable recommendation from the ICCHCC. In the event that the repair or rehabilitation is urgent, building owners, administrators or lessees are mandated to make sure that the façade showing the architectural design of the buildings is retained, restored and preserved.

All businesses within the heritage zone are given incentives. These include exemption from payment of business taxes and building fees. Old investors as well as new ones can avail of these incentives as long as they are in the heritage zone. The grant of incentives are aimed to revive business activities within the heritage zone which, prior to the onset of shopping malls, was the busiest area in Iloilo City. With challenges like shrinking business profitability, deteriorating commercial area and poor environment, it is feared that the Central Business District will have an untimely demise if nothing is done to rescue it. The revival of the area is expected to spur more investments and create more jobs.

Conservation Framework

To achieve the intents of the cultural heritage conservation program, the council, with the assistance of CUI, prepared in 2001 the Iloilo City Cultural Heritage Conservation Framework. The document, completed following a multi-stakeholder strategic planning workshop, outlines the issues, goals and strategic actions for preserving and promoting Iloilo City’s cultural heritage in general, and the Central Business District in particular.

Guided by the vision statement “Iloilo City: The Heart of Visayan Heritage,” the framework sought to transform Iloilo City into a “culturally-vibrant community working for the preservation, development and promotion of its heritage.”

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The CBD Preservation Framework wishes to strengthen the downtown area’s position as a special heritage zone for socio-economic and cultural development. Its strategies include the preparation of ordinances that will call for the gradual phase-out of big billboards and the regulation of signage, enforcement of environmental standards to enhance urban design and structures, traffic re-routing, the introduction of pedestrian amenities, and the forming of a “heritage watch” to monitor compliance of the CLUP and of the city’s zoning ordinance.

Taking Steps

With financial assistance from the Ford Motor Company Conservation and Environmental Grants, the ICCHCC completed the first phase of the Iloilo City Downtown CBD Heritage Buildings Catalogue Project, producing a progress report in September 2002. Dubbed as an initial step in conservation planning for the city’s oldest business center, it was aimed to generate baseline information on the city’s heritage buildings at the downtown CBD which may be used for the planned heritage conservation and economic revitalization activities for the area.

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e248/lewdsaint/calle5.jpg

Undertaken in cooperation with the University of San Agustin and University of the Philippines in the Visayas, the project resulted to the profiling of buildings, which include the measurement of nine lot and 16 building areas. A total of 31 sketches of building elevations and ornamentations were also made. It also yielded six architectural drafts of buildings’ perspectives, front elevation drawings of 20 buildings and spot details showing ornamentations from 22 buildings. Photo-documentations were also undertaken involving facades and ornamentation of buildings.

Among the buildings surveyed include the 1922 S. Javellana Building on the corner of J.M. Basa and Guanco streets, the 1925 S. Villanueva Building on the corner of Aldeguer and J.M. Basa Streets that used to house the International Hotel, the first hotel in Iloilo City; another S. Villanueva Building on J.M. Basa Street built in 1927; the 1927 Cine Palace, now the Regent Theater Building also on J.M. Basa Street; and the Elizalde-Ynchausti Building built in the 1930s also on J.M. Basa Street.

Boosting the Economy

Reviving the Central Business District (CBD) to encourage investments in the area can be a boost the city’s economy, but such is just one factor that may spur growth and development. By and large, it is the city’s positioning as a cultural destination that will eventually serve as an impetus of economic advancement as far as tourism is concerned. Heritage buildings, old houses and churches, historical spots, festivals and food, all of which can be found in Iloilo City, provide a perfect cultural experience for tourists.

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e248/lewdsaint/calle6.jpg

With structures and policies already in place, thus ensuring the program’s sustainability beyond changes in political leadership, Iloilo City’s cultural heritage conservation efforts can surely bear fruits for a proud people. By the time its economic benefits shall have already trickled down to the everyday street tenant, then jeepney drivers will already pay attention to their elegance, sidewalk vendors will already see their grandeur, and bargain hunters will value them more than the inexpensive goods that they can buy.

Source : http://www.thenewstoday.info/2006/05/24/preserving.iloilo.citys.legacies.html

death327

May 25th, 2006, 02:21 PM

Hi everyone, please confirm this information. A friend of mine from Asian Institute of Tourism told me that Maig-ao Chruch is longer a heritage site. The managing priest of the church did some renovations both on the interior and facade of the church. Can someone clarify this or give us some hint or idea? Because I believe once a Heritage site will always be a heritage site.

Wonderboy

May 25th, 2006, 02:59 PM

death327

May 25th, 2006, 03:14 PM

LordCarnal

May 25th, 2006, 04:30 PM

^^

You can inform the National Historical Institute..

They were the same ones who reprimanded a contractor who tried to "renovate" a Watchtower here in Cebu by literally covering its adobe-stone facade with concrete!

BYAHILO

May 25th, 2006, 05:15 PM

death327

May 25th, 2006, 06:02 PM

Thanks for the info.... however, I still need to wait for IAMME or anyone from Iloilo to send me some pictures of renovated or extended part beofre I will email National Historical Institute or the Heritage Society.

Wonderboy

May 25th, 2006, 09:46 PM

IAMME confirmed that the managing priest of the church really did some renovations. How are we going to address this matter? Who are we going to ask? Who are we going to inform about this?

This activity sghould be stopped. Who can prevent this activity? Do we need to inform UNESCO Heritage Council? Is there a local counterpart or office of that council?

Damn that priest.

Anyway, here are the contact details of LGUs/ NGOs for your reference:

National Commission for Culture and the Arts
Trunklines: (632) 527-2192 / (632) 527-2202 / (632) 527-2210 / (632) 527-2195-97 / (632) 527-2217-19
Fax: (632) 527-2191 and (632) 527-2194
Heritage Sites: local 409
Direct line: (632) 523-5382
E-mail: info@ncca.gov.ph
Contact person: Architect Richard Bautista

Heritage Conservation Society Secretariat
5212239/ 5222497/ 09178668853
E-mail: hcs_secretariat@yahoo.com
Contact person: Ms. Dorie Soriano

National Historical Institute
TM Kalaw Street, Ermita, Manila
E-mail: nhi@i-next.net
Contact person: Ms. Melly Almosara

I highly suggest that you get in touch with Arch. Bautista of NCCA and send an e-mail to Ms. Almosara regarding your concern.

I could help you out but these people are sick and tired of hearing from me so it would be better if they receive a call or an e-mail from somebody else.

Good luck and hope this helps.

death327

May 26th, 2006, 03:13 AM

Thank you very much Wonderboy. I will email these institutions as soon as I can get pictures (as proofs) of the extended or renovated part of the church.

Maybe tonight I will start emaling them eventhough I dont have enough proofs of this.

However, this doesn't still answer my question.... is Miag-ao still under Heritage list right? Is there a possibility that UNESCO will take away the heritage title of that site?

Lili

May 26th, 2006, 03:23 AM

Update on Avenue Theater

Still no word from the HCS board of trustees except for Mr. Henares.

I sent an e-mail to some media people but I haven't heard from them either.

On a lighter note...

Thank you so much to my fellow SSC Forumers who have supported the campaign to save Avenue theater...

Ms. Lili - For sending e-mails to senators/ gov't officials/ Manila City Mayor. Thank you. :)
TheCameraReturns - for posting old Avenue theater photos on Retrato.

I have not received any response from those public officials I emailed :(. The reality is, I don't think I will. We have no law to back ourselves up. We only have public conscience and love for heritage.

Lili

May 26th, 2006, 03:31 AM

From the NCCA website:

What to do with an Old Church (or Mosque or House)?
by Regalado Trota Jose

Everywhere there are structures from the past that speak to us of our collective identity, which have so much to share about the lessons of history. What to do to save them?

1. Start with Yourself

Interestingly, you should begin by asking yourself why are you fixing your church? Are you really concerned about preserving your heritage? Or do you just want to change things for the sake of change or to raise funds? You must approach heritage work without a blown-up Ego! You must be careful that your heritage project is NOT just for your won self-promotion. Heritage work is about Humility.

We must first accept that No one is an absolute expert on the past. When you are restoring something from memory please remember that your recollection could be wrong. Consult others in your community. Consult experts. Discuss. Keep the decision process transparent. Reach a consensus whenever possible. If you're not sure what to do, don't touch anything that isn't about to collapse. Get help.

II. Respecting the Past

Ask yourself if what you're fixing is really broken. It just might be faded or run-down. Remember: If it's not broken don't fix it. We must learn to respect the past. Old structures are like diaries. They are records of our history allowing us to take part in the on-going story of our community. Old walls with bullet holes can be left alone because they remind us that our grandparents may have fought a war and died to save our town. There are bullet holes for example, in the walls at the back of Pulilan Church in Bulacan. Think twice before repainting something that has achieved a lovely patina after many centuries. Old paint has a quiet faded beauty that is impossible to duplicate even with a lot of money.

Only fix something if it threatens to destroy the integrity of the structure in the long run. Often, it is important to change and replace as little as possible. If part of an old tiled roof is leaking then simply fix or replace the leaking section (with old-style tiles if possible). Remember, heritage structures do not belong to you alone. You share it with many others in the past, present, and future. It's better to make your mark as someone who respected the labors of your ancestors.

III. How to Start the Documentation

A. Know what you have. Photograph the structures you might be working with as they are today. Photograph as much as you can, paying attention to details. You may need to consult your documentation later on. Inventory what you have and keep your inventory in an organized logbook or filing system. Make more than one copy so you have a back-up set. This way, it will be harder to steal your church's things if the thieves know you have the documentation and photographs to track them down. Due to proper documentation, the church of Baclayon was able to track down the stolen statue of San Blas. The thieves had brought it to an antique dealer. He very graciously returned the statue he had already paid for when he learned that it was stolen. He flew all the way to Bohol to personally turn over the piece to a rejoicing church community. Sadly, the statue was stolen again.

Document everything, not just precious objects. Even old vestments, old jars, old books are all part of your church's history, your community history. Remember that it's not just the material, tangible things you can touch which form our heritage. The intangibles, the music, the prayers, the rituals, the stories are all part of heritage and must also be documented. All the precious objects in the church would mean nothing if the spiritual dimension of prayers and rituals were absent.

B. Research/Consult/Discuss

Interview the old people about the church. This will make them very happy and will remind everyone that old people are vital resources for a community. Record their memories. Ask people for their old photos of the church. Remember that in old photos of baptisms and weddings, parts of the church can be seen in the background. Look up books and documents in Archives like that of the Archdiocese of Manila which has records on most of the old towns of the Philippines. You might even find old plans of your church. Don't forget souvenir programmes, fiesta, brochures, school year books and even old diaries! Part of your research and documentation is to make a good site plan of your church. Remember to consider your church in the context of the whole town. What are the related structures? Is there a cemetery chapel? Was your church a site of pilgrimage for the region? Where did the original materials come from? When and how did they get to your church? All of these can make for an interesting story. Discuss your ideas with other people and with local and national experts. Check if there is a heritage commission in your diocese.

C. Plan

Make a master plan of your restoration project. Are you just fixing a leaking roof? Or is your activity part of a larger project? Get others involved. Network with similarly-minded people. Ask experts to help you plan. See your activity as part of a longer-range program. If you fix this leak today, will there be other leaks in the future? Is it just the ceiling that is affected by the leak? Work out your vision together with your community. Visualize your next moves.

IV. Considering Options

Consider your options carefully. Many church retablos were changed because of certain fads. But fads come and go. Tastes change. Do you want to be stuck with yesterday's trendy look? And what do you do if your old retablos have already been thrown away and you've grown tired of the new ones.

Here are some specific concerns:

A. Bells

Some old bells have cracks. There's no need to melt these bells down to create new ones. Cracks in bells are part of history. This is why the crack in the United State's Liberty Bell was never fixed. A bell in Tumauini church in Cagayan, for example, has bullet holes. Bells have special designs and shapes which can tell many stories. They may contain dates as well as names of parish priest and bellcasters. Some bells like those of Balangiga were stolen as war souvenirs by the Americans.

B. Belltowers

One church in Batangas decided to rebuild their own bell tower based on pictures. Unfortunately, the original proportions were not followed, and today, everyone agrees that the rebuilt tower is a great eyesore. What a waste of money that could have been used in other parts of the church! Worse, the rebuilt tower is so heavy that it threatens to cause the church's collapse! Some architects and engineers will claim to be experts in restoration. Be careful. Remember that the materials and techniques of the past are not the same as today. Be sure that whoever you contract knows what she or he is doing.

Sometimes it is better not to rebuild the tower whose destruction and absence is an irreversible fact of history. In the town of Morong, Rizal, a new bell tower was built. So as not to ruin the beauty of the church's famous facade, the new tower was built at the back.

C. Baptismal Chapels

Many Baptisms are no longer carried out in the old Baptismal chapels. Often, these chapels are converted into Perpetual Adoration Chapels. Perpetual Adoration is a worthwhile movement. But old baptismal chapels are not the best places for such a devotion. For one thing, baptistries were not meant to hold people for long periods. The usual solution taken is to install air-conditioning systems and carpeting at great cost. But this goes against the way the old churches were designed (thick walls, small windows). The air conditioning system and carpets trap dust and moisture creating more problems including lingering odors! A good solution is to build a new and separate Perpetual Adoration chapel discretely at the back just as in the church of Calaca in Batangas. There is a symbolic reason why baptistries were near the entrance of the church. Baptism was meant to welcome new Christians into the Body of Christ hence it made sense that it be performed near the door. Imagine being able to baptize your children and your grandchildren at the very spot, at the very same font as your ancestors. Sadly, some perpetual adoration chapels are often empty resulting in the thefts of precious chalices and other church properties.

D. Palitada

It is wrong to remove the lime palitada to expose the old stones or bricks of churches. This does not make them look more "authentic." This can destroy the church. The palitada protects the walls from moisture. When it is removed, the bricks or stones will crumble. Often the palitada had beautiful carvings and decorations, too. Some even bear the markings and names of masons who worked on the church. Some of the old church decor was meant to be viewed against a background of neutral white palitada. Exposing the brickwork beneath can create a very busy effect which distracts one from prayer and contemplation. Please remember that there are different kinds of palitada. Coral stone commonly used in the Visayas is less fragile than bricks. Cagayan Valley bricks are sturdier than their Ilocos counterparts. So palitada layers in the Visayas and the Cagayan tend to be thinner than in Luzon. Know thy palitada and know thyself! Lime palitada is better than cement because cement is quite heavy and may overburden the structure. Do check however if your lime is from an environmentally-acceptable source.

E. Roofs and Ceilings

If the roof trusses and beams of your church are damaged especially by termites, try not to replace everything in one blow. Large logs that are the right size for ceiling beams are now impossible to find. Be careful about changing the pitch of the roof. Church's roofs were built at a certain pitch for precise reason which had to do with the amount of rain that they had to deflect. For that matter, most of the features of traditional structures had a purpose. Do not just change things without understanding their original function.

Some parishes want to restore their dilapidated ceiling paintings. Always remember though that, unless you have precise records of what your ceiling paintings used to look, it is difficult to reconstruct ceiling decor just from old photographs. It is also very expensive and probably not worth the cost. Remember that it is cheaper to maintain a plain ceiling than one with elaborate designs. Rather than create a new design for the ceiling, it would be best just to make sure that the original patches of ceiling paintings that remain do not fall off. This will give you a sense of the glory of the original. An example of this approach can be seen in the cemetery chapel of Nagcarlan, Laguna as restored by the National Historical Institute.

F. Windows

There is a fad to add horrible resin windows to churches that cannot afford stained glass. There is no need to do this. Resin windows have awful acidic colors, which do not match the church interiors. Resin is made of plastic and is not environmentally safe. It also becomes brittle with age and is easily broken. It is a mistake to replace old capiz windows with resin ones. The beauty of capiz windows is that they can be replaced one shell at a time and are therefore easy on the budget. They also admit a soft luminous light that is unique to our country as well as conducive to meditation.

G. Church Museums

There is a trend to set up small museums on the church premises. This is a good idea especially if the exhibits are well done and well labeled. Consider, however, that many of the objects usually placed on display such as statues of saints were meant to be objects of prayer and veneration. By putting them in museums, we are actually pulling them out of their original context. Also please be sure that your museum is well-secured and that we are not just making things easier for thieves by putting all the church's holdings conveniently in one place.

V. The Church of the Poor

The church has made it very clear that it is the Church of the Poor. As such it stresses simplicity. Often, renovation projects are quite extravagant. It can be cheaper to restore things with a lighter touch that allows the beauty of centuries of faith and fervor to shine through. Remember that not every church was meant to be ornate or spectacular. That not every church has to be the "largest" or the "oldest." Do not change things just because things has to be elaborate. Some churches are beautiful simply because they are simple and sparse. Often, the most important ways to help your church cost nothing, except some small practical ways: keeping the church clean; keeping bodegas and closets orderly so that they do not become fire hazards and breeding places for vermin; checking that the back of the church does not become a garbage dump or a urinal. Yes, the most effective preservation projects need not cost money.

___________________________

*Some People and Agencies You can Consult About Heritage

National Commission for Culture and the Arts
633 General Luna St., Intramuros, Manila
Tel. no.: 527-2192, 527-2209
email: info@ncca.gov.ph

National Historical Institute
2nd Floor, National Library Building
T.M. Kalaw St., Ermita, Manila
Tel. no.: 523-0905

Honrado Fernandez
College of Architecture
University of the Philippines
Diliman, Quezon City
Tel. no.: 920-5301

Bambie Harper
Heritage Columnist
Adriatico St., Malate, Manila
Tel. no.: 819-5401

Regalado Trota-Jose
Heritage Advocate
email: regalado@pworld.net.ph

Augusto Villalon
A. Villalon Associates Architects
107 Wilson Circle, San Juan City
Tel. no.: 724-1654
Fax: 722-5745

Arch. Clarissa Avendaño
University of Sto. Tomas Museum, España, Manila
Tel. no.: 740-9718

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

reference:

about the author:
Regalado Trota Jose specializes in research and writing on historic Philippine church art. Apart from studying Anthropology and Philippine studies at the University of the Philippines, he also learned about about churches and culture while concertizing for 9 years with the UP Madrigal Singers. For his work on art history, Jose was named one of the 100 Centennial Artists by the Cultural Center of the Philippines in 1999.

Comment: I would just like to add that Heritage is about Humility as well as Pride. It is about Respecting and Honoring our Past as well as Protecting and Caring for Our Future.

Askal82

May 26th, 2006, 04:21 AM

I have not received any response from those public officials I emailed :(. The reality is, I don't think I will. We have no law to back ourselves up. We only have public conscience and love for heritage.

I'm afraid that cultural preservation of heritage and historical past doesn't translate to the number of votes these greedy bastards will earn in the next election.

However, I still salute you for the effort you and jeff made to create awareness how important these structures are in representing Filipino identity and culture.

overtureph

May 26th, 2006, 07:49 AM

Pinoy Kasi : Calle Real

First posted 01:27am (Mla time) May 26, 2006
By Michael L. Tan
Inquirer

Editor's Note: Published on Page A15 of the May 26, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

THERE’S an excellent exhibit, “Handurawan,” at the 3rd Floor of SM City mall in Mandurriao, Iloilo City, running up to May 30. Part of the National Heritage Month celebrations, “Handurawan,” which means a glimpse of the past, is actually several exhibits rolled into one, organized by the University of the Philippines (UP) in the Visayas.

One photo exhibit focuses on the “nikkei-jin,” people of Japanese descent, on Panay Island. The exhibit is the product of laborious research conducted by Prof. Maria Luisa Mabunay of the UP. I have written about her work in a previous column.

Another exhibit looks at the “patadyong,” that versatile cotton weave, with 20 samples of different geometric designs, each with their own name -- like “binuskay gamay” [small pebbles], “pulahan” [lots of red] and the “linibat” [literally, cross-eyed, referring to asymmetrical designs].

A third exhibit is devoted to photographs of Iloilo’s old buildings in the central business district, around what used to be called Calle Real (Royal Street, or translated by a 19th-century British writer as High Street) but since renamed J. Basa Street.

I was fortunate to be with Leo Quintilla and his wife Zen. Leo is a historian and an anthropologist teaching at UP. He had pulled me out of the hotel to visit some heritage sites in Iloilo. The instant tour included a sunset peek at the ruins of the old Casino Español and dinner in an old house, reincarnated as Afriques restaurant, and a drive around the central business district.

The district, which includes Basa, Mapa, Guanco, Aldeguer, Guanco and Iznart streets, is home to many old buildings built from the 1920s to the 1950s, mostly in Art Deco style. Many are still functional, the first floor used as shops, and the upper floors as residences. The combinations are wonderfully eclectic -- one of my favorites has a bakery on the first floor, while the second floor has residences with wide windows through which you can peek in to catch exquisite woodwork.

Model

Iloilo could be a model for other Philippine cities when it comes to the preservation of heritage sites, which they define as any place more than 50 years old. The city government has passed a World Cultural Heritage Conservation Ordinance, together with guidelines for conservation planning and development.

That same day I was in Iloilo, a local newspaper, The Informer (with an Inquirer look-alike masthead), publicized a campaign to save Calle Real. That article led me to the website of the Canadian Urban Institute (www.philippines.canurb.com), where I was able to download a hefty 10 megabyte document describing the conservation ordinance and providing guidelines.

The document should be required reading for college students, in or out of Iloilo. The city government, in partnership with local architects and conservationists, has done its homework describing the historical context of the buildings, from Iloilo’s sleepy beginnings as the village of Arevalo in the 16th century, through its urban development in the 19th and 20th centuries. There’s a catalogue of heritage buildings, from religious houses to Lucky Auto Supply, with architectural drawings and descriptions of the façades.

The document gives a rather glum description of the current situation in the central business district. While many buildings are intact, many are deteriorating. Others have been “maligned” by ugly signs (one photograph showed a “Wanted GROs” sign posted on one of the old buildings). The guidelines are almost confessional, admitting that the city government’s own skywalks (overhead pedestrian bridges) have “blighted” the historical landscape.

Incentives

The conservation law offers some hope by forbidding the buildings’ alteration or demolition without permission from the city government. There’s a list of prohibited uses for the buildings -- new warehouses to funeral parlors, and “recreational activities, lewd shows, betting and gambling stations, massage and saunas.”

The ordinance offers incentives by way of tax exemptions, for property owners who will spend for conservation. This is where the guidelines come in, with suggestions on everything down to garbage bins. The guidelines explain what can be done in the area of architecture -- for example, the space between buildings, and the preservation of “arcaded sidewalks” for pedestrians. Reading that section on the sidewalks reminded me of how so many of these old buildings are actually so much friendlier to people—the building owners sheltering passersby from the sun and the rain. Of course, their intentions were also to attract possible shoppers, who would pause and look at their display windows, but the arcaded sidewalks were so much more humane, and aesthetically pleasing, than our malls today.

Public, private

Yes, I did realize the irony of a heritage exhibit in a mall like SM City, but maybe the exhibit did speak, too, of how heritage preservation need not clash with modernity, or with commercial interests.

Easily, as the central district goes through a renaissance, the city gains as well. Property values are bound to soar and businesses prosper. This could mean the district becoming too upper-class or too “touristy,” and that, too, would be a shame. The city government might want to think of ways of keeping it friendly to all Iloilo residents or tourists, rich or poor alike. There are plans for sidewalk cafés and a night market, properly integrated, of course, into the overall design of the area. Providing fairly low rentals could make the market friendlier to all classes.

Iloilo’s conservation guidelines keep going back to the point of making a heritage site more people-friendly, not necessarily just for shoppers and consumers. The guidelines emphasize convenience for pedestrians as they walk through, and the removal of any obstructions that might prevent them from appreciating the heritage sites.

In a way, that conservation ethic is reflected as well in the “Handurawan” exhibit, which gets people to appreciate a whole range of our heritage, from the designs on the “patadyong” to the fine architectural details of old buildings.

Conservation is, of course, more than visual stimulation. The revival of Calle Real can be catalyzed, too, by breathing in culture, allowing it to become a venue for cultural events. Iloilo is, after all, home to so many great artists, from the Kabayao family of musical virtuosos, to the painter Rock Drilon.

With well-planned public activities and public education (a good start is the way they’ve offered a raffle for MP3 players to people who send in comments on the conservation guidelines), Iloilo’s residents -- young or old, rich or poor -- will understand they’re conserving not just buildings and public space, but their identities as Ilonggos, as Filipinos. Eventually, they’ll feel they have stakes in keeping all of Iloilo a city of Royal or High Streets.

Copyright 2006 Inquirer. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

http://news.inq7.net/opinion/index.php?index=2&story_id=77024&col=81

Wonderboy

May 26th, 2006, 10:11 PM

I would just like to add that Heritage is about Humility as well as Pride. It is about Respecting and Honoring our Past as well as Protecting and Caring for Our Future.

--- Lili of SSC Philippines

Thank you Lili. Your efforts are very much appreciated. :okay:

---

There would be bloodshed if they tear down these two buildings…

http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/2658/esc18kf.jpg
Regina Building (left) and Perez-Semanillo Building (right) at Escolta Street, Manila ca. 2006

Wonderboy

May 26th, 2006, 10:29 PM

However, this doesn't still answer my question.... is Miag-ao still under Heritage list right? Is there a possibility that UNESCO will take away the heritage title of that site?

I posted the contact details so that you could confirm if Miag-ao is still under Heritage list.

OtAkAw

May 27th, 2006, 08:19 AM

The funny thing about most of Filipinos is that even though these heritage buildings are so neglected and given very little effort to preserve, some would still use them for profit. Have you seen the newest McDo Commercial about the chicken nuggets? The backdrop of the commercial is in if I'm not mistakened, Escolta, because there's this very pretty European building as they were running by. Also Bamboo's music video for Hallelujah and the Canesten Cream commercial where the lady was about to get run over by a truck because of the itch. The Penshoppe commercial before the denim thingy with Cogie Domingo and so much more. It's as if many of us are just acting blind on the importance and beauty of these structures. They use them and yet many neglect them, that's so frustrating!

overtureph

May 28th, 2006, 12:18 AM

TALES OF THE CITY
Teaching Makati’s roots through storytelling

First posted 03:05am (Mla time) May 28, 2006
By Tarra V. Quismundo
Inquirer

Editor's Note: Published on page A26 f the May 28, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

FOR AS LONG AS HER MEMORY can go centuries back and return to the present, this energetic grandmother will continue telling her favorite story.

Mercedes Samarista, a 75-year-old retired public school teacher and guidance counselor, has made it her life’s mission to pass on the history of her beloved home, Makati City, to younger generations.

“After realizing how far the city has come, it is very important that we continue passing on (to our children) the city’s history. It should not just be a lasting memory but a living memory of the past,” Samarista said.

Living repository

This living repository of the business capital’s history has been a tireless storyteller at the Museo ng Makati for the last 11 years, narrating to the young a historical account that antedates even her family’s earliest generation. Twice a week, Samarista would put on her “kimona” and retell Makati’s tale to students who visit the museum.

“I enjoy telling stories about Makati to whoever comes here. When I was young, I grew up hearing stories from my grandfather about how Makati was like, and then my parents also told me about my grandfather,” Samarista told the Inquirer, smiling at the recollection.

Her undying enthusiasm later landed her a post as a consultant of the Makati Heritage Conservation Committee, an inter-agency task force created to plan and implement a project that would trace the city’s roots.

“I was invited to give those who are interested an idea on how Makati was then. I tell stories to children. I interview old folks so I could get more information about how the city was back then,” said Samarista, whose tanned complexion, brown hair and smooth cheeks belie her age.

Being the city’s unofficial historian seems apt for Samarista, as her family has been part of the history of Makati, which is celebrating its 336th foundation anniversary this year.

Samarista is the granddaughter of the late Hermogenes Santos, who served as Makati’s municipal president (a position equivalent to mayor) from 1908 to 1911. Her mother’s father, Maximo Leyva, was a soldier who served alongside Gen. Pio del Pilar, one of the heroes of the 1898 Philippine Revolution.

City’s first dwellers

Her family’s ancestral house still stands on JP Rizal Street in Barangay Poblacion, the city’s oldest barangay. Located by the Pasig River, the area where the barangay is now located was where the city’s first inhabitants, the Malays, set up their dwellings in the 13th century, Samarista said.

“My family was one of the original settlers of Makati,” a city that in 1670 was known as the San Pedro de Macati, a “visita” of Sta. Ana de Sapa, now known as Sta. Ana, Manila, she added.

“My grandfather established residence here in the 1800s. This was still a swampy area then, and the area there in Ayala (the Central Business District) was filled with tall grasses and boulders,” Samarista recalled.

Having grown up listening to stories, it was natural for Samarista to share with others what she knew about the old Makati: A place where mountains of adobe towered over everything else instead of skyscrapers and where instead of paved riverside streets, you could see swampland. Potters and farmers made up the workforce then compared to today’s businessmen in their smart suits.

Captive audience

When Samarista became an elementary school teacher in 1951, she told her class as well about the history of Makati.

“Whenever I took up history with my class, I always included the history of Makati. I even showed my students a compilation of pictures from my parents which showed how Makati looked like then,” she related.

She must have passed on the city’s history thousands of times as Samarista taught for 40 years until her retirement in 1991.

Origin of city’s name

“It was so much fun. They usually would be surprised when I told them where Makati got its name. They would tell me that all along, they thought Makati’s name was derived from the Filipino term makati (itchy),” she said, of the city’s name that was derived from the local term for the ebbing tide.

The mother of four also made sure that her children grew up valuing the past while moving toward the future. Samarista also passed on to her 10 grandchildren the tales she had heard from her grandfather.

“My generation is the last generation that could carry on the city’s traditions and religious practices. That’s why it saddens me that now, young people look at Holy Week practices as mere rituals that the spirituality of it all is lost. That’s what challenges me now. To keep the city’s traditions alive,” said Samarista, a devout Catholic.

Strong links

During her storytelling sessions at the Museo, Samarista always emphasizes the city’s historical links with the Church. Makati’s establishment as an independent locality began in 1577, she said, when the first missionaries arrived in the city. Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legaspi had discovered the swampland six years earlier.

In the early 1600s, Jesuits arrived in the city and began pottery-making, a livelihood that made the city a wealthy town even during the time of the Spanish colonization. The Saints Peter and Paul Church, one of the city’s oldest, was built in Barangay Poblacion within the same century.

“It’s really important to preserve this place, because this is our heritage to the next generations. They should know how this became a beautiful place to live in. It is not because the city is accessible, but because it has a strong tradition based on the church, which up to now we are still trying to preserve,” said Samarista, whose entire family has long been devoted servants of the church.

With such urgency to keep the city’s history alive, how does a grandmother keep up?

“You know a teacher’s mind... It doesn’t easily forget. The history is all inside my head, and to keep my memory sharp, I keep reading and reading. And I’m always with other people, talking to them, so I stay active,” said Samarista, known in her community as Tita Eden.

Boundless energy

Indeed, Samarista seems to have boundless energy. On top of her duties as history’s guardian, Samarista, along with husband Antonio, regularly attends meetings and activities of the city’s senior citizens organization while, fulfilling their obligations to the church as members of the Legion of Mary.

She also serves as a barangay mediator, helping families and neighbors settle disputes ranging from the trivial to the serious.

At the end of the day, she sees storytelling as the vocation she could carry on the longest, despite her poor eyesight.

“I always look forward to telling the city’s history to children. I tell myself I could do this for 25 more years,” said Samarista.

Copyright 2006 Inquirer. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

http://news.inq7.net/metro/index.ph...&story_id=77227

Wonderboy

May 28th, 2006, 05:50 PM

Sikat na naman ang Skyscraper City. I checked http://filheritagefest.fateback.com/home.html and saw three SSC weblinks on their home page.

Wonderboy

May 28th, 2006, 08:37 PM

"Manila is the city I love to hate. It is a city on the brink of self-destruction which eats up anyone who tries to improve it. I impatiently look forward to leaving, and when I do, I always return. I have days of not wanting to have any involvement with it, but in the end I realize I can't have enough of it. Manila is my karma."

- Toti Villalon

Wonderboy

May 29th, 2006, 08:21 AM

Shameless Plug

PILMAP Travel and Leisure came up with a special section on Manila. Click here to see photos and articles:

http://www.pilmap.com.ph/spiritofmla.php

Wonderboy

May 30th, 2006, 04:16 PM

http://img455.imageshack.us/img455/8105/bldgsinmanila11is.jpg
Avenue Theater still remains intact despite the ravage of WWII in Manila.

http://img74.imageshack.us/img74/14/avenue6hf.jpg
A 1930s masterpiece by National Artist Juan Nakpil.

http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/8291/avenue35pc.jpg
We should not allow this heritage structure to be demolished and be part of Manila's "erasetecture."

Hello fellow SSC members,

I was interviewed awhile ago by a reporter for Manila Times about the demolition of Avenue Theater and gave her a press kit (prewar and latest photos of Avenue theater/ weblink and print out of SSC Heritage Watch, and e-mail correspondence on HCS Yahoogroups).

We need to beef up the article in order for the reporter to come up with an informative and "groundbreaking" article on the impending demolition. We could help out the reporter by providing more information on the history of Avenue Theater as well as Rizal Avenue.

Since we don't have a law to back us up (thanks to our lawmakers) and we have already done our best to save the heritage site from demolition, our last hope is for the media to help us out.

Your assistance will be greatly appreciated!

Sincerely,

Wonderboy

P.S. You may post any information that you may find on this thread or send me a PM. Thank you very much.

Animo

May 30th, 2006, 06:58 PM

http://static.flickr.com/31/36859948_5318874a79.jpg?v=0
Avenue Theatre

The grand lobby of the theatre is treated with faux marble finish.

Save the Avenue Theatre and Hotel
http://ivanhenares.blogspot.com/2006/05/save-avenue-theatre-and-hotel.html

Manila cinemas, old & new

http://www.flickr.com/photos/fixedfocus/sets/814545/with/36859772/

Wonderboy

May 30th, 2006, 07:02 PM

^^ Gracias Animo. :okay:

Askal82

May 31st, 2006, 01:50 AM

Two thumbs up for you Jeff!! Great Job!! Let's hope it gets media mileage the same way our politicos are doing.

Lili

May 31st, 2006, 02:08 AM

I think we should link an old SSC thread on old Manila theaters here to stress the importance of preserving these cultural landmarks.

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=266590

IAMME

May 31st, 2006, 04:40 AM

Here are the pictures of the Miagao Church expansion. I'm not sure if the church originally had this portion (and they're just reconstructing it), or if it is an entirely new addition. The person at the souvenir shop said the Miagao Church was still in the UNESCO World Heritage List, but its better to get confirmation from other sources.

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i80/IAMME00/100_8976.jpg
The entire structure projecting from the main church structure is the expansion. Reinforced concrete was used. They are currently using this part of the church as a museum.

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i80/IAMME00/100_8979.jpg
Notice the use of concrete.

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i80/IAMME00/100_8980.jpg
They covered (most) of the concrete surface with coral, to make it look like the rest of the original church.

OtAkAw

May 31st, 2006, 08:31 AM

^^Uso naman ang mga ganyan sa ibang countries diba? Adding something new to a Heritage structure without destroying it. Just take a look at the Pyramids of I.M. Pei sa Louvre Museum.

overtureph

May 31st, 2006, 10:49 AM

Maraming salamat Wonderboy and Lili.

overtureph

June 1st, 2006, 06:05 AM

National Artist Juan Nakpil’s work being demolished
Avenue Theater latest victim of wrecking ball

First posted 11:13pm (Mla time) May 31, 2006
By Jerome Aning
Inquirer

Editor's Note: Published on Page A17 of the June 1, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

CONSERVATIONISTS can only grit their teeth and clench their fists at the ongoing demolition of the once-famous Avenue Theater, a work of National Artist Juan Nakpil.

The building on the western side of Rizal Avenue corner Claro M. Recto Avenue is going down, ironically, in the last days of May, heritage month, to make way for a parking lot. “You can still catch bits of it,” dismayed conservationist and walking tours organizer Carlos Celdran told the Inquirer.

Last week, Celdran, using his blog, hastily initiated a “telephone and e-mail brigade” to try to convince the current owner of the building, shipping magnate Eduardo Linton Jua, as well as Manila City Mayor Lito Atienza, to save Avenue Theater. One of Celdran’s colleagues spoke to Jua’s wife and was told the owners did not have the money to maintain the building.

The demolition of the upper floors began late last week. A green net was hung around the building to protect passers-by from falling debris. Celdran said he lit a black candle at the Quiapo Church, whose postwar design was Nakpil’s, “as my personal wish/curse for the ultimate failure of whoever is doing this crime against Philippine culture.”

In its heyday during the prewar and early postwar years, Avenue Theater was a proud part of a cluster of cultural establishments, considered the country’s answer to America’s Tinseltown and Broadway, in Manila’s Old Downtown. Built in the 30s, the theater was one of the few surviving major works of Nakpil, a pioneer and innovator in Philippine architecture who was named National Artist in 1973.

Architect Richard Tuason-Sanchez Bautista of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) heritage office last visited the building in 1998 to document its features. Bautista said the building was once owned by Don Ernesto Rufino Sr. Half of the structure was a stately movie theater, whose fame in those days was comparable to today’s Greenbelt or Rockwell cinemas, Bautista recalled.

The other half was home to a hotel and several movie industry-related offices—distributors, studios, production outfits. The building got its name from Rizal Avenue and was easily recognizable; its signage hanging on the side consisted of large, drum-like structures that were neon lit. Its façade was adorned with four columns and distinguished by a relief of what looked like palm fronds and wreaths.

Bautista said although the building was privately-owned, some sort of recognition to encourage its preservation could have been extended probably by the Cultural Center of the Philippines that gives out the National Artist awards together with the NCCA.

“What’s the use of giving out an award for architecture if the artist’s work would end up being dismantled,” Bautista told the Inquirer. In his projects, like Avenue theater, Nakpil “integrated strength, function and beauty in the buildings that are the country’s heritage today,” the NCCA added.

Nakpil was the son of musician Julio Nakpil and Gregoria de Jesus, widow of the Katipunan Supremo Andres Bonifacio, and was educated at the University of Kansas, France’s Fontainebleu School of Arts and the Harvard Graduate School for Architecture.

Among his works: Rizal Theater, Manila Jockey Club, Rufino Building, Philippine Village Hotel, and the University of the Philippines administration building and library. He also added a dome and second belfry to the Quiapo Church when it was rebuilt in 1930.

Copyright 2006 Inquirer. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

http://news.inq7.net/metro/index.php?index=1&story_id=77651

Wonderboy

June 1st, 2006, 07:38 AM

Hey Ivan, I've posted your e-mail below...

This is the third entry with the word save in such a short span of time. The ignorance of our local government officials, moreso in the nation's capital city, is getting to be really depressing. It seems Mayor Lito Atienza is living up to his name as Manila's heritage destroyer. In the PDI article Arroyo orders rehabilitation of endangered buildings (May 31, 2006), Atienza calls for the demolition of the Luneta Hotel Historical Landmark! It is difficult to fathom how a mayor would even consider doing such.

The article says, "However, the mayor called on the DPWH and the owners of abandoned private buildings to demolish the structures because these posed a danger to the public.

"He cited the Veteran's Bank Building in the Port Area, the Royal Hotel on Carlos Palanca Street and the Luneta Hotel on T.M. Kalaw Avenue, among other buildings.

"These are abandoned buildings," Atienza said. "Uninhabited structures tend to become brittle as the years pass, and this is dangerous."

The Luneta Hotel was declared a national historical landmark by the National Historical Institute and is thus protected by P.D. 1505. According to the decree, "Sec. 5. It shall be unlawfully for any person to modify, alter, repair or destroy the original features of any national shrine, monument, landmark and other important historic edifices declared and classified by the National Historical Institute as such without the prior written permission from the Chairman of said Institute.

"Any person who shall violate this Decree shall, upon conviction, be punished by imprisonment for not less than one year nor more than five years or a fine of not less than one thousand pesos nor more than ten thousand pesos or both, at the discretion of the court or tribunal concerned."

After chopping down centuries-old trees in Manila's last lung, the Arroceros Forest Park; demolishing the art deco Jai Alai Building in order to build a Hall of Justice which up to today has not begun (the lot where the Jai Alai Building used to stand is still a gaping hole in the ground); building a park and ride facility in the Mehan Gardens Historical Landmark, an archaeologically rich area being the site of Manila's Parian, thus destroying evidences of our rich culture; and getting rid of the YMCA Building and San Lazaro Hippodrome to build SM malls, sad to say SM City Manila now towers over the Manila City Hall and the area has become so congested and ugly; he is at it again!

Congratulations for a job well done Mayor Atienza! Kudos to your Patayan ang MayniLA program!

--
IVAN ANTHONY S. HENARES
http://ivanhenares.blogspot.com

Hawayano

June 1st, 2006, 08:14 AM

:tongue: Well, it looks like we have enough evidence to prove that Atienza has got his head up his rectum! I am so frustrated that I'm posting this picture taken of Avenida shortly after "Liberation". I'll be damned if Manileños' architectural legacy wasn't better off back in 1945 than the sorry state that it's in today. At one time I had felt that Mayor Villegas had done the most irreparable damage to Manila's architectural heritage by bulldozing Intramuros ruins in the 1960s, but Atienza forces me to think otherwise: Lito wins the crown as Prinsipe Tanga!!
Look at this picture and try to determine which of these buildings survives to this day!
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c211/hawayano/Avenidaupview1945.jpg

overtureph

June 1st, 2006, 08:26 AM

I guess it's official then - the uglification of Manila is a policy. If this trend continues, I guess a few hundred years from now, in the event that Manila should cease to exist or that the present city should be buried for whatever reason, and a group of future archeologist and anthropologist will chance upon this discovery, they might surmise or conclude that Manila as compared to other major cities is one of the ugliest. And that it's officials and maybe even it's people has little aesthetic or has no sense of beauty. Even the title Pearl of the Orient may become debatable or just a title with no proof. And in addition, they may also conclude that the past inhabitants where ashamed of their history and culture for it seems they obliterated much of it.

Hawayano

June 1st, 2006, 08:48 AM

Since you mentioned "Pearl of the Orient", overtureph, carefully check out this brochure from the 1930s: the map calls us "the Riviera of the Orient"! Can we ever regain that??

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c211/hawayano/manilahotel2.jpg

overtureph

June 1st, 2006, 08:57 AM

JAMAICUS

June 1st, 2006, 11:17 AM

^^ They are planning to destroy the National Historical Institue protected Luneta Hotel??? I just forwarded that article to HHI's former head, Ambeth Ocampo... hope it helps.... (and luckily my aunt knows Ambeth...neighbor pala namin dati)

Pinoy_ako

June 1st, 2006, 12:10 PM

^^Uso naman ang mga ganyan sa ibang countries diba? Adding something new to a Heritage structure without destroying it. Just take a look at the Pyramids of I.M. Pei sa Louvre Museum.

The Pyramids of I.M. Pei at the Louvre were constructed below and above the grounds of the Louvre. Eventhough, it created quite a stir. I remember reading an article years ago that Miagao would be delisted because of additions that were not part or were not in conformity with the original structure. I think this was it. I think they were arguing that the parish still had lots where this convent(?) could be built, although it is situated quite a distance from the church. I am not also sure if they consulted the UNESCO chapter of the Philippines or NHI regarding the additions.

Since the Church is also part of the Filipino community, it would have been better if they would collaborate with concerned government agencies. I also believe that this is also the case with San Sebastian Church here in Manila. An article appeared where World Monument Fund is asking an agency tasked with the restoration of this church to return the money because it was not being used, although I noticed that the spires had been refitted with the original ornamentations. However, the murals inside the church are deteriorating fast.

Anyway, it would be a shame if these structures will be delisted because caretakers of structures would like to do things their way. I noticed a sign in one of the threads that reads something like: Paoag Church, Property of the Diocese of Laoag. The listing does not take away the rights of the caretakers of the structures. It only shows them how to take care of the structures in a manner that will enable future generations to appreciate them the way we do. Natakot tuloy ako sa sign, since i remember that the Laoag Cathedral has been stripped off its original wooden trusses. I just hope Paoay is adequately protected from us all.

OtAkAw

June 1st, 2006, 03:18 PM

Anu ba yang si Lito Atienza!!!! So much BUHAYIN ANG MANILA blabbery eh he's killing Manila's grand past slowly but surely! Someone's got to chop his head off before he does more damage to Manila! No, just joking seriously, can anybody do something directly about this? GRRRR!!!! Kung pwede lang palayasin sa city hall yan! Hanggang kelan pa termino niya???

Animo

June 1st, 2006, 09:04 PM

OMG! Can't the national government do something?! :ohno: Lito Atienza is crazy! :ohno: Decisions such as this makes me want to run for government in the future. :dizzy:

The culture in the country is in a sorry state. :bash:

Wonderboy

June 1st, 2006, 09:33 PM

^^ I was really disappointed with the current state of Manila but still ended up walking the streets of downtown Manila awhile ago. Nevertheless, I'm glad that media is trying to help and coming out with articles about the sorry state of our national treasures.

I chanced upon this weblink last night and would like to share it to everyone. Ms. Bambi Harper published a book entitled, "Sta. Cruz Church: Living Heritage" which was only sold in the bookstore of Sta. Cruz Church, Manila. I believe they only have a few copies left so if you could shell out 900 bucks (paperback and P1,500 for a hard bound), I highly suggest that you buy this book right away as it is not only focused on Sta. Cruz Church but about district of Sta. Cruz and old Manila as well:

History seen through Sta. Cruz district in Manila
2005-02-14 00:38:00(LA)*/*2005-02-14 16:38:00(Manila)

ANNA Maria L. Harper in her book "Santa Cruz Church, A Living Heritage" meticulously chronicles the development of the Sta. Cruz district in Manila from a sleepy 16th-century agricultural backwater to its rise as one of the premier economic hubs of Manila.

Although the book's title focuses on Sta. Cruz Church, Harper places the church in the context of its surrounding district, and rightly so, since construction of public edifices especially churches is the result of collaboration among its users, parishioners and priests, a reflection on the lifestyle, economics and religiosity of the people.

Sta. Cruz church is the outcome of such collaboration, a structure reflecting the development of the Sta. Cruz lifestyle. The church architecturally records the district's history. Originally a wooden structure built by the Jesuits in the early 17th century, it became a stone church in the 18th century, then expanded a commercial center, until World War II flattened it. It was reconstructed after the war.

"The story of the parish of Sta Cruz begins in the 1590s when Jesuit rector, Fr. Antonio Sedeno, went searching for land outside Intramuros that could be cultivated for the support of the College of Manila," Harper writes, adding that the priest would never have imagined that the land would develop into the rich and powerful district of Sta. Cruz.

Towards the mid-18th century, male Chinese tenants of Jesuit farms intermarried with Filipinas. Their children, known as mestizo Sangleys, grew to become painters, sculptors of ivory, silversmiths and jewelers, giving the district an identity as the center for artists and craftsmen.

Despite the British invasion of 1762 and the Jesuit expulsion in 1768, Sta. Cruz prospered. Residents replaced the original wooden church with a stone church to mark their status. The surviving tower from the 18th century is now the oldest part of the present church.

By the 19th century, Sta. Cruz took on an urbanized and cosmopolitan ambiance. It developed into a business center, with warehouses next to Pasig River near spacious residences of local and foreign businessmen that could be reached either by land or through the network of esteros that flowed through Manila until recent times.

In the mid-19th century, Sta Cruz flourished with mansions such as the Mauricio house on Calle Anloague depicted by Rizal in "Noli Me Tangere." Harper describes the lifestyle of the era in vivid detail, tracing the growth of the district, its notable personages, and the establishments that arose in the area.

Mixed neighborhoods developed, "of residences and commercial establishments... some buildings were designed as accessorias-rows of attached dwellings in a block-that housed stores on the ground floor and the shopkeeper's family on the upper floor.

"There were theaters, like Teatro Libertad on Calle Oroquieta, that specialized in moro-moros, while others, like the Zorilla, presented operas. There were ateliers of artists and stores run by Chinese, Europeans, government offices and even a jail."

The American colonial period changed Sta Cruz. From a being purely residential neighborhood, it became a commercial district with restaurants, theaters and other commercial establishments multiplying. The Manila City Beautiful plan by architect Daniel Burnham expanded Dulumbayan as Avenida Rizal, which became the new "downtown" of Manila.

Avenida Rizal quickly became Manila's entertainment and shopping area, anchored by Ideal Theater on Plaza Goiti. Soon after, it was punctuated by a row of movie theaters like the Avenue and State and many others.
Those were the "Empire Days" of rapid change. English was being taught in newly opened schools. Business transferred from Binondo to Sta. Cruz. Many of the well-to-do moved away to Quiapo or the outlying districts of Malate, Ermita and to what eventually became Quezon City.

Sta. Cruz kept up with all of the changes happening in the country. Harper recounts how each change had an impact on the district's lifestyle and urbanscape.

Harper writes facts, not nostalgia. She successfully builds on accurate historical facts, presenting them in a great narrative that reconstructs life in Sta. Cruz over four centuries, tracing the evolution of its residents' lives from being farmers, then as craftsmen, and finally as entrepreneurs.
She backdrops their lives with their surroundings, an agricultural suburb of Manila that developed into an urban economic center in the late 19th century, then flowering into pre-eminence as a residential, business, and entertainment district during the American colonial period until World War II.
Harper ends her chronicle of Sta. Cruz during World War II: "On March 3, 1945, a Manila that was laid waste-described by the military authorities as the second most devastated city after Warsaw-was liberated.

"The quaint oriental city of medieval churches, shaded avenues of acacias, leisurely days of promenades and lighthearted banter vanished forever, buried in the ruins of her buildings, burnt to ashes with the bodies of the 100,000 Manileños slaughtered in that fateful February holocaust."

Ending her narrative of Sta. Cruz district with the destruction of Manila was an inspired and merciful decision, sparing the author from having to write about the insufferable urban condition that today's Manila has degenerated into.

The city seems to have never recovered from the urban damage done by World War II that still continues to be followed by even more horrors of urban damage inflicted on our Manila by its citizens and leaders.

The Sta. Cruz Church Parish Pastoral Council published "Santa Cruz Church, A Living Heritage." The book is difficult to find. However Ms Masbate at the Sta. Cruz Church Parish Office (tel. 7330245) will take orders. Call 7330245.

Josepepe

June 1st, 2006, 11:08 PM

^^ Hmmmm......well I guess it's not impossible but I think it is highly improbable. Same may even argue that it still is the "Pearl of the Orient" or "Riviera of the Orient". By the time our officials and our citizenry might have come to their/our senses, there might be nothing left to save, preserve, conserve or restore. But there's always the option of constructing replicas. Tsk tsk.

Where are the "nationalists" when you needed them? I guess they dont care because these structures are from "da spanis." Why should the chinese owners of these buildings care? Its not their country and the only thing that counts is the return of their investments exponentially.

Ah, the defacement of the visible heritage of Filipino culture continues. Hey they might set up a new country. Maybe a new kind of "Filipino" when this is over. No wonder Filipinos dont get respect abroad because they dont value what they have and what their ancestors themselves have built. The lack of vision and self respect will turn their ancestors in their graves.

But for those who believes in the rightness of this cause. Please dont lose hope and continue making a ruckus. There is no other alternative regardless. I admire your efforts for fighting the good fight because what you are doing is standing up for your country.

josepepe

Lili

June 1st, 2006, 11:58 PM

It is really deplorable what is happening in Manila with this utter disregard of our historical/architectural treasures. I have not even received a decent response nor acknowledgment from the officials and legislators I wrote to. :ohno:

When I saw Wong Kar Wai's movies "In the Mood for Love" and "2046", I somehow thought about the nostalgic beauty of the Avenida of yore. Why can't they see it?

scene from 2046:
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a137/ECdoesit/2046.jpg

scenes from In the Mood for Love:
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a137/ECdoesit/in_the_mood_for_love_0012.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a137/ECdoesit/in_the_mood_for_love_0015.jpg

Wonderboy

June 2nd, 2006, 12:42 AM

^^ Damn! "In The Mood For Love" is one of my favorite movies! I also love the cinematography - one can really feel and smell the place.

ivanhenares

June 3rd, 2006, 02:18 PM

What are people doing to Manila's heritage? It seems the uglification of Manila is moving forward at such an alarming rate. The sad part is our utter disregard for the works of people we call National Artists. Why do we give out the award in the first place if we don't even care whether their works are preserved for future generations of Filipinos to appreciate?

I got this from Richard Tuason Bautista of the Heritage Conservation Society, "This morning (3 June 2006) during our taping and inspection of the ongoing demolition of the Avenue Theater and Hotel, we learned from the EVJ Demolition Team, with representation of their general manager Mr. Esteban Toting, that the Galaxy Theatre is next to face the demolition crew.

"Galaxy theatre is a work of National Artist for Architecture Pablo Antonio. It may not be too late to save this one. But how to save it, an uproar from the public is needed."

We should not sit down and simply watch while what's left of the Pearl of the Orient and its capital city, goes down one by one! To the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), National Historical Institute (NHI) and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), it's about time you guys take a stand and protect the works of our National Artists! And to all of us ordinary citizens, let's write Mayor Atienza and tell him to stop giving out demolition permits for Manila's architectural heritage!

Again, for those who would like to save this heritage structure, you can call or fax a complaint to Mayor Lito Atienza at 5276063 or 5274991 or send an e-mail at mayor_atienza@cityofmanila.com.ph .

Lili

June 3rd, 2006, 02:42 PM

^^ That is really deplorable! Who is the owner now of the Galaxy Theater building? Will it be another member of the Johnny Litton movie owners group?

Even as we write a complaint to Lito Atienza, what can his office do? Issue an injunction? Exercise police power? issue city legislation? provide tax cuts and incentive?

Oh now I just read that you wrote to stop giving demolition permits to these demolitions projects. But once they have issued it, can they withdraw it?

What can compel these owners to stop demolishing these edifices?

What are these Heritage insitutions doing to rally support to the cause of Heritage Building/ Site preservation?

Animo

June 3rd, 2006, 05:49 PM

http://www.philskies.net/images/RATS/First%20PPL%20flights/Carlo%20birthday%202004/Luneta.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid77/pe02b07e5a6c6e7b5a70a4385fbc25cfc/fb3025fc.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y180/Circa1900/lunetahotel.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y180/Circa1900/DSC_0065.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y180/Circa1900/bayviewhotel45.jpg
1945, just after the Battle of Manila. The burnt out building is the Bayview Hotel, where some atrocities by Japanese soldiers occurred. To the left, you can see a part of Luneta Hotel.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y180/Circa1900/DSC_0066.jpg
Bayview Hotel is gone, and so is Hotel Otani which took over the spot. The white building on the right is the University Club Building, where a penthouse has apparently been added post-war. The two trees to the right corner in the photo above still exist.

Comparisons by TheCameraReturns

ivanhenares

June 3rd, 2006, 06:44 PM

What can compel these owners to stop demolishing these edifices?

What are these Heritage insitutions doing to rally support to the cause of Heritage Building/ Site preservation?

At the very least, the National Historical Institute should declare all works of national artists as classified structures. But at the rate they are going, I don't know when that will happen. They could not even get a quorum for meetings! I miss the old board since they met monthly. I hope my good friend NHI/NCCA chairman Ambeth R. Ocampo puts his foot down and starts convening the board regularly and not at the members' convenience.

The NHI Board is composed of Ambeth Ocampo as chairman, Fr. Jose Cruz S.J., Heidi Gloria, Benito Legarda Jr. and Serafin Quiason as members; and National Museum Director Corazon Alvina and National Library Director Prudenciana Cruz as ex-officio members. These are the people responsible for preserving and protecting our historical and architectural heritage.

Wonderboy

June 3rd, 2006, 10:41 PM

^^ I went there last week to accompany a newspaper reporter who's doing an article on Avenue Theater demolition and we found out that one of the reasons why NHI is a "little slow" is because they're understaffed.

One of them said that if people will help them out, it would be easier for them to document everything and cover all the heritage sites/ buildings all over the country. Manila alone has more than 500 undeclared sites and the monuments and heritage dept. of NHI has what, 5 staff?

They gave me a form to fill out in case I know certain significant historical structures that should be declared. I photocopied it and started documenting the buildings on Escolta - this is the least thing that I could do because I can't be superman, do research and list all the heritage structures in the Philippines. If this was my day job, I could zoom like a rocket and devote all my time and effort to save all the undeclared and unprotected sites in the country. I actually applied and expressed my intention of joining the Institute but I was told that Executive Order No. 366 was issued, thus prohibiting the filling of vacant positions to prepare for the implementation of the Rationalization Program.

I opted to do volunteer work instead for HCS and MFPI but oftentimes, my are efforts put to waste because those people in higher positions don't even listen and respond at all.

overtureph

June 4th, 2006, 03:17 AM

Pila, Laguna: Keeping a heritage site beautiful

By John L. Silva
July 2005

My story has a distressing beginning but a happy ending and lessons for us advocates of heritage preservation.

Visitors to the town of Pila, Laguna are amazed at its well preserved state. Dating back to 900 AD and founded by the Spaniards over 400 years ago, Pila retains its plaza with age-old trees, a gracious church and convent, an American period town hall building, and large stone houses around the square. Pila is cited and studied by historians from around the world as one of the few intact examples of Spanish colonial town planning.

There’s a museum with artifacts from a nearby archaeological site and one section of the plaza still has a free-flowing fountain. Tomas Pinpin printed the first Tagalog dictionary in Pila in 1613.

The Pila Historical Society Foundation with its current President Monina Rivera and its treasurer Cora Relova have over the years, been tireless in showing off this picturesque town to many local and foreign tourists. Five years ago, Cora secured National Historical Landmark status for the town from the National Historical Institute giving it a well-deserved distinction as well as safeguarding its pristine state. With that status, Cora was able to further improve the town and stop a yearly fair from camping on the plaza and transforming the place into a garbage and fecal dump.

In late July, Cora called, quite upset and angry. Globe had posted over forty banners of their ad materials on every lamp post on the plaza, and more banners on the main road leading to it, and on the national highway nearing the town. It was an advertising blitz from hell.

I drove over to Pila and in the pouring rain, saw the ad carnage that Globe had so insensitively done to the town. The pretty plaza was ruined aesthetically, the gracious old houses marred, and with rain making the banners sag, the once delightful town was transformed into a disgusting hovel.

Cora and I strategized how to have the posters immediately removed. First, we reviewed all the write-ups about the town so as to make a case that this was a heritage and tourist site. Second, we searched for allies in our address books who can get to the decision makers in Globe.

A stalwart Pila supporter and former Ayala Museum Director Sonia Ner, gave us a name in the marketing department. We called, the person was abroad and could help out after the weekend.

Cora and I couldn’t wait for a weekend. The offending banners were up, the town had become a tourist pariah, and Globe was destroying the town’s image.

I resorted to Plan B, an all out media broadside against Globe when Cora remembered another Pila supporter. Bea Zobel Jr. had written about the town in the Inquirer Lifestyle section and applauded its beauty. With a few text messages, Cora got to Bea and Bea immediately came to the rescue. An hour later, Archie Monzon of Globe’s corporate marketing department called and the offending posters were removed the next morning, six days after they were put up.

When I shared the happy news to friends, Maribel Ongpin, another heritage stalwart asked “What if there was no Bea?” She added “Don’t you think Globe would be intelligent enough not to mar a heritage site?”

And so, here are the lessons I am sharing for us as well as for Globe in the continuous battle to keep our country beautiful:
1. Heritage sites play an important role in remembering our past as well as generate much needed tourism revenue. They must be off limits to commercial advertising that ruin their charm and drive away tourists.
2. Action, and well planned at that, is better than whining. Cora picked up the phone, did her texting, e-mailed, threatened, cajoled, and found “The Tipping Point” in Bea Zobel. Cora fought not to get sympathy, but results.
3. Globe needs a course on heritage conservation. Why should the onus always be on the Heritage Conservation Society to point out the damage done by rapacious advertising? They must have at least one enlightened heritage advocate in their midst. If not, the Society is ready to teach Globe.

Last year, I successfully got Globe and Smart not to post their banners on trees ever again. They have, despite a few indiscretions, complied with that agreement. And the country looks a little cleaner and more charming.

I have also noted that after a year of no more advertising posted on trees, that both cell phone companies continued reaping profits. It would be reasonable to deduce that both companies can stop all advertising banners and posters on lamp posts and electric posts and, perhaps, even billboards with no profit loss. If Globe instead had sponsored a tourism project of Pila Historical Society instead of littering the town with cancer-causing tarpaulins, would there be more tourists, more jobs, more Globe subscribers? It’s a no-brainer.

Heritage sites are primary tourism destinations in Thailand (11 million tourists a year), Singapore (7 million), and Malaysia’s (10 million). You do not see advertising banners marring their temples, churches, towns and old houses. I am convinced if we do the same, the measly two million tourist arrivals we get each year will increase substantially as visitors will finally see and revel in our heritage sites like that of quaint and gorgeous Pila, Laguna.

John L. Silva (jsilva79@hotmail.com) is a member of the Heritage Conservation Society.

http://preservephilippineheritage.blogs.friendster.com/hcs/2005/08/pila_laguna_kee.html

Lili

June 5th, 2006, 04:11 AM

From Glad Mad Sad thread:

GLAD nabasa ko pangalan ni Jepoy (wonderboy) sa Manila Times. Here is the Article :) Go Jepoy..

Rizal Avenue landmark gone

By Katrice R. Jalbuena, Researcher

IN downtown Manila several buildings, considered as major works of art created by two National Artists, stand forgotten, abandoned and in danger of being lost forever.

Many Manilans remember Rizal Avenue as the center of city’s social life. The stretch of Rizal Avenue, from Plaza Goiti to Claro M. Recto, was the Greenbelt or Glorietta of the post-World War II era. The avenue was lined with shops, restaurants and movie theaters.

Unlike the megaplexes and cineplexes in today’s malls, the cinemas of Rizal Avenue were not part of a homogeneous development plan. They were attractions by themselves, designed by some of the premier architects of the day.

Two National Artists for Architecture left their imprint on Rizal Avenue. Pablo Antonio created the Galaxy, the Ideal, the Scala and the Lyric theaters. Juan Nakpil conceived the Capitol, the Ever and also designed the Avenue Theater.

Built in the 1930s, the Avenue towered over its surroundings, housing not only the cinema but also a hotel, various shops and small offices. It was one of the few buildings in the area to survive the devastation that followed Japanese and American bombardment during the end of the war.

The theater survived the war only to fall victim to urban renewal. The art deco masterpiece, considered a showcase of Nakpil’s unique blending of foreign influences such as Art Deco and International Modern Style with his own Filipino tastes and sensibility, the Avenue will be demolished and the lot transformed into a parking area before the year is over.

The dismantling of the building began last week. Already the crown, with a bas relief of a woman, is gone. The building’s front is draped with a green net to prevent dust and debris from falling on passersby. The columns and palm fronds are obscured by aluminum sheeting.

An unprofitable venture

“The owners really feel that it is more profitable for them to tear the building down,” says Jeffrey Yap, a volunteer of the Heritage Conservation Society (HCS).

Realty taxes for a parking lot, it turns out, are smaller than for an intact building or vacant lot. Yap tried to get in touch with the owner, Eduardo Linton Jua, who also runs a shipping company.

“I think I talked to his wife, or some other female relative.” Yap said. “She was very nice and accommodating but firm. The decision had been made to demolish it as they didn’t have the money to maintain it.

“She told me, ‘I’m sorry hijo, there is nothing you can do. Nakakahiya na sa mga contractors if we stop the demolition,’” Jeff said.

Period of decline

The decline of Rizal Avenue as Manila’s downtown is blamed on the construction of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) in the 1980s.

The overhead railway was meant to ease traffic on Rizal and Taft avenues. It may have but it also killed business along the street.

The construction of the LRT itself was a huge inconvenience for those who used to frequent the area. The place never recovered the glamour it once enjoyed. Shoppers and strollers moved to the malls and arcades popping up in the Ortigas Center in Pasig City and in Makati. Rizal Avenue became dingy and dangerous.

The cinemas held out for a while, showing mainly double feature B-movies and soft porn. Eventually, they, too, succumbed to the growing disrepute of the place.

In the year 2000 Mayor Lito Atienza tried to reenergize business on Rizal Avenue by encouraging “pedestrianiza*tion,” an approach to urban renewal that had been implemented successfully in Singapore, Kuala Lampur, Beijing, Shanghai and other Asian cities. The basic principle was to make Rizal Avenue a street for strolling.

The city government paved the area from the length of Carlos Palanca to Claro. M. Recto, creating a “city walk,” a series of plazas and broad sidewalks. The buildings were cleaned and painted. Even the LRT was painted, its columns decorated with tiles in geometric patterns. This brought the area of Carriedo back to life. Unfortunately, this renewal did not reach the length of Rizal Avenue.

Several other theaters still stand, long past their day of glory. Antonio’s Ideal Theater has been demolished but the Galaxy is now an empty shell of a building. So are the Scala and the Lyric.

The ground floor of the Ever is occupied by small stalls. The rest of the building is abandoned and no attempt has been made to spruce up the façade.

The Capitol is the one bright spot. An example of adaptive reuse, the owners have spruced up the façade and cleaned it. No longer a theater but a dimsum palace, according to Yap, the owners are proud of the history and beauty of the structure and have taken pains to keep it attractive to attract business.

Preserving our heritage

“The Avenue Theater is an important testament and example of Filipino genius,” says Architect Richard Tuason-Sanchez Bautista of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. “Juan Nakpil is the first National Artist for Architecture. Architecture is a fragile art form in the sense that it is hard to reproduce. You cannot reprint it or reperform it. Once a building is gone, the beauty of the architecture is lost.”

“The National Historical Institute [NHI] is the government office mandated to undertake the preservation and conservation works on historic sites and structures,” Architect Louisa Valerio, of the Historical Preservation Division of the NHI, said.

The NHI also sees to the implementation of Presidential Decree 1505, which bans the alteration of original features of historical sites and structures.

“We can provide technical assistance for restoration and rehabilitation. However, when dealing with private property, we can not force someone to let us declare a building a historical site. Neither can we prevent a Local Government Unit from issuing the permits that would allow people to renovate or demolish a building.”

The NHI is working on developing a database of historical sites all over the Philippines. But it is saddled by a lack of manpower and funds, also by uncooperative landowners and local governments.

“We hope that more property owners will be open to the idea of adaptive reuse. Once a building is a historical site that does not mean they can’t use it. We just ask that they preserve the façade and the basic structure,” Valerio said.

Admittedly, many people find preserving an old building more trouble then it is worth. Executive Order 226 gives only an income-tax holiday of four years and a 50-percent deduction on labor expenses for any work done on the site for the first five years. After that, there seems to be no more additional benefits that might encourage someone to maintain a historical building.

The Fate of the Avenue Theater

Members of the HCS are on a frantic campaign to try and get the theater saved. Conservationists Ivan Henares and Carlos Celdran, who through walking tours have shown that appreciation of historical sites can be a commercially lucrative as well as culturally rewarding business, have also been appealing through their respective blogs and networks.

Skyscrapercity Philippines, an on-line forum of urban architecture enthusiasts, have also gotten on the job.

As of last week e-mails, letters and fax have been sent to Representatives Edmundo O. Reyes Jr., chairman of the House Committee on Basic Education and Culture, and Edgar M. Chatto, chairman of the Committee on Tourism.

“Ownership of these structures of historical significant are imbued with responsibility and recognition of their importance in preserving the historical reminders of our beauty and pride as a nation of our culture,” the campaigners said.

Bautista said the lack of appreciation for historical structures hastens their demise. “People don’t recognize the value of these structures. They are examples of how we evolved as a people. They stand there are representations of how we did things back then and how we do things now. When people realize this, when they take pride in this, then they will take care of these structures.”

Lili

June 5th, 2006, 04:15 AM

For what it's worth, if we can get that media mileage, then we should actually really concentrate our energies into worthwhile causes like this Heritage conversation/conservation as well as the protection of the La Mesa Dam.

Kudos for all the work of our very own Jeffrey Yap, Ivan Henares and Carlos Celdran. It is not a thankless job. We are here to support your worthy causes. SSCers unite! Let us show our support to them and show that we are not all talk, but we can also walk our talk.

ivanhenares

June 5th, 2006, 07:51 AM

One of them said that if people will help them out, it would be easier for them to document everything and cover all the heritage sites/ buildings all over the country. Manila alone has more than 500 undeclared sites and the monuments and heritage dept. of NHI has what, 5 staff?

That is right. And the best way to solve this problem is by coordinating with architecture schools to make their students document these heritage sites as part of their schoolwork. Let me post your message to our group with my two cents worth.

Here's my message to the group:
Please read the posting of Jeffrey Yap below. The solution there is to get all architectural schools to help the NHI by documenting heritage structures in the vicinity of their schools. Hope all the members of the HCS-YOUTH GROUP could bring this up with their Deans. Please give us feedback. Thanks!

Wonderboy

June 5th, 2006, 10:24 AM

^^ The Architectural Students Association of the Philippines, Inc. led by Marion Villanueva (the National Internal Affairs Director) has already started the cultural mapping of the Quiapo district. I gave them photos of Quiapo old houses that I took and told them that I will coordinate with NHI. Sila ang toka sa Quiapo, ako naman sa Escolta.

Kung tutulong ang lahat, we could save a lot of heritage sites all over the country.

Wonderboy

June 5th, 2006, 10:26 AM

Pinoy_ako

June 5th, 2006, 12:31 PM

http://img125.imageshack.us/img125/6231/galaxy1qk.jpg

Galaxy Theater

The LRT line mars the vista needed to properly appreciate this modernist theater along Avenida Rizal. The interior gives a hint of the theater's name.

Toledo still has another work or two ( based on the style ) in the area, about a block or two from Avenue Theater.

http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/3479/quiapo9lx.jpg

I think this is one other work of Nakpil, though I'm not so sure of this. Ang ganda ng sculptured mural !

They say that the city reflects the various layers of its history. This is clearly seen in its architecture. However, Manila is fast losing its modernist architecture - its Art Deco and International Style buildings.

By the way, I read in an old magazine that the City Council of Manila ( in the 1930s ) made a move so that the Jardin Botanico or Mehan Garden would be declared as a National Historical Landmark. At that time, the other landmarks mentioned include the Recollect Church in Intramuros ( with a photo of the plaque ) and the old Ermita Church. If the original plaque is missing, could the article be used as basis for saving what remains of this garden and restore it to its former state?

bagel

June 5th, 2006, 02:05 PM

Where are the "nationalists" when you needed them? I guess they dont care because these structures are from "da spanis." Why should the chinese owners of these buildings care? Its not their country and the only thing that counts is the return of their investments exponentially.

Ah again with the essentialism of Philippine "culture" with Spanish. Yes we have to be concerned about those buildings, and we have lost many in recent years, like the Meisic Cuartel, which was built in Spanish times. But much of the consternation raised in this thread is also about architecture from the American period. With the exception of the Luneta Hotel, the theaters and buildings that people are also concerned about losing because they are Filipino came in the 20th century as well.

Wonderboy

June 5th, 2006, 04:58 PM

More media exposure re: demolition of historical landmarks

I was interviewed awhile ago by Joey Villarama of ABS-CBN News about the demolition of Avenue Theater. I think it will be shown tonight. I'm at work so I will not be able to see it.

Nevertheless, I'm glad that the media is helping out raise cultural awareness.

richardtsb

June 5th, 2006, 05:23 PM

that building is Main Theatre, it was designed by Juan Nakpil at it was completed in the 1950's.

Wonderboy

June 5th, 2006, 08:14 PM

^^ Uy, Arch. Richard of NCCA (National Commission for Culture and the Arts) Heritage. Welcome to SSC Forums! :)

Wonderboy

June 5th, 2006, 09:57 PM

Below is a colored photo of Avenida during the 50s or 60s. Key landmarks in the photo are Ideal Theatre, Good Earth Emporium (left), Otis Department Store, State Theater (right), among others. Photo courtesy of University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Libraries:

http://img389.imageshack.us/img389/1570/downtownrizalave9gc.jpg

And how about an old song as an accompaniment to the nostalgic photo? --- Forgive me guys, I can't help it. :)

Downtown
Petula Clark

When you're alone and life is making you lonely
You can always go - downtown
When you've got worries, all the noise and the hurry
Seems to help, I know - downtown
Just listen to the music of the traffic in the city
Linger on the sidewalk where the neon signs are pretty
How can you lose?

The lights are much brighter there
You can forget all your troubles, forget all your cares
So go downtown, things'll be great when you're
Downtown - no finer place, for sure
Downtown - everything's waiting for you

Don't hang around and let your problems surround you
There are movie shows - downtown
Maybe you know some little places to go to

Where they never close - downtown
Just listen to the rhythm of a gentle bossa nova
You'll be dancing with him too before the night is over
Happy again

The lights are much brighter there
You can forget all your troubles, forget all your cares
So go downtown, where all the lights are bright
Downtown - waiting for you tonight
Downtown - you're gonna be all right now

------ instrumental break ------

And you may find somebody kind to help and understand you
Someone who is just like you and needs a gentle hand to
Guide them along

So maybe I'll see you there
We can forget all our troubles, forget all our cares
So go downtown, things'll be great when you're
Downtown - don't wait a minute for
Downtown - everything's waiting for you

Downtown, downtown, downtown, downtown...

overtureph

June 6th, 2006, 03:09 AM

Kaya pala gusto mo yang kanta na yan Wonderboy.

kc5169

June 6th, 2006, 03:52 AM

You know, i never thought people here in this country actually cared about the heritage here. And before I moved to manila I never thought there was a culture here in the philippines, cause most of the filipinos that move to the US leave their culture and way of living behind. i didn't know the rice terraces were here. I didn't know the spanish and americans used to own this place. I am obsessed with history. I get a wierd feeling whenever I see something that was of significant important, like intramuros and fort santiago. To me its kinda like finding that treasure that you've been looking for.
I used to just think that all of philippines looked this way in terms of sari sari stores being everywhere. Pollution so bad that it sticks to buildings and turns it black. Telephone and power cables in the sky looking like flying spaghetti. Now that I see these old pictures my heart melted away.
Where has Manila gone? Its amazing to see a country that was so beautiful, so clean, so organized, so disciplined go straight to hell. I couldn't believe that 1970s and before, manila, to me, truly did look like the "Pearl" or the "Riviera" of the Orient.
I'm american, the way i think and speak is total truth, and i'm not ashamed to tell the truth even when it hurts people sometimes, but present day Manila is the dirtiest city i have ever been to. Thats why my job dropped when i saw old pictures of Manila.
I posted in another forum how much i would love to help clean these places up.
I dont want to donate money, as I know how incompetent some of these "recievers" are. I just want to donate my time, effort, and care. I'm not ashamed of what nationality I am, i will get my hands dirty to help out and show that foreigners want to help out.
I think what the philippines needs to unite her is pride, pride that can grow by having a deep culture. A lot of people say that the philippines never made it's own culture, well, yes it did. It is a newer variant of chinese type, spanish type, and american type culture all mixed together and altered to become the philippine culture.
So many poor people are upset at the government for their actions that they denounce that they come from this country. But how come the filipinos in the US, in comparison to EVERY OTHER asian there, are at the top of the list for the most productive asians in the US. With Hmong, Laos and Cambodian at the bottom of the list for the least productive asians on the list.
That proves that filipinos CAN BE disciplined and CAN work hard.
The way to start this is to be proud of your heritage and never forget where you came from no matter what. And a start would be to save older buildings and artifacts from being destroyed, and vandalized.
FINALLY, i'm glad I can vent out my thoughts to people who care like I do.

Josepepe

June 6th, 2006, 04:57 AM

Ah again with the essentialism of Philippine "culture" with Spanish. Yes we have to be concerned about those buildings, and we have lost many in recent years, like the Meisic Cuartel, which was built in Spanish times. But much of the consternation raised in this thread is also about architecture from the American period. With the exception of the Luneta Hotel, the theaters and buildings that people are also concerned about losing because they are Filipino came in the 20th century as well.

And what's wrong with the "essentialism" of Filipino culture? Filipino culture is by and large both native and hispanic. Sure there are add-ons but they are not the structure that holds it together. The addition beautifies and creates detail to the intricate work we call culture. The foundation of character and identity begins with essentialism. This is true in physical science aned philosophy. Where do you measure the amount of force acceleration without using the formula of acceleration equals force over mass? Or the elements in nuclear fusion and diffusion without its basic components to act upon such as e=mc2 ? This is the same with the social science. In fact, your frame of mind over these things start from the essentialism you have learned through your own education and experience. So your refusal to accept the reality of essentials or basics already contradicted it. How can one construct anything without materials to build it on? Those american period buildings has a lot of hispanic and native influences in its detail and foundation work. That's the base. The one plus one of Filipino culture. I've talked with scholars and social scientists and indeed they agree there is something that glues an identity together. I understand where you are coming from and its also grounded in theory. But I respect your beliefs. However, respect what I have learned because it did not come from lala land either. Oks? I was not in anyway ignoring the american graft in past and present Filipino architecture.

josepepe

Lili

June 6th, 2006, 05:08 AM

kc5169

June 6th, 2006, 05:09 AM

He he...I read this last night and I thought, this guy obviously doesn't know what he's talking about. I beg to disagree that Manila is just one huge hopeless dump.

It's very frustrating that this kind of mindset is in fact how most Manileños think --- this is a sad fact that should be dealt seriously.

Perhaps instead of complaining that Manila is dirty, polluted, etc., that guy should help out in saving the beleaguered city of our affections.

A rotten, stinking, polluted, corrupted, and ugly (most places) in Manila? YES

a hopeless Manila? NEVER

Lili

June 6th, 2006, 05:12 AM

^ So do you have Filipino roots or are pure American?

Askal82

June 6th, 2006, 05:12 AM

I think Western culture and architechture - Philippine version is more fitting than lets say it is entirely Hispanic.

kc5169

June 6th, 2006, 05:13 AM

pure american

kc5169

June 6th, 2006, 05:18 AM

I think Western culture and architechture - Philippine version is more fitting than lets say it is entirely Hispanic.

I agree

Before I moved to the Philippines I lived in San Diego where there are a lot of Mexican influence. And to tell you the truth, I hated the Mexican culture which is primarily based on Spain. It was the Philippines that made me appreciate Spanish culture and Influence. I think I would rather have it the culture of the Philippines than pure Spanish.

Another thing that most people dont know, is every country that the Spanish went to and established, what language do they speak now? Spanish
All countries except one........ the Philippines, that is something sure to be proud of. Of course there are words adopted from it. But the english language has words adopted from every language and even including tagalog.

I dont know if anyone knows this.... but in the US, in our slang language. The word bondok or the way we pronounce it (boondocks or boonies) means a place very far away. This was adopted from the tagalog language and used in our own language.
Everyone I told this to did not know this.

Askal82

June 6th, 2006, 05:18 AM

pure american

You probably haven't explored the East and South side of Metro Manila yet. ;)

Lili

June 6th, 2006, 05:24 AM

pure american

^ I see. Sometimes, it pains us Filipinos, particularly Manilenos, to hear the plain truth how dirty the city of Manila has become. When Claire Danes shot a movie there "Brokedown Palace" and mentioned that she has never been to a place so full of rats and cockroaches, with a lot of cross-eyed people, the Filipinos were outraged, banned her and chastised her.

The truth is a bitter pill to swallow. From this vantage point, I saw what you see in Manila -- that it is grimy and dirty. That it has lost a lot of its past glory. I am pained by it, but I accept its truth. Taken out of context, you might even take flak for speaking the truth. But one thing different though, is that you care enough to make a difference.

Josepepe

June 6th, 2006, 05:25 AM

I think Western culture and architechture - Philippine version is more fitting than lets say it is entirely Hispanic.

It is hispanic. The mestizaje. Yes, there are other elements. But the first thing one sees is not american or chinese. However, you are entitled to what fits your personal beliefs. I have already based my conclusion on the decade long work of a social scientist. And my own education. But be that as it may I am proud of those Filipinos who are standing up for their essentials. Their advocacy for the Filipinos' cultural heritage inspire others that I know who have almost given up on it. So kudos to the Filipino skyscrapers.

josepepe

kc5169

June 6th, 2006, 05:26 AM

You probably haven't explored the East and South side of Metro Manila yet. ;)

not the east side, except around ortigas home depot

furthest south i've been is around makati area. Driven straight through to laguna though, but never stopped and took a look.
Why do you come to that conclusion?
so far my favorite place is intramuros, to me its just fascinating and i really wish they would boot the squatters from that place, they are a complete eye sore. Make lots of parks there, and completely revamp the whole place. If it is a tourist attraction, clean the whole area, not just specific parts. I have heard that it's a law in intramuros that if you are gonna build a new building there it has to be spanish type architecture based on the 1800s, i was really happy when i found that out.

I came out with the best idea for the intramuros administration.
Since fort santiago borders the pasig river, and the spanish used to bring their galleons and dock them right outside the buildings there and unload goods. Why doesn't the administration build and completely authentic spanish galleon and just leave it outside the walls in the pasig river. Charge an entrance fee maybe about 100 pesos per person or something. This entrance fee can help pay upkeep for the boat.

Wouldn't that be so cool if you are driving along one of the roads and you see this huge wooden type galleon that looks like it's ready for war or something. That just makes the hair stand up on my arms just thinking about that.
They have done this in san diego with 3 ships, i think the entrance fee is about 500 pesos per head.
Where else can you see an authentic spanish type galleon in Asia?

AMAZING IDEA TO HELP SHOW WHERE FILIPINOS CAME FROM

kc5169

June 6th, 2006, 05:31 AM

^ I see. Sometimes, it pains us Filipinos, particularly Manilenos, to hear the plain truth how dirty the city of Manila has become. When Claire Danes shot a movie there "Brokedown Palace" and mentioned that she has never been to a place so full of rats and cockroaches, with a lot of cross-eyed people, the Filipinos were outraged, banned her and chastised her.

The truth is a bitter pill to swallow. From this vantage point, I saw what you see in Manila -- that it is grimy and dirty. That it has lost a lot of its past glory. I am pained by it, but I accept its truth. Taken out of context, you might even take flak for speaking the truth. But one thing different though, is that you care enough to make a difference.

Whoa, i didn't know brokedown palace was filmed here? Where at? I seen that movie and thought it was filmed in thailand.
I did hear of some actor or singer saying that about manila, i just laughed cause its true. A lot of locals did get mad at her, and the only thing i said to my wife was "whats wrong, does the truth hurt?"
She said, "I'm filipina, and I know the truth, im embarassed by a lot of it, but yes, in this case, the truth does hurt"

My wife told me to be careful who i say that to, unless i know them well, dont say it. and I dont. Sometimes i subtely mention it, but not too harshly.

For example: I have told closer friends that yes there is a lot of trash, but I understand why that is. If you want to throw trash away, WHERE IS THE TRASH CAN? exactly, thats what i figured out, so i understand now

Lili

June 6th, 2006, 05:39 AM

^^ Revitalizing Intramuros and the docked Galleon Ship are good ideas. We just need political will and support mechanisms to relocate the squatters and provide them with means and livelihood. Infuse economically viable establishments in the Intramuros that will attract tourists, commerce and generate revenues. The existence of squatters in Intramuros is really its bane. The pro-urban poor will again have issues with it but I am not saying just to displace them and leave them out in the cold. I am talking about relocating them to viable settlement sites where they can be provided with support programs.

Askal82

June 6th, 2006, 05:39 AM

not the east side, except around ortigas home depot

furthest south i've been is around makati area. Driven straight through to laguna though, but never stopped and took a look.
Why do you come to that conclusion?
so far my favorite place is intramuros, to me its just fascinating and i really wish they would boot the squatters from that place, they are a complete eye sore. Make lots of parks there, and completely revamp the whole place. If it is a tourist attraction, clean the whole area, not just specific parts. I have heard that it's a law in intramuros that if you are gonna build a new building there it has to be spanish type architecture based on the 1800s, i was really happy when i found that out.

I came out with the best idea for the intramuros administration.
Since fort santiago borders the pasig river, and the spanish used to bring their galleons and dock them right outside the buildings there and unload goods. Why doesn't the administration build and completely authentic spanish galleon and just leave it outside the walls in the pasig river. Charge an entrance fee maybe about 100 pesos per person or something. This entrance fee can help pay upkeep for the boat.

Wouldn't that be so cool if you are driving along one of the roads and you see this huge wooden type galleon that looks like it's ready for war or something. That just makes the hair stand up on my arms just thinking about that.
They have done this in san diego with 3 ships, i think the entrance fee is about 500 pesos per head.
Where else can you see an authentic spanish type galleon in Asia?

AMAZING IDEA TO HELP SHOW WHERE FILIPINOS CAME FROM

Actually, thats how you beef up tourism and fascination with culture - enhance what is already there. Hopefully, the local government can come up something like your idea. Im wish they can also put back the (tranvias) Tram lines (similar to San Francisco) before it was destroyed by war. Im pretty sure you saw them around here too. Oh by the way, Pasig river will be used as transporation hub once again. They are constructing ferry boats which I hope would spur environmental awarness and rejuvenation. http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=8752175#post8752175 :)

Lili

June 6th, 2006, 05:42 AM

^^ The thing with Filipino mentality nowadays is that they are so fascinated with "malling". They don't appreciate cultural exposure much nowadays. So Josepepe has a point about the lack of appreciation of that part of the Filipino that came with "da Spanis".

kc5169

June 6th, 2006, 05:45 AM

It wouldn't be hard to do, i'm sure the spanish government would release copies of the blueprints for the ships. You can even use locally produced wood. It DEFINITELY would spark SO MUCH interest for the project. People everywhere would be interested in that idea.
I have told some people from DOT and it seemed like they didn't even care. I felt like slapping them cause to me, why are you working at such an agency if you dont care about what you are doing.
I think i'll mention it one more time.

Imagine driving past intramuros and seeing the top of a huge spanish galleon in pasig river and thinking, wow, this is what it feels like during the spanish era.

I'm also sure people will feel more proud and more powerful cause of this.

kc5169

June 6th, 2006, 05:47 AM

JAMAICUS

June 6th, 2006, 05:49 AM

^^ slang for going shopping in malls

kc5169

June 6th, 2006, 05:54 AM

^^ slang for going shopping in malls

oh yeah, that makes sense

I was thinking of "mauling"

Askal82

June 6th, 2006, 05:54 AM

^^ slang for going shopping in malls

I think malling covers more than just shopping since people considers malls as amusement centers rather than just a place to shop. There is even term known as mall hopping.

kc5169

June 6th, 2006, 05:58 AM

I think everyone in power should read this....

Since everyone is so on the "getting a degree" thing which is good, when you study for your degree you are learning about other peoples mistakes they made in the past

regular experience is learning from your own mistakes from the past.

So if we learn from everyones past, this is how the philippines can prepare for the future.
So instead of tearing down old buildings trying to prepare for the future, why not preserve these, learn from the mistakes and gains from the past and prepare for the future this way. Instead of a hit and miss method

Animo

June 6th, 2006, 08:03 AM

kc5169

June 6th, 2006, 08:21 AM

Hi kc5169 ! Nice of you to join when I sent you the message. :)

I hope you'll enjoy this forum. We have a lot more photos of different places in the Philippines and less negativity compared to the other one. :cheers:

Thanks for inviting me. Yeah i like this forum. People are quite informative and educated. I thought the other one was ok, but too much tagalog not enough english. :) lol

Animo

June 6th, 2006, 08:47 AM

Thanks for inviting me. Yeah i like this forum. People are quite informative and educated. I thought the other one was ok, but too much tagalog not enough english. :) lol

Yes, people here are more civil in my opinion. I hope you'd get to visit other threads besides this one or the links in my signature. :cheers1:

Josepepe

June 6th, 2006, 10:33 AM

dancethingy

June 6th, 2006, 10:41 AM

KC5196, welcome to our forum and your ideas are my ideas.
I believe though that beneath the grime and mildew; the smog and dust; and the destruction and abuse, lies the pearl that once was. You are very right about nurturing a sense of patriotism among Pinoys and more importantly a sense of pride regarding our culture and prideful past.

My grandfather turns 90 years old this August and when i look into his eyes i see a man who survived the death march to bataan during world war two; a man who fought bravely for our country and for America as well; and of course i saw a man so proud of being Pinoy that he would die for our country. For Pinoys to turn their backs on their culture and their place of origin would be a slap in the face to all those brave men and women who fought for our very existence today. SIGH, there's my sermon for today

LordCarnal

June 6th, 2006, 03:21 PM

^ I see. Sometimes, it pains us Filipinos, particularly Manilenos, to hear the plain truth how dirty the city of Manila has become. When Claire Danes shot a movie there "Brokedown Palace" and mentioned that she has never been to a place so full of rats and cockroaches, with a lot of cross-eyed people, the Filipinos were outraged, banned her and chastised her.

The truth is a bitter pill to swallow. From this vantage point, I saw what you see in Manila -- that it is grimy and dirty. That it has lost a lot of its past glory. I am pained by it, but I accept its truth. Taken out of context, you might even take flak for speaking the truth. But one thing different though, is that you care enough to make a difference.

I've read in Asiaweek Magazine that Claire Danes was actually referring to one of the mental hospitals in Manila that she visited, and that she was just misquoted by some of the media. That was what she meant by dirty, full of cockroaches with a lot of "cross-eyed" people.

KC5196, welcome to the forums. I guess you have some of the characteristics that each Filipino -- including those in power -- should have.
Do visit other theads here that tackle about heritage too like the Cebu, Iloilo, and Vigan Heritage Threads. There's also another thread about old churches in the Philippines.

Cheers.

LordCarnal

June 6th, 2006, 03:45 PM

Here's a photo of Vision Theater here in Cebu City. The facade was designed by Dante Guidetti, an Italian sculpture who had a studio in the city.

How I hope it would be rehabilitated to its former grandeur. As of now, parts of it have been converted to offices and shops selling pirated DVDs. There are also hawkers who would suddenly approach you and ask if you want "x." I dunno what he meant by that.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b396/arnoldsa/CebuHeritageWalk/34VisionTheater.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b396/arnoldsa/CebuHeritageWalk/35VisionTheater.jpg

This is the old Campanera Maritima building (Cebu City). If my memory serves me right, I read in a newspaper article regarding its pending demolition for the construction of a school building. My view: instead of demolishing it they should just renovate it and turn it into a school.
http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/9389/4127986253e3380834b7np.jpg

The old Prudential Bank building, now Bank of the Philippine Islands. I'm happy that BPI didn't demolish this structure (after they acquired Prudential).
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b396/arnoldsa/CebuHeritageWalk/cityhall/02prudentialbank.jpg

Bank of the Philippine Islands building. I think this is the first BPI here in Cebu City. A bronze plaque in Spanish and English at the entrance says that this bank was the first to be established alongside with the ones in Manila, Iloilo and Davao.

I'm also happy that BPI isn't demolishing it. As of now they're currently renovating this building.
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b396/arnoldsa/CebuHeritageWalk/banco_islas_felipinas.jpg

Lili

June 6th, 2006, 03:51 PM

^^ What a beautiful structure. Is that on Colon Street? I do hope they rehabilitate and preserve it.

JAMAICUS

June 6th, 2006, 03:58 PM

At least it is being reused... unlike things in Manila.... demolished....

Animo

June 6th, 2006, 06:02 PM

Another thing that most people dont know, is every country that the Spanish went to and established, what language do they speak now? Spanish
All countries except one........ the Philippines, that is something sure to be proud of. Of course there are words adopted from it. But the english language has words adopted from every language and even including tagalog.

I dont know if anyone knows this.... but in the US, in our slang language. The word bondok or the way we pronounce it (boondocks or boonies) means a place very far away. This was adopted from the tagalog language and used in our own language.
Everyone I told this to did not know this.

I'd also like to say that Spanish also adopted Filipino words into her vocabulary. ;)

Spain's rich legacy to the Philippines
By ISABEL CARO WILSON

The Filipino is not wholly Oriental nor totally Occidental. I like to
think of the Filipino psyche as a triangle: the base is essentially
Asian while the two sides represent Spain and America. Somewhere in
between there are Chinese influences. I would explain that our Spanish
heritage is evident in our customs, religion, music, dance, cuisine
and way of life. To our Spanish friends who lament that the Spanish
language has been lost in the Philippines, I explained that Spanish
has never been the language spoken by the majority of Filipinos. The
idiom was spoken by a minority: the government, the church and
Filipino elite. Because of distance, there were relatively few
Spaniards who emigrated to the Philippines.

However, the friars learned our languages and dialects in order to
evangelize our people. These erstwhile missionaries succeeded in
preserving our language and to them we owe numerous books and
dictionaries on Hispano-Tagalog, bisaya, pampango, bicolano and more.
It is estimated that 20 percent of our vocabulary derives from the
language of Cervantes. For instance there are common words and
expressions we use daily: kotse, tasa, sepilyo, baso, problema, libro,
grabe, kumusta, sige, etc.

On the other hand, although we are not aware of it, we have also
enriched the Spanish language. Listed in the dictionary edited by the
Real Academia are words such as pantalan, baguio, batalan, nipis,
jusi, bata, nipa and more. Best known by Spaniards is paypay.

Americans taught us English but modern usage has incorporated
"taglish" in our spoken and written communications in English. We have
also Filipinized a lot of Spanish words. Spaniards find this quite
amusing. Our mental process is Filipino, which is then transported in
another tongue. This mutation of t he language is also done in
Iberoamerican countries: Argentina, Mexico, Peru, Chile and so on.
"Filipino-speak" goes: "Tu ya cuidao," a literal translation of
"Bahala ka na." "No se contigo" -- "Ewan ko sa iyo." "Ellos de Pedro
vienen mañana" --"Darating sila ni Pedro bukas." "Llama na'mas a Juan"
-- "Pakitawag lang si Juan." We use "seguro" to say maybe when the
word actually means certainly. In the same way, the telephone operator
answers "for a while" in English to mean "sandali lang" when the
correct phrase should be "just a moment" or "hold on."

Wonderboy

June 7th, 2006, 12:39 AM

Hello Hawayano. I hope you don’t mind if I post again your comment below:

Regarding the inefficiency of LGUs in the Philippines...

Well, yes--they should be mad--at themselves for allowing their inefficiency to go unchecked! And as for the LGUs who read this thread, I would hope that they are professional enough to realize that there is room for improvement regardless of how lofty their positions. Herein lies the root of so many problems that the Philippines faces--not only in the public sector but the private as well: inherent complacency that breeds inefficiency. Perhaps too simplistically stated, the problem still stems from too many agencies allowing the status quo to persist despite it being counter-productive...and the problem goes even higher than just the management (in this case, the NL Director) to extend to their superiors as well.

So is it no wonder that the mass majority have no clues as to the depth of the Filipino culture and history? This complacency is systematic and far-reaching; at worst, it breeds the corruption that has become the international media's by-word in Philippine stories. So, LGUs and others in positions of responsibility, take these criticisms at least as food for thought. There are many regular contributors to this site's Philippine thread who are conscientious and educated persons sharing a genuine concern for the betterment of the Philippines!

Hawayano

June 7th, 2006, 12:52 AM

Hello Hawayano. I hope you don’t mind if I post again your comment below:

Regarding the inefficiency of LGUs in the Philippines...

Anytime, compadre! Keep up your brilliant mission! :)

overtureph

June 7th, 2006, 06:53 AM

Inquirer Northern Luzon : Old-timers slam ‘uglification’ of Baguio

First posted 11:36pm (Mla time) June 06, 2006
By Shayne Anne Basco, Beverly Castillo, Jahzeel Abihail Cruz
Inquirer

Editor's Note: Published on Page A21 of the June 7, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

THEY grew up smelling the familiar scent of pine, experiencing foggy afternoons, and finding comfort in Baguio City’s verdant carpet.

Cecile Afable, Leonora San Agustin and Virginia de Guia, now in their 80s and 90s, practically grew up with Baguio and witnessed how its pristine environment was slowly ruined by creeping development.

They are now fighting for a cause that will restore their beloved city, their home, to its glory. Their latest challenge? To stop a flyover project at Baguio’s gateway.

This battle, they believe, is worth fighting for, even to their last breath.

The educator

Leonora Paraan San Agustin, 91, recalls her memories of Baguio like they happened only yesterday.

“The smell of pine and the sight of Benguet lilies along Kennon [Road] used to make us excited to go home to Baguio,” says San Agustin, curator of the Baguio-Benguet Museum.

San Agustin graduated valedictorian at the Baguio City National High School
and finished chemical engineering at the old Adamson School of Engineering in Manila to become the first woman chemical engineer in the country.

She found herself going back to her roots in Baguio. She taught English, Chemistry and Geology for 45 years at the Baguio Colleges Foundation (now the University of the Cordilleras).

“I had to go home to Baguio, and I literally became the labandera (laundrywoman) of my family,” says San Agustin.

She never forgot to give back to her city. Aside from founding various women’s organizations, such as the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) and the Lioness Club, she pursued projects to preserve Baguio’s natural beauty.

“I’ve been fighting for the city for 15 years on a crusade to safeguard Baguio’s ambiance and allure,” she says.

The proposed flyover stretching over the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center rotunda, she says, will “uglify” Baguio, one of the top tourist destinations in the country.

She is puzzled why the Department of Public Works and Highways insists on a project that many people are opposing.

Should the construction push through, the felled trees, disrupted aquifer and pollution would make Baguio deteriorate further, she says.

“I will still work [to protect Baguio] until I cannot breathe anymore,” said San Agustin.

The public servant

De Guia, Baguio’s first woman councilor and acting mayor, now leads a quiet life at 90. Yet her role as a public servant has not ended.

“Baguio was a dream city created, formed and planned by the Americans,” she says.

But she says that like her old photographs, good governance is stuck in time.

De Guia comes from a prominent family in the city. She says she is a natural environmentalist since her father was among the pioneer foresters in the country.

After graduating from the University of the Philippines with a degree in philosophy, De Guia took up law and earned her degree in 1940.

She returned to Baguio and found herself running for office that same year.

“I don’t regret taking up law because it was fun and I learned a lot,” De Guia says.

Knowledge of the law, she says, helped her make Baguio a well-administered city during her term. “Baguio had a good government, [it was] a very disciplined city,” she says.

But Baguio, once a model city in the country, has deteriorated due to politicking and lax law enforcement.

She blames politicians for pushing through with unnecessary projects such as the proposed flyover.

“We are in favor of development, but development must have direction,” De Guia says. The project, she believes, may end up unfinished due to lack of funds.

The writer

Afable’s house is a museum in its own right. Decorating it are Sung Dynasty jars and one of National Artist Benedicto Cabrera’s early paintings. But its most prized possession is still its owner, a small woman bound to big responsibilities.

“When they ask me what organization I belong to, I say I only belong to one, ‘Cecile Afable,’” she says.

Afable, 83, is editor in chief of the Baguio Midland Courier, the oldest community newspaper in the city.

Though her four children, now all professionals, chose to settle elsewhere, Afable is happy to stay in Baguio. She adores the blue sky and open space.

But like San Agustin and De Guia, Afable thinks that Baguio has changed for the worse. “There are too many houses, more than enough to be supported by the water system,” she says.

Among the causes she is advocating are the regreening and the protection of the water system of the city. But what occupies most of her time now is opposing another flyover in Baguio.

Issues

These women believe that people who do not care about Baguio have not experienced it the way they have.

“We’re fighting because we experienced the beauty, ambiance and good life of Baguio,” says San Agustin.

They say the flyover will ruin Baguio’s small town appeal and result in the cutting of century-old trees.

“The city does not have the funding. The Commission on Audit now will not give certification that the money is there,” says Afable.

Afable said if traffic at the BGHMC rotunda was the problem, a traffic light would be the cheaper and more environment-friendly solution.

San Agustin, De Guia and Afable agree that apathy is their worst enemy.

“If you don’t demonstrate against [the flyover], nothing will happen,” says Afable.

“The worst crime is not doing anything,” San Agustin says.

But the DPWH is determined to push through with the project despite the opposition of some sectors.

Mariano Alquiza, DPWH regional director, says he is planning to issue another suspension order on the project following the agency’s failure to obtain a permit to cut trees from the city government.

“We are studying the possibility of going directly to the DENR [for the permit],” he says.

Mayor Braulio Yaranon has opposed the flyover and says he will not issue the permit to cut trees for the project.

Copyright 2006 Inquirer. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

http://news.inq7.net/regions/index.php?index=2&story_id=78302&col=36

Pinoy_ako

June 7th, 2006, 09:41 AM

not the east side, except around ortigas home depot

furthest south i've been is around makati area. Driven straight through to laguna though, but never stopped and took a look.
Why do you come to that conclusion?
so far my favorite place is intramuros, to me its just fascinating and i really wish they would boot the squatters from that place, they are a complete eye sore. Make lots of parks there, and completely revamp the whole place. If it is a tourist attraction, clean the whole area, not just specific parts. I have heard that it's a law in intramuros that if you are gonna build a new building there it has to be spanish type architecture based on the 1800s, i was really happy when i found that out.

I came out with the best idea for the intramuros administration.
Since fort santiago borders the pasig river, and the spanish used to bring their galleons and dock them right outside the buildings there and unload goods. Why doesn't the administration build and completely authentic spanish galleon and just leave it outside the walls in the pasig river. Charge an entrance fee maybe about 100 pesos per person or something. This entrance fee can help pay upkeep for the boat.

Wouldn't that be so cool if you are driving along one of the roads and you see this huge wooden type galleon that looks like it's ready for war or something. That just makes the hair stand up on my arms just thinking about that.
They have done this in san diego with 3 ships, i think the entrance fee is about 500 pesos per head.
Where else can you see an authentic spanish type galleon in Asia?

AMAZING IDEA TO HELP SHOW WHERE FILIPINOS CAME FROM

The good are actually transported to Manila from Cavite Puerto in small boats. During the early part of the colonial period, they enter the moats of the city and unload the good in a section near the Royal Gate. I think one can still see this section near the Bastion of Saint Andrew. Later, the Almacenes Gate was used for this purpose since the Royal Warehouses was just nearby.

Like Manila, the Port of Cavite is a walled settlement, although it was so damaged during the war and the only structure left from the colonial period is the bell tower of the Recollect Church. The nice thing is, the slip where ships are repaired and this dates back to the Spanish period, has been preserved. Unfortunately, the old section of the city is a naval reserve - part of Sangley Point.

It would really be nice to see a replica of the galleon docked near the Almacenes gate that would be part of a section of the walls that is due to be rebuilt. San Francisco has a certain section where sea crafts from various periods in US history are displayed.

kc5169

June 7th, 2006, 10:35 AM

interesting, I've never been to cavite before though. Only intramuros.

Animo

June 7th, 2006, 10:20 PM

The Luneta Hotel is something not to be missed. It may have been long abandoned and may be a constant topic of talks on demolition; its beauty is only slightly tainted. It boasts of French Renaissance design highlighted by dormer windows within mansart roofs. The interval of semi-circular and pedimented windows and the ornate grillwork fencing the balcony are also reflective of the design period. As if taking similar cue is a multi-story residential building in the heart of Makati. The dormer window and the mansart roof are present. The iron grillwork is almost identical. What is interesting to note is that they are like twin structures, although time separates them, but if one were to look closely, their location (old and new business districts) and purpose is shared.

http://static.flickr.com/52/140126809_82ff3fff1c.jpg?v=0
http://static.flickr.com/49/140125678_a08598d3db.jpg?v=0
http://static.flickr.com/50/140125677_1e2e3a8853.jpg?v=0
http://static.flickr.com/54/135875893_42e9ef1467.jpg?v=1146716379
http://static.flickr.com/54/140125674_5e21348b14.jpg?v=0
http://static.flickr.com/56/140125673_d6f863c5af.jpg?v=0

flickr.com - laz'andre

Animo

June 7th, 2006, 10:21 PM

A CERTAIN Juan Potous came by a little over a quarter of a century since his country had ceded the Philippines to the United States in the Treaty of Versailles. He was pleasantly surprised to find that street names and places still bore Spanish names such as Novaliches, Issac Peral (UN Avenue), Sanchez Barcaiztegui, Alvarado, General Solano, Carriedo, Alejandro Farnesio, Azcarraga, Balmes, Basco, Benavides, Marques de los Castillejos, Churruca, Duque de Alba, Echague, Elcano, Marques de Comillas, O'Donell. Other names were de España, Lepanto, El Dorado, Estado, Estrella, Evangelista, Fraternidad, Alhambra, Galicia, Globo de Oro, Granate, Habana, Herran, Hormiga, Industria, Jaboneros, Colorado, Mejorada, Misericordia, Muralla, Numancia, Palma, Panaderos, Paraiso, Peñalosa, Peñafrancia, Peñarubia, Reina Regente, Salsipuedes, Tenorio, Toneleros. (I name them so that you may take note of how many have been changed since then.)

Aside from that there was the Calle de Tetuan that started in the Plaza Santa Cruz and ended in Gandara. (Recently renamed Padilla, a politician whose family still owns a lot of Binondo/San Nicolas properties.) The most frequented thoroughfare it seems at the time was none other than the Paseo de la Luneta. The boulevard had been christened Dewey but people continued to call it Boulevard de Cavite to the delight of resident Spaniards to whom the name Dewey did not elicit any happy memories. (Since renamed Roxas but the Spanish community dwindled to a minimum number and the younger generation tuned in to US culture.)

Potous found the Luneta Nueva or New Luneta one of the most "delicious" natural places in Manila because the hand of man had done little to embellish it, i.e. the lily wasn't gilded. Oddly enough the custom of taking the air at the Luneta from the Spanish times was continued but this time instead of carriages there was an interminable line of cars at the border of the "paseo" with distinguished ladies, respectable gentlemen and beautiful girls inside them. Nobody though got down to walk around or greet each other.

Potous was struck by the Filipinas' habit of wearing their hair long and hanging down their backs without any hairpins. He was also impressed by the elegance of the inhabitants of Manila. Everyone appeared to be in white or ecru perhaps since he describes their shirts as a species of transparent gauze (piña?), richly decorated.

Women wore long skirts with a train pinned to one side prompting him to wonder of what use it had since it was never let loose. The materials favored were brightly colored, the women's arms and shoulders for the most part bare. To cover the low neck line, especially in the street, a large shoulder piece "de quita y pon" (literally, take out and put), usually white and decorated with large flowers was draped on. Their feet and legs were bare of stockings and as a rule no one went unshod but wore slippers of red velvet.

The Spanish colony in the islands conceived of constructing a building that would be called Casa de España to house its consulate, the Casino Español and its Chamber of Commerce. Thus an extensive property was bought in what then was considered the best place in Manila. The project owed its success no less to a contractor called Farre (Luneta Hotel), el Conde de Peracamps a.k.a. Antonio Melian (El Hogar) and Gen. Las Heras.

In the center of the building extended a hall of "colossal" proportions called the Salon de Actos (Arcos?). From its ceiling hang huge chandeliers and the floors were of hardwood donated by Doña Trinidad Ayala de Zobel. From the sides radiated reception rooms, dressing rooms, a general dining hall and a lecture room where free Spanish lessons were taught. Enormous Japanese and Chinese jars as well as other pieces of porcelain decorated the salons.

There was a beautiful terrace leading to the tennis courts and the fronton of pelota as well as a more informal dining area. Facing the terrace as well was the library, and a barbershop.

Potous had the pleasure upon his arrival of attending a night time fiesta celebrated in the church of San Pedro de Malate to solemnize the feast of Our Lady of Remedies. The church was full of parishioners and the candles in front of the virgin's image looked as though they could total hundreds. There were more than six persons taking care of installing the candles and keeping them lighted.

Although the interior of the church appeared to glitter in gold, the fair celebrated in the plaza of Malate and the streets around were more interesting to him because they reminded him of the fiestas of Spain by the number of stalls where food and other articles were for sale. A seemingly disorderly multitude of natives, mestizos (half-breeds), and foreigners circulated through the aisles between the stalls.

Among the things for sale were sweets that seemed to form pyramids in the stall counters. The most extraordinary were the names completely unknown to the author of course: Madoya, dinuguan con poto, goto, ukoy, palitaw, buche, bico, bichobicho and pilipit. Fruits such as sincamas, lanzones, santol, lomboy, casuy, apulid, sungay kalabao, camachile, cabezas de negritos and balatong were sold. Old timers assured him that the "verbenas" had lost their vitality and gaiety since Spanish sovereignty had ceased over the archipelago. But this wasn't apparent to Potous who saw in this fiesta in Malate the vestiges of that old Spanish culture.

("Un Año en Manila," Juan Potous y Martinez, 1925)
http://www.inq7.net/opi/2003/nov/11/opi_blharper-1.htm

OtAkAw

June 8th, 2006, 08:50 AM

^^WHo are the imbeciles that changed the names of places and streets in Manila?

Wonderboy

June 8th, 2006, 06:05 PM

Cultural Mapping of Manila

Message from Dr. Butch Zialcita...

Dear Friends in HCS,

For now neither the NHI nor Nat Museum can help us in saving landmarks in
Manila because no list has been submitted to them. Only a few landmarks
in Manila are protected by law: Intramuros, San Sebastian.

1. An inventory of landmarks is needed. Mia Quimpo and Gigi Solomon did an
inventory funded by NCCA a few years back. They covered Manila street by
street. It is with NCCA. That is Phase I. Phase 2 must explain the
significance of each structure they listed. That is lacking. Hence the
list cannot be submitted as yet to any government agency.

2. Doing Phase 2 could be the task of HCS. First we write a proposal to
NCCA for funding. Then we divide the work among those interested. Some of
us have already done work on some of the areas. Paolo A. and M. Noche
know the Escolta area plus other institutional buildings. Ivan M. knows
the rest of Binondo. (He can also use Viana's book on the area). I know
Quiapo and San Miguel.

3. We then submit the book to NHI, Nat M and NCCA. SO THAT FINALLY THERE
IS A LEGAL BASIS FOR PROTECTING THE LANDMARKS.

4. Either publishing a book on them or coming out with a CD will certainly
publicize them and help generate public support.

5. There is no dissipation of efforts on the part of HCS members. Not all
are involved in saving schools. Many would like to do something for the
org and its causes. This is one way.

LET'S DO IT!

Butch Zialcita

Animo

June 8th, 2006, 11:59 PM

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c211/hawayano/manilahotel2.jpg

http://www.philstar.com/philstar/LIFESTYLE200508203304.htm

By Paulo Alcazaren
The Philippine STAR 08/20/2005

http://www.philstar.com/philstar/main/20050820/images/lif4.jpg

Cleaning my ever-jumbled files one Sunday afternoon, I happened to find a long-misplaced pre-war tourist guide to Manila printed by the Manila Hotel Company. It is one of my favorites, in a collection of Manila-related ephemera, because it graph-ically paints a picture of the city still steeped in heritage, colored by cosmopolitan tastes, and relatively unsullied by politics.

Unimpeachably fascinating, the metropolis was marketed as "The Riviera of the Orient." The guide’s text starts with a declaration that Manila is a "City of Romance and Adventure." The introductory blurb adds that (Manila) is "An ancient city, sleeping in the memories of the past …grim bastions, redoubts, sentry boxed, surrounding massive battlements, smothered in tropic foliage here, bleached by the suns of three centuries there… iron-grilled casements, plazas, patios, and over-hanging balconies are reminiscent of medieval Spain."

The text continues that Manila was a "Babel of bells pealing from church towers (over two dozen in and around the Intramuros), magnificent cathed-rals… convents, monasteries, chap-els, surrounding pleasant gardens …" The city grew from original structures built at the mouth of the great Pasig River, including "gray Fort Santiago, the first stronghold on the riverside, defense against Chinese and Moro pirates since 1590…"

A description of the rest of the city as it was in the late 1930s (the date of the guide’s printing) follows: "Sunken gardens of emerald, flowing greens and golden tees of the Municipal Golf Course… circling these towering walls, a 20th-century substitute for the evil-smelling moat of earlier days… wide, tree-bordered streets, imposing modern buildings designed for the tropics… the two-mile parked and flower-embowered esplanade rimming the glorious bay… fire trees flaming like torches amid the darker green of houses and shrubbery… the wide expanse of the grassy Luneta fronting the water …dominated by the imposing monuments of Rizal, Urdaneta and Legaspi… flanked by the Manila Hotel, the Army and Navy, and the Elks Clubs."

Tourist guides of the era always focused on the history and character of old Manila, mainly because there was much of the city still left from the Spanish-colonial era. The walls of Intramuros and the 17 churches, chapels, and monasteries were still magnificently standing and functioning. The golf course that replaced the moat was already a few decades old and a popular amenity that was only challenged by "newer" courses in Caloocan and Mandaluyong (Wack Wack). The Luneta was enhanced by the then newly-completed Dewey Boulevard with its esplanade – recently resurrected in this century by Mayor Lito Atienza. Finally, all tourist literature of that era cites the Manila Hotel as the premier hospitality establishment of the city and, indeed, of the region.

The guide’s second spread highlights the luxurious appointments of the storied hotel; by then already a quarter-century old. Since 1912, the hotel had undergone numerous improvements and expansions. The original design by American architect William E. Parsons was an H-shaped plan that focused on well-ventilated rooms on two wings, providing grand vistas of the harbor, the Luneta, and Intramuros. The top floor was, in fact, a large viewing deck that was used for various functions, including watching the "Great White Fleet" of the American navy steam into the harbor. Since the opening, the hotel’s Spartan interiors in simplified Mission style gave way to more lavish furnishings and, for some sections, major renovations by Paris-trained-Filipino architect Andres Luna de San Pedro (son of Juan Luna).

The text outlines the environmentally-sensitive, landscape-enhanced design of the hotel stating, "The first impression of the Manila Hotel is one of lavish floral beauty, towering palms, a heavy drapery of green vines over the entrance… a building impressive in its mass, its design and in its superb setting of tropic verdure… entering the lobby, the feeling of size and coolness is increased by the spaciousness of the room, the height of its ceiling, the airy green and white of its decoration… the size, simplicity, and arrangement of the guest rooms complete the picture of a hotel built for the tropics.

At the seaside, the hotel boasted a large covered dancing pavilion: "Imagine a dance floor of immense size and smoothness surrounded by a wide terrace filled with dining tables… it has neither doors nor windows… only the high-domed roof supported by giant columns. As you dine, you look out over the fascinating harbor."

The brochure’s center foldout is the gem of this piece of memorabilia. The brochure opens out two ways to reveal a colorful graphic rendition, albeit extremely politically incorrect, of the Philippine Islands and its location in Asia. Half-naked native women, looking strangely dark-skinned with chinky eyes, wear bones in their hair a la African aborigines. A tree house marks one side of the islands with a fisherman and a pair of fighting cocks on the other.

The last spread of this thin but jampacked brochure and guide is headlined "No visit to the Orient is complete unless it includes the Philippine Islands." The text explains that "To visit the Orient without seeing the Philippines is like going to France without touching Paris." The brochure entices American travelers to work Manila into their itinerary for the Far East since "the trans-Pacific steamer fares are the same to Manila as they are to Hong Kong (and) practically all liners serve the Philippines..."

Well, that was over half a century ago. Manila has far less historic fabric left due to the devastation of the war and the neglect of its architectural legacy since. Intramuros is a shell of its former self despite cyclical efforts to revive it. The Manila Hotel itself underwent a major renovation in the ’70s and the grand dame shone like new for a few years. It is a pale reflection of its former self as the design quality of extensions and its upkeep have left much to be desired. The hotel and the walled city, along with the Luneta, form a tourism district that is in bad need of clear direction and a serious master plan. Such a district plan would ideally include the redevelopment of the south harbor (into a cruise center), the port area (into mixed-use developments), the Intramuros and Luneta (as an integrated heritage and tourism destination), and both Roxas Boulevard and the Pasig River (as an integrated waterfront development like Sydney Harbor, San Francisco’s port district or Boston’s port area redevelopment).

If this fantasy really could come true, then it should also include a redeveloped Post Office (possibly as another hotel like the Fullerton in Singapore), the Metropolitan Theater Garden, the Arroceros area, and Mehan Gardens.

If we did all this then maybe, just maybe, Manila could recover its old glory back. But that’s wishful thinking. Yes, we do have to plan all this… but if we do not fix our politics, our economy, and discern a larger vision for the country, then all this will be for naught.

By the way, if the issues brought out in this column fire you up and levels of frustration and indignation reach intensity- five levels, then here’s a way to channel those pent-up energies. Enroll now in John Silva’s Advocacy Writing Workshop. The course has helped individuals and staff members of NGOs, foundations, universities, corporate communications, and government agencies write about their concerns with more focus, impact, and persuasion, reaping better results. John L. Silva has been a contributing writer to Philippine Starweek, curator for the National Museum, and one of the driving forces behind the Heritage Conservation Society. In addition, he will teach you how to get your article published and get your points across in the media. Seats are limited so reserve now. The fee is P3,500 and a workbook, a delicious lunch, and a tour of the National Museum are included. Call/text John now at 0926-729-9029, 527-5082 (work), 831-7065 (home), or reserve online at jsilva79@hotmail.com. Workshop date and venue: Saturday, September 10, Museum of the Filipino People, National Museum Complex, Agrifina Circle, Rizal Park, Manila.

* * *
Feedback is welcome. Please e-mail the writer at paulo.alcazaren@gmail.com.

Lili

June 9th, 2006, 12:13 AM

^ Wow, what a description of Manila in that pre-war tourist guide. Very romantic and enticing. This should be used as a Master Plan in recapturing the glory of Manila.

What I don't like about that article though is that in the last paragraph, it advertised the service of an advocacy writing workshop for a fee. It doesn't seem to be in good taste. I don't know.

richardtsb

June 9th, 2006, 07:51 AM

There is another taping about other sites in danger, by ABS CBN that they might show next week (tuesday and wednesday). the report done by Joey Villarama made Dong Puno and Ces Drilon to be come sentimental which made them to make Joey a part 2 and 3 of the report. Watch it na lang.

ishtefh_03

June 9th, 2006, 08:53 AM

i saw in the news that avenue theater was demolished na... sayang.. and they are planning of demolishing other old theaters...

JAMAICUS

June 9th, 2006, 09:23 AM

A news report said Galaxy Theatre is next... how sad....

ishtefh_03

June 9th, 2006, 10:04 AM

^^ sad talaga... :(

JAMAICUS

June 9th, 2006, 10:15 AM

Though, what is the story behind Galaxy Theatre???

JAMAICUS

June 10th, 2006, 07:51 PM

Cinema designed by National Artist faces demolition

First posted 00:43am (Mla time) June 10, 2006
By Jerome Aning
Inquirer

THE National Commission for Culture and the Arts has activated its “emergency response committee” to monitor, preserve and save from destruction privately-owned buildings or structures designed by National Artists.

“We want to know in advance if the structures designed by these awardees are endangered or are about to be demolished or changed so we can lobby or negotiate to save them,” NCCA executive director Cecille Guidote-Alvarez told the Inquirer. Recently, a wrecking crew had started tearing down the Avenue Theater on Rizal Avenue designed by National Artist Juan Nakpil.

The committee was activated as the NCCA learned that the Galaxy Theater in Sta. Cruz, Manila, a major work of 1976 National Artist for Architecture Pablo Antonio, had been scheduled for demolition to make way for a parking lot.

The NCCA also discovered that at least two old houses along Quiapo’s R. Hidalgo Street, particularly the Santiago and Enriquez mansions, had been sold and could be torn down or renovated.

Alvarez said the committee, whose members include NCCA officials, particularly from the heritage sites office, would be networking with conservationists in the private sector to mount a campaign to protect vanishing architectural treasures.

Several conservationists, using their blogspots, have already initiated “e-mail and phone brigades” to convince Manila Mayor Lito Atienza not to issue a demolition permit for Galaxy.

The theater was built in the Art Moderne style, which is more streamlined than Art Deco and dominated by slick lines that convey movement, agility and speed. “Galaxy is a lovely movie house, also among the prime movie houses during its time,” said architect Richard Tuason-Sanchez Bautista of the NCCA’s heritage sites office.

Bautista is documenting the state of the Avenue, Galaxy and other theaters built in the classic style on Rizal Avenue in Sta. Cruz, Manila, which are in danger of being demolished or are falling into a state of disrepair. He is also finishing a book on the works of Nakpil.

“Galaxy’s façade has sun buffles that create a very dignified character to the structure. The stairway leading the balcony is very graceful while the arcade post is accented with mahjong-like blocks,” Bautista said.

The theater had an original DP70 wide-screen projector, built in Belgium in the ’50s, which became popular in international cinemas until the ’70s.

Apart from Galaxy, Antonio also designed a row of movie theaters in Manila such as Forum, Ideal, Life, Lyric and Scala. His other works include the Far Eastern University’s Administration and Science buildings, the Manila Polo Club, Boulevard-Alhambra (now Bel-Air) apartments and the Ramon Roces Publications Building (now Guzman Institute of Electronics).

According to Bautista, the Rizal Avenue area is “a remarkable repository” of various art works done by National Artists and leading names in Philippine architecture.

http://news.inq7.net/metro/index.php?index=1&story_id=78650

JAMAICUS

June 11th, 2006, 04:50 AM

A magical, mystical tour of Old Manila

First posted 02:20am (Mla time) June 11, 2006
By Margaux C. Ortiz
Inquirer

THE best way to explore the city of Manila is by taking a walking tour.

The jeepneys and calesas that ply the streets offer an easier and more comfortable way to get around, but traveling on foot will enable one to see the city’s cultural treasures that people often fail to notice, according to tour guide Ivan ManDy.

ManDy, who prefers to be called a “streetwalker,” began offering walking tours of the city after a short trip to Singapore two years ago.

“People see more while traveling on foot instead of looking at the scenery from inside a tour bus,” the 27-year-old guide told the Inquirer.

Change in perception

Aptly named “Old Manila Walks,” ManDy said the tour is aimed at changing people’s perception of the 400-year-old city.

Instead of the usual day tours, which either confine travelers to the bus or rush them from one site to another, the Chinese-Filipino “streetwalker” bonds with everyone in his group during the two to four-hour activity.

“The walking tours are interactive. We all learn from each other,” ManDy stressed, pointing out that 30 percent of those who sign up for Old Manila Walks are locals. The rest are tourists and expatriates.

“Some of the locals who wish to know more about the city share a thing or two regarding a particular cultural site,” he said. “These little contributions make the tours livelier and more interesting.”

Four choices

ManDy, who has lived his whole life in the city, said those who want to take the tour can choose from the following itineraries: The Big Binondo Food Wok; Mounds, Magnates and Mausoleums: A Chinese Cemetery Walk; Power, Palace and A Shot of Beer in San Miguel and finally, Walls of This Content: An Intramuros Walk.

“All of these areas have played a very significant part in my life,” ManDy enthused. True enough, the chatty “streetwalker” spent his first eight years in Binondo and went to St. Jude Catholic School in San Miguel for his primary and secondary education.

He also worked as a guide at the Bahay Tsinoy in Intramuros, a museum of Chinese-Filipino history and culture, and regularly visits his great-grandparents who are buried at the Chinese Cemetery.

Both the Binondo and Intramuros tours cost P650 per person, inclusive of food and museum entrance fees, while the San Miguel tour costs P750 per head. Interested tourists and locals can avail of the Chinese Cemetery walk for P500 per person, ManDy said.

Artistic delights

The Far Eastern University campus on Nicanor Reyes Street (formerly Morayta) was recently added to the young tour guide’s growing list of walks, with its “treasure trove of artistic delights by National Artists such as Pablo Antonio Sr., Vicente Manansala and Carlos “Botong” Francisco.”

“The FEU campus has the biggest concentration of Art Deco structures in the city,” ManDy said.

Art Deco refers to a style of decorative art developed originally in the 1920s and revived in the 1960s. It is characterized by geometric motifs, curvilinear forms, sharply defined outlines and bold colors.

“Art Deco, also seen in the Metropolitan Theater in Lawton Plaza and Malate’s Rizal Memorial Stadium, was how the people in the 1920s viewed the future,” ManDy said.

History 101

He added that the Intramuros walk was ideal for “Philippine history beginners” while the San Miguel package showcases the district’s beautiful period homes and churches.

But the 27-year-old tour guide is most famous for his “Big Binondo Food Wok,” probably owing to his Chinese-Filipino roots.

Donning his pigtailed silk cap and “Chinoy costume,” ManDy begins his tribute to the country’s premier Chinatown by way of a four-hour walk through Binondo’s streets.

The meeting place for those going on the tour is at the lobby of the Basilica de San Lorenzo or Binondo Church, a witness to the early Chinese Christians’ devotion and piety.

“Both the Binondo and Sta. Cruz Churches, which we visit during the guided tour, have distinctive, eight-sided, pagoda-like bell towers,” ManDy observed.

He noted that the number eight is considered lucky in Chinese culture because of its “flowing character” while pagodas— sacred pyramid-like temples— are a common sight on the mainland.

The group then proceeds to Ongpin Street, where a “guiltless food splurge” begins.

“Guiltless, because despite the seemingly endless intake of food during the whole tour, we end up burning them all through the four-hour walk,” ManDy said, grinning.

“Besides, food makes the trip more interesting. It’s a big part of making history alive,” he enthusiastically added.

Food trip

ManDy said the group drops by hole-in-the-wall restaurants that serve authentic hand-rolled Chinese lumpia, pancit noodles, tea-cooked eggs, Hokkien-style fried rice (kiampeng) and Northeast dumplings.

The route also includes the last chocolate shop in Tondo which shows workers making tablea (chocolate tablets) the traditional way. Also on the itinerary are a Chinese wedding store, and a Buddhist temple (Te Ya Kong) on Kipuja Street.

“I also point out some old Chinoy houses in the district that have withstood time, the ground floors of which are usually made of stone while the second floors are built with wood,” ManDy said, explaining that the materials used enabled the houses to “sway” during earthquakes.

Historical sites

Binondo, few people know, have also been home to historical figures. ManDy said Doña Teodora Alonso Realonda, the mother of national hero Jose Rizal, once lived on San Fernando Street in Binondo.

Rizal’s father, Don Francisco Mercado Rizal, lived on Estraude Street, he added.

“Both houses are now gone, with only historical markers taking their place,” the tour guide noted, explaining that Doña Teodora’s old home was razed by a fire in 1997.

Apart from the Binondo walk, ManDy is equally popular for conducting tours at the Chinese Cemetery.

“The Chinese Cemetery is actually an architectural jewel because it was among the few places in the city that were not bombed during World War II,” he said.

Pinoy, not Chinoy

He explained that the beautiful, elaborate mausoleums in the area were actually adaptations of the local culture and not, as commonly perceived, part of the Chinese tradition.

“People would think that the mausoleums are ostentatious, their owners show-offs,” ManDy said. But he pointed out that most of the structures, which have their own bathrooms and rest areas, are not found in China.

“These burial chambers were built to accommodate the local tradition of honoring the dead on Todos Los Santos (All Saints Day and All Souls Day), which have become social events, with people even spending the night at the cemeteries,” ManDy said.

Apart from the elaborate mausoleums, tourists can also visit a turtle-shaped plot, an ancient Chinese burial mound, and the Chong Hock Tong temple which is the oldest Chinese temple in the Philippines, according to ManDy.

He also disclosed that noodle king Ma Mon Luk and a number of Filipino-Chinese war heroes and martyrs were interred at the Chinese Cemetery.

“A lot of people love to bash the city for different reasons,” the 27-year-old tour guide explained. “Through Old Manila Walks, we wish to show everyone that Manila may not be the best planned city in the world, but looking beyond the pollution and traffic, it certainly is a culture-filled destination,” he said.

http://news.inq7.net/metro/index.php?index=1&story_id=78742

Wonderboy

June 11th, 2006, 08:43 PM

The Paco Train Station located along Quirino Avenue in Manila was recently repainted, surprisingly restored by the city government and turned into a relocation action center. And thank God the paint colors were chosen carefully! It’s good to know that they decided not to knock it down:

http://img55.imageshack.us/img55/4273/paco012sj.jpg

http://img48.imageshack.us/img48/2100/paco28ny.jpg

http://img48.imageshack.us/img48/3715/paco36gi.jpg

http://img224.imageshack.us/img224/3285/paco40md.jpg

JAMAICUS

June 12th, 2006, 03:53 AM

^^ I LOVE IT!!! Hopefully, once finished its job as an action center, they can think of an everlasting use for Paco Station...

OtAkAw

June 12th, 2006, 02:31 PM

^^Where's Paco Station located? it looks like it's in the middle of nowhere. Good thing they havent tried to demolish it!

Wonderboy

June 12th, 2006, 06:52 PM

^^ Paco Train Station is located at Plaza Dilao, Paco, Manila (across Philippine Columbian Country Club).

tigidig14

June 13th, 2006, 02:50 AM

mga ninuno namin dati sa Paco nakalibing pagtapos ginawang abo at tapos nilipat sa Norte

gee

June 13th, 2006, 03:00 AM

i posted these articles in cebu heritage walk thread. just want to share with you that cooperation between the local government, sk, ngo and educational institution is possible:

Youth Maps Out and Valuates Heritage Monuments and Sites

To map out and valuate the cultural significance of their town’s heritage monuments and sites, the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officers of Alcoy, Argao, Boljoon, Dalaguete, and Oslob, presented the results of their cultural mapping and valuation during the Barangay History Writing Conference II: Right to Heritage forum last April 17-18 in Argao, Cebu.

The two-day conference was part of the Cebu Heritage Frontier Phase 2: Youth for Heritage Program of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts National Committee on Monuments.

The conference included the validation and illustration of the cultural map per barangay, identification of local historian or writer per town, photo documentation of heritage resources such as old houses, school buildings, and antique jars, among others.

Through the said conference, the SK leaders were equipped with skills in heritage identification, documentation, valuation and interpretation. They will also be involved in coming up with heritage tourism in their respective towns.

The conference was part of the Barangay History Writing Conference series that was first conducted last February 18 in Argao with 118 students from the University of the Philippines- Cebu and 65 SK leaders from the said towns. A two-mapping and identification was conducted in Feb. 24-25, 2006 covering 96 barangays out of 118 of the five towns.

Workshop proper

Day one of the conference witnessed the turning over of cultural mapping documentation survey form of the 96 barangays by Dr. Madrileña dela Cerna of the University of the Philippines- Visayas Cebu College Central Visayas Studies Center (UPV-CVSC). A testimonial of the Feb. 24-25 mapping experience was also shared by both the UP students and the SK officers.

The workshop proper began with a talk on Understanding Heritage and Philippine Heritage Laws given by Ruel Bughao Rigor, Cebu Heritage Frontier Project Coordinator. Bughao discussed the valuation criteria and cultural significance of historical monuments and sites.

Using the valuation criteria for socio-economic, economic, historic, architectural and scientific-archaeological, the participants valuated the cultural values of their towns’ heritage resources.

Partners

This project is in partnership with the UPV-Central Visayas Studies Center who sent students to participate in the conference held last in February together with the SK, the Local Government Unit of Argao, and the Cebu provincial committee in Cebuano language, Culture and the Arts.

source: http://www.rafi.org.ph/chp.html

CVSC Conducts Local History Writing Workshops to Promote Cebuano Heritage

Do you know your local history?

This is a Central Visayas Studies Center (CVSC) of University of the Philippines-Cebu has linked up Provincial Tourism and Heritage Council (PTHC) by conducting local history writing workshops in line with promoting the province of Cebu.

With the fast-rising development of Cebu City as a tourist destination, the need to introduce the far-reaching cities and municipalities of the province has become increasingly imperative.

Last year, Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia saw the urgency of developing the PTHC responsible for the cultural and heritage mapping and preservation of the 5 component cities and 47 municipalities of the Cebu province. This is to highlight the importance of heritage to tourism and economic development.

The provincial committee on Cebu Language, Culture, and Arts (PCCLCA) one of the three committees created under the PTHC, was tasked for documentation, organization and writing of local history of each of the provinces and municipalities.

Madrileña de la Cerna, member of the PCCLCA and director of CVSC, suggested local history writing workshops to be conducted, as a joint project between CVSC and different towns of Cebu in support the heritage preservation project.

Students of UP-Cebu were invited to participate as volunteers in the heritage mapping and local history writing workshops scheduled throughout the year. This February, 4th year students of UP-Cebu from the STS classes of de la Cerna will be involved in field investigation in the different towns and municipalities.

History writers and people from the towns will be the resource persons for the local history writing workshop to be handled by de la Cerna.

The workshop will focus on the writing and organization of the data garnered from cultural and heritage mapping of each of the towns. This will include the natural, built, and intangible heritage such as the churches, festivals, religious practices etc.

“This has to be written down and it is the people themselves who will do that,” said de la Cerna.

She also highlights the importance of letting the people in the towns know their history and cultural heritage. “Once they have documented these cultural and heritage resources, the people will know how they can translate that into economic activities.”

She further stated that one of the major aims of the project is to create a comprehensive database of every town’s culture and history that will be beneficial to National Government Units, towns and municipalities.

According to dela Cerna, through heritage awareness, the communities will learn to manage their resources better.

Locals could even be trained as competent tourist guides once they become aware of their history. This will promote heritage tourism in different parts of Cebu.

“We have the tendency to focus on the usual tourist spots in Cebu City when there is so much to see in the whole province of Cebu,” said de la Cerna.

Considering the enormity of this task, mapping, or doing an inventory the town’s cultural heritage, will be done geographically from January to April by clustering the towns.

By September to December of this year, historical writing experts will collate the data gathered from the different clusters.

The database and written output, translated both in English and Cebuano, will be published by year 2007. It will be first made available to the towns and communities by summer next year.

source: http://www.upv.edu.ph/news/news_archive.php?id=9
date:2006-02-15

Wonderboy

June 13th, 2006, 03:20 PM

^^ Nakakatuwa naman at involved ang kabataan ng Cebu (pati na rin Iloilo) pagdating sa heritage conservation. Ang mga youth group sa Manila...(expletive deleted).

sandrin

June 13th, 2006, 03:30 PM

Lili

June 14th, 2006, 12:14 AM

Lili, your PM inbox is full. I can't send you a PM....

Sandrin, I just read this now. I've unloaded. You can send me the PM.

gee

June 14th, 2006, 07:17 AM

^^ Nakakatuwa naman at involved ang kabataan ng Cebu (pati na rin Iloilo) pagdating sa heritage conservation. Ang mga youth group sa Manila...(expletive deleted).

di ba may kasabihan: "Ang mali ay nagmumukhang tama sa mata ng mga bata kung ito’y ginagawa ng matatanda" o "Ang mali na ginagawa ng matatanda ay ginagaya ng mga bata; at sa kanilang mga mata, ang mali ay nagiging tama." i think politicians, the church and business leaders should set good examples to young people especially in preserving our cultural heritage. the activities mentioned above ^^ are the results of the initiative taken by political, church and business leaders of cebu. here's an article about Garbo sa Sugbo:

Pride of Place : Cebu gets its act together for heritage conservation
source:http://news.inq7.net/lifestyle/index.php?index=2&story_id=58811

First posted 00:08am (Mla time) Dec 05, 2005
By Augusto Villalon
Inquirer

Editor's Note: Published on page C4 of the December 5, 2005 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

VERY RARELY IN THE Philippines do provincial leaders recognize the uniqueness of their people and so take the effort to assess their cultural strengths as a prelude to mapping out a program to preserve their cultural identity.

Cebu is among the first provinces to take the step. Spearheaded by Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, provincial government authorities met with prominent Cebuano businessmen and the Archdiocese of Cebu to establish Garbo sa Sugbo (Cebuano Pride) Foundation.

The private foundation is a landmark. It finally unites the government, Church and business, all normally having divergent visions in the preservation issue. Their common cause is to identify and preserve all aspects of Cebuano heritage. It is a great first step.

What Garbo sa Sugbo Foundation aims is to make each Cebuano aware of his or her people's special story and to eventually be able to tell that story with pride.

Not many Filipinos have pride of place these days, much less pride of country. On the other hand, pride is bred into each Cebuano since birth.

Cebuanos are fiercely proud of their language, their place in Philippine history, and their innate sense of entrepreneurship.

The island's geographical location made it the logical hub for the maritime shipping industry in the Philippines.

Cebuano craftsmanship has made the province a respected manufacturing center for export products.

Probably the leading destination in the country, Cebu once promoted itself as an "Island in the Pacific" to escape negative publicity during the turbulent days of Philippine politics. The tourists kept coming.

Tourism has made Cebuanos aware of their island's natural qualities-clear water, beaches, islets, and dive sites, truly the "Island in the Pacific" as it once claimed to be.

Heritage is another issue. Cebuanos are largely unfamiliar with their heritage. Garbo sa Sugbo Foundation aims to change all that.

As a first step, foundation members representing different sectors of cultural activity committed to completing an inventory of all expressions of Cebuano heritage, including traditional literature, music, art, crafts, cuisine, architecture, heritage towns.

What to do next

The next step after the inventory is to determine what to do with all of the cultural riches still existing in the province.

The inventory expands long-established activities for Cebuano cultural regeneration.

One of the most successful activities is the Cebu Heritage Frontier by the Ramòn Aboitiz Foundation, which has long been documenting architectural heritage in four Spanish colonial towns on the south coast of the island. The program trains locals to respect and preserve their heritage, and introduces community-based cultural tourism programs designed to economically benefit the locals.

Other members of Garbo sa Sugbo Foundation are individually involved with research in traditional Cebuano art, literature, cuisine.

The foundation institutionalizes research activities and provides a central repository for the information.

Documentation of Cebuano culture will lead to the preparation of a cultural heritage plan with programs to establish methods of preservation following internationally prescribed principles, to categorize and prioritize certain areas of preservation, and to determine what public-private cooperation is needed for effective preservation.

A model for public-private cooperation is now in place with the recent provincial declaration of Carcar as a Heritage Town and the passing of the Carcar heritage bill which designates heritage zones, levels of protection for heritage structures, and, most importantly, enlists the participation of the Carcar Heritage Conservation Society to provide technical expertise in the task of preserving their historic town.

Unknown to many, much is being done for the conservation of heritage in Cebu.

Another example, the Santo Niño Basilica and Casa Gorordo Museum, both national monuments protected by the National Historical Institute, are being conserved under the supervision of qualified restoration architects. This indicates there's awareness that restoration is a specialized activity that cannot be done by unqualified professionals.

Despite the work being done to conserve the heritage of Cebu, much is still being lost.

The Garbo sa Sugbo program intends to reawaken Cebuanos to their unique heritage and to add the dimension of cultural pride as a defining factor to the already existing Cebuano sense of pride.

After regaining pride of its natural and cultural richness, it will be time for Cebu to at last step out of its island boundaries and offer its cultural rediscovery and preservation experience to the rest of the country as a model for nation-building through establishing a sense of Filipino pride.

ishtefh_03

June 15th, 2006, 06:54 AM

LordCarnal

June 15th, 2006, 09:11 AM

Church and Convent in Lazi, Siquijor
(San Isidro Labrador Convent and Church)

Visit the Siquijor Heritage Foundation Incorporated Website. (http://www.shfi.org)

Some photos from the SHFI Website by Leo Mamicpic

The largest convent in Southeast Asia
http://www.shfi.org/photogallery/AS-Convent/images/Convent%20against%20the%20afternoon%20sun.jpg

Staircase Balustrade
http://www.shfi.org/photogallery/AS-Convent/images/Convent%20Balustrade.jpg

Azotea
http://www.shfi.org/photogallery/AS-Convent/images/Azotea.jpg

Receiving Area
http://www.shfi.org/photogallery/AS-Convent/images/FloorChrs-01.jpg

Hardwood floor detail
http://www.shfi.org/photogallery/AS-Convent/images/Convent%20Floor%20Detail1.jpg

Main retablo at the church
http://www.shfi.org/photogallery/AS-ChurchIn/images/MainRetablo2.jpg

Detail of main retablo base
http://www.shfi.org/photogallery/AS-ChurchIn/images/Retablo%20Base%20Detail2.jpg

Church dome
http://www.shfi.org/photogallery/AS-ChurchIn/images/Dome1.jpg

Hawayano

June 15th, 2006, 06:05 PM

@arnoldsa: I love what you've been doing to record the heritage of the Visayas--these pics of Lazi church complex are super! I was relieved and amazed to see that so much of the original features and details of the convento are still intact. Let's pray that they don't fall victim to antiques' market scavengers or to indiscriminate "renovations". Do you know if this the parish has any guidelines (or better yet security guards) to protect this living museum?

LordCarnal

June 15th, 2006, 06:11 PM

^^

thanks hawayano... more from here regarding the history of the foundation, how it was formed, it's mission in preserving the church and convent, etc..etc.. http://www.shfi.org/aboutshfi.htm

Lili

June 15th, 2006, 07:09 PM

Wow, beautiful @arnoldsa. I can just imagine walking on those hardwood floors. In the olden days, the interns must have taken all afternoon to scrub those beautiful floors with the traditional 'bunot'. They just hearken back some lost time in the past. Something in me seems to feel that I have been there sometime in the past.

Wonderboy

June 15th, 2006, 10:48 PM

^^ And galing naman Arnoldsa! The convent is well-preserved! Kudos to the community of Lazi for maintaning the church and convent! :okay:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y180/Circa1900/webrizalav30.gif

An Invitation to Join

Heritage Conservationists and other members of the Heritage Conservation Society will have a meeting this coming Saturday (June 17), 2 p.m. at the Casino Español beside Instituto Cervantes to plan the cultural mapping of Manila.

A project proposal form from the NCCA as well as the NHI form (Identification of Significant Historical Structure) will be given out for the said project.

Everyone is invited. Please help us save Manila and its remaining heritage sites.

Should you have further questions regarding the meeting, please send me a private message.

Thank you.

----

Instituto Cervantes
855 T.M. Kalaw St.
1000 Ermita, Manila
(At the back of Masagana Supermarket Taft Avenue)
Tel.: +63 2 526 14 82
Fax: +63 2 526 14 49
E-mail : cenmni@cervantes.es
Website: http://manila.cervantes.es/

----

Message from Dr. Butch Zialcita...

Cultural Mapping of Manila

Dear Friends in HCS,

For now neither the NHI nor Nat Museum can help us in saving landmarks in
Manila because no list has been submitted to them. Only a few landmarks
in Manila are protected by law: Intramuros, San Sebastian.

1. An inventory of landmarks is needed. Mia Quimpo and Gigi Solomon did an
inventory funded by NCCA a few years back. They covered Manila street by
street. It is with NCCA. That is Phase I. Phase 2 must explain the
significance of each structure they listed. That is lacking. Hence the
list cannot be submitted as yet to any government agency.

2. Doing Phase 2 could be the task of HCS. First we write a proposal to
NCCA for funding. Then we divide the work among those interested. Some of
us have already done work on some of the areas. Paolo A. and M. Noche
know the Escolta area plus other institutional buildings. Ivan M. knows
the rest of Binondo. (He can also use Viana's book on the area). I know
Quiapo and San Miguel.

3. We then submit the book to NHI, Nat M and NCCA. SO THAT FINALLY THERE
IS A LEGAL BASIS FOR PROTECTING THE LANDMARKS.

4. Either publishing a book on them or coming out with a CD will certainly
publicize them and help generate public support.

5. There is no dissipation of efforts on the part of HCS members. Not all
are involved in saving schools. Many would like to do something for the
org and its causes. This is one way.

LET'S DO IT!

Butch Zialcita

ishtefh_03

June 16th, 2006, 03:51 PM

nice pic Arnoldsa... just by looking at it lam mo na kung gaano katanda especially the stairs na wood... :D

gee

June 16th, 2006, 07:11 PM

perhaps we can also learn from the experience of other countries. i notice in germany even in the smallest village, people are very much aware of their cultural heritage. in germany it is doing well because there are laws on "denkmalschutz" (protection of monuments) and private initiatives are well organized. just want to share here about the deutsche stiftung denkmalschutz. just made a quick translation!

Deutsche Stiftung Denkmalschutz (DSD)
“German Foundation for the Protection of Monuments”
http://www.denkmalschutz.de/

Auftrag / Task

Als private Initiative stellt sich die Deutsche Stiftung Denkmalschutz zwei Aufgaben: bedrohte Kulturdenkmale zu bewahren und für den Gedanken des Denkmalschutzes zu werben, um möglichst viele Bürger zur Mithilfe zu gewinnen.

As a private initiative DSD has two tasks: to preserve the endangered cultural monuments and to promote the idea of monument protection, in order to win the support of as many citizens as possible.

Die Wissenschaftliche Kommission der Deutschen Stiftung Denkmalschutz, die über alle Fördermaßnahmen berät, hat schwere Entscheidungen zu treffen: Es werden nur Projekte gefördert, die als Denkmale anerkannt und als restaurierungswürdig ausgewiesen sind. Strenge Kriterien müssen angelegt werden, um die begrenzten Mittel dort einzusetzen, wo sie am meisten bewirken: nämlich dort, wo die Pflege von Denkmalen durch staatliche Hilfe nicht ausreichend gewährleistet ist; wo die Mittel der Stiftung, die rasch und ohne administrative Umwege eingesetzt werden können, zusätzliche öffentliche Mittel möglich machen. Trotzdem kann die Stiftung derzeit nur drei von fünf Antragstellern die erhoffte Hilfe bringen.

The scientific commission of DSD, which advise on the promotion activities, has difficult decisions to make: projects are promoted only when they are recognized as monuments and they are found to be in need of restoration. Strict criteria must be set, so that the limited resources will be appropriated there, where they at most make results: there, where the care of monuments through the help of the state is not enough; where the resources of the foundation can be appropriated quickly and without administrative bureaucracy (hence) make additional public resources possible. Nevertheless the foundation can extend help only to three to five applicants.

Die Deutsche Stiftung Denkmalschutz wirbt durch gezielte Öffentlichkeitsarbeit und durch ihre Zeitschrift Monumente für die Bewahrung unseres baulichen Erbes. Der Erfolg des von ihr bundesweit koordinierten Tags des offenen Denkmals beweist das große Interesse der Bürger an der Erhaltung ihrer gebauten Umwelt und erlebbaren Geschichte. Es gilt, dem Denkmalschutz in der öffentlichen Diskussion die ihm zukommende Bedeutung zu verleihen.

DSD makes promotion for the preservation of our structural heritage through well-directed public relations and through its journal Monumente. The success of the open house (which is coordinated nationally) only shows the great interest of the citizens in the preservation of the their constructed environment and “experiencable” history. It is also essential to give monument protection in the public discussion its significant meaning.

How you can help?

(A) Donations

Donation can be given for a specific project or for the projects of the foundation. It can be given once or in a form of regular contribution.

(B) Trust Funds

Start your own or place an existing trust fund under the care of DSD.

(C) Testaments

Legacies, inheritances or donations can make a valuable contribution to DSD.

(D) Volunteer as Local Curator

Wonderboy

June 16th, 2006, 07:20 PM

^^ Thanks Gee. I will post the article on Heritage Conservation Society Yahoogroups.

gee

June 17th, 2006, 10:52 AM

^^ Thanks Gee. I will post the article on Heritage Conservation Society Yahoogroups.

here are some more!

Swiss Heritage Society /Der Schweizer Heimatschutz / Patrimoine Suisse
http://www.heimatschutz.ch/ (German/French)

Mission: The SHS is dedicated to the advancement of Switzerland’s architectural heritage. Its focus is on the preservation of important landmarks, the development of the structural environment, and the promotion of good architectural design.

Activities: The SHS pursues its goals mainly with public relations activities, through publications, technical consulting in construction projects, advisory functions in planning committees, appraisals, legal action, and financial grants for pioneering projects. The SHS commends exemplary achievements by awarding prizes (Wakker Prize, Heimatschutz Prize, Schulthess Horticultural Prize). Together with Pro Natura, the SHS has been supporting the annual fundraising drive with chocolate talers for over 50 years.

Publication: The Society’s magazine “Heimatschutz/Sauvegarde” is published quarterly and apart from the latest news always features a keynote topic.

Auch ich kann etwas tun / I can also do something

Mitgliedschaft/ Membership

Membership Privileges: (A) One can avail of the exclusive offers of the SHS, e.g. trips under the guidance of an expert. (B) One receive the quarterly magazine “Heimatschutz”, which gives background information about current topics on heritage preservation. (C) One can receive all other publications of SHS free of charge.

Gönner/Sponsor

With 50 Swiss francs one becomes a sponsor of SHS without further obligations. These contributions flow into current projects. When desired one can receive the magazine “Heimatschutz /Sauvegarde” four times a year.

Spenden/Donation

Since SHS is dependent on private financial means even the smallest donation is welcome.

Legate/Legacy

Numerous projects of SHS were realized through the generous vision of persons, who favoured the SHS in their last will.

Aktiver Einsatz für die Baukultur in Ihrer Region /Active involvement in your region

The organization functions through the support of numerous volunteers. When one would like to contribute concretely on something one can consult the local chapters/units.

Patrimoine sans frontières - France
http://www.patrimsf.org/ (French/English)

Founded in 1992 with the support of the French Ministry of Culture and Communication, Patrimoine sans frontières (Psf), is dedicated to preserving endangered or neglected cultural heritage sites and issues worldwide and following, for example, crises situations such as natural disasters, war and conflict

Patrimoine sans frontières aim is to encourage the reappropriation of endangered sites and cultural heritage issues, to ensure that they will be properly taken care of by the populations concerned in a pro-active and independent manner.

Our operation largely depends on the setting up of a network of multidisciplinary and international partners, bringing together private and public services (universities, scientists, financial and political institutions) that we can then mobilise to achieve the best possible collaboration and synergy for all projects concerned.

Acting as the “middleman”, Patrimoine sans frontières responds to appeals from other heritage preservation associations and organisations and puts its network and expertise at their disposal.

Our sphere of activity includes: identifying endangered cultural heritage sites and issues, “forgotten” by local institutions and established intervention networks, selecting priority cases, studying the feasibility of each project, elaborating pertinent conservation plans, raising public awareness, fundraising, mobilising a network of partners for a particular project, activating intervention from other organisations, providing advice to other heritage conservation bodies, exchanging “best practices”, setting up exhibitions, co-editing publications…

Nous soutenir / Helping Psf

With a donation you can benefit from a tax rebate.

Personal Donation

Your donations give you the right to a reduction of 66% of their amount on your income tax, within the limit of 20% of your taxable net income (over this limit, carried forward over the next 4 years). Upon receipt of your payment, we will send you a receipt that you must keep and send as justification of your donation when you make your income declaration to the tax office.

Company Donation

Your payments towards the patronage entitle you to a reduction of your income tax or company tax of 60% of the amount of these payments, within the limit of 0,5% of your turnover, exclusive of tax. Over this limit of 0,5% or in the case of an account showing a deficit, the surplus is carried forward on the next 4 end-of-year balance sheets within the limit of 0,5%.

Stichting Nationaal Contact Monumenten (NCM) – Netherlands
http://www.stichtingncm.nl/index1024.html (Dutch)

i include the original text here because i am not so sure of some of the terms

Het NCM is een stichting die zich bezighoudt met monumentenzaken van algemene aard en nationaal belang. Het NCM treedt daarbij op als belangenbehartiger voor particuliere monumentenorganisaties in ons land. Het NCM bestaat uit een bureau met een paar enthousiaste medewerkers en een algemeen bestuur bestaande uit vertegenwoordigers van grote landelijke monumentenorganisaties. Het NCM kent geen individuele leden, maar heeft aangesloten organisaties die het NCM steunen en tot samenwerking bereid zijn.

The NCM is a foundation that deals with heritage affairs of general nature and national interest. The NCM is becoming a significant umbrella for private heritage organizations in our country. The NCM has an office with few enthusiastic co-workers and a general administration composed of representatives of several rural heritage organizations. The NCM does not have individual members, but has affiliated organizations, which NCM supports and has existing cooperation.

Activiteiten NCM / Activities of NCM

Het NCM heeft een aantal jaarlijks terugkerende activiteiten. De doelgroep voor deze activiteiten wordt grotendeels gevormd door haar achterban, de leden van particuliere monumentenorganisaties. Daarnaast richt het NCM zich bij haar activiteiten ook op gemeenteambtenaren monumentenzorg en archeologie. Het NCM beperkt zich bij deze activiteiten niet alleen tot het onderwerp monumentenzorg, maar richt zich ook op de raakvlakken van de monumentenzorg met andere terreinen als archeologie, ruimtelijke ordening, educatie, cultuurtoerisme en werkgelegenheid.
Het NCM organiseert sommige activiteiten in samenwerking met andere erfgoedinstellingen, zoals bijvoorbeeld de erfgoedkoepels voor archeologie (SNA), archieven (DIVA), musea (NMV) en de Vereniging Digitaal Erfgoed Nederland. Ook wordt veel samengewerkt met de Rijksdienst voor de Monumentenzorg en het Nationaal Restauratiefonds.

The NCM has a number of annual regular activities. The target group for these activities are its supporters and members of private heritage organizations. Furthermore NCM organizes activities for municipal civil servants about care of monuments and archeology. However, NCM does not limit itself on the subject "care of monuments", but also tries to address the relationship between the care of monuments with archaeology, environmental planning, education, cultural tourism and employment. The NCM organizes some activities in cooperation with other heritage organizations with specific interest like archaeology (SNA), archives (DIVA) and museums (NMV) and with the Vereniging Digitaal Erfgoed Nederland (Netherlands Digital Heritage Association). Also many projects were accomplished through the cooperation with the Rijksdienst voor de Monumentenzorg (Office for the Care of Monuments?) and the National Restoration Fund.

LordCarnal

June 17th, 2006, 11:43 AM

If a historical structure is repainted, say a church, is it automatically removed from the World Unesco Heritage List?

gee

June 17th, 2006, 11:56 AM

If a historical structure is repainted, say a church, is it automatically removed from the World Unesco Heritage List?

check:

Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage
http://whc.unesco.org/en/conventiontext/

The Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention
http://whc.unesco.org/en/guidelines/

World Heritage List - Philippines
http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/

Baroque Churches of the Philippines (1993)

Immaculate Conception: District of Intramuros, City of Manila
Nuestra Senora: Municipality of Santa Maria, Province of Ilocos Sur
San Agustin: Municipality of Paoay, Province of Ilocos Norte
Santo Tomas: Municipality of Miag-ao, Province of Iloilo

Tubbataha Reef Marine Park (1993)

Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras (1995)

Historic Town of Vigan (1999)

Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park (1999)

LordCarnal

June 17th, 2006, 02:07 PM

^^

oh ok.. because I've noticed that the facade of the San Agustin Church in Intramuros was painted.

gee

June 17th, 2006, 02:21 PM

^^

oh ok.. because I've noticed that the facade of the San Agustin Church in Intramuros was painted.

Isn't San Agustin included in the heritage list?

^^yes, it is included. the official title of the church is: church of the immaculate concepcion of san augustin.

check this file:
http://whc.unesco.org/archive/advisory_body_evaluation/677.pdf

an excerpt:

The central agency responsible for overall maintenance of the churches is the National Commission on Culture and Art, created in 1991. It has the role of coordinating the work of a committee for each property with representatives from the following national agencies and organizations: ICOMOS Philippines; Department of Tourism; Department of Education, Culture and Sports; National Museum, National Historical Institute; and the relevant provincial and local authorities.

Only the Manila church is the subject of a management plan, drawn up by the Municipal Administration of Intramuros. It is designated as a Special Historical Zone by the Municipality, which makes the services of its conservation architects available for work needed on the church.

OtAkAw

June 17th, 2006, 05:10 PM

JAMAICUS

June 17th, 2006, 05:15 PM

^^ Only San Agustin was declared because the rest of Intramuros was trampled by WW2... the rest are just reconstructions or duplicates...

gee

June 17th, 2006, 05:35 PM

^^ Only San Agustin was declared because the rest of Intramuros was trampled by WW2... the rest are just reconstructions or duplicates...

Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention
77. Criteria for the assessment of outstanding universal value

The Committee considers a property as having outstanding universal value (see paragraphs 49-53) if the property meets one or more of the following criteria. Nominated properties shall therefore :
(i) represent a masterpiece of human creative genius;
(ii) exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design;
(iii) bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
(iv) be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history;
(v) be an outstanding example of a traditional human settlement, land-use, or sea-use which is
representative of a culture (or cultures), or human interaction with the environment especially when it has become vulnerable under the impact of irreversible change;
(vi) be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance. (The Committee considers that this criterion should preferably be used in conjunction with other criteria) ;
(vii) contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance;
(viii) be outstanding examples representing major stages of earth's history, including the record of life, significant on-going geological processes in the development of landforms, or significant geomorphic or physiographic features;
(ix) be outstanding examples representing significant ongoing ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, fresh water, coastal and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals;
(x) contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.

78. To be deemed of outstanding universal value, a property must also meet the conditions of integrity and/or authenticity and must have an adequate protection and management system to ensure its safeguarding.

UNESCO’s World Heritage List - Nomination process
http://whc.unesco.org/en/nominationprocess/

Only countries that have signed the World Heritage Convention, pledging to protect their natural and cultural heritage, can submit nomination proposals for properties on their territory to be considered for inclusion in UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

1 - Tentative List

The first step a country must take is to make an ‘inventory' of its important natural and cultural heritage sites located within its boundaries. This ‘inventory' is known as the Tentative List, and provides a forecast of the properties that a State Party may decide to submit for inscription in the next five to ten years and which may be updated at any time. It is an important step since the World Heritage Committee cannot consider a nomination for inscription on the World Heritage List unless the property has already been included on the State Party's Tentative List.

2 - The Nomination File

By preparing a Tentative List and selecting sites from it, a State Party can plan when to present a nomination file. The World Heritage Centre offers advice and assistance to the State Party in preparing this file, which needs to be as exhaustive as possible, making sure the necessary documentation and maps are included. The nomination is submitted to the World Heritage Centre for review and to check it is complete. Once a nomination file is complete the World Heritage Centre sends it to the appropriate Advisory Bodies for evaluation.

3 - The Advisory Bodies

A nominated property is independently evaluated by two Advisory Bodies mandated by the World Heritage Convention: the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) and the World Conservation Union (IUCN), which respectively provide the World Heritage Committee with evaluations of the cultural and natural sites nominated. The third Advisory Body is the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM), an intergovernmental organization which provides the Committee with expert advice on conservation of cultural sites, as well as on training activities.

4 - The World Heritage Committee

Once a site has been nominated and evaluated, it is up to the intergovernmental World Heritage Committee to make the final decision on its inscription. Once a year, the Committee meets to decide which sites will be inscribed on the World Heritage List. It can also defer its decision and request further information on sites from the States Parties.

5 - The Criteria for Selection

To be included on the World Heritage List, sites must be of outstanding universal value and meet at least one out of ten selection criteria. These criteria are explained in the Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention which, besides the text of the Convention, is the main working tool on World Heritage. The criteria are regularly revised by the Committee to reflect the evolution of the World Heritage concept itself. Until the end of 2004, World Heritage sites were selected on the basis of six cultural and four natural criteria. With the adoption of the revised Operational Guidelines, only one set of ten criteria exists.

Format for the nomination of properties for inscription on the World Heritage List
http://whc.unesco.org/archive/opguide05-annex5-en.pdf

Wonderboy

June 17th, 2006, 07:07 PM

Wonderboy

June 17th, 2006, 07:21 PM

I'm wondering why the entire Intramuros isnt declared as a UNESCO World HEritage Site, well ok, the structures inside arent at par with the world's finest but hey, the walls are the oldest there right? So I think it's just right to include the Walled City in the list. Other sites that may deserve UNESCO Heritage Site Honors are the Ivatan Villages in Batanes, The Angono Petroglyphs of Angono Rizal, Mount Mayon, and a few others. And they could also increase the number of the Baroque Churches in the list.

OtAkAw, Intramuros walls in particular should be nominated first as a world heritage site to the UNESCO. However, a country can only nominate two or three heritage sites per year. I’m not sure if someone has already nominated the Intramuros walls.

^^ Only San Agustin was declared because the rest of Intramuros was trampled by WW2... the rest are just reconstructions or duplicates...

This is true. However, San Agustin was also damaged during the “liberation” for Manila. If you’ve seen the San Agustin Church photos after the war, it was the least damage structure but its wall on the left side near the altar was bombed out and so as its convent. The church and convent were restored, nominated to the UNESCO and declared as a world heritage site a couple of years ago.

Some parts of the walls are still intact during the restoration in 1981 and if you’ve read the Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention, the Intramuros walls suits almost all the criteria.

The walls were properly restored hence it can be nominated to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Pinoy_ako

June 18th, 2006, 12:13 AM

^^^^^^

They also need to protect the site including the buffer zone around it. In Intramuros, eventhough they have the law, it was not being implemented properly. In the past, structures were being constructed ON the walls, like what happened to the former restaurant on top of thw walls near Bastion de San Andres. In other cases, re-use of the spaces of chambers inside the walls damaged portions of the walls, through drilling on the walls themselves. Management of the site is also difficult since after IA was created, the minimum height was set for Intramuros. The major publishing corporation in Intramuros INSISTED on adding another storey to its building, which was against the law when that building was being constructed, citing other higher structures that were built before the law was implemented. In the end, it was permitted by the country's who's who s.

Intramuros was actually nominated a number of years back, together with Taal and Vigan. The file was returned when the committee proposed that the justifications be changed to suit our heritage. Vigan worked on its file, including restoring a number or structures and implementing laws that will protect them, so the historic quarters were included in the List.

With regards to San Agustin, the stucco layer ( paletada ) of the church was restored, just as it was before the "beautification" craze during the 70s. The color of the church was chosen from how it appeared during the prewar years. Among the colors that the church used to sport were a light shade of blue. The present color i suppose was the one that dates back to the 1930s.

Anyway, Batanes may soon be added to the list. The people of the province had to adjust to some requirements as the result of the proposed nomination, including a ban on fishing on selected sites ( since, I think, Batanes has a marine protected component - the initial proposal for this site is for an archaeological and cultural landscape. Batanes is known not only for its stone houses but also for its ancient hilltop fortresses, the ijiang, which is similar to the ones in Ryukyu Islands - a world heritage site. Local law also designates Batanes as a protected landscape and seascape ). Such were the intricacies involved in the listing of a site.

Lili

June 18th, 2006, 12:51 AM

ishtefh_03

June 18th, 2006, 04:38 AM

gee

June 18th, 2006, 05:21 AM

Gee, thanks again. Your postings helped us a lot. Below is a photo of the meeting on Cultural Mapping of Manila at the Casino Español last Saturday. However, some heritage conservationists/HCS members were not able to make it. glad to hear it. though i'm far away from home, i still make some sorts of contribution. can't believe it! :)

@Gee: Thanks for providing those international guidelines here. These will surely assist in drafting the framework of Heritage Conservation in the Philippines.:) i always believe that before we discuss something, we need to know what we are talking about. we should know what conservation is all about, its scope, its consequences, and what are the experiences of other countries in this regard.

excerpts from:

Max DVORÁK, Katechismus der Denkmalpflege, Wien, 1915
Max DVORÁK, The Catechism on the Care of Monuments, Vienna, 1915

i included the original text, just in case someone would like to correct my rush translation.

GEFAHREN, DIE ALTEN DENKMÄLERN DROHEN
DANGERS,WHICH THREATENS THE MONUMENTS

Es ist die wichtigste Aufgabe der Denkmalpflege, dahin zu wirken, dass alte Denkmäler erhalten bleiben.

It is the most important task of Denkmalpflege (“care of monuments”) to work for the preservation of old monuments.

Wenn auch das böswillige, sinnlose allgemeine Wüten gegen Zeugnisse der Vergangenheit, wie es früher in Kriegen und Revolutionen üblich war und zu dessen Abwehr der öffentlichen Denkmalschutz im vorigen Jahrhundert begründet wurde, nicht mehr besteht, so sind doch die Gefahren, die den alten Kunstbesitz bedrohen, noch immer sehr groß.

Even if malicious, senseless common fury against testimonies of the past,[as it was usual in former times in wars and revolutions and to which the hostility to public monument protection in the last century was substantiate,] no longer exist, nevertheless the dangers that threaten the old art possession, are still very large.

Sie beruhen: (1) auf Unwissenheit und Indolenz (2) auf Habsucht und Betrug (3) auf missverstandenen Fortschrittsideen und Forderungen der Gegenwart (4) auf unangebrachter Verschönerungs- und Neuerungssucht, künstlerischer Unbildung oder Verbildung.

They are based: (1) on ignorance and indolence (2) on greed and fraud (3) on misunderstood ideas on development and demands of the present (4) on inappropriate beautification and renovation craze, on lack of and erroneous artistic training.

Diese wichtigsten Ursachen, auf die ein ununterbrochener Verlust von alten Kunstwerken zurückzuführen ist, bestehen nicht etwa nur in Irrtümern einzelner, sondern sind eine allgemeine Erscheinung, die näher beleuchtet werden muss.

These most important causes, to which a continuous loss of old works of art is to due, exist not only as mistakes of individuals, but it is a common phenomenon, which must be enlightened.

Er [= der Denkmalvernichter] schädigt die Allgemeinheit, denn die öffentlichen Kunstwerke sind nicht nur für diesen oder jenen Menschen geschaffen worden, und was sie an Kunstwerk, an malerischem Zauber, an Erinnerungen oder sonstigem Gefühlsinhalt verkörpern, ist nicht minder Gemeingut wie die Schöpfungen der großen Dichter oder die Errungenschaften der Wissenschaft. Das zu wissen, muß von jedem Gebildeten gefordert werden.

He [= the monument annihilator] damages the public place, because the public works of art were not only created for this or that human being, and what is embodied in the work of art, in the pictorial charm, in the memories or other feelings is not at a least common property like the works of great poets or the achievements of science. To know that, must be demanded to each educated person.

Es muss noch darauf hingewiesen werden, dass sehr oft die "Modernisierung und Verschönerung" der Stadt nur ein Vorwand ist, während die eigentliche Ursache der Nutzen ist, den Bauspekulanten aus solcher Umgestaltung zum Schaden der Allgemeinheit ziehen, wogegen sich alle, denen das künstlerische Bild der Heimat wirklich am Herzen liegt, auflehnen sollten.

It must still be pointed out, that very often “modernization and beautification” of the city is only an excuse, because the actual cause is the profit, which construction speculators draw from such renovation of damage public places, whereas those, to which the artistic picture of the homeland is really in their heart, should fight against it.

to be continued....

ivanhenares

June 18th, 2006, 10:33 PM

^^ Gee, thanks again. Your postings helped us a lot. Below is a photo of the meeting on Cultural Mapping of Manila at the Casino Español last Saturday. However, some heritage conservationists/HCS members were not able to make it.

http://img158.imageshack.us/img158/9008/cm4ww.jpg
From left, Gemma Cruz-Araneta, Mico Manalo, Dr. Fernando Zialcita, Pio Andrade Jr., Manuel Noche, me and Mr. Richard Tuazon Baustista of the NCCA Heritage Office.

Wow! What a pity I missed this meeting. Gemma sent me to Bicol to survey the sites there and take photos for the calendar. Anyway, I just uploaded my rough photos from Albay and Camarines at http://photos.yahoo.com/ivanhenares

Please take note of San Jose, Camarines Sur which is a rare breed in the Bicol Region since it hasn't been touched by the parish priests. Let's endeavor to have this one declared since while I was going around, several of the churches were in the process of uglification.

In fact, the trend in Camarines Sur is to make the churches look like those of St. Peter's Basilica which is why the proposed altars look the same, the ceilings look the same and it seems only one person/group is doing this damage to the churches, convincing the parishes to accept their designs, the Naga Cathedral included. In Albay, none of the church interiors are untouched, including that of national cultural treasure Tabaco Church.

Within the next few days, the facade of Tiwi Church would have been completely plastered with cement with a huge portico covering it. Renovations will be also done in Sangay Church, Camarines Sur as well as Tigaon Church, the original tile floor replaced by granite at the cost of over a million pesos! The priest is trying to raise over P10 million for the renovations. As I mentioned in my blog, these are a waste of church funds since the renovations are not even essential to evangelization. And they have to ask for donations from the townsfolk. The only people who would be happy after are the contractors and the parish priest whose whims and caprices were satisfied. But they left irreversible damage to the cultural heritage of the town in their brief stint as parish priest.

It's about time we spoke up to stop the the uglification of Philippine churches. Thanks!

Ivan

Animo

June 19th, 2006, 01:32 AM

^^ I visited your photo sets and the Camarines Sur designs are very interesting. When you have the final draft can you also post to where we can send this letter?

Thanks!

:)

gee

June 19th, 2006, 01:47 AM

^^CATHOLIC BISHOPS CONFERENCE OF THE PHILIPPINES
COMMITTEE FOR THE CULTURAL HERITAGE OF THE CHURCH (PCCHH)

Chairman: Bp. Leopoldo S. Tumulak
Vice Chairman: Bp. Antonio R. Tobias
Members:Bp. Julito B. Cortes, Abp. Jesus A. Dosado, Bp. Juan de Dios Pueblos, Bp. Jose C. Sorra
Executive Secretary: Fr. Ted Torralba
Address:CBCP Bldg., 470 Gen. Luna Street, Intramuros, 1002 Manila
Telefax: 527-9627
e-mail: heritage@cbcpworld.com

Wonderboy

June 19th, 2006, 09:01 AM

so how is the meeting??

We came up with two more plans in the coming weeks:

1. Set up a meeting with Lito Atienza for a dialogue.
2. Go to the National Historical Institute to check their inventory/ list of heritage structures for review/ declaration and reconcile it with the list of HCS.

ivanhenares

June 20th, 2006, 11:39 AM

A PETITION TO THE
CATHOLIC BISHOPS CONFERENCE OF THE PHILIPPINES:
PLEASE STOP THE FURTHER DEFACING
OF FILIPINO HERITAGE CHURCHES

Most Reverend Eminences and Excellencies:

Almost every town in the Philippines has at least one church built during the Spanish colonial period, all of which are inherent parts of the architectural heritage of Filipinos and stand as testaments to the excellence and creativity of Filipino artisans and craftsmen of yesteryears who labored to create these works of art.

These properties of the Filipino people are under the custodianship of the Roman Catholic Church and their representatives in the Republic of the Philippines.

It must have come to your knowledge that several parish priests have taken it upon themselves to modernize and renovate heritage churches under their care without proper consultation with conservationists or representatives of agencies mandated to protect cultural and historical heritage. In their desire to "leave their mark" on the churches, parish priests have caused irreversible damage to our old churches during their short stints in their parishes.

Sadly, there have been instances where parish priests sold off priceless antiques and other church property to unscrupulous antique dealers and collectors to fund these renovations, with the treasures of the Church ending up in homes and other private collections.

In many occasions, the renovations are costly and unnecessary, and at times ostentatious. Priests and parish pastoral councils have undertaken and continue to undertake large-scale fundraising campaigns for these renovations when such funds could be put to better use, especially in a Third-world country such as the Philippines.

The funds could instead be directed toward the three-fold pastoral program of action of the CBCP, to build character, capability and community. Instead of spending on renovations, the various parishes could use the funds “to empower those who are needy to construct a better future” by supporting “social action programs, training programs and institutions, research centers, schools, charitable agencies and organizations, religious orders and congregations, lay organizations and movements, Basic Ecclesial Communities,” that would “help people grow in capacities, such as the capacity to govern themselves, the capacity to develop their abilities, the capacity to find meaningful and fruitful employment and work, the capacity to care for our environment, the capacity to make leadership accountable.”

We, the undersigned petitioners, thus urge the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) to protect the cultural heritage of the Philippine Catholic Church from further damage by ordering the immediate stop to all ongoing and proposed renovations to heritage churches that have not been approved by the CBCP Committee for the Cultural Heritage of the Church or reviewed by representatives of agencies mandated to protect cultural and historical heritage.

We also urge the CBCP to declare all Catholic churches in the Philippines fifty years or older as part of the cultural heritage of the Church and create a comprehensive list of all these churches for the information of the Filipino people and to aid the CBCP Committee for the Cultural Heritage of the Church in monitoring the said churches.

It should also empower the CBCP Committee for the Cultural Heritage of the Church by giving it the sole authority to approve any restoration, construction or further improvements of heritage churches, with the aid of representatives of agencies mandated to protect cultural and historical heritage, and the power to order the halt any restoration, construction or further improvement that it deems damaging to a heritage church.

Finally, we urge the CBCP to adopt a policy of frugality with the renovation of churches. It would be best to channel the funds for unnecessary renovations to the pastoral program of action of the CBCP.

---

To sign the petition, visit http://www.petitiononline.com/cbcp/

gee

June 20th, 2006, 05:38 PM

just want to cite a paper published by the German bishops concerning cultural heritage of the Church in Germany.(my translation is open to corrections.)

Die Katholische Kirche in Deutschland und die Denkmalpflege: Hintergründe, Fakten, Perspektiven
The Catholic Church in Germany and the Care of Monuments: Backgrounds, Facts and Perspectives

Sekretariat der Deutschen Bischofskonferenz, Bonn 2003
Secretariat of the German Bishop’s Conference, Bonn 2003

Fürsorgepflicht für kirchliche Baudenkmale
The obligation to take care of church monumental structures

Die Erhaltung kirchlicher Kulturgüter ist ein gesamtgesellschaftliches Anliegen, das auf Traditionen begründet werden kann: Denn nicht nur für die Kirchengeschichte, auch für die Lokal- und Kulturgeschichte sind kirchliche Kulturgüter seit jeher von herausragender Bedeutung. Sie sind mehr als nur Funktionsträger, die den partikularen Interessen einer Kirchengemeinde dienen. Sie gehören zum Erbe der gesamten Bevölkerung und stehen – schon aus den Intentionen der christlichen Verkündigung heraus – allen Besuchern offen. An ihnen visualisiert und kristallisiert sich kulturelle Identität und kollektives Gedächtnis. Da die Kirchen in den letzten Jahren schmerzliche Mindereinnahmen zu verzeichnen hatten, sind sie bei der Erfüllung ihrer denkmalpflegerischen Aufgaben zunehmend auf überkonfessionelle und nationale Hilfen angewiesen. In Deutschland ist die staatliche Subvention denkmalpflegerischer Maßnahmen größtenteils Sache der Bundesländer. In deren Stammhaushalten sind solche Subventionsmittel zwar grundsätzlich fest verankert, gleichwohl hat das staatliche Denkmalförderprogramm rechtlich in der Regel den Status einer freiwilligen Leistung. D.h. sie ist zwar gesetzlich vorgesehen, aber nicht als Pflichtaufgabe anerkannt. Das hat zur Folge, dass diese Fördermittel in den vergangenen Jahren erheblich gekürzt wurden und auch aktuell weiter reduziert werden, was die Kirchen in starke Bedrängnis bringt.

The preservation of the Kulturgüter (“cultural properties”) of the church is a shared social task, which can be justified on traditions: because not only for church history, but also for the local and cultural history are Kulturgüter (“cultural properties”) from time immemorial of outstanding importance. They are more than just Funktionsträger (“carriers of function”), which serve the interests of a parish community. They are part of the heritage of the entire population and they are open to all visitors from the perspective of the Christian proclamation. In them the cultural identity and the collective memory are visualized and crystallized. Since the Church in the last few years registered a painful decrease in income, she is increasingly dependent on interdenominational and national assistance for the fulfilment of its task of taking care its monuments. In Germany the national subsidy for fulfilling the task of caring monuments is to a large extent a concern of the federal states. Such means of subsidy are even in principle firmly anchored in their principal budget, nevertheless as a rule the government monument promotion programs has the status of a voluntary service. That means that the subsidy is provided by the law, but it is not recognized as an obligatory task. This results to a considerable subsidy cuts in the last few years and are at present continually reduced, which brings the Church in great trouble.

Neben den kircheneigenen Baudenkmalen gibt es auch einen kleinen Teil an Kirchengebäuden, für deren denkmalpflegerische Instandhaltung der Staat aufkommt: Für diese ausgewählten kirchlichen Denkmalobjekte trägt der Staat vertraglich festgeschriebene Baupflichten, die jedoch haushaltsmäßig immer wieder neu eingefordert werden müssen. Diese gehen zum Teil auf Vermögensausgleichs-Verhandlungen im Zuge der Säkularisation Anfang des 19. Jahrhunderts zurück, teilweise wurden sie aber auch für besonders bedeutende Kirchengebäude im Rang nationalen Kulturerbes gewährt: So wurde etwa für den Kölner Dom ein eigener Staatsvertrag abgeschlossen. Die staatliche Baupflicht für Kirchengebäude kann als Vollpatronat oder Teilpatronat ausgeübt werden. Im letzteren Fall erstreckt sie sich nur auf bestimmte Bauteile. Eigentümer von Patronats-Kirchengebäuden können der Staat, eine rechtlich eigenständige Stiftung oder eine christliche Kirche oder kirchliche Gemeinschaft sein. Gehört das Kirchengebäude dem Staat oder einer Stiftung, wird der betreffenden christlichen Konfession für kultische Zwecke ein Nutzungsrecht gewährt. Die staatliche Baupflicht für denkmalgeschützte Kirchengebäude wird in den einzelnen Bundesländern unterschiedlich gehandhabt. Neben den staatlichen gibt es auch kommunale Baupflichten, die überwiegend auf Verträge und Gewohnheitsrecht zurückgehen.

Besides the Church’s own structural monuments there are also a small number of churches, whose maintenance falls under the responsibility of the state: For these selected church monuments the state carries contractually fixed obligations, which however must be again and again budgetary demanded. This goes back partly to the property settlement negotiations in the course of the Secularization at the beginning of 19th Century, partly they were also granted to specially important church which has the rank of a national cultural heritage: Thus a sort of exclusive convention for Cologne cathedral was agreed upon. The government obligation for church buildings can be exercised as full patronage or partial patronage. In the latter case it extends only to certain structural units. Owners of patronage church buildings can be the state, a legally independent foundation or a Christian church or a parish community. If the church building belongs to the state or a foundation, the right to use is granted to the Christian denomination for religious purposes. The government obligation for church buildings declared as monuments is handled differently by the individual federal states. Beside the national there is also local government obligations, which goes back predominantly to contracts and customary law.

ishtefh_03

June 21st, 2006, 03:04 AM

Wow! What a pity I missed this meeting. Gemma sent me to Bicol to survey the sites there and take photos for the calendar. Anyway, I just uploaded my rough photos from Albay and Camarines at http://photos.yahoo.com/ivanhenares

Please take note of San Jose, Camarines Sur which is a rare breed in the Bicol Region since it hasn't been touched by the parish priests. Let's endeavor to have this one declared since while I was going around, several of the churches were in the process of uglification.

In fact, the trend in Camarines Sur is to make the churches look like those of St. Peter's Basilica which is why the proposed altars look the same, the ceilings look the same and it seems only one person/group is doing this damage to the churches, convincing the parishes to accept their designs, the Naga Cathedral included. In Albay, none of the church interiors are untouched, including that of national cultural treasure Tabaco Church.

Within the next few days, the facade of Tiwi Church would have been completely plastered with cement with a huge portico covering it. Renovations will be also done in Sangay Church, Camarines Sur as well as Tigaon Church, the original tile floor replaced by granite at the cost of over a million pesos! The priest is trying to raise over P10 million for the renovations. As I mentioned in my blog, these are a waste of church funds since the renovations are not even essential to evangelization. And they have to ask for donations from the townsfolk. The only people who would be happy after are the contractors and the parish priest whose whims and caprices were satisfied. But they left irreversible damage to the cultural heritage of the town in their brief stint as parish priest.

It's about time we spoke up to stop the the uglification of Philippine churches. Thanks!

Ivan

nice photos you got there!!! can i grab some of the pics in your album??? :D

ishtefh_03

June 21st, 2006, 03:48 AM

ivanhenares

June 23rd, 2006, 10:00 AM

@ivan, you also have pics of old houses in san fernando... mula bata pa ko lagi ko na nakikita ung dayrit house na yun, and i'm glad na di na naman sya napapabayaan nung may ari... pero ung house ni Jose Abad Santos diba giniba ba yun dati??? nakaka asar nga eh...

Yes, you can grab some pics. The Dayrit House belongs to my aunts. It's already been declared by the NHI. Yup, the demolition of the Abad Santos House is a sad example of how an NHI marker can be so useless.

ishtefh_03

June 23rd, 2006, 10:26 AM

so your from pampanga rin??? diba my HCS pampanga na rin??

ivanhenares

June 23rd, 2006, 10:35 AM

ishtefh_03

June 23rd, 2006, 10:44 AM

i signed the petition... :D

OtAkAw

June 23rd, 2006, 02:13 PM

^^7 petitions???? ANg konti lang nun ah, sana tumaas naman, I signed it already and gave a quite a lengthy comment.

ivanhenares

June 23rd, 2006, 04:02 PM

^^7 petitions???? ANg konti lang nun ah, sana tumaas naman, I signed it already and gave a quite a lengthy comment.

Don't worry, we just posted it at 6 p.m. today. We expect it to start moving by Monday.

ishtefh_03

June 23rd, 2006, 04:27 PM

ivanhenares

June 23rd, 2006, 07:42 PM

can i edit my sign at the petition i want to put a comment...

ang haba talaga ng name ni Sir Noche... kasabay ko sya sa elevator kanina, pero shy ako kausapin, ask ko sana about sa petition, na ka signed na rin pala sya kasunod ko... :D

Just re-sign it nalang. Anyway, I'm collecting the names in a separate file for submission to the CBCP. If you send it via e-mail and people respond, please e-mail nalang the names and details to me so we could include them in my file. Thanks!

Animo

June 23rd, 2006, 10:36 PM

^^ I posted your petition in another group. Hopefully people would sign it. :)

Animo

June 24th, 2006, 04:04 AM

Just re-sign it nalang. Anyway, I'm collecting the names in a separate file for submission to the CBCP. If you send it via e-mail and people respond, please e-mail nalang the names and details to me so we could include them in my file. Thanks!

Puede rin ba maka-sali iyong ibang forumers dito na hindi Filipino? Meron kasi kaming lista noon na 100 people. I'd send them a message and ask for their support. :)

ivanhenares

June 25th, 2006, 10:29 PM

Although we will continuously be collecting signatures for the petition, we will be printing and officially submitting the petition to the CBCP on Monday, July 3 in order for it to be discussed during their semi-annual conference on July 9. So for your signature to be included in the one that will be submitted to the CBCP, please sign the petition at http://www.petitiononline.com/cbcp/ on or before June 30.

Please pass this to all your friends. A Filipino society that values and preserves its cultural heritage in order to instill pride of place and strengthen Philippine national identity... we can all make a big difference in our fight to preserve our cultural heritage!

overtureph

June 27th, 2006, 06:49 AM

What happened to park steel marker, benches?

By Margaux Ortiz
Last updated 02:00am (Mla time) 06/27/2006

Published on Page A17 of the June 27, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

THE president of a foundation that had acted as caretaker of the controversial Arroceros Park in Manila yesterday reported the removal of their group’s steel marker and two benches that had been donated to the park.

“The marker was put up in 1994 to give credit to those who created the concept of a forest park in the middle of a busy city,” Winner Foundation president Regina Paterno told the Inquirer.

She said she and her colleagues were dismayed to see that the marker had been taken down a few days after the inauguration of a two-story teachers’ building in the park.

“The marker was designed by architect Wilfredo Dizon, then president of the Philippine Association of Landscape Architects,” Paterno added. The foundation president added that two concrete benches donated by National Artist Alejandro Roces and former Manila vice mayor Jesus Marcos Roces to the park had disappeared. “We could not find the benches after visiting the park last Sunday,” Paterno said. “We fear they would dismantle National Artist Napoleon Abueva’s donated bench next.”

Paterno also said they would be filing a report with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources regarding the loss of additional trees at the park.

Manila Mayor Lito Atienza, meanwhile, refused to comment on the issue and referred the Inquirer to City Engineer Armand Andres. The official said he was not aware that the two benches Paterno was referring to had disappeared.

“I will replace them if needed,” Andres said, explaining that construction work in the park was still ongoing even though the teachers’ building had already been completed. As for the marker, Andres said they would move it to a better place inside the park.

Copyright 2006 Inquirer. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

http://newsinfo.inq7.net/inquirerheadlines/metro/view_article.php?article_id=6776

Animo

June 28th, 2006, 05:48 AM

Gemma C Araneta

BEFORE the 1996 Rizal centennial, the house where the national hero grew up, in Calamba, Laguna, exhuded an air of dignity and old-world elegance. Through the years, shrines and landmarks dedicated to his memory were meticulously supervised and tended by the National Historical Commission (now Institute), despite a meager budget. Special care was lavished on the reconstructed Rizal house and the bucolic garden where the Mercado children played in their "bahay kubo" and romped among narra trees, mabolos and ilang-ilang. The Dapitan shrine, "Mi Retiro," was kept just as Rizal had left it. His cell at Fort Santiago evoked awe and respect. Ironically enough, the multifarious ad hoc committees created by the Rizal Centennial made officiously tasteless changes that robbed these sacred shrines and landmarks of dignity and grace.

Built in the 19th century by Francisco Mercado, the national hero’s father, the house was the first stone and hardwood residence constructed in Calamba, ideally located at one corner of the town plaza, across the street from the church. Due to political misfortunes, the Rizals were banished from Calamba; Jose was executed at Bagumbayan at age 33, but the elusive General Paciano, lived long enough to defend the First Philippine Republic against the American imperialist invaders.

Left to rot and decay, the fabled Rizal house was finally reconstructed after WW II, by President Elpidio Quirino. Arch. Juan Nakpil who had been commissioned to restore the Quiapo Church and other heritage landmarks took on the Rizal ancestral home. However, the 1996 Centennial Commission could not leave well enough alone. Someone attached ridiculously gigantic butterflies and beetles on the fruit trees and superimposed a massive wooden trellis on the balustrade of the azotea. The worst of all monstrosities is the L-shaped concrete arcade that vulgarly encroaches on the garden. There are two function rooms on the short leg of the L. The windowless one has a wobbly over-sized door, a dusty television monitor in front of park benches arranged in crooked rows. Hot and dark as hell, the second room has a single window facing the garden and an odd collection of artifacts displayed in glass cases lined with cheap red velour. There is an air-conditioned office where staff members took turns going in and out, as if to cool themselves on that muggy day. On a table near the door, Laguna goodies were on sale along with barong Tagalogs, in-laid canes.

Sadly, the Rizal house is grand no more. Those school children who contributed their allowance to the post-war reconstruction of Jose Rizal’s house must be senior citizens by now. I am sure they are horrified at the desecration of their patriotic project. (gemma601@yahoo.com)

Tune in "Krus na daan", DZRJ, 810 khz, Monday-Friday, 5-6 p.m. Watch "Only Gemma!" RJTV, Mondays, 8 p.m. Sky 19 (Mla. and Baguio), Sky 44 (Dagupan) Destiny 6 (Cebu) and 79 (Mla.), Palompon 23 (Leyte), Colorview 40 (Zambales), Caceres 6, Comsatel 44, Quezon 29, Mananap 18, Mariveles Space 27, La Union 38, Albay 6, Isabela 18.

http://www.mb.com.ph/issues/2006/06/15/OPED2006061566840.html

overtureph

June 28th, 2006, 07:54 AM

101-year-old lighthouse is Bolinao’s landmark

By Yolanda Sotelo-Fuertes
Inquirer
Last updated 00:26am (Mla time) 06/28/2006

Published on Page A19 of the June 28, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

Editor’s Note: This is the third of a series of reports on lighthouses in Northern Luzon. The Inquirer is featuring these century-old structures to highlight their importance to the country’s northern sea lanes and call attention to their neglect.

FOR 101 years now, the Cape Bolinao lighthouse stands proud atop Punta Piedra Point in Barangay Patar in Bolinao, Pangasinan, guiding ships and vessels cruising the international passage along the South China Sea.

Nestled amid trees, the lighthouse was built in 1905 by Filipino, British and American engineers. It is one of the five major lighthouses in the country and the second tallest, next to the Cape Bojeador lighthouse in Burgos, Ilocos Norte. It has become a prominent landmark that tourists frequent.

The 30.78-meter (101-foot) tower provides a panoramic view of the blue sea and white beaches, offshore reefs and rock formations, as well as rolling verdant hills. Once in a while, a passing vessel dots the sea, an international route of vessels going to Hong Kong, Japan and the United States.

The 140-step winding stairway of the tower leads to the illumination room, 76.2 m above sea level. According to Pedro Honrada, the lighthouse’s head keeper, the lantern is visible 44 kilometers away, guiding seafarers (led toward this area by a lighthouse in Zambales) toward the lighthouse in Poro Point, La Union.

The late Bolinao historian Catalino Catanaoan said the original light machine was manufactured in England, while the lantern, with three wicks and chimneys, was imported from France.

“Filipino machinists were able to copy the original [when they repaired it]. The light machine is rotated by a system of gears like that of a big clock with a pendulum of weights, winded and suspended with steel cable,” he said.

Kerosene fuel

The lighthouse was fueled by kerosene during its first 80 years of operation. When the Pangasinan I Electric Cooperative extended its lines to Patar, the lanterns were powered by electricity.

In 1999, the lighthouse was renovated through a loan package extended by the Japanese government to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), which is in charge of the facility. Aside from repairing and repainting the tower, the assistance included setting up solar panels, a new apparatus and two beacon lights. The panels recharge the lights.

The lighthouse has also been getting the attention it deserves from the municipal government.

In June last year, Mayor Alfonso Celeste entered into a memorandum of agreement with the PCG to “adopt” the Cape Bolinao lighthouse to ensure its preservation and maintenance, under the PCG’s “Adopt a Lighthouse Program.”

Under the MOA, the PCG continues to be the sole owner of the lighthouse. It has the right to deny entry into the area during emergency cases and is responsible for the operation, repair and regular maintenance of the beacon light and its supporting mechanisms.

On the other hand, the local government will take charge of rehabilitation and maintenance of the immediate vicinity (except that of the beacon, solar panels and other equipment), provide maintenance personnel, and protect the facilities from vandals.

Cultural heritage

The local government is also tasked with promoting the declaration of the lighthouse as a cultural heritage.

Already, the lighthouse compound has been spruced up. The uphill road leading to the tower has been paved with the help of Pangasinan Rep. Arturo Celeste. A view deck has been put up in the area.

The rehabilitation of the administration building and a public bath was funded by the Department of Transportation and Communications.

Brunner Carranza, municipal planning and development officer, said a worker assigned by the local government keeps the area clean all day.

While the lighthouse has become a tourist attraction by itself, it has failed to do its “job” of guiding sea vessels at night, Honrada said.

In early November 2004, the beacon lights started to dim until it finally shut off on Nov. 8.

“The batteries bogged down,” Honrada said. He has been following up with the PCG navigation command the repair of the batteries that cost about P1 million—to no avail.

“My wish is that before I retire [in October], the lighthouse will be working again,” Honrada said.

Copyright 2006 Inquirer. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

http://newsinfo.inq7.net/inquirerheadlines/regions/view_article.php?article_id=6949

Wonderboy

June 30th, 2006, 08:05 PM

Ivan,

I forwarded the CBCP petition to heritage advocates based in New
York City (Bakas Pilipinas is one of them) and looks like the other
groups overseas such as World Monuments Fund and Sacred Sites
International Foundation are also doing their share. It's good that
the petition is gaining momentum – the petition was even translated
in Spanish. Anyway, I'll keep you posted on any developments.
-------

TO MEMBERS AND FRIENDS OF US/ICOMOS AND OTHER ICOMOS NATIONAL
COMMITTEES

Help stop the erosion of the cultural heritage of Philippines. Sign
the petition.

Aunque la recogida defirmas para esta peticion seguira, planeamos
imprimirla y presentarla de manera oficial of a la Conferencia de
Obispos de Filipinaas el dia lunes 3 de julio para que pueda ser
discutida durante su conferencia semestral el 9 de julio. Para que
su firma quede incluida enel documento oficial, por favor, firme la
perticion en http://www.petitiononline.com/cbcp/ el dia 30 de junio
o antes.

Por favor, recirculen este mensaje a todos sus amigos que compartan
la preocuapcion por la conservacion del patrimonio cultural del
mundo.

Peticion a la Conferencia Catolica de Obispos de las Filipinas
Por favor, detengan mas destrozos en la igelsias historicas de
Filipinas
--
Paa firmar la peticion, visite:
To sign the petition, visit:
http://www.petitiononline.com/cbcp/

We need more signatures. Please visit the site and sign up. Thank you very much.

shadow_can2003

July 1st, 2006, 08:47 AM

What about the Luneta Hotel?

ivanhenares

July 1st, 2006, 12:16 PM

ivanhenares

July 1st, 2006, 12:23 PM

What about the Luneta Hotel?

I believe the Luneta Hotel Historical Landmark is safe for the moment since it is a declared site. But we should be vigilant in guarding it.

JAMAICUS

July 1st, 2006, 12:27 PM

^^ ITS ALREADY A DECLARED SITE???? Can you please give us more info about it????

Wonderboy

July 1st, 2006, 09:23 PM

Wonderboy

July 1st, 2006, 09:55 PM

Thanks Jeff! It would be best though that these international organizations send their resolutions of support for the petition using their letterhead straight to the CBCP:

MOST REV. ANGEL N. LAGDAMEO, DD
Presdient, Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines
470 Gen. Luna St.
Intramuros, Manila
Philippines

cc: HERITAGE CONSERVATION SOCIETY
Museo Pambata Compound
Roxas Boulevard cor. South Drive
Ermita, Manila 1000
Philippines

Mas malakas ang dating nun rather than just inlcuding these international groups as mere signatories. Thanks!

Ivan

Yeah, I already sent an e-mail to the Int'l orgs. Will also coordinate with them regarding other concerns (e.g. the endangered Luneta Hotel - I guess I can't help it - even if I try to be sarcastic and ironic, I'd still do my share).

overtureph

July 1st, 2006, 11:24 PM

^^ Ah, no, it was not declared. I was told by an NHI staff that they "attempted" to coordinate with the present owners of Luneta Hotel but they refused NHI's efforts to declare their building as a historical landmark for obvious reasons:

1. Once a structure has been declared a historical site, it cannot just be altered or defaced in any way.
2. They cannot demolish it.

Lito Atienza in one of his interviews said that Luneta Hotel should be demolished because the structure is no longer safe in case there would be an earthquake.

NHI can't do anything about it (even if they are the national government), Lito Atienza (of the local government) wants it demolished and the owners doesn't want their building to be declared as a heritage site.

Even if I try to pull strings, ask for media mileage, and beg the owners to preserve it, all efforts will remain futile just like what happened to Avenue Theater.

Some people just don't care you know. They just don't.

So expect Luneta Hotel to be demolished sometime soon.

I thought the State has police powers? It's so frustrating and pathetic that the NHI can't do anything about it. In other (democratic) and more advance countries, you can't just paint your house or structure any color you want if it's historically or aesthetically important even if it's privately owned.

I wonder what constitute as aesthetically pleasing or beautiful for Mayor Atienza. In terms of heritage, Mayor Atienza is probably the worst that the City of Manila ever had. It's fortunate that Intramuros is not under the jurisdiction of the Office of the City Mayor, can you imagine if it was? Perish the thought. I think the present Mayor's vision of Buhaying ang MayniLA is to be some sort of Las Vegas.

Lili

July 2nd, 2006, 04:18 AM

If you've seen his loud Hawaiian shirts (no diss on our Hawaiian brothers), you'd know that Atienza's taste in anything but sedate. Have you seem the mish mash landscaping he approved of under the MRT lines?

Hawayano

July 2nd, 2006, 05:47 AM

^^ ^^ I really dunno why he wears them--did he enjoy his short stay in my island state that much? You would've thought that he'd have gained some sense of appreciation for his homeland's rich cultural landmark heritage. It's time like these (Luneta Hotel fiasco) that cause me to lose faith in the Filipino--we allow palakasan and get-rich-quick schemes to get in the way of "sense and sensibility" (thanks for the quote, Bambi Harper!).

gee

July 2nd, 2006, 05:54 AM

I thought the State has police powers? It's so frustrating and pathetic that the NHI can't do anything about it. In other (democratic) and more advance countries, you can't just paint your house or structure any color you want if it's historically or aesthetically important even if it's privately owned.

i think there is a need to lobby for a law on heritage conservation. in germany it works because in every federal state there is a law on heritage conservation (denkmalschutzgesetzt). these laws define the scope of heritage conservation and some other things related to it. in this manner, the state for example can prohibit private owners to do any alterations on structures, which have been declared as monuments. on the other hand, private initiative such Deutsche Stiftung Denkmalschutz can demand from the goverment to do its duties, when the later is neglegient. if there is such law in the philippines, then the easiest way to stop the demolition of a historical landmark is to go to the court and file a case or restraining order. as far as i know monuments in the philippines are declared through presidential declaration, which happens not too often. so efforts for conservation are sometimes hopeless.

ivanhenares

July 2nd, 2006, 09:19 AM

^^ Ah, no, it was not declared. I was told by an NHI staff that they "attempted" to coordinate with the present owners of Luneta Hotel but they refused NHI's efforts to declare their building as a historical landmark for obvious reasons:

Jeff, it's a national historical landmark na. Who in NHI said it's not? Check with the Historical Preservation Division. It's in the official masterlist of declared structures. You don't need the owners written permission for a declaration.

JAMAICUS

July 2nd, 2006, 09:21 AM

^^ THANK YOU Mr.Henaress for that wonderful information!!!! :) :) :) :) :)

ivanhenares

July 2nd, 2006, 11:26 AM

Good day!

Attached herewith are the 15th Annual MSA conference 2006 circular and tentative program to be held on August 2-3, 2006 at Bulwagang Leandro Locsin, NCCA Bldg., General Luna Street, Intramuros, Manila.

Please forward this e-mail to those who might be interested in joining the conference.

We look forward to your attendance and participation.

Philippine National Historical Society
Manila Studies Association
40 Matiwasay St., UP Village,
1101 Diliman, Quezon City
Tel: 921-4575
Telfax: 926-1347
E-mail: nitachurchill@hotmail.com, PNHS_MSA@yahoo.com
www.pnhsi.tripod.com

-----

MANILA STUDIES ASSOCIATION, INC.
40 Matiwasay Street, UP Village, Diliman, Quezon City 1101
Tel: (02) 921-4575 (02) 926-1347 Cell: 0918-444-4510
E-mail: nitachurchill@hotmail.com

15th Annual Manila Studies Conference
August 2-3, 2006 (Wednesday-Thursday)
Bulwagang Leandro Locsin
National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Building
General Luna Street, Intramuros, Manila

June 24, 2006

Dear Fellow Members, Colleagues and Friends,

We have the honor and pleasure to invite you to the 15th Annual Conference of the Manila Studies Association, Inc., to be held on August 2-3, 2006, ( from 8:00-5:00 p.m. both days) at Bulwagang Leandro Locsin, NCCA Bldg., General Luna Street, Intramuros, Manila. The conference is co-sponsored with the San Agustin Museum, Intramuros Administration and the National Historical Institute. This year’s conference will include various papers on Manila studies, highlighting various aspects of Manila’s history and culture.

The conference sharing fee is P1,500.00 and participants will be provided with a conference kit to include a book of abstracts with the program, the conference papers in CD, Certificate of Attendance, a complimentary publication, and lunch and two meriendas for the two days of the conference.

Please use this letter of invitation for the purpose of obtaining institutional support from your school or agency to enable you to participate in this conference.

For particulars, please contact:

Lorelei D.C. De Viana
Tel: 523-1039 Cell: 0917-2743648
E-mail: deviana_ph@yahoo.com

Maria Eloisa P. De Castro
Cell: 0921-2561281
E-mail: eloise_ust@hotmail.com

Bernardita R. Churchill (See contact particulars above)

We look forward to your attendance and participation.

Yours sincerely,

Lorelei D.C. De Viana
National Historical Institute
MSA Board Member and Co-Convener

Maria Eloisa P. de Castro
National Historical Institute
MSA Board Secretary and Co-Convener

Noted:

Bernardita R. Churchill, Ph.D.
President and Convener

-----

Day 1
August 2, 2006
Wednesday

8:00-9:00 a.m. - Registration
9:00 a.m. - Opening Programme
9:30-9:45 a.m. - Break

9:45-11:30 a.m. - Session 1
Rev. Fr. Pedro Galende, O.S.A. (San Agustin Museum)
Regalado Trota Jose (University of Santo Tomas) “Bells and Bellcasters in Old Manila: Preliminary Notes”

11:30-1:00 p.m. LUNCH

1:00-3:00 p.m. Session 2
Bambi Harper (For Confirmation) “History of Santa Cruz Church”
Lorelei D.C. de Viana (National Historical Institute) “Architecture in Binondo:1900-1940”
Norma Alarcon (Faculty of Architecture, University of Santo Tomas) - Abstract for submission

3:00 p.m. - Book Launching
4:00 p.m. - Reception - Merienda

Day 2
August 3, 2006
Thursday

9:00-11:30 a.m. - Session 3
Nida T. Cuevas (National Museum of the Philippines) “The Rescue Archaeology of the Arroceros Forest Park”
Christine Bellen (Ateneo de Manila University) “Ang Estetika ng Pantasya ng mga Kwento ni Lola Basyang ni Severino Reyes”
Antonio C. Hila (De La Salle University) “The Nationalism of Dr. Francisco Santiago”

11:30-1:00 p.m LUNCH

1:00-3:00 p.m. - Session 4
Pio Andrade (Abstract for Submission)
Juan de Mesquida (University of Asia and the Pacific) “The Inarticulate in the History of the Misericordia of Manila (Seventeenth and Eighteenth Centuries)”

3:00 p.m. - Nomination and Election of the MSA Board of Trustees
Closing of Conference

3:30 p.m. Merienda

3:30-5:00 p.m. Tour of Casa Manila and San Agustin Church/Museum

N.B. Open Forum follows the Paper Presentations.

Wonderboy

July 2nd, 2006, 01:04 PM

Jeff, it's a national historical landmark na. Who in NHI said it's not? Check with the Historical Preservation Division. It's in the official masterlist of declared structures. You don't need the owners written permission for a declaration.

Thanks Ivan. As for the person who said that to me, I'd rather keep my mouth shut. I'm already in too much trouble to accommodate another blow.

Anyway, I'm curious, even if NHI declares a certain structure (and the structure is in NHI's official master list of declared structures), why is it still demolished? Below are a couple of casualties:

Jai Alai
Manila Jockey Club
San Lazaro Race Track
Mehan Garden
Arroceros Forest Park

Does this mean that NHI doesn't implement the rules? Or are the landmarks above declared in the first place?

I'm assuming that they lack manpower or the public doesn't inform them of the endangered sites.

Anyway, I will be tagging along with Sir Butch this month when he goes to NHI to clarify the matter.

gee

July 2nd, 2006, 02:19 PM

i found this picture from the other thread (cebu heritage walk).

http://img457.imageshack.us/img457/6585/dsc02730copy3qa.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

ivanhenares

July 2nd, 2006, 05:47 PM

3 July 2006

MOST REV. ANGEL N. LAGDAMEO, D.D.
President
Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines
470 Gen. Luna Street
Intramuros, Manila

Thru: MOST REV. JULITO B. CORTES, D.D.
Chair
Permanent Committee for the Cultural Heritage of the Church

Your Excellency:

Good day!

We would like to transmit to your good office a petition of the Heritage Conservation Society and concerned citizens of the Philippines to the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines urging it to stop the further defacing of Filipino heritage churches.

In a 2001 circular letter of His Eminence Francesco Cardinal Marchisano, President of the Pontifical Commission for the Cultural Heritage of the Church, he states, "The cultural treasures of the Church make up the specific patrimony of the Christian community. At the same time, as a result of the universal dimension of the Christian message, they belong to the whole of humanity. Their end is the same as the Church's mission in its twofold work of Christian evangelization and promoting the human being. Their value lies in highlighting the activity of inculturating the faith. (emphasis ours)"

He adds, "The value that the Church places on her cultural goods explains 'the will on the part of the community of faithful, and in particular ecclesiastical institutions, to gather since the apostolic period the testimonies of faith and nourish their memory, express the uniqueness and continuity of the Church that lives out these last periods of history' (Pontifical Commission for the Cultural Heritage of the Church, Circular Letter The Pastoral Function of Church Archives, see n. 1.1.). Thus, the Church considers as crucial the handing down of her own patrimony of cultural goods . They represent, in fact, an essential link in the chain of Tradition; they are the visible memory of evangelization; they become a pastoral instrument. It follows therefore the effort 'to restore, preserve, catalogue, and protect' them (John Paul II, Address of October 12, 1995, see n. 4) in order to assure that they are treasured, 'thus promoting a greater knowledge and suitable use in catechesis and in the liturgy' (ibid.). (emphasis ours)"

It is thus with deep concern, seeing the rampant renovation of heritage churches, that we request the CBCP to consider our petition in order for us to be able to hand down the remaining patrimony of the Catholic Church in the Philippines to the next generation of Filipinos.

Thank you very much.

Yours respectfully,

GEMMA CRUZ-ARANETA
President and Chairperson

JUAN MIGUEL LUZ
Vice President

RENE LUIS MATA
Treasurer

Amb. RAUL I. GOCO
IVAN ANTHONY HENARES
MELVIN G. PATAWARAN
NATHANIEL VON EINSIEDEL
Trustees

A PETITION TO THE
CATHOLIC BISHOPS CONFERENCE OF THE PHILIPPINES:
PLEASE STOP THE FURTHER DEFACING
OF FILIPINO HERITAGE CHURCHES

Most Reverend Eminences and Excellencies:

Almost every town in the Philippines has at least one church built during the Spanish colonial period, all of which are inherent parts of the architectural heritage of Filipinos and stand as testaments to the excellence and creativity of Filipino artisans and craftsmen of yesteryears who labored to create these works of art.

These properties of the Filipino people are under the custodianship of the Roman Catholic Church and their representatives in the Republic of the Philippines.

It must have come to your knowledge that several parish priests have taken it upon themselves to modernize and renovate heritage churches under their care without proper consultation with conservationists or representatives of agencies mandated to protect cultural and historical heritage. In their desire to "leave their mark" on the churches, parish priests have caused irreversible damage to our old churches during their short stints in their parishes.

Sadly, there have been instances where parish priests sold off priceless antiques and other church property to unscrupulous antique dealers and collectors to fund these renovations, with the treasures of the Church ending up in homes and other private collections.

In many occasions, the renovations are costly and unnecessary, and at times ostentatious. Priests and parish pastoral councils have undertaken and continue to undertake large-scale fundraising campaigns for these renovations when such funds could be put to better use, especially in a Third-world country such as the Philippines.

The funds could instead be directed toward the three-fold program of pastoral action of the CBCP, to build character, capability and community. Instead of spending on renovations, the various parishes could use the funds "to empower those who are needy to construct a better future" by supporting "social action programs, training programs and institutions, research centers, schools, charitable agencies and organizations, religious orders and congregations, lay organizations and movements, Basic Ecclesial Communities," that would "help people grow in capacities, such as the capacity to govern themselves, the capacity to develop their abilities, the capacity to find meaningful and fruitful employment and work, the capacity to care for our environment, the capacity to make leadership accountable."

We, the undersigned petitioners, thus urge the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) to protect the cultural heritage of the Philippine Catholic Church from further damage by ordering the immediate stop to all ongoing and proposed renovations to heritage churches that have not been approved by the CBCP Committee for the Cultural Heritage of the Church or reviewed by representatives of agencies mandated to protect cultural and historical heritage.

We also urge the CBCP to declare all Catholic churches in the Philippines fifty years or older as part of the cultural heritage of the Church and create a comprehensive list of all these churches for the information of the Filipino people and to aid the CBCP Committee for the Cultural Heritage of the Church in monitoring the said churches.

It should also empower the CBCP Committee for the Cultural Heritage of the Church by giving it the sole authority to approve any restoration, construction or further improvements of heritage churches, with the aid of representatives of agencies mandated to protect cultural and historical heritage, and the power to order the halt any restoration, construction or further improvement that it deems damaging to a heritage church.

Finally, we urge the CBCP to adopt a policy of frugality with the renovation of churches. It would be best to channel the funds for unnecessary renovations to the pastoral program of action of the CBCP.

Sincerely,
Heritage Conservation Society
Concerned Citizens of the Philippines

To sign the petition, visit http://www.petitiononline.com/cbcp

Heritage Conservation Society

Board of Trustees
Gemma Cruz-Araneta, President and Chairperson
Juan Miguel Luz, Vice-President; President, International Institute of Rural Reconstruction and Former DepEd Undersecretary
Archt. Rene Luis Mata, Treasurer
Amb. Raul I. Goco
Ivan Anthony S. Henares
Archt. Melvin G. Patawaran
Archt. Nathaniel von Einsiedel

Founding Members and Guru Council
Bambi L. Harper, Founding President
Archt. Augusto F. Villalon, Chairman, ICOMOS Philippines
Edda Henson
Atty. Gianna Montinola
Ma. Isabel Ongpin

Members of the Heritage Conservation Society &
Concerned Citizens of the Philippines

Name City or Municipality Province
1. Clare Amador Manaoag Pangasinan
2. Janella Cacdac Metro Manila
3. Carlos Celdran Manila Metro Manila
4. Glen Santiago Cruz Longos Bulacan
5. Silvana Diaz Pasay City Metro Manila
6. Augusto M. R. Gonzalez III Apalit Pampanga
7. Ma. Estrella R. Ledesma, MD Silay City Negros Occidental
8. Gino Lim Rizal
9. Archt. Michael F. Manalo Pasig City Metro Manila
10. Ivan ManDy Manila Metro Manila
11. Archt. Manuel Maximo Noche Quezon City Metro Manila
12. Ignacio Rafael Ortigas Mandaluyong City Metro Manila
13. Margarita M. de Ortigas Mandaluyong City Metro Manila
14. Xavier I. Ortigas Sydney Australia
15. Prof. Emilio Ozaeta Manila Manila
16. Erlinda Panlilio Makati City Metro Manila
17. Cherry Puruganan
18. Isabel R. Puyat Makati Metro Manila
19. Amb. Juan Jose P. Rocha Muntinlupa City Metro Manila
20. John L. Silva Parañaque City Metro Manila
21. Nicolas Tabora Baguio City Benguet
22. Daryl Ann E. Tarnate Bulacan
23. James Marsh Thomson Batangas
24. Jeffrey Yap Manila Metro Manila
25. Prof. Fernando N. Zialcita Manila Metro Manila
26. Rogelio M. Aguila Calapan City Oriental Mindoro
27. Beatriz A. Agustin Gubat Sorsogon
28. Vicente I. Akut Cagayan de Oro City Misamis Oriental
29. Archt. Cesar Andrew Alaban Baguio City Benguet
30. Patricia E. Alba Parañaque City
31. Andy Alviz Sta. Rita Pampanga
32. Alvin Jay S. Ancheta Mapandan Pangasinan
33. Victor Ancheta Bulacan Bulacan
34. Odino D. Angeles Bacolor Pampanga
35. Susan Aquino-Ong Los Baños Laguna
36. Rebecca V. Aranaz Pasig Metro Manila
37. Kirby Araullo Angeles Pampanga
38. Marlon L. Antolin Cainta Rizal
39. Amalia V. Anzanza Quezon City Metro Manila
40. James Lloyd Atwil Lapu-lapu City Cebu
41. Armie I. Bacano Sto. Domingo Ilocos Sur
42. Victoria L. Baluyut Gardena California, USA
43. Gemma R. Bañes Roxas City Capiz
44. Farley Baricuatro Lapu-lapu City Cebu
45. Edith D. Batalla Legazpi City Albay
46. Adelbert Batica Minneapolis Minnesota, USA
47. Ceferino T. Benedicto, Jr. Makati City Metro Manila
48. Larissa V. Benoit Cainta Rizal
49. Fe Brizuela-Arroyo Legazpi Albay
50. Grace Barreto Cambridge UK
51. Rachelle Oriel Barrientos Quezon City Metro Manila
52. Ernest Everett Blevins Villa Rica Georgia, USA
53. Henrietta Claudia N. Bolinao Catbalogan Samar
54. Mart Bondoc San Fernando Pampanga
55. Peter Allan R. Bontuyan Quezon City Metro Manila
56. Bambi N. Borromeo Bacolod City Negros Occidental
57. Conrado A. Bugayong II Batangas City Batangas
58. George V. Cabig Biñan Laguna
59. Stanley Cabigas Talisay City Cebu
60. Mark Anthony Cadawas Nashville Tennessee, USA
61. Mite Calzo Davao City Davao
62. Rizaldy Capulong Quezon City Metro Manila
63. Willie Caruncho Pasig City Metro Manila
64. Edwin M. Camaya Los Baños Laguna
65. Alex R. Castro Mabalacat Pampanga
66. Dr. Gemma Cerdino Manila Metro Manila
67. Marcus Cereus Valenzuela Metro Manla
68. Charms Chua Quezon City Metro Manila
69. Horace Cimafranca Quezon City Metro Manila
70. Frank Cimatu Baguio City Benguet
71. Russel Climaco-Estardo Davao City Davao del Sur
72. Eduardo B. Copliting Bayombong Nueva Vizcaya
73. Christian Cruz Cainta Rizal
74. Diane Cruz Pasig City Metro Manila
75. Mel Cruz Bacolor Pampanga
76. Reginaldo D. Cruz Quezon City Metro Manila
77. Riel Cruz Malabon Metro Manila
78. Marjorie Dairo Mississauga Ontario, Canada
79. Raul Dairo Mississauga Ontario, Canada
80. Dave D'Angelo Bulacan
81. Aaron C. David Apalit Pampanga
82. Cherrie Dayrit-Vitug Betis Pampanga
83. Conrado de Jesus, Jr. Brisbane Australia
84. Heny de Jesus Marylands NSW, Australia
85. Jose Maria V. de la Fuente Cagayan de Oro Misamis Oriental
86. Dir. R. Romulo de los Reyes Obando Bulacan
87. Ricardo Deang Parañaque Metro Manila
88. Matt dela Peña Mabalacat Pampanga
89. Robby dela Vega Meycauayan Bulacan
90. Ferdinand de Leon Angono Rizal
91. Joselito M. Deniega Chicago Illinois, USA
92. Josephine Didulo Parañaque City Metro Manila
93. Oliver Dinglasan Batangas City Batangas
94. Melonie Dizon Angeles City Pampanga
95. Carlos G. Dominguez Muntinlupa City Metro Manila
96. Jacqueline Dominguez Quezon City Metro Manila
97. Rouel Stephen L. Dones San Juan Metro Manila
98. Eric Dormido Makati Metro Manila
99. Ludwig Dueñas New York New York, USA
100. Cherryl Encarnacion Valenzuela City Metro Manila
101. Jun-Lawrence Espinosa Muntinlupa City Metro Manila
102. Prisco E. Entines Masbate City Masbate
103. Michelle Sotaridona Eusebio Sta. Barbara Iloilo
104. Mary Kristine Facto Makati City Metro Manila
105. Joan Faeldon Imus Cavite
106. Lolita Delgado Fansler Makati City Metro Manila
107. Norman S.C. Feliciano Morong Rizal
108. Lynn Fidelson Imus Cavite
109. E. Figueroa San Juan Puetro Rico
110. Catherine Tulang Flessen Quezon City Metro Manila
111. Rafael Flores Parañaque City Metro Manila
112. Atty. Sigfrid Fortun
113. Luis Francia New York New York, USA
114. Miren E. Fuentes Muntinlupa City Metro Manila
115. Rey S. Gabitan Sorsogon City Sorsogon
116. Romeo B. Galang, Jr. Quezon City Metro Manila
117. Francis Garcia Plaridel Bulacan
118. Helen Rose V. Gemora Hinigaran Negros Occidental
119. Charissa Gobantes Lapu-lapu City Cebu
120. Yeng Gopez City of San Fernando Pampanga
121. Ian Raphael Gutierrez Sydney NSW, Australia
122. Florante B. Hernando. Jr. Alicia Isabela
123. Jamaico Ignacio Quezon City Metro Manila
124. Newclyn Ileto Manila Metro Manila
125. Bankaw Itomon Texas, USA
126. Tony Israel Las Piñas Metro Manila
127. Annie Jensen Tangub City Misamis Occidental
128. Earl Clarence L. Jimenez Makati City Metro Manila
129. Daisylin Konle Munich Germany
130. Peter Michael Konle Munich Germany
131. Alex G. Labor Tagbilaran City Bohol
132. Kathryn Dorothy Ladios Makati City Metro Manila
133. Agnes Lactuan-Deono Dapitan City Zamboanga del Norte
134. Averell L. Laquindanum Angeles City Pampanga
135. Maria Aiza P. Laylo Candelaria Quezon
136. Zeng Lebron Makati Metro Manila
137. Agnes Francia R. Lee Parañaque City Metro Manila
138. Shei Leonardo Las Piñas Metro Manila
139. Roz Li Ney York New York, USA
140. Edmund Lipana Quezon City Metro Manila
141. Joy Lopos Tagbilaran City Bohol
142. Clarissa Lorenzo Quezon City Metro Manila
143. Darwin Loro Tacloban City Leyte
144. Timothy Los Baños Honolulu Hawaii, USA
145. Jayson Maceo Lucban Quezon
146. Ryan Magarin Cagayan de Oro Misamis Oriental
147. Cherry Magat Meycauyan Bulacan
148. Julian R. Mallari West Chester Ohio, USA
149. Modi Mapeso Kalibo Aklan
150. Zaldy Marantal Batangas Batangas
151. Thomas J. Martin Davao City Davao del Sur
152. Carla Martinez Parañaque Metro Manila
153. Fr. Romulo R. Maypa, SVD Makato Aklan
154. Phoebe Meisenheimer Moalboal Cebu
155. Samuel Mondol Roxas Zamboanga del Norte
156. Christian P. Montefrio San Pedro Laguna
157. David M. Montojo Romblon Romblon
158. Edgardo L. Moraga Marilao Bulacan
159. Sally Muñoz Lemery Batangas
160. Ann S. Nagtalon Mandaluyong Mtero Manila
161. Ace Navarro San Juan Metro Manila
162. Ramlit Navarro São Paolo Brazil
163. Rolan M. Nocedo New Territory Hong Kong
164. Irwin M. Nucum City of San Fernando Pampanga
165. Gil V. Obias San Jose Camarines Sur
166. Sheryl Olan-de Castro Manila Metro Manila
167. Michael G. Oliva Quezon City Metro Manila
168. Marite Panopio Parañaque City Metro Manila
169. Aisa Patajo Quezon City Metro Manila
170. Ina Pausanos Manila Metro Manila
171. Maria B. Pedrosa Muntinlupa City Metro Manila
172. Gina Louella V. Peralta Cagayan de Oro City Misamis Oriental
173. Jose R. Perdigon San Juan Metro Manila
174. Ernie S. Perez Riyadh Saudi Arabia
175. Jaime P. Portugal Quezon City Metro Manila
176. Jansen Quinto Quezon City Metro Manila
177. Nicco Quito Quezon City Metro Manila
178. Regulo R. Quitoriano Valley Stream New York, USA
179. Jack Regala San Fernando Pampanga
180. Jan Richard A. Renes Antipolo City Rizal
181. Dr. Alfredo S. Reyes Magalang Pampanga
182. Jennie Lyn C. Reyes San Rafael Bulacan
183. Eric I. Ricafort Taytay Rizal
184. Ester P. Rivera-Guanlao Bacolor Pampanga
185. Giovanni Roan Angono Rizal
186. A. Alzona Romero Oxford Oxon, UK
187. Willie Ronquillo Floridablanca Pampanga
188. Rozanno E. Rufino Taytay Rizal
189. Emily Rubia Argao Cebu
190. Angelus Maria P. Sales San Juan Metro Manila
191. Stephanie Sarmiento City of San Fernando Pampanga
192. Mike T. Sayat Oton Iloilo
193. Danilo Seda Sedutan Quezon City Metro Manila
194. Lorenz Khalil C. Soberano Ternate Cavite
195. Girlie B. Sunga Angeles City Pampanga
196. Michael L. Tan Quezon City Metro Manila
197. Leo C. Tan San Jose Camarines Sur
198. Tamara Obias Tan San Jose Camarines Sur
199. Aida D. Tanglao California, USA
200. Ray Tanjoco Guagua Pampanga
201. Ma. Rosario Celina P. Templo Manila Metro Manila
202. Beatriz Estela M. Tiangco Las Piñas Metro Manila
203. Lawrence Ticsay Parañaque City Metro Manila
204. Rudel Tolentino Sta. Rita Pampanga
205. Nancy L. Tremblay Minalin Pampanga
206. Michaelangelo Valdez Dubai UAE
207. Carlo Angelo Vargas Cebu City Cebu
208. Faith Varona Quezon City Metro Manila
209. Phillip Vega Macau Macau
210. Jan Velasco Pasig Metro Manila
211. Jose Eduardo Velasquez Pasig Metro Manila
212. Genesis Velez, SVD Cebu City Cebu
213. Clyde Villegas Pasig City Metro Manila
214. John Villegas Argao Cebu
215. Wendy Ward Laoang Northern Samar
216. Starr Weigand Makati City Metro Manila
217. Imelda C. Wood Sta. Rita Pampanga
218. Rosanna Pascual Yap Bacoor Cavite
219. Kent Alfie B. Yee Iloilo City Iloilo
220. Don Louie Yogore Parañaque Metro Manila
221. Yvonne Yuchengco Makati Metro Manila
222. Albert Santos Zambrano Pateros Metro Manila
223. Norma Barbacci New York New York, USA
224. John S. Ward Boston USA
225. Lorna Verano-Yap Pasay Metro Manila
226. Alain Roy Québec Québec, Canada
227. Stephen Waite, AIA Edmonds Washingotn, USA
228. Kim Sykes San Francisco California, USA
229. Helen Lagman Dizon Minalin Pampanga
230. Christopher R. Eck Fort Lauderdale Florida, USA
231. Prof. Duncan Stroik U. NotreDame Indiana, USA
232. Jeanne Lambin Mineral Point Wisconsin, USA
233. Liliana Lolich San Carlos de Bariloche Río Negro, Argentina
234. Suzanne Bott, PhD Steamboat Springs Colorado, USA
235. Randolph Langenbach Oakland California, USA
236. Charles W. Wilkinson Seattle Washington, USA
237. Blanca Alva Lima Peru
238. Anastasia Telesetsky San Francisco California, USA
239. Gustavo F. Araoz, AIA Washington, DC USA
240. Ramon Abregano Honolulu Hawaii, USA
241. Tina Paterno New York New York, USA
242. Rita Linda Dayrit Paranaque Metro Manila
243. Leo Norbert Gonzales Gasan Marinduque
244. Rosario Flores-Bowen Carmel Indiana, USA
245. Jose Ramon L. Faustmann Orlando Florida, USA
246. Sol Velez Minglanilla Cebu
247. Alkaid Jemuel R. Aquino Marikina Metro Manila
248. Harry Sibayan San Pedro Laguna
249. Ernie Endrina USA
250. Marie McMahon Alexandria Virginia, USA
251. Natividad Bernardino Makati City Metro Manila
252. Marilou C. Mendoza Muntinlupa Metro Manila
253. Francis Gonzaga Lanuza San Pedro Laguna
254. Reynaldo S. Guevara Mandaluyong City Metro Manila
255. Marilyn Truscott Canberra Australia
256. Mike Dasalla Makati City Metro Manila
257. Alejandro Loregas Artiaga Tuburan Cebu
258. Arsenio A. Abellana Lapu-lapu City Cebu
259. Alma Buenafe Pasig Metro Manila
260. Teresita C. Bautista Oakland California, USA
261. Angelica Capili Caloocan Metro Manila
262. Gen Legaspi Long Beach California
263. Jorge V. Lucero Quezon City Metro Manila
264. Ronald E. Albano Makati Metro Manila
265. Lawrence Marantal Batangas Batangas
266. Vicky de Guzman-Aguilar Edmonton Alberta, Canada
267. Ma. Lourdes Encinas Rogers California, USA
268. Teresa Cuerva Muntinlupa City Metro Manila
269. J. Angelo Racoma Quezon City Metro Manila
270. Mary Eleanor Y. Barrios Dubai United Arab Emirates
271. Jaonny Bermudez Marikina Metro Manila
272. Romeo A Solina Paranaque City Metro Manila
273. Vanessa Pardo Bantayan Island Cebu
274. Nick Villarruz Roxas City Capiz
275. Marlies Hackett Maneru Mt. View California, USA
276. Luis Maneru Mt. View California, USA
277. Marta Matute Muntinlupa Metro Manila
278. Maria Victoria C. Cortes Quezon City Metro Manila
279. Jose Ramon Guerrero Muntinlupa City Metro Manila
280. Leo Mamicpic Dumaguete City Oriental Negros
281. Jose Mari Villanueva San Juan Metro Manila
282. Danilo Magalit Quezon City Metro Manila
283. Carina Darvin Quezon City Metro Manila
284. Manuel V. Agcaoili Quezon City Metro Manila
285. l. Purcell Denver Colorado, USA
286. Ma. Lourdes N. Caimbon Cainta Rizal
287. Ma. Aurora S. Saenz Paranaque City Metro Manila
288. Eric Nabos Manila Metro Manila
289. Gregory Etter Essex Massachusetts, USA
290. Ann Yoklavich Honolulu Hawaii, USA
291. Maritoni C. Ortigas Muntinlupa Metro Manila
292. Ricky Catalá Tucson Arizona, USA
293. Margarita Manosa Makati Metro Manila
294. Laura Rollan Cebu City Cebu
295. Amalia Ledesma Davao City Davao del Sur
296. Bettina H. Pou Muntinlupa City Metro Manila
297. Chi Laigo Vallido Noveleta Cavite
298. Exequiel Salcedo Gasan Marinduque
299. Victoria M. Santos Quezon City Metro Manila
300. Roseller O. Bucoy Lapu-Lapu City Cebu
301. Mariano S. Quesada Quezon City Metro Manila
302. Mayette Rocafort San Juan Metro Manila
303. Jose Danilo A. Silvestre Quezon City Metro Manila
304. Manuel Rosales Mandaluyong Metro Manla
305. Rene James Balandra Paete Laguna
306. Amor Salvador Calabanga Camarines Sur
307. Ma. Jasmin Soraya Obias Milaor Camarines Sur
308. Noeny M. Gatarin Alcantara Romblon
309. Jojo Lopez San Carlos City Pangasinan
310. Precila Bautista Frias Binan Laguna
311. Mariejo M. Gaylon Las Piñas City Metro Manila
312. Priscilla Mason Apple Valley USA
313. Cherrie S. Calderon Camiling & Sta. Ignacia Tarlac
314. Beth Cobarrubias Tarlac
315. Fernando Manibog Lipa City Batangas
316. Nellie Valdez Quezon City Metro Manila
317. Manilena Payos Palompon Leyte
318. Beth San Pablo Tabaco Albay
319. Vidor A. Nosce, Esq. Englewood New Jersey, USA
320. Maria Luisa Cantiller Cuartero Capiz
321. Michael Caling Iloilo City Iloilo
322. Maria Teresa Torres-Valera Tuguegarao City Cagayan
323. Eva F. Peñamora Quezon City Metro Manila
324. Nap Cabello Quezon City Metro Manila
325. Cecilia B. Payad Navotas Metro Manila
326. Wil V. Patrocinio San Jose Camarines Sur
327. John Aristeo C. Obligacion Lucban Quezon
328. Nora L. Diaz Sta. Maria Ilocos Sur
329. Eileen Legaspi-Ramirez Paranaque Metro Manila
330. Robert Paradies Makati Metro Manila
331. Eduardo B. Olaguer Quezon City Metro Manila
332. EnP. Dennis Fel T. Matutina General Santos City
333. Ramon L. Vargas, Jr. Quezon City Metro Manila
334. Leonor Mae T. de Leon Quezon City Metro Manila
335. S.G. Weiler San Clemente California
336. Lilibeth A. Vistan Quezon City Metro Manila
337. Nestor E. Sagayadan Parañaque Metro Manila
338. Jose Jimenez Celebrado Naga City Camarines Sur
339. Emmanuel Ruivivar Naga City Camarines Sur
340. Jan Vincent Lao Malabon Metro Manila
341. Ma. Grace Agnes A. Marzan Imus Cavite
342. Rodelen C. Paccial Iloilo City Iloilo
343. Maite Quesada Quezon City Metro Manila
344. Aurora C. Cavalieri Richboro Pennsylvania, USA
345. Jaime Biron Polo, Ph.D. Tacloban City Leyte
346. Amila Ferron Philadelphia Pennsylvania, USA
347. Caroline C. Pasion New York New York, USA
348. Ma. Cristeta Reyes Naga City Camarines Sur
349. Amelita Christine Magdaraog Tabaco City Albay
350. Ethel Lucero Cebu City Cebu
351. Rita Maat Las Pinas Metro Manila
352. Manolita Payos-Balassa, MD Palompon Leyte
353. Virginia Estardo San Francisco California, USA
354. Maria Isabel Maruya Davao City
355. Dexter Baldon Legazpi City Albay
356. Consuelo O. Agcaoili Quezon City Metro Manila
357. Araceli R. Amparo Lucban Quezon
358. Dylan Yap Gozum Las Piñas City Metro Manila
359. Angelene Youngman Chicago USA
360. Maurese Oteyza Owens Arlington Virginia, USA
361. Dean Patrocinio San Jose Camarines Sur
362. Liz Monasterio San Jose Camarines Sur
363. GerhardMark van der Waal Oudenbosch Netherlands
364. B. L. Sandajan San Leandro California, USA
365. Ma. Carla Guevara-Laforteza Mandaluyong Metro Manila
366. Tyronne Ragudo Villasis Pangasinan
367. Allan Jory M. Reyes Sta. Maria Ilocos Sur
368. Hedelina T. Palma Taytay Rizal
369. Cesar Obias San Jose Camarines Sur
370. Jose A. M. Purugganan Talisay Batangas
371. Zina Claire Corazo Las Vegas Nevada, USA
372. Teresa J. Saldana Springfield Virginia, USA
373. Wilfredo C. Calma Concepcion Tarlac
374. Lawrence Chan Sorsogon
375. Pynky G. Magsino Baguio Benguet
376. Mario P. Canlas Angeles City Pampanga
377. Sunkist Valera Tuguegarao Cagayan Valley
378. Regina K. Dycaico Angeles City Pampanga
379. Victoria T. Herrera Pasig City Metro Manila
380. Oscar L. Lacuesta Davao City Davao del Sur
381. Jon Teodoro Chicago USA
382. Boni Chua Caloocan Metro Manila
383. Carmen P. Monasterio San Jose Partido Camarines Sur
384. Antonio Aventino Marikina Metro Manila
385. Elizabeth Cueva Manila Metro Manila
386. Rene Ruivivar Naga City Camarines Sur
387. Niña Samantela-Ruivivar Polangui Albay
388. Evangeline F. Ganuelas Pasig Metro Manila
389. Cora Seballos Pasig City Metro Manila
390. Nowelyn Aytin Calapan City Oriental Mindoro
391. Bettina Obias-Gancayco San Jose Camarines Sur
392. Tess Monasterio San Jose Camarines Sur
393. Fe Obias Glazier San Jose Camarines Sur
394. Solita Magahum Wakefield Pasig Metro Manila
395. Rogelia S. Medenilla Mangatarem Pangasinan
396. Ma. Elna Corazon J. JazminesSantiago City Isabela
397. Deborah Singson Parañaque Metro Manila
398. Teodora l. Lopez Antipolo Rizal
399. Efren C. de Jesus Edmonton Alberta, Canada
400. Vicente J. Obias San Jose Camarines Sur
401. Miguel Faustmann San Juan Metro Manila
402. Vicente Echeverria Mandaue City Cebu
403. Maria Obias-Bonnefoy San Jose Camarines Sur
404. Ronaldo N. Dionisio Meycauayan Bulacan
405. Deanna Ongpin-Recto Muntinlupa Metro Manila
406. Walter C. Caancan Marikina City Rizal
407. Peter B. Maat Las Pinas City Metro Manila
408. Cornelio P. Mapa Quezon City Metro Manila
409. Bienvenido S. Magnaye Las Pinas City Metro Manila
410. Monica dela Cruz Pasig Metro Manila
411. Caroline T. Trinidad Quezon City Metro Manila
412. Emil dela Cruz Quezon City Metro Manila
413. Mari Q. Sison-Garcia Lingayen Pangasinan
414. Hasti Tarekat Amsterdam The Netherlands
415. Rodney B. Cabahug Danao City Cebu
416. Pauline K.M. van Roosmalen Amsterdam The Netherlands
417. Buck Uy Cebu Cebu
418. Domingo S. Guevara, Jr. Mandaluyong City Metro Manila
419. John Emmanuelle E. Maunes Cebu Cebu
420. Abbey Adique San Pedro Laguna
421. Gerry Macapinlac Tarlac City Tarlac
422. Benedict Goes Amsterdam The Netherlands
423. Aileen Tanguilig Mangaldan Pangasinan
424. May Salao Antipolo Rizal
425. Marité Valenzuela Hernández San José Costa Rica
426. Angelica C. Romano Tanza Cavite
427. Wilfredo L. Labayen Paranaque Metro Manila
428. Tin Yumul Antipolo City Rizal
429. Joelito Cole Cebu City Cebu
430. Editha Cole Cebu City Cebu
431. Lilibeth A. Bonga Paranaque City Metro Manila
432. Jose Lester A. Alburo Talisay City Cebu
433. Ma. Medianera R. Fernandez Dumaguete City Oriental Negros
434. Jennina Obieta Paranaque Manila
435. Lefebvre Christiane Outremont (Montréal) Québec, Canada
436. Von M. Villareal Makati City Metro Manila
437. Ma. Dinda R. Tamayo Iloilo City Iloilo
438. Cristina Salas Guzman Heredia
439. Manny S. Gaerlan Cagayan de Oro City Misamis Oriental
440. Prunela Santos Pampanga
441. Irma Jose Pangasinan
442. Jojo Bernardo Quezon City Metro Manila
443. Sonny Joaquin Pasig Rizal
444. Joselito Corpus New York New York, USA
445. Jonkar Lakarra Gipuzkoa España
446. William Monge Quesada San José Costa Rica
447. Jovi Atanacio Antipolo City Rizal
448. Marietta Monaghan Atlanta Georgia, USA
449. Suzanna Sampaio São Paulo Brazil
450. Federico Hernandez, Sr. Makati Metro Manila
451. Nelson Villacorta Makati Metro Manila
452. Rogelio Pena Montebello California, USA
453. Melba Buenafe-Rey Taytay Rizal
454. Kristine Dianne Millete Legazpi Albay
455. Martin C. Tangora Chicago Illinois, USA
456. Tess B. Nocon Folsom California
457. Clark Agcaoili St. Louis Missouri
458. William A. Soriano Marikina City Metro Manila
459. Melanie Ito Seattle Washington, USA
460. Catherine Arvisu-de la Rosa Baguio City Benguet
461. Benjamin V. Aquino Quezon City Metro Manila
462. Conrado Sanchez, Jr. Makati City Metro Manila
463. Roscoe Alviso Quezon City Metro Manila
464. Grace A. Aguilar-Martinez Mandaue City Cebu
465. Angel Ayon New York New York, USA
466. Dannie R. Alvarez Quezon City Metro Manila
467. Manuel C. Cabugao Quezon City Metro Manila
468. Donna Bugayong Batangas City Batangas
469. Henry Siy Quezon City Metro Manila
470. Edward G. Cosejo Lucban Quezon
471. Maureen Lagman Toronto Ontario, Canada
472. Dennis A. Patricio Bochum Germany
473. Pen Asis Iriga City Camarines Sur
474. Ed M. Cuenca Makati City Metro Manila
475. Saleh Lamei Cairo Egypt
476. Mary Jean I. Intac Batangas
477. Sophia Trinidad Malabon Metro Manila
478. Jan Kriss B. Burce Tabaco Albay
479. Archt. Dennis Formalejo Tiaong Quezon
480. Jeannie Javelosa Makati City Metro Manila
481. Carlos Chung Makati Metro Manila
482. Freda Editha O. Contreras Hamtic Antique
483. Pat Guimba Marilao Bulacan
484. Maria Luisa Delgado Makati Metro Manila
485. Graham Brooks Sydney Australia
486. Danilo T. Aguilar Valenzuela City
487. Yasmin Sison Silang Cavite
488. Danny Reyes San Jose Camarines Sur
489. Deding Medej Romblon Romblon
490. Floserfino F. Famarin Concepcion Romblon
491. Ester Mesana Medej Romblon Romblon
492. Nick Aquino Tuguegarao Cagayan
493. Yasuyoshi Okada Setagaya Tokyo, Japan
494. Ismael F. Fabicon Elmhurst Illinois, USA
495. Irvin Sullano Davao City Davao del Sur
496. Oscar Sherlo Reyes Davao Davao del Norte
497. Catherine Carlos Antipolo City Rizal
498. Manny Rosales Davao City Davao del Sur
499. Myrna Felix Caloocan City Metro Manila
500. Conrado Latonio Quezon City Metro Manila

Comments

"It is for the benefit of everyone. If "some" priests will be insistent on further destroying the cultural dignity of ancient churches, then we might not have any legacy to pass on to our grandchildren. The Church should also focus on this issue since these churches serve as tangible testimonies to our ancestors' legacy in keeping the Church intact." ~ Jack Regala

"We should take care of our religious structures because they are the only tangible proofs of the Catholic faith here in the Philippines." ~ Kent Alfie B. Yee

"Recover all sold antique items and return to the parish churches. This will allow each parish to restore their own valuables in a Museum." ~ Nancy L. Tremblay

"Heritage churches are living legacies of the first Christians in our country/localities." ~ Genesis Velez, SVD

"Like the way we cherish all the good values and teaching of our Lord Jesus, lets us do the same way in preserving our ancient churches for this was the earliest domicile of Filipino faith. Protect and Preseve!" ~ Rolan M. Nocedo

"It is a must to save built heritage in the country. The Philippine churches are important because it reflects the Filipino identity and cultural heritage." ~ Russel Climaco-Estardo

"Please set up a protocol about church remodels. This remodels needs to get approval from a committee who will oversee this kind of issues. They are correct, we are losing precious architectural heritage way back during the Spanish era. There's a lot of possible ways to remodel these churches to meet current needs of the community. But having a local parish priest taking upon himself to do the job, is like losing the community's heritage. Let's stop this, set up a committee like "Design Review Board" and give the experts chance to express what's best for the church and what's best for the community. This is the house of God and we need to make sure that we give HIM the best of the very best." ~ Mel Cruz

"I hope the clergy will take much care and be conscientious in conserving and preserving (not renovating) colonial churches, convents, artifacts and other church related matters that has great aesthetic, cultural and historical importance." ~ Conrado A. Bugayong II

"I agree with you as an anthropologist/urban planner I share the same lament. Though, I tried to educate my clients regarding its significance for conservation, especially the government, who are more interested in putting up high rise building, malls and golf courses for tourism. The local government has the power to regulate land uses as well as the structures built around its territory. Preservation and conservation of such has nothing to do with antiquity but it is a historical landmark that characterized the town and had influenced land uses for more than a century now. Perhaps architects and engineers need to be given historical and socio-cultural courses to appreciate the significance of these structures. The new should blend with the old not otherwise because the impact is more serious than design. To give in to the pressure of more commercial looking facade would only devaluate or degrade its presence and significance. Let's push for another round of petition for legislation of such in congress." ~ Jan Velasco

"Let's preserve our heritage. It's the only wealth we can pass to our children and our children's children." ~ Ferdinand de Leon

"It is the respect for all the people of the past who manifested their Love and Thanksgiving to God through what they have offered and given, in the form of the church structure and objects inside it and the humility to accept that the Ekklesia or the Church is entitled to their own heritage. Heritage is the record of the Church's Love and Faith in God." ~ Romeo B. Galang, Jr.

"Our churches are our history. We all own it, not only the Parish. Please consult professionals when planning to renovate or fix a heritage church." ~ Carlos Celdran

"The church prefers to "urge" conservation on their clergy. I think they should be more pro-active on this." ~ Archt. Rene Luis S. Mata, UP College of Architecture

"This should have been taken seriously long time ago but still...it's not too late...we can still preserve what are left or try to return it back to its previous glory." ~ Willie Caruncho

"To love the homeland is to protect and defend its historical legacy." ~ Bankaw Itomon

"The church building is part of every place's local cultural & political history. Thus it is part of every Filipino's life and story whether Christian or non-Christian alike. It is part of our identity and we ask your help in protecting these priceless treasures." ~ Peter Allan R. Bontuyan

"While the world continues to be "globalized" and cultures are "mixed" with each other, it is important to understand that those who have a strong hold of their culture will be the only people with surviving roots, a strong foundation, and therefore a surviving race. Renovations should not be done unless it has a truly beneficial purpose… a purpose that exceeds the importance of our rich heritage." ~ Clyde Villegas

"Let's conduct more heritage conservation awareness so they get educated." ~ Fe Brizuela-Arroyo

"I am an active youth coordinator at our Parish Youth Ministry in Santuario del Sto. Cristo Parish in San Juan and am a registered architect. I feel so involved in this petition. I really hope we can do something about this concern. Thank you." ~ Marlon L. Antolin

"Daraga Church in Albay, built 1773, is renovated the modern way. Unfortunate indeed." ~ Edith D. Batalla

"I think it is with humility that parishes consult with the Committee for Cultural Heritage of the Church and it is with high-mindedness that the committee takes into consideration the situation, goals and aspirations of parishes." ~ Albert Santos Zambrano

"An example of a defaced colonial church is the one at Bacoor, Cavite. Lines were painted white in between adobe blocks and bricks were painted with red modern paint covering the texture of the brick. The walls inside the church were glazed with transparent paint." ~ Michelle Sotaridona Eusebio

"Some Apalit Church casualties through the decades: vestry cabinets and refectory tables, 1700s; pair of "kneeling angels" holy water fonts in molave wood, 1700s; solid silver "andas" of the Virgin, 1870s; image of Crucified Christ for Good Friday "Tanggal" Ritual, 1800s; "Sacred Heart" tabernacle, 1920; altar of San Antonio de Padua by Maximo Vicente, 1925; big images of OL Lourdes, OL Miraculous Medal, Therese de Lisieux by Maximo Vicente, 1930s; overpainting [several times] of 1890s trompe l'oeil by Pampango follower of the Italian painters Divella and Alberoni; etc..." ~ Augusto Marcelino R. Gonzalez III

"There is a correlation between ugly churches and declining parishioners. It will only be the church's fault for losing its flock." ~ John L. Silva, National Museum

"Old and historic churches are not only places of worship they are also channels which connect us to our past, to our ancestors. So much genealogical facts were lost when the tombstones in the Pisamban Maragul (of Angeles, Pampanga) and those from its nearby small graveyard were removed. These material heritage also depict the art and culture of our foreparents. Let us not take these great sources of education and civilization away." ~ Aida D. Aguas

"The historic churches of the Philippines are part of the heritage of all Filipinos. We need to protect them" ~ Roz Li

"We visit old churches when we go abroad because they're beautiful and charming. Let's preserve our old churches!" ~ Lolita Delgado Fansler

"Preserve the future by conserving the past." ~ Luis Francia

"I am for the restoration of our old churches, not renovation. I hope that with this our parish priests (and Bishops) will open their minds and listen to the voice of reason." ~ Ma. Estrella R. Ledesma, M.D.

"All catholic priests should practice their vow of chastity so instead of spending funds for renovation, spend wisely in preservation and extend excess funds to the poor." ~ Mart Bondoc

"Our church in Bauan, Batangas has very sadly been the object of such renovation." ~ Marite Panopio

"We owe it to our children and our children's children to preserve and protect our old churches. It is part of our and their history and culture. It would help if parishioners were made aware of the history behind their churches making them realize that they too are part of the continuing history of their church." ~ Margarita M. de Ortigas

"I believe that we have to protect and care our churches that we have inherited from our fellow Catholic Christians who built these churches as a place of prayer and for God's Glory." ~ Fr. Romulo R. Maypa, SVD

"I hope priests will consult first people who know about restoration and renovation of century-old churches and convents. An unfortunate example is the convent in Pateros that was replaced with a multi-level school." ~ Michaelangelo Valdez

"Kung anong dinatnan natin since we came, let's just leave them as they are." ~ Maria Aiza P. Laylo

"Masbate has one of the oldest churches in the whole Philippines. The church in San Pascual dates back to 1579 with the wooden slab bearing the date and Fray Alonzo Jimenez the builder inscribed on it. But Manda Elizalde has it and the two human sized, wooden sculptures of Moses and Elias. The Intramuros of San Pascual has to be restored with its dungeon and cannons. San Jacinto Parish Church is also antique supposedly. But it has been renovated than restored. Hope a representation with the Spanish Embassy would result some help. Thank you and more power to all of you." ~ Prisco E. Entines

"Our old churches are one of our strongest connections to our past and in many places, the only ones left. I strongly support this petition for the CBCP to stop this destruction." ~ Mite Calzo

"You are custodians of a National Heritage! We need to take care of our Architectural Church Heritage for future generations! These Churches were built with love, care to detail and as instruments to worship God by our previous ancestors. To deface them is to dishonor their work of Love and sacrifice! This is truly a testament to Filipino ingenuity and craftsmanship! Please take care!" ~ Jose Ramon L. Faustmann

"This heritage belongs to all humanity and to future generations. As custodians of it, you bear responsibility for its proper conservation." ~ Gustavo F Araoz, AIA

"Restoring the historic churches could be a wonderful way to generate jobs for low income Filipinos and preserve the Philippines unique heritage." ~ Anastasia Telesetsky

"Please do everything in your power to support the heritage of your country and your religion. These are treasures that need your care and protection. Please help! Thank you." ~ Suzanne Bott, PhD

"Stop overfeeding and over-showering gifts and money to priests, archbishops, bishops who never really cared for our cultural heritage, and our own people, and who never really indulged into the educational, socio-economic, civic, spiritual and the whole general well-being of the Filipino people. They serve nobody including God, but their own ego and skin. It is time for the whole Filipino people (the Church faithful especially) to be aware of this 'lingering mistake and damage' done to the people especially to the young. It is time to change and the time is "now." Let us all focus & listen to our growing young children's voice of raised awareness or consciousness. Let us stand back and take a better look again. Instead of feeding the ego and enhancing the power trip of government bureaucrats and their system, the corrupt politics, corrupt education personnel, our rottening immoral society and the greed of the Church establishments." ~ Helen Lagman Dizon

"Education, awareness, and sustainability for all Filipino heritage sites everywhere." ~ Ernie Endrina

"Protect and preserve our cultural heritage, our identity as people is linked to it." ~ Amalia Ledesma

"Stabilization and preservation of existing materials and designs is the best way to save the heritage embodied in the churches, whether they represent the Spanish period or early twentieth century history." ~ Ann Yoklavich

"I hope the CBCP listens to all the 'voices' from this petition. I also hope that the CBCP, through its Commission on Church Heritage, issue a mandate that no church 'renovations' be done without proper consultation/approval from the said commission." ~ Leo Mamicpic

"About time, protect our past & stop absurd modernizations of historical buildings." ~ Jose Ramon Guerrero

"I love visiting old big historical churches. They are priceless. I hope the only work they do with the old churches is to restore it to its old glory, not do destroy it." ~ Maria Lourdes Encinas Rogers

"If repairs are necessary, such must conform to the original design and ambiance in order to preserve our cultural heritage." ~ Mariano S. Quesada

"Our past is what makes our future real." ~ Jose Danilo A. Silvestre

"Its important to save our cultural heritage, especially our churches as its one of the things that gives our country pride and its a silent witness to our glorious past." ~ Rene James Balandra

"I signed this petition because I, myself have seen a century church renovated for the reason that the parish priest point out that its too old. They didn't know the value of the architecture to the history of the place." ~ Noeny M. Gatarin

"My great, great uncle, American Bishop Frederick Rooker, who brought the Pauline nuns over in 1903 would turn over in his grave unless I demanded a stop to the destruction of our Catholic churches in the Philippines." ~ Priscilla Mason

"Let these churches, to all people now and the future, attest that God stands the test of time. He is present in the past, the present and the future among US. He is the Alpha & the Omega. You are the assigned caretaker. Have you given all you can to do your part? Give your answer to Him. The Heavenly Father knows what's all in your hearts." ~ Cherrie S. Calderon

"I strongly support this petition and ask that any further actions contrary to the preservation of our churches STOP IMMEDIATELY." ~ Maria Luisa Cantiller

"We need to protect our past for the future. We pray for this to have a positive and fast result from CBCP." ~ John Aristeo C. Obligacion

"We are losing a significant part of the Filipino heritage in the light of the "beautification program" or "renovations" being done to our old churches." ~ Nora L. Diaz

"Spend less time on politics and more on conserving our churches." ~ Robert Paradies

"Bohol's old churches had been destroyed because of lack of understanding of our cultural heritage. Please do not allow this to happen again." ~ EnP. Dennis Fel T. Matutina

"Let the government designate these old churches as historical sites and must be untouched! maintained but untouched! How about using tourism to generate funds for their preservation? This is really very sad and unfortunate." ~ S.G. Weiler

"The priests should have an elective in heritage conservation in seminary training and priests with an architecture/civil engineering background should be sent to rome/ spain for conservation studies. I think some schools in the Philippines also have this." ~ Rodelen C. Paccial

"Although I am a Philippine-born, naturalized American citizen, I fly home every now and then and proudly show my American husband, all these historical churches. Please preserve them! Thanks!" ~ Aurora C. Cavalieri

"Please consider the long-term effects of your actions on these churches. They should be saved as they are to preserve the cultural heritage of all Filipinos. Thank you." ~ Amila Ferron

"I wish a ruling was passed before St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in my town (Palompon, Leyte) was "modernized". There was not even a facade of the old church. Although not a fault of the current parish priest, during my visit in December, he was talking about building back the old choir loft of old. I don't know what happened to the old statues of Saints, etc." ~ Manolita Payos-Balassa, MD

"We as Filipinos should engage in preserving our heritage with sensitivity and pride." ~ Angelene Youngman

"I hope that proper rules and regulations will be used in restoration, rebuilt of our old churches." ~ Lawrence Chan

"Our heritage keeps us both proud and humble." ~ Elizabeth Cueva

"The Netherlands ICOMOS is the international body of advisors on cultural heritage and has a specialist group that focus on shared built heritage, such as the Filipinos churches. We kindly offer our help and expertise." ~ Benedict Goes, Secretary, The Netherlands ICOMOS

"We need the Church hierarchy here in the Philippines to cooperate with us and take leadership in the preservation of religious cultural and heritage sites in the country." ~ Manny S. Gaerlan

"Why not focus ONLY on many church problems instead of getting involved with POLITICS!" ~ Domingo S. Guevara, Jr.

"No church in the Philippines should be renovated without permission from the proper authorities" ~ Federico Hernandez, Sr.

"Preserve the churches; they are part of our Philippine history and Spanish heritage." ~ Rogelio Pena Montebello

"I felt so sad to see the Quiapo Church rehabbed. Other countries of the world are restoring their old churches for history sake and their culture." ~ Clark Agcaoili

"Why can't we be like Mexico, Spain or Italy?" ~ Danny R. Alvarez

"We pray for the further action of the CBCP that would benefit all parishoners and Catholics." ~ Edward G. Coseco

"It's still not too late to do preservation work in the Philippines." ~ Dennis A. Patricio

"Respect our heritage! It is our destiny!" ~ Archt. Dennis Formalejo

"I strongly support this petition. These heritage churches tell stories... stories as clearly told by its walls as veritable witnesses of our faith, history and culture. And although we live in the modern times, one wrong move and we can easily change a piece of what is essential." ~ Pat Guimba

"As the then Chairman of AusHeritage, it was my honour and pleasure, in 2000, to meet with the Bishops who were then charged with the heritage protection and custodianship of the rich cultural heritage contained in the historic churches and church treasures throughout the Philippines. At the time, I was very impressed with the leadership of the Bishops Conference in establishing this committee. It is distressing to learn that this initiative has become diminished over recent years, to the point where the Philippines Heritage Society, of which I am an honorary member, needs to call on the Conference to halt the progressive loss of the important cultural heritage of the Catholic Church in the Philippines. This heritage is far too important to be solely under the responsibility of individual parish clergy. The Conference must act with urgency and determination to ensure that this cultural heritage is protected and maintained for the glory of God and the people of the Philippines." ~ Graham Brooks

"We've lost our original Sto. Nino image, stolen by unknown people. We can't afford to have a museum to house the remaining more than 100 figures left at the Parish Church." ~ Diding Medej

"Every country in the world are proud of their heritage. To learn the culture of Europe, visit their churches." ~ Myrna Felix

"Please preserve the heritage we have. Other countries of the world takes pride in their past by preserving what is good but our people does not seem to realize what all this heritage mean to us. If we can not even have a moral churchmen, for the sake of preserving the last symbol of our values, stop destroying and selling religious artifacts and instead, plan on restoring the church structure." ~ Sotero Festin Fabella

ivanhenares

July 2nd, 2006, 05:56 PM

Thanks Ivan. As for the person who said that to me, I'd rather keep my mouth shut. I'm already in too much trouble to accommodate another blow.

Anyway, I'm curious, even if NHI declares a certain structure (and the structure is in NHI's official master list of declared structures), why is it still demolished? Below are a couple of casualties:

Jai Alai
Manila Jockey Club
San Lazaro Race Track
Mehan Garden
Arroceros Forest Park

Does this mean that NHI doesn't implement the rules? Or are the landmarks above declared in the first place?

I'm assuming that they lack manpower or the public doesn't inform them of the endangered sites.

Anyway, I will be tagging along with Sir Butch this month when he goes to NHI to clarify the matter.

Of the sites you mentioned, only Mehan Gardens is NHI-declared. So no need for NHI permission to demolish the other three. Arroceros is under the National Museum.

FYI, NHI gave approval to Mayor Atienza on a Mehan Gardens issue. I just don't know the exact extent of the approval and if Mayor Atienza went beyond what was approved. It was a compromise on the part of the NHI.

NHI is not the implementor of its rules. They simply declare and warn people of the possible violations of the law. Unless some private citizen or group brings the culprits to court on the basis of violating PD 1505, nothing will happen.

I'd like to be clear that an NHI marker does not necessarily mean a site is declared. We have to distinguish between declared sites and merely marked sites. The complete list of NHI declared sites is in my blog... http://ivanhenares.blogspot.com/2005/04/index-of-declared-structures-and-sites.html

Lili

July 2nd, 2006, 05:57 PM

^^ Yehey!! Thank you for working on that petition. I'm so proud and happy to be on that list. I hope that it becomes fruitful.

overtureph

July 3rd, 2006, 10:57 AM

Fake art is back
By Marie Anne Fajardo
The Philippine STAR 07/03/2006

Malang is dead serious about putting a stop to the proliferation of fake paintings.

"Due to the higher prices of the masters’ paintings, some resort to copying them (and passing them off authentic)," Malang says. "And then some galleries encourage them (to produce fakes)."

A fake "Malang" is in the artist’s possession, and he has consulted lawyers about taking legal action. Malang even gave Victor Ycasiano, the collector who brought the disputed work for authentication, an authentic "Malang."

Ycasiano says he has learned his lesson, and now knows where to buy authentic Malangs. Ycasiano, a basketball coach who began collecting art late last year, recalls that it’s an experience he could never forget, upon finding out someone sold him a fake painting. "The victims are usually new collectors like me," he says.

"Buy only in legitimate galleries, demand authentication papers, and coordinate with artists’ group like the AAP or the Saturday Group." Ycasiano advises prospective art buyers.

While he’ll cooperate to help prevent such fake art from circulating again, Malang says that he can only advise art patrons to buy from living contemporary artists since the National Museum does not even have the proper equipment to determine authenticity, especially when dealing with masters’ works.

The artist says he’s already asked museums to put up independent authentication bodies, but nothing concrete has been done yet. "It also puts us in a difficult situation," says Malang, on the effect of fake art entering the market. "With a ‘Kiukok’ or a ‘Malang,’ it’s even harder to detect because we (and the forgers) use the same materials"

In the disputed work, however, besides the more polished mother-and-child figure, Malang also knew it was a fake because the paper used was different from what he’d normally use, it was done in pencil, and there were no dates and other details the artist would normally indicate at the back of the work to prove authorship.

Earlier this year, an exhibit held at the UST’s Beato Angelico Gallery drew controversy when a work supposedly to honor the legacy of Ang Kiukok was deemed as fake by no less than Ang Kiukok’s wife, Mary, and Vita Sarenas, a gallery owner and a close friend of the late National Artist who also helps authenticates his works.

http://philstar.com/philstar/LIFESTYLE200607030502.htm

Wonderboy

July 3rd, 2006, 08:34 PM

Special thanks to fellow SSC member Gee for sending the text below via e-mail:

----------------

my translation:

Twelve Theses of Heritage Conservation
Leipzig, 26 October 1994

The participants of the conference on heritage conservation as tourism
and economic factor organized by the German National Committee for
Heritage Conservation agreed on twelve theses which were abstracted from
the lectures and discussions.

1. Heritage conservation is a daily cultural policy.
2. Heritage conservation preserves the cultural infrastructure.
3. Heritage conservation preserves the interrelations of life.
4. Heritage conservation enhances the quality of tourism sites.
5. Heritage conservation promotes the medium-size economy.
6. Heritage conservation prevents bad investments and speculations.
7. Heritage conservation supports thriftiness.
8. Heritage conservation promotes investments.
9. Heritage conservation creates jobs.
10. Heritage conservation promotes responsible handling of public
resources.
11. Heritage conservation contributes to the formation of the critical
awareness of the citizens.
12. Heritage conservation contributes to the stabilization of social
peace.

original text:

12 Thesen zu "Denkmalpflege als Standort- und Wirtschaftsfaktor"
Leipzig, 26. Oktober 1994

Die Teilnehmer der Tagung des Deutschen Nationalkomitees für
Denkmalschutz "Denkmalpflege als Standort- und Wirtschaftsfaktor" stimmten zwölf
Thesen zu, die sich einem roten Faden gleich, durch die Referate und
Diskussionen zogen:

1. Denkmalpflege ist täglich wirksame Kulturpolitik.
2. Denkmalpflege erhält die kulturelle Infrastruktur.
3. Denkmalpflege erhält Lebenszusammenhänge.
4. Denkmalpflege schafft Standortqualität (Tourismus).
5. Denkmalpflege fördert die mittelständische Wirtschaft.
6. Denkmalpflege verhindert kostenträchtige Fehlinvestitionen und
Spekulationen.
7. Denkmalpflege stützt Sparsamkeitsdenken.
8. Denkmalpflege setzt Investitionen frei, ist wirtschaftsfördernd.
9. Denkmalpflege schafft Arbeitsplätze.
10. Denkmalpflege fördert verantwortungsvollen Umgang mit Ressourcen
der Gesellschaft.
11. Denkmalpflege trägt zur Stützung des kritischen Bewusstseins der
Bürgerinnen und Bürger bei.
12. Denkmalpflege dient der Stärkung des sozialen Friedens.

http://www.nationalkomitee.de/appelle/index.htm

Wonderboy

July 3rd, 2006, 08:41 PM

The Unyon ng mga Manunulat sa Pilipinas (UMPIL) and the University
of
Santo
Tomas Center for Creative Writing and Studies (UST-CCWS) would like
to
invite you in a forum entitled, "Nationalism and Literature," which
will be
held on 4 July 2006, from 3 to 6 pm, at the ground floor of St.
Raymund's
Building, UST-CCWS Conference Room.

Three prominent literary critics, namely, National Artist for
Literature Dr.
Bienvenido L. Lumbera, Dr. Soledad S. Reyes of Ateneo de Manila
University,
and Dr. Ramón G. Guillermo of University of the Philippines will
each
deliver a paper addressing various concerns and controversies
surrounding
writers as well as artists in the Philippines ranging from popular
literature to nationalist ideology to Filipino esthetics.

The forum is the first of a series of collaborative efforts between
UMPIL
and UST-CCWS, and is made possible through the assistance of College
of
Arts
and Letters Dean Dr. Ophelia Alcantara Dimalanta, an eminent poet
and
critic
herself.

overtureph

July 4th, 2006, 04:24 AM

3 dozen new sites vie for World Heritage status
Posted: 9:09 AM | Jul. 04, 2006

Agence France-Presse

Editor's note: Due to technical difficulties, we are using a text-only version of the site at the moment. We apologize for any inconvenience.

PARIS -- Thirty-seven sites, including an ancient Iranian historical complex, an African national park and a French region home to precious Templar ruins, are to compete for a place on UNESCO's prestigious World Heritage list later this month.

The World Heritage Committee, holding its 30th session in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius on July 8-16, announced Monday it would examine 27 cultural, or man-made, sites, eight natural sites and two so-called mixed sites, drawn from 30 countries across the world.

Although the UN's educational, scientific and cultural organization does not officially publish its list of heritage candidates to avoid "politicizing the debate," some have already been publicly announced.

These include the archaeological site of Bisotoun near Kermanshah in western Iran, which is home to temples and monuments spanning more than 1,000 years.

Chief among these are the so-called Bisotoun incriptions, a set of colossal stone engravings attributed to the Persian emperor Darius I, who is said to have ordered the creation of the ancient Persian alphabet to inscribe the text.

The site also hosts Medean temples from the 7th century BC, a statue of Hercules dating from the Hellenistic Syrian empire and a monument from the Sassanidic empire, which ruled the area from the 3rd to the 7th centuries.

The southern French region of Causses-Cevennes -- which combines spectacular scenery with a rich heritage of mediaeval Templar ruins and is home to the famed Roquefort blue cheese -- has officially declared its candidacy.

Also on the list are the coastal town of Lota in Chile, known as a birthplace of coal mining, the mediaeval German town of Regensburg in southeastern Bavaria, and the Lope national park in Gabon.

The full list of countries is: Austria, Azerbaijan, Bolivia, Britain, Burkina Faso, Chile, China, Colombia, the Czech Republic, Ethiopia, France, Gabon, Gambia, Germany, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Italy, Malawi, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Morocco, Oman, Poland, Senegal, Spain, Syria, and Tanzania.

The World Heritage Committee will also decide this month whether to extend four existing sites -- in Finland, Nepal, Serbia and Sweden -- and would consider special measures to preserve heritage in view of climate change.

UNESCO's World Heritage List, created in 1972, includes some 812 sites around the world -- from the Giza pyramids in Egypt to the Great Wall of China -- including 628 cultural, 160 natural and 24 mixed sites in 137 countries.

Officials at UNESCO headquarters in Paris said the organization hoped to make the list -- currently dominated by sites in Old Europe -- more globally representative and especially wished to take in more natural sites.

Natural sites on the list include Australia's Great Barrier Reef, the Serengeti national park in Kenya and Tanzania and Ecuador's Galapagos archipelago which inspired Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection.

Last year, the list took in 24 new sites, including the southern Bosnian town of Mostar and the center of the French town of Le Havre, which was entirely rebuilt after World War II.

Endowed with a four-million-dollar budget, the UN body can give assistance and training to help countries protect and manage their listed heritage sites, and can provide emergency assistance for sites in immediate danger.

copyright ©2006 INQ7money.net all rights reserved

http://money.inq7.net/breakingnews/printable_breakingnews.php?yyyy=2006&mon=07&dd=04&file=12

If Intramuros where rebuilt after the war together with some of it's suburbs, (where did the war reparation fund went anyway?), it probably would have been a huge tourist attraction but also a center of culture as well. There is also the possibility that it might have been inscribe in the UNESCO heritage list.

The mere fact that this was not done only goes to show the myopic view and the kind of regard our people have for our history and culture.

gee

July 4th, 2006, 06:57 AM

UNIVERSITY OF SAN CARLOS - CHERISH

The Conservation and Heritage Research Institute and Workshop (CHERISH)

The CHERISH Studio will serve as the arm of the College of Architecture and Fine Arts in responding to the urgent need for skills training in Heritage Conservation among our students and practicing architects.

It is the objective of the studio to make this knowledge and skills available to practicing architects in the region through seminars and workshops. The studio will be the anchor venue for the courses to be offered as Training Modules for Professional Architects wishing to gain knowledge and skills in the preservation of architectural heritage.

It will also complement the existing Architecture offerings. Training will be incorporated within the BS Architecture curriculum.

Students and practicing architects need to understand the importance of conserving our architectural heritage even as they are engaged in modern development projects. They also need to be trained to undertake conservation work as part of the architectural practice.

The CHERISH studios provide training for students and professionals in the conservation of heritage places in Cebu and the Region.

It enjoys linkages with other units in USC, and various organizations and government agencies mandated to protect heritage sites and structures.

Through this tie-up, CHERISH is able to extend assistance to stakeholders through research and documentation preliminary to the crafting of Conservation Management Plans (CMPs) for these historic places.

http://www.usc.edu.ph/online_uscweb/cafa/cherish/cherish.jsp

ivanhenares

July 4th, 2006, 07:03 AM

^I'm surprised we're not in the list of countries. I thought we were going to resubmit Batanes after that bunggled attempt of the provincial government. Here are a list of possible candidates in the Philippines:

http://www.worldheritagesite.org/alltentative.html
Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary
Angono Triglyphs
Batanes Protected landscapes and seascapes
El Nido Marine Reserve
Jesuit Churches of the Philippines
Mt. Pulog National Park
Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park
San Sebastian Church
Spanish Colonial Fortifications of the Philippines
The Tabon Cave Complex and all of Lipuun Point
Turtle Islands Natural Marine Park

I also blogged about it...
http://ivanhenares.blogspot.com/2006/03/whats-next-for-unesco.html

gee

July 4th, 2006, 07:04 AM

University of San Carlos - Certificate in Cebuano Heritage Studies

The Cebuano Heritage Studies Program provides cultural workers in public and private sectors with knowledge of the varied cultural heritage of Cebu that can help them in their respective work/career.

This program also caters to tourism officers, museum curators, heritage professionals, local historians, festival organizers, and history teachers.

Aims:

* to make the students appreciate the richness of Cebuano culture;
* to make the students knowledgeable on the landmarks of Cebuano history, culture and the arts;
* to equip the students with skills in research on Cebuano heritage; and
* to enable the students to manage cultural and educational activities showcasing Cebuano heritage

Requirements:

*a bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution
*a proof of involvement in cultural work related to Cebuano heritage.

http://www.usc.edu.ph/online_uscweb/cas/history/certificate_in_cebuano_heritage_studies.jsp

manolonoche

July 6th, 2006, 02:49 AM

For those interested in Colonial Lighthouses in the Philippines, there will be an exhibit of selected Spanish era Lighthouses at the Beato Angelico Gallery, Beato Angelico Building, University of Santo Tomas beginning the 17th of July. This is a travelling exhibit which began in Ayala Museum last 17 May, 2006. The book Lonely Sentinels of the Sea: The Spanish Colonial Lighthouses in the Philippines will also be made available.

manolo

Wonderboy

July 7th, 2006, 02:54 PM

^^ Welcome to SSC Mr. Noche! I'm glad that this thread is gaining recognition from HCS members and advocates of heritage conservation in the Philippines. :)

-----

Here's an e-mail from HCS Yahoogroups sent by Mr. Richard of NCCA Heritage Sites Office. Any suggestions how we could go about this "new" problem?

MMDA

Dear Folks,

Among the things the MMDA will do in the Metropolis is to bring back the sidewalks and provide sidewalks, and widen roads .

The provision of new sidewalks will also be done in old districts. The likes of San Juan, Pasig, Pasay, Parañaque, Malabon, and Navotas. This towns / Cities an enclaves of Heritage structures. The plan of the
MMDA is to impose a recent ruling to provide set backs in structures, though they are already there prior to any law.

Metro Manila is experiencing the Carcar problem, and the demolition crew of the MMDA just started in some areas.

Just to inform you of the sad event.

Richard

ivanhenares

July 7th, 2006, 04:40 PM

^Hi Jeff, that website isn't official yet. In fact it's still empty. We've been trying to set a meeting with the webgroup through Dorie for the longest time. I don't know why it's taking so long. For the meantime, we're using http://preservephilippineheritage.blogs.friendster.com/hcs

Wonderboy

July 7th, 2006, 05:52 PM

^^ Yeah, I'm aware that it's still empty but in order for HCS to finish the website, I'm using it as my official signature to pressure them. ;)

Animo

July 8th, 2006, 09:25 PM

By Edgardo J. Angara

THE Philippines is blessed with a rich and extraordinary cultural heritage. Unfortunately, many of our important and irreplaceable structures have given way to commercialization, and the repositories of our culture are literally fast becoming a thing of the past.

We have not made use of our cultural and historical heritage as a comparative advantage in the tourist market. We have lagged far behind our Asian neighbors in attracting tourists. Even Vietnam, a country ravaged by war, attracts more visitors in a year than we do.

I believe we have much more to offer than beautiful beaches. Time and again, I have advocated for Philippine tourism policy to be anchored on our country’s historical and cultural heritage, as well as environmental endowments. We can find them in almost every corner of the country, and yet we see that many of our historical and national treasures either lay in shambles or are left to benign neglect.

The most successful tourist destinations – countries like Italy, Spain and France – capitalize on their history, culture and natural beauty. Tourism alone is a key factor in driving their economies. Even our neighbors Cambodia and Thailand have done significant work in preserving their heritage. Our current conservation efforts, however, are so inadequate to stop the decay of our historic wealth.

Investing in the preservation of our heritage would prevent cultural bankruptcy and keep our unique legacy. Not only are they main tourism attractions, but more importantly, the foundation upon which we can trace our identity and plan our future. By preserving our heritage, we keep our integrity as a people.

E-mail: edgardo_angara@hotmail .com
http://www.mb.com.ph/issues/2006/07/09/OPED2006070968888.html

overtureph

July 8th, 2006, 11:34 PM

High on History ang Heritage in Negros

Unlike high levels of cholesterol, an overdose of art and culture, history and heritage, is good for the heart. It makes you feel rich, full, fulfilled, content, like your cup runneth over. It keeps the spirit soaring without having to worry about getting a heart attack.

A recent weekend in Negros Occidental, specifically, in Bacolod and its nearby northern component cities, sent us on an overdrive of everything Filipiniana in all its varied hues, forms, tastes, and influences. Our heart is still singing as we write.

Negros Occidental hosted recently the closing ceremonies of National Heritage Month, which began auspiciously with a Cecile Licad concert at the historic Paoay Church in Ilocos Norte on May 1. The celebration, steered by the Filipino Heritage Festival, Inc. chaired by Mita Bantug Rufino with Bambi L. Harper as festival director, then echoed throughout the country.

Heritage Month climaxed in western Negros and Iloilo May 26-31 via an avalanche of cultural presentations, lifestyle exhibits, tours of heritage homes, food festivals, lectures, and a straight, old-fashioned Hiligaynon mass at the San Sebastian Cathedral, which was built in 1876.

In-between were trips that brought us to enchanted trees in Talisay and primitive pottery makers in Silay. Topping the cake for us, however, was the staging of an Ilongo zarzuela called Dandansoy: Ang Gugma ni Dansoy kag Rosing at a multi-purpose gym fronting the Bacolod Plaza.

Dandansoy, a production of TAPAS, or the Tourism and Performing Arts Society, tells a forbidden love between a farm boy and the daughter of a farm manager (encargado). Spread out within a 90-minute running time are seven sequences, 47 musical works, beautiful costumes of baro’t saya, camisa y chino, and embroidered terno’s and barongs. A live rondalla served as musical accompaniment to the zarzuela directed by Aaron Sorbito and written by Salome Sorbito.

Best of all, the zarzuela, which is set in Negros province during the 1900s and based on an actual story, uses popular Ilongo folk songs from the past. At the performance, 76-year old Florecita Jurilla De los Santos, whose granddaughter formed part of the chorus, was teary-eyed as she hummed each and every song performed on stage.

She said the songs, both happy and sad, vibrant and melancholic, were the same songs her own mother and grandmother sang. They were the songs Ilongos sang as they put a baby to sleep (Ang Alibangbang), to respond during a harana (Walang Angay Ang Ka Mingaw), to entertain guests during a tertulia (Lubi-Lubi, Karabaw, Bilong-bilong).

Throughout our three-day tour, a short tertulia prefaced every stop, either at a heritage home, a hotel lobby before an exhibit, or a museum. One of the most enjoyable was a performance by the Silay Kabataan Ensemble at the Balay Negrense in Silay.

The 30-member ensemble, which has won awards both nationally and internationally, is composed of a rondalla and a dance troupe whose members are no older than 17.

The Silay experience was, to a romantic like us, beyond words. As first-timers in the small city 15 kilometers away from Bacolod, we were awed by the row of old houses and commercial apartments that lined Rizal Street, the main road downtown. It was the same road that caused an uproar years ago when a government plan to widen it was met with fierce opposition by cultural workers.

Had the plan succeeded, we would not have been able to view Silay’s past as evidenced by the imposing 1908 Jalandoni mansion which now runs as a museum. Among many other attractions are an old, old bakery called El Ideal which has survived the test of time and a low-rise home that still makes good old piaya based on a 100-year old recipe. Silay has 31 heritage houses, although not all of them are open to the public.

A leisurely walk along equally historic Cinco de Noviembre Street under a light drizzle revealed more old yet still elegant houses. The most notable of these is the 1934 Hofilena home, declared as a heritage home, and which shelters a trove of art pieces, paintings, prints, old books, and tons of antiquities. Seventy-two year old cultural lecturer Ramon Hofilena, who guided us around Silay, said efforts to preserve Silay’s reputation as the Paris of Negros remain a priority in the humdrum of every day life marked by high costs of living.

Silay was founded as a town in 1760. In 1898, it became a leading sugar producing town, thanks to the Horno Economico, a sugar mill introduced by a Frenchman who became a Silaynon, Yves Leopold Germain Gaston. Gaston, who married Prudencia Fernandez, a Batanguena from Calatagan, was to build a 12-room colonial mansion that is now the Balay Negrense.

In a short speech during one of the lifestyle exhibits, Msgr. Guillermo Gascon said it is clear that while our cultural heritage may have sharp foreign influences, we have given them a distinct Filipino image and ambience. Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia vowed to keep these national treasures alive, much like the way they do it in Paris. Negros Occidental, which is never lacking in historical societies and heritage committees, has strict laws that protect the preservation of heritage homes and other landmarks.

"It is our task to reawaken cultural consciousness among the youth, so they can have a better understanding of our heritage," Leonardia said.

For starters, the twin exhibits, Palanublion Negrosanon and Bacolod Kahapon, will go on a tour of schools around the region. Additional performances of Dandansoy are also being planned.

Cultural preservation isn’t limited to historical structures or edifices. Harper suggested that it’s just as important that we preserve culture’s intangible aspects such as poetry, music, etc. She said culture connects the past and the future.

On the eve of a Dandansoy performance, Harper proudly stated that she had just come from a re-staging of a 105-year old Pampango zarzuela in Angeles City. The zarzuela, Ing Managpi (The Patcher), written by Mariano Proceso Pabalan Byron, was first staged on September 13, 1900 at the Teatro Sabina in Bacolor, Pampanga. Earlier, a comedia was also mounted in Ilocos as part of the four-year old celebration of National Heritage Month.

Heritage Month is being carried out yearly by the Filipino Heritage Festival, Inc. under a special grant by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the Department of Tourism. Chichi Salas, a member of the Festival committee, says next year’s celebration shall have bamboo for its theme and will open and close in other places around the country, the better to highlight other less known aspects of our rich cultural life.

(email me at nescuar@yahoo.com)

http://www.panorama.com.ph/news.php?aid=681

overtureph

July 9th, 2006, 12:41 AM

This is an excerpt from http://www.whatson-expat.com.ph/main.htm

... Expats air pluses, minuses on Cebu, RP
By Richard A. Ramos

B&B

Based on feedback, Moya Jackson, Honorary British Consul to Cebu, batted for the creation of more bed-and-breakfast type of accommodations, common in the UK and the rest of Europe.

“Hotels here are much too expensive. Europeans do not want to spend all their money on a hotel room. The country lacks middle-of-the-road hotels with clean accommodations,” she observed.

To answer the lack of accommodations in the countryside, Jackson suggested the conversion of ancestral houses into bed-and-breakfast outlets to capitalize on historical charm and promote rural tourism.

Another inadequacy she cited is the lack of evening entertainment in remote resorts. Expats get bored at night with nothing to do, she said, as they wish for a lively bar with good music to liven up their evenings.

She likewise bemoaned the city’s inadequate medical facilities, saying that hospitals are usually booked while patients remain stuck in the emergency room for hours due to lack of personnel. Services need to be upgraded if Cebu sees itself as a hub for medical tourism.

However, she gushed about the locals, citing the smiling faces in hotels and resorts as each guest is greeted warmly by the personnel.

“Cebu is an island paradise with so many natural assets. Concentrate on selling your good points and good family facilities. In the end, the tourist remembers the people, not the hotel,” the speaker emphasized.

Jackson also encouraged visitors to visit the Cebu Investment Promotion Center (CIPC) for investor needs as the office has always proven to be accommodating and efficient in handling would-be investors.

Lastly, the British Consul made a pitch for the What’s On & Expat: The Philippine Guide, calling it most helpful and useful in informing visitors about what’s worth seeing in the Philippines.

Wonderboy

July 9th, 2006, 07:26 AM

^^ Thanks for posting the article Overtureph. I was corresponding with a fellow SSC member last April 2006 and he suggested that old houses can be turned into bed and breakfast:

Located along Calle Marquez de Comillas (now Romualdez Street) is the country’s oldest dog and cat clinic founded in 1927 by Dr. Sixto Almeda, a US trained equine specialist. The 78-year old Carlos Dog and Cat Clinic closed down last August 2005 due to “slow business.”

http://img226.imageshack.us/img226/4540/d1copy8qu.jpg

The clinic was first known as a Veterinary Clinic, then became Sixto Carlos Dog and Cat Hospital in 1940. Thirty years after, it was named Dog and Cat Hospital until it got its present name in the 1990s. Its original two-story building used to be a communication station of Japanese forces. In the 1940s, the Americans burned it down and later rebuilt the house as part of reparation.

http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/2725/d2copy9sq.jpg

The former site of Carlos Dog and Cat Clinic is still for sale.

http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/4341/d35cv.jpg

Uso ba ang Bed and Breakfast sa RP? Those old houses would make fabulous B&B's or hostels.

^^ Hey there Chot! I saw an old house along Paco that was turned into a Bed and Breakfast (or was it an inn?). Nevertheless, that's a good idea. :)

Rajah_Soliman

July 9th, 2006, 02:49 PM

How could buildings built partly on wood be restored to their original look? :)

Here are some case-examples:

1. our mom's ancestral abode in Lucban, Quezon
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h129/rajah_soliman/0002%20Maternal%20Relatives/2005_RPVAC_LUCBAN100_0545.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h129/rajah_soliman/0002%20Maternal%20Relatives/2005_RPVAC_LUCBAN100_0542.jpg

......some old pictures of it
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h129/rajah_soliman/0002%20Maternal%20Relatives/1911Mnsion01.jpg
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h129/rajah_soliman/0002%20Maternal%20Relatives/ESQUIRESMANSION.jpg

2.adjacent houses of almost the same built (wood and concrete)
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h129/rajah_soliman/0002%20Maternal%20Relatives/2005_RPVAC_LUCBAN100_0543.jpg
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h129/rajah_soliman/0002%20Maternal%20Relatives/2005_RPVAC_LUCBAN100_0538.jpg

3. restored old buildings in the area (which I really don't find nice anymore since they now lack the 'quaint look')
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h129/rajah_soliman/0002%20Maternal%20Relatives/2005_RPVAC_LUCBAN100_0540.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h129/rajah_soliman/0002%20Maternal%20Relatives/2005_RPVAC_LUCBAN100_0537.jpg

overtureph

July 10th, 2006, 12:05 AM

3. restored old buildings in the area (which I really don't find nice anymore since they now lack the 'quaint look')
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h129/rajah_soliman/0002%20Maternal%20Relatives/2005_RPVAC_LUCBAN100_0540.jpg

Was the original upper structure demolished or was it destroyed?

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h129/rajah_soliman/0002%20Maternal%20Relatives/2005_RPVAC_LUCBAN100_0537.jpg

This area looks very nice.

overtureph

July 10th, 2006, 12:10 AM

^^ Thanks for posting the article Overtureph. I was corresponding with a fellow SSC member last April 2006 and he suggested that old houses can be turned into bed and breakfast:

I think this approach would be very pragmatic and a good solution in preserving heritage structures. I think this is what they did in Spain and if I'm not mistaken they call it parador.

If I'm not mistaken, I think they re-used an old house for a hotel in Taal and one in Vigan.

ivanhenares

July 10th, 2006, 02:35 AM

^^ Yeah, I'm aware that it's still empty but in order for HCS to finish the website, I'm using it as my official signature to pressure them. ;)

Pressure whom? I'm the trustee in-charge of the website. And the official one is http://preservephilippineheritage.blogs.friendster.com until a new one is made.

The board has not approved the other website as official. And that will definitely not be the url. So please don't mention it as official since it might mislead people to believe that it is. Thanks!

Wonderboy

July 10th, 2006, 11:23 AM

^^ Got it Mr. Ivan Henares. Perhaps it would be better if you could send me a private message next time.

I think this approach would be very pragmatic and a good solution in preserving heritage structures. I think this is what they did in Spain and if I'm not mistaken they call it parador.

If I'm not mistaken, I think they re-used an old house for a hotel in Taal and one in Vigan.

I agree Overtureph. I hope the owners of the old houses in Manila would do the same.

Wonderboy

July 12th, 2006, 05:16 PM

With persmission from my editor, I am posting Mr. Manuel Noche's article on Escolta published in PILMAP Travel and Leisure (November 2005-January 2006 issue):

Escolta - The Grand Dame of Manila's Streets
Text by Manuel Maximo Lopez del Castillo-Noche
Photo by Teodoro L. Pelaez

Every city in the world has its historic high street. Paris has its Champs Elysees, New York has its 5th Avenue, London has its Oxford Street, and Rome has its Via Venetto. Here in the Philippines, the most historic of high streets is the legendary Calle Escolta, traversing both the districts of Binondo and Sta. Cruz, in the city of Manila.

Escolta is less than a kilometer long, with both ends jutting into a public open space. During its heyday, from the end of the 19th century to the 1960s, Escolta was home to fine boutiques, first-class cinemas, and the most prestigious business address in the country. Before the emergence of planned business centers such as Ayala, Ortigas, and now Fort Bonifacio, Calle Escolta and Binondo for that matter attracted the bevy of businesses and fashionable shoppers searching for the best that money could buy.

Puerta del Sol and la Estrella del Norte, two famous stores of a bygone era, marked the entrances to this historic thoroughfare. Goods from far and near were displayed and sold in the street’s colorful shops. Quality shoes were stocked in Hamilton Brown, freshly mixed medicines and the finest sodas were sold and drunk at Botica Boie; books, office and school supplies were bought at the Philippine Education Company better known for its abbreviation PECO; the finest jewelry could be worn at la Estrella del Norte as well as Rebullida, fashionable clothes were displayed at Bergs, and a myriad of fine household items could be had at Oceanic and H.E. Heacocks. Two cinemas, Lyric and Capitol, showed the latest from Hollywood and provided entertainment to a busy, vibrant thoroughfare.

http://www.pilmap.com.ph/images/escolta-1.jpg

The architecture of this legendary street also once served as backdrops and homes to reputable institutions. From beaux art elegance to art deco fantasies, from pseudo-Romanesque buildings to the practicalities of the international style, the evolution of various architectural styles played a role in defining and making Calle Escolta.*

Two important landmarks still greet visitors in today’s Escolta. The venerable Regina Building in her white beaux art architecture and the Perez-Semanillo Building, now First United, in her pink art deco style still stand majestically across the bridge spanning the Estero de la Reina. Other notable architecture that have stood the test of time are the simple rational lines of the Burke Building, the beaux art look of the Calvo and Natividad Buildings, the Mesopotamian Art Deco façade of Capitol Theatre and the functional international style characterized by the extensive use of sun baffles seen in the Madrigal, Panpisco, and the old Philippine National Bank, now buildings of the City College of Manila.

Calle Escolta’s glory days are sadly gone, its elegant stores having left for more fashionable neighborhoods, but the pride of this noble street still lingers on those who remember the days when men in smart white dejilo suits sashayed down the street in search of the next business deals and ladies of leisure shopped in the finest of stores. Escolta today is but a shadow of its colorful past, its ghosts haunting the remains of its stately edifices. A visit today along Calle Escolta is indeed a trip down memory lane, and a chance to reflect on the past and to shop at history’s remains.

Wonderboy

July 12th, 2006, 06:30 PM

http://static.flickr.com/52/137930442_191f5de75c.jpg?v=0

I'd like to commend the efforts of former HCS board of trustees Mr. John Silva. He exemplify a true blue heritage activist. You have definitely inspired the youth and other advocates of heritage conservation.

Kudos to you Sir John! :okay:

http://static.flickr.com/46/143425046_d01edf0802.jpg?v=0

* Pila, Laguna photos earlier posted by Animo on the Retrato thread (from Flickr Website):

EXTRA! GREENWICH FOOD STALL DISMANTLED IN PILA HERITAGE LANDMARK PLAZA

http://static.flickr.com/54/137898295_85e6efa948.jpg?v=0

July 11, 2006

Dear friends,

We just got word tonight from the Greenwich Store Manager of Santa Cruz,
Laguna that their food stall, illegally set up on the grounds of Pila's
Historical Landmark Plaza has been dismantled and tomorrow there will be no
sign of its presence.

A series of correspondence below between Greenwich/Jollibee and myself will
explain the whole incident and with your support, caused the stall's
dismantling and bring back the integrity of beautiful Pila Plaza.

I want to thank all of you that I alerted, who in turn, wrote letters
supporting our effort and letters of protest to Jollibee/Greenwich and
spread the word to others who love Pila and heritage conservation. The
force of an enlightened citizenry through this medium called the internet
caused the corporate heads to see the light. This has not been the first
time I have asked your help. But the lesson here is clear: if we all do our
share, we will overcome any adversity.

I thank Mr. Tony Tan Caktiong, Jollibee President, and Mr. Erwin Elechicon,
Greenwich President for immediately responded to our letters and in two
days, resolved the matter. It's no use saying who won because, actually, I
find all this citizen protest personally aggravating and time consuming and
we, heritage lovers always feeling that the corporations should know better
given their battery of lawyers and their knowledge of corporate social
responsibility.

The only winner in this fight is Pila, this charming town with an old-world
presence. If I should ask compensation as an aggrieved party, it would be
to invite Mr. Tan Caktiong and Mr. Elechicon to a tour of Pila and to make
them fall in love with a heritage landmark so that their corporations will
not repeat this sad mistake in any part of the country. The Pila Historical
Society extends an open invitation to both gentlemen and their families
during its Foundation Day.

Thank you all again. This victory is for our beautiful country.

John

------------------

http://static.flickr.com/47/137900891_6333199020.jpg?v=0

July 11, 2006

Erwin M. Elechicon
President & General Manager
Greenwich Pizza

Dear Mr. Elechicon,

Thank you for your prompt reply and a history of your company’s
participation with the yearly Pila Foundation Day activities. The people of
Pila, Laguna take to heart and welcome Greenwich’s interest in our town.

Your company went to the Mayor this year, as did Chow King and Jollibee last
year, to negotiate your participation as you say, in “…the usually accepted
practice with events of this nature across the country.”

There begins the first and overarching problem. Remove yourself as
corporate person just as I remove myself as heritage activist and we are
left facing, as citizens of this country, Presidential Decrees 260 and 1505
safeguarding national landmarks. The spirit of the latter decree is to give
teeth to the first and exacts a punishment to violators of up to five years
in prison and a fine of up to 10,000 pesos. (PD 1505 attached)

The Pila Plaza, a designated landmark by the National Historical Institute
is protected by these two decrees from any alteration, modification, and
destruction of the original features of the landmark. If you look at the
photographs taken of your Greenwich food site (attached), surely any
simpleton will agree that the food site violates and ruins the plaza’s
original features.

The Presidential decrees supersede any agreement with the local government
because it a decree which binds everybody. Ignorance of the law excuses no
one. Your defense that your company went through the “…usual accepted
practice…” disturbs me and the townspeople of Pila.

Let me illustrate my disturbance by noting that your parent company,
Jollibee, has restaurants in the United States, Brunei, Hong Kong, and
Vietnam. Every one of these countries have federal, constitutional, and
socialist laws protecting their national landmarks with similar language and
penalties. If Jollibee in Daly City decided to put up a food stall in
Golden Gate Park, a national landmark in San Francisco, would connecting
with the city Mayor and giving him, say, $10,000 suffice as a business
procedure without consulting the American landmark laws? Would you do the
same transaction with a Brunei Datu, or Mayor of Ho Chi Minh City, or the
Hong Kong Mayor without consulting their landmark laws? You’d not only be
foolhardy but could be accused of bribery as well.

So why should the Philippines with its own landmark laws be any different?
You proclaim in your letter a pride in being Filipino, in its heritage, in
its values yet you don’t seem to recognize two Presidential Decrees aimed to
uphold, preserve, and safeguard landmarks that are the essence of all the
pride and heritage and values you trumpet.

You are thinking on the small side if you say it “..fair and reasonable” if
the Mayor allows other food stalls to go up, Greenwich should too. Where is
your corporate social responsibility? The Mayor was in complete violation
of the Presidential decrees in making illegal deals with food stall vendors
both last year and this year. The townspeople have had a running battle
with the Mayor on upholding the decrees. And yet, here’s the biggest food
conglomerate in the Philippines still trying to tell the Mayor
“Me-Too-Me-Too-food stall” instead of upholding the laws of the land,
exercising corporate citizenship and not be party to an illegal act.

As a major food conglomerate, couldn’t you have realized there was something
terribly wrong setting up your food stall alone, (“to create an early
festive atmosphere”) in this beautifully kept plaza and park? Do you know
why you were the only ones in the Plaza? Because the townspeople and the
Pila Historical Society have been vigilant in keeping the Landmark Plaza in
its preserved and pristine state. I’m sure you would have sensed it if you
were setting the same food stall in Golden Gate Park. But somehow you seem
to be oblivious and clueless doing it in the country you supposedly take
great pride in.

However, your company was not all too clueless. When Ms Cora Relova, a
member of the Pila Historical Society took photographs of the food stall,
(the ones I sent Mr. Tan Caktiong) one of your employees threatened her,
telling her to stop taking pictures. Clearly your own employees sensed
something was wrong and illegal.

http://static.flickr.com/51/137906237_3fb96f5652.jpg?v=0

Members of the Pila Historical Society have decided to obtain from the local
judge a temporary restraining order to remove the illegal Greenwich food
stall immediately. We have asked Ms. Crystel Ronquillo, Store Manager of
Greenwich, Santa Cruz to have the food stall removed but, as of this
morning, she says she will not do anything until she hears from the Pila
Mayor. The Mayor has called in sick. We are now considering filing
criminal charges against Ms. Ronquillo for violation of Presidential Decree
1505.

Last year, Globe decided to hang banners throughout the Landmark Plaza. We
acted immediately, recited the Presidential decrees to the Globe heads and
the banners were promptly removed, without even consulting the Mayor who
they negotiated with. Clearly, Globe read, understood, and upheld the law,
the same one you are faced with. Greenwich/Jollibee should do no less.

Do we still want Greenwich’s participation? Of course, for so long as you
respect the laws governing the town. You may even have your food stall be
at the perimeter of the Landmark Plaza but one thing is clear. The Landmark
Plaza which cover the grounds between the Municipio and the Church will not
have food and commercial stalls of any kind. You should discuss this matter
with Ms. Monina Rivera, President of the Pila Historical Society. Her phone
numbers are 831-9666 and 831-3781. Ms. Rivera, a native of Pila has donated
property in various parts of the town for use as a market or recreational
purposes and is not averse to cooperating with companies like Greenwich in
promoting its products. But, like other Pila Historical Society members and
concerned townspeople, she is adamant about respecting and enforcing the law
governing Pila’s Historical Landmark Plaza.

If you came from one of the most beautiful towns in the country with a plaza
intact and centuries old trees ringing it and quaint colonial houses still
prevailing, wouldn’t you feel the same way too?

We ask that you exercise corporate social responsibility and have the food
stall removed today regardless of the Mayor’s approval. Take the loss of
the 10,000 pesos you paid and exercise Philippine citizenship. You are
sending a message to the Mayor and local government officials that a major
conglomerate will not be party to law-breaking. The townspeople will have
greater leverage with the Mayor in enforcing the landmark laws. We will be,
like we have with Globe, thankful for your love and respect of our town and
we will repay it with consumer patronage.

Sincerely,

John L. Silva
Senior Consultant
National Museum of the Philippines
Former Trustee, Heritage Conservation Society

http://static.flickr.com/54/137906687_def78f1b0e.jpg?v=0

From: "Erwin Elechicon, GW-General Manager" <eme@...>
Reply-To: <eme@...>
To: <jsilva79@...>

Subject: Response to Mr. Silva's Note on the Pila Historical Plaza
Date: Mon, 10 Jul 2006 17:25:13 +0800

July 10, 2006

Mr. John L. Silva
Senior Consultant
National Museum of the Philippines

Dear Mr. Silva,

This responds to your July 9 email note to Mr. Tony Tan Caktiong regarding
the Greenwich food stand at the Plaza of Pila, Laguna. Mr. Tan forwarded
this note to me for immediate action in my capacity as the President of
Greenwich Pizza Corporation, which is a part of Jollibee Foods. In the
interest of a speedy response, I am emailing this reply to you, as well as
copying the rest of the persons on your copy list.

Let me start by thanking you for sending us the note. We take very
seriously our commitment to be a good corporate citizen, which tries to do
the right thing in every decision and action we take. Consequently, we have
quickly looked into the matter you have described and are already taking the
appropriate action.

By way of background, Iâ€™d like to briefly go over what has happened, from
our perspective. Jollibee Foods has been a major patron of the community
activities of Pila in the past, including supporting Pilaâ€™s Foundation Day
events last year. Event sponsorship as well as the setting-up of food
stands were among the activities our brands Jollibee and Chow King undertook
in the area of Pilaâ€™s town plaza last year. We believe these helped
contribute to the success of the celebration.

We again wanted to participate in Pilaâ€™s Foundation Day this year, which
we understood would be celebrated with activities throughout the week of
July 24. In the same spirit of celebration, we again proposed to support
the event, this time with Greenwich Pizza as a principal sponsor. This
sponsorship included the earlier set up of a food stand last week, in
anticipation of the Foundation Day activities. We had hoped that this would
help create an early festive atmosphere, and spur interest and participation
in the Foundation Day events. We made this sponsorship proposal to the
local government unit, headed by the Mayor, as this is the usually-accepted
practice with events of this nature across the country. The local
government saw merit in our proposal, and consequently approved it. From
our perspective, we were simply repeating what we believed was our
participation in a successful event last year, and advancing this by a
couple of weeks with the approval of the appropriate authorities.

We regret that we may have inadvertently offended sensibilities with our
sponsorship. We certainly had no intention of doing so, much less defacing
or marring anythingâ€? be it the Historical Landmark or indeed any other
feature of the town. We had simply wanted to be a part of the townâ€™s
celebration, and do what we could to help make it a happy, activity-filled
event. The food stand we put up is temporary, and by the week of the
Foundation Day events, would be part of all the other stalls, stands and the
â€˜tianggeâ€™ that we understand will be set up in the area as part of the
celebration. After the week of July 24, the stand would be dismantled and
taken away.

Given the situation, however, we have asked our local representatives to
meet the Mayor of Pila immediately, and offer to either relocate our stand
or take it down and remove it temporarily. We are definitely more than
willing to remain the sponsor of Pilaâ€™s Foundation Day. Our only request
is that if the town decides to set up food stands and other stalls as
planned during the period of Pilaâ€™s actual Foundation Day celebrations,
that Greenwich Pizza will be a part of this, and will be allowed to set up
its own stand as well. We hope you will agree that this is a fair and
reasonable request.

Once again, we apologize for the sensibilities we may have offended.
Certainly, no offense was intended.

We take much pride in our brands, and in the strong businesses we have
built. We are a Filipino company, run by Filipinos, serving Filipinos and
proud of our Philippine heritage. Indeed, we trace our success to the
Filipino values that are an inseparable part of our Companyâ€™s culture and
operations, and an important reason that we earn the preference of millions
of Filipino consumers everyday. This pride in being Filipino is reflected
in many ways in our Company â€“ in our food products, in our employees, in
our customer service, in our community involvement, and in our economic
contribution to the country. Sponsorship of local celebrations like fiestas
(and indeed, Pilaâ€™s Foundation Day) are important ways we involve
ourselves in the Filipino community and contribute productively to it.

This is why we take your concerns very seriously. We want to be a positive,
productive and proactive contributor. To do otherwise simply goes against
what is at the core of Jollibee Foods and Greenwich. We hope the actions we
are taking will address your concerns completely.

Please do email or call me if you have any other concerns that you want to
discuss, or need any clarification on. I can be reached via email address
eme@..., or you can call my direct line at +632 687 0919.

Best wishes.

Sincerely,

Erwin M. Elechicon
President & General Manager
Greenwich Pizza

http://static.flickr.com/44/137907090_9fc3a8bcd1.jpg?v=0

------ Forwarded Message

From: John Silva <jsilva79@...>
Date: Sun, 09 Jul 2006 16:33:35 +0000
To: <tonytan@...>

Subject: Urgent Matter, Remove Greenwich food stand on Pila Historical
Landmark Plaza

July 9, 2006

Mr. Tony Tan Caktiong
President
Jollibee Foods Corporation
Jollibee Plaza
10 Emerald Avenue, Ortigas Center
Pasig City
Philippines

Dear Mr. Tan Caktiong,

Iâ€‰d like you to please look into the matter of an illegal placement of a
Greenwich food stand on the Historical Landmark Plaza of Pila Laguna. I
attach pictures of the stand taken today. The stand has been on the plaza
for four days.

The plaza of Pila, Laguna was declared a National Historical Landmark on May
17, 2000 by the National Historical Institute through Presidential Decree
No. 260. It is a landmark because it is one of the few remaining examples
of a Spanish colonial town plaza, surrounded by some very fine examples of
Spanish and American period homes. Since its landmark status, Pila has
become a tourist destination and is loved by local and foreign visitors.

Presidential decree 1505 amends Presidential Decree 260 by prohibiting the
unauthorized modification, alteration, repair and destruction of original
features of all national shrines, monuments, landmarks and other historical
edifices.

The illegal placement of this food stand began with a company representative
offering the Mayor of Pila a fee of 10,000 pesos to set up their stand on
the Landmark Plaza for a period beginning July 5 Ë† July 29. Both the
Greenwich representative and the Mayor of Pila had no legal basis to make
such a transaction and go against Presidential Decree 1505.

The Greenwich food stand insults the townspeople who fought for and secured
the Landmark Status. In addition, the food stand negatively affects the
aesthetic charm of the plaza and will definitely affect tourist visits.

I will counsel you that in the past, several companies have violated the
Presidential Decree (the last being Globe) by defacing and altering the
Landmark Plaza with their materials or structures. The townspeople, with
the help of the activist group, The Heritage Conservation Society and the
media immediately organizes and have the offending materials or structures
removed. The errant corporations only suffers ill will and bad publicity.

We strongly urge you to have the Greenwich food stand removed immediately.
You have garnered many accolades as a good and far-sighted businessman.
Letâ€‰s see you earn it on this issue.

Sincerely,

John L. Silva
Senior Consultant
National Museum of the Philippines
Former Trustee, Heritage Conservation Society

http://static.flickr.com/54/137908378_c188374d0c.jpg?v=0

overtureph

July 14th, 2006, 08:17 AM

Mexican tequila makers laud UNESCO World Heritage decision

Agence France-Presse
Last updated 10:18am (Mla time) 07/13/2006

MEXICO CITY -- UNESCO on Wednesday added the landscape where the agave -- the source plant for tequila -- is grown and the ancient site where the alcoholic beverage was first made to its list of World Heritage sites.

The 34,658 hectare (85,640 acre) site, in the western state of Jalisco between the foothills of the Tequila Volcano and the Rio Grande river valley, includes an archaeological site nearly 2,000 years old and colonial distilleries going back to the 16th century.

"We are very happy," Ramon Gonzalez, director of the Tequila Regulatory Council, told Agence France-Presse. "It will help about 10,000 families in the region whose livelihood depends directly of the agave root."

Gonzalez is hoping to turn the area into a major tourist attraction similar to California's wine Napa Valley or the wine Rioja route in northern Spain.

Copyright 2006 Agence France-Presse. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

http://newsinfo.inq7.net/breakingnews/world/view_article.php?article_id=9562

It would be nice to have more Philippine sites listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. But by the way things are going, I doubt it if this would be possible any time in the near future. It's more likely to be de-listed than to be listed.

overtureph

July 14th, 2006, 08:24 AM

UNESCO Heritage list adds 10 sites, extends Serbian property

Agence France-Presse
Last updated 01:34am (Mla time) 07/14/2006

VILNIUS -- UNESCO experts on Thursday added 10 sites ranging from archeological digs in China to 16th century palaces in Italy to the UN cultural body's World Heritage List, and extended a listing in Serbia.

But they failed to include France's nomination, the southern Causses-Cevennes region, which combines spectacular scenery with a rich heritage of mediaeval Templar ruins, UNESCO spokeswoman Gina Doubleday told AFP, without giving reasons.

The prestigious list, which was established in 1972, numbered 840 sites around the world after Thursday's additions.

"The tendency is to add fewer new sites every year. Last year we had 24 new entries; this year the figure is lower," Ina Marciulionyte, the chair of UNESCO's World Heritage Committee, told reporters.

"Our main concern is preserving sites which are already on the list," she added.

The main criteria for inclusion on the list, which makes a country eligible for financial assistance from UNESCO and training to help protect and manage sites, are "integrity and authenticity", Marciulionyte said.

The listing of the 14th-century Decani Monastery in Serbia's Kosovo province was extended Thursday to include three groups of churches in Serbia.

The listing's name was also changed to the Medieval Monuments of Kosovo, to reflect its broader scope, and it was added to the World Heritage in Danger list of properties under natural or man-made threat.

Sites whose protection requires "major operations and for which assistance has been requested" are inscribed on the UNESCO danger list, the organization says on its website.

With the addition of the Kosovo site, the danger list now includes 32 properties.

China's Yinxu archeological site near Anyang City, in Henan province, some 500 kilometers (300 miles) south of Beijing, was one of the additions to the main World Heritage list.

The site is an ancient capital city of the late Shang Dynasty, and dates from 1300 to 1046 BC. Yinxu is the 33rd site in China to be listed.

Since its excavation in the early 20th century, at least 50,000 antiquities have been stolen and smuggled overseas from Yinxu, experts in China have said.

With the site now included on the World Heritage list, China could demand that the relics be returned, Li Peisong of the State Administration of Cultural Heritage told the Xinhua news agency.

The Bistun bas-relief and cuneiform inscriptions in Iran, which date from 521 BC and were ordered by Persian Emperor Darius the Great, were added to the list, as was the Old Town of Regensburg in Germany.

The inclusion of Genoa's 16th-century Strada Nuova and the palaces of the Rolli kept Italy at the top of the prestigious list, on which it now has 41 properties. Spain was close behind, with the addition of the Biscay Transporter Bridge in Bilbao boosting its listed sites to 39.

Sewell Mining camp in Chile, which dates back to 1904, the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape in Britain and the Max Berg-designed Centennial Hall in the southwest Polish city of Wroclaw were also added to the list.

The aflaj irrigation system in Oman, which dates back some 1,500 years, was included on the list as a representation of 3,000 such systems still in use in the Middle Eastern country.

Syria's Crac des Chevaliers fortress and citadel of Saladin, fortifications from the time of the Crusades, were included as one entry on the list.

Since UNESCO experts began meeting last week in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius, they have added 18 new entries to the list and extended two already existing sites. Thirty-seven sites were nominated for inclusion on the list.

One site, the Dresden Elbe Valley in eastern Germany, has been threatened with removal from the list, if developers go ahead with plans to build a bridge across the river Elbe at the property.

The authorities in Dresden have until next year to revise their development plans for the river valley or become the first site ever to be struck off the list since its creation in 1972.

Copyright 2006 Agence France-Presse. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

http://newsinfo.inq7.net/breakingnews/world/view_article.php?article_id=9686

Based on the article it states that "integrity and authenticity" as main criterias in order to be listed.

I hope not one of our UNESCO Heritage Sites will be the first one to be de-listed.

And I hope the clergy and public officials will get to read this news and realize it's implication and importance.

overtureph

July 14th, 2006, 09:29 AM

AS I SEE IT
Biak na Bato may soon be Durog na Bato

By Neal Cruz
Inquirer
Last updated 01:11am (Mla time) 07/14/2006

Published on Page A12 of the July 14, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

BIAK na Bato in Bulacan province is an important place in our history. It was here where Andres Bonifacio and his Katipuneros met and held secret rituals, and it was here where the Pact of Biak na Bato was concluded.

“Biak na bato” is Tagalog for “split rock.” Here, a hill of solid rock rises to the sky. In the middle of the rock is a cleft so that it appears as if it was split in two. This cleft is the entrance to the caves where the Katipuneros hid from the Spaniards.

Because of the historic significance of the place, President Manuel L. Quezon in 1935 proclaimed 2,117 hectares of the area as the Biak na Bato National Park. But despite being proclaimed a protected area, Biak na Bato may soon disappear from the face of the earth if the government doesn’t do something quickly. It turns out now that this massive hill is not made of ordinary rock. It is made up of a rare, rose-colored and expensive marble.

Miners or quarry operators, all but one of them illegal, are tearing the rock down with explosives, machines and pick and shovel to get the marble and even the marble dust. There are now at least 24 illegal marble cutting, limestone processing and aggregate crushing plants in Bulacan, all frantically tearing down Biak na Bato.

Only one of them, Rosemoor Mining and Development Corp. (RMDC), has a valid license from the Bureau of Mines and an Environment Compliance Certificate from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). It is not operating now. However, dozens of illegal small-scale miners are operating there. Murders have been committed, and Bulacan’s own governor is facing plunder charges before the Ombudsman because of this.

How did this happen? How can this be happening in a country with a democratic government like ours?

According to records filed in court, it goes back to the Commonwealth era, when Quezon declared Biak na Bato on Mt. Nabio as a national park. In 1982, Dr. Alejandro de la Concha, Pedro de la Concha, Dr. Rufo Guzman and Dr. Lourdes Sempio Pascual were able to convince President Ferdinand Marcos that part of Biak na Bato belonged to their family since 1896 by virtue of a “Titulo Royal de Possessoria de Sr. Joaquin de la Concha” covering an area of 5,000 hectares. In June 1982, Marcos issued Proclamation 2204 excluding 330 hectares of solid marble deposits from the national park, and this exclusion was approved by the Batasang Pambansa in the same year. Meanwhile, the group formed for the mining of the marble deposits and was subsequently given a quarry license.

RMDC started the development of the area by building roads and bunkers in 1982, but in 1986 Environment Secretary Ernesto Maceda cancelled its quarrying license. RMDC went to court and won in the regional trial court of Quezon City and in the Court of Appeals. The government appealed the decision to the Supreme Court where the case is now pending.

In the meantime, illegal miners, using dynamite, crude quarrying methods and equipment, flourished in the area. Somebody with the same surname as Dr. Lourdes Sempio Pascual, president of RMDC, using a “falsified Deed of Assignment” wherein Pascual purportedly gave to him all the rights in RMDC, issued to still another person an authority to conduct mining activities on the quarry site. Thus, impostors were able to usurp possession of the quarry site from RMDC.

In 1999, according to documents on file with the Department of Justice, Bulacan Gov. Josie de la Cruz allegedly “became interested in the quarry site of RMDC.” She convinced Pascual to give her an “operating agreement” to be able to give jobs to her constituents. And then she formed Tea Rose Marble Corp.

These intrigues had a violent and macabre aftermath. The chief of security of RMDC was murdered. The suspected mastermind was in turn murdered by a “Sparrow Unit” of the New People’s Army. A day after his burial, his grave was forcibly opened and his coffin stolen. His nude corpse was left leaning on his grave.

The governor, according to records in the DOJ, acts like a miniature DENR. She allegedly issues small-scale mining permits, transport permits, environment clearance certificates, certificates of non-coverage of environmental impact assessments, etc., all of which the DENR has protested since provincial governments are not authorized to issue such certificates.

Biak na Bato National Park is now in the middle of a tug of war between vested interests. Environmental NGOs are with the governor in opposing mining at Biak na Bato. But RMDC claims that, under the cloak of protecting the environm