Heritage Watch - Compiled Threads

[TheAvenger]

I think the best way now is to make a protest through the media and later we can ask the militant and cause oriented groups to join in the protest.

I already wrote a letter to the Opinion column of Phil Daily Inquirer and Phil Star, with attached photos of the illegal constructions of sports complex adjacent to the wall of Fort Santiago / Intramuros.

Also I have sent a copy of my letter to my manila high school alumni association with a request to forward the protest letter to all their friends
in Manila

[Wonderboy]

^^ Cool Emesber. I will also send a letter to a media network this coming weekend. This is good. Let's just hope that there will be a favorable result.

Anthony, I'm hoping that the moat will resurrect itself and eat up the construction.

[Lili]

^^ Yeah, there should be an allowance there because that used the be the moat surrounding Intramuros.

Plus, itatapon na lang nila sa basura yung artifacts? Kung ako 'yan gagawin ko fund-raiser yun.

People can buy authenticated wooden blocks and all the proceeds will go for the upkeep and preservation of Intramuros and other heritage sites. A lot of ordinary Pinoys also want a piece of nostalgia and memento. Remember those Pinatubo volcanic sand paperweights? Those sold like hotcakes before.

[Animo]

This project seems to have started more than a month ago and I wonder why no publication ever printed a story about this. I'll try to spread the word about this stupid project...:bash:

[kyle@1008]

^^ too much focus on the elections , and kris and james, it will be hard to shine a spotlight on this issue,.. the elections is too big a story...

[Lili]

This project seems to have started more than a month ago and I wonder why no publication ever printed a story about this. I'll try to spread the word about this stupid project...:bash:

Yeah, it seems a bit late to have raised an issue about this. It's not as if it is hidden. Vigilance is important in heritage preservation efforts. Look at what happened to the pre-war theaters that were demolished.

[kyle@1008]

... that means ,.. this news has to be drummed up big time...
...:colgate:

[overtureph]

This is literally barbarians at the gate or rather walls of Intramuros. With news like these, like the wooden blocks just to be dumped,instead of being used to repaved some Intramuros street, it seems we all have a long (and uphill) way to go.

[Wonderboy]

Actually, Heritage Conservation here in the Philippines has a long way to go.

Okay, I'll keep my mouth shut because I might say something nasty again.

[kyle@1008]

old manila is dying..., it's important to keep the level of awareness alive... ^^

[LordCarnal]

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b396/arnoldsa/Liloan_Lighthouse/liloan01-1.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b396/arnoldsa/Liloan_Lighthouse/liloan09.jpg


The lighthouse, built in 1904
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b396/arnoldsa/Liloan_Lighthouse/liloan48.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b396/arnoldsa/Liloan_Lighthouse/liloan08.jpg



The old Spanish lighthouse
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b396/arnoldsa/Liloan_Lighthouse/liloan16.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b396/arnoldsa/Liloan_Lighthouse/liloan18.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b396/arnoldsa/Liloan_Lighthouse/liloan17.jpg



American and Spanish
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b396/arnoldsa/Liloan_Lighthouse/liloan42.jpg




.:.

[Wonderboy]

Nice shots of the lighthouse, Arnold.

[LordCarnal]

^^

Thanks wonderboy.

[ivanhenares]

Updates on Intramuros: Expect it to come out in the papers next week. We've been able to spread it fast via text. Larry Cruz in fact told me that he forwarded it to Barbers' mother-in-law so that she could scold him. Hehe! Let's see what happens. :lol:

[brightblade]

count me in guys, i'll spread the word- rodmar@lycos.com

[ivanhenares]

From Dinky von Einsiedel: I relayed your message re: Barbers' project to Cora de Leon. She'll discuss it at her radio program Kapitan del Barrio at 6 to 7 p.m. tonight, DZXL-RMN, 558 khz.

From Larry Cruz: (1) I talked to Kit Tatad. He will make it an issue. He wants to know more. Beth dela Fuente, Barbers' mother-in-law, says she will look into it. I told Gemma to organize and indignation rally.

(2) Gemma thinks real person behind it is Atienza for Ali candidacy. Let's see complete picture.

(3) From Beth dela Fuente, Dean Barbers' mother-in-law... Dean says not true, gawa-gawa daw ni Ferrer. I told her to let him disown it publicly.

And the plot thickens! Yes, let's challenge Barbers to disown it if indeed it isn't his. But with all those texts from DOT insiders, I think Barbers has a lot to do with it.

[kyle@1008]

^^ that's cool,... we here will just do our part, and spread the news as we could...

[overtureph]

Thanks for the update Ivan. At least the protest is going somewhere. Let's hope we win this one.

[Wonderboy]

Now that the issue is gaining more publicity, let's keep our fingers crossed that the ongoing construction will be completely put to halt soon.

[Lili]

From Dinky von Einsiedel: I relayed your message re: Barbers' project to Cora de Leon. She'll discuss it at her radio program Kapitan del Barrio at 6 to 7 p.m. tonight, DZXL-RMN, 558 khz.

From Larry Cruz: (1) I talked to Kit Tatad. He will make it an issue. He wants to know more. Beth dela Fuente, Barbers' mother-in-law, says she will look into it. I told Gemma to organize and indignation rally.

(2) Gemma thinks real person behind it is Atienza for Ali candidacy. Let's see complete picture.

(3) From Beth dela Fuente, Dean Barbers' mother-in-law... Dean says not true, gawa-gawa daw ni Ferrer. I told her to let him disown it publicly.

And the plot thickens! Yes, let's challenge Barbers to disown it if indeed it isn't his. But with all those texts from DOT insiders, I think Barbers has a lot to do with it.

This is not enough. Someone should file a TRO or an injunction on the continued construction on the area while you get media mileage. I can't believe that the Office of the President is allowing this right under it's very nose. NHI still reports to the Office of the President, right?

Publicity is not enough when there is a legal basis to put a stop to it. How do you enforce your stop order?

[overtureph]

Ortigas Center Gets A New Library
By Jonathan Best
The Philippine Star 03/04/2007

A year ago the Ortigas Foundation opened its new Library and Philippine Study Center on a handsomely renovated floor of the old Ortigas Building in Pasig. 2006 marked the seventy-fifth anniversary of the founding of Ortigas and Company and the Ortigas family members and their corporate partners felt it was important to give back something substantial to the community. For several generations the Ortigases have been the leading real-estate developers of the Mandaluyong-Pasig area. Their holdings once included a large part of what is now Mandaluyong, Pasig, San Juan, Camp Crame and even Marikina.

The new library, with over sixteen thousand books and periodicals about Philippine history and culture, is designed to be both a valuable information center for researchers and a lively community center for everyone interested in Philippine culture. It has display cases for rare books, maps and photographs and comfortable conference rooms for lectures, seminars and other cultural events such as book launches, video and film presentations and small exhibitions. The library is now open to the public from Tuesday through Saturday free of charge.

Five years ago the Ortigas Foundation purchased two important private libraries relating to Philippine history. One from the estate of the late historian, Professor Gregorio Zaide, and the other from the estate of Morton Netzorg, a Philippine book collector and bibliographer from the United States. These collections have been cataloged and combined, in some cases rebound, and are available for use by researchers. The library also has a good collection of maps, historical photographs and postcards many of which have been reproduced and enlarged. The best of these have been framed and are used as part of a mobile exhibit which visits local schools and other public exhibition sites.

Although there has been an understandable rush by students to use the Internet as a research tool in the last few years, there is still no substitute for printed books. The Internet can provide quick answers, facts and figures, but to gain deep knowledge of a subject one must spend hours and hours reading and exploring through old books, photographs and original documents. Many of the books in the Ortigas collection are beautifully bound and illustrated with engravings and photographs. They are unique reflections of the period they were designed and printed in and impart quantities of valuable information about their era. This type of hands-on library experience cannot be transmitted over the Internet to a computer monitor as yet.

The highlights of the Ortigas Library’s collection are its early books on travel, works by and about Jose Rizal, accounts of the Philippine Revolution and Philippine American War, and a comprehensive collection of books and newspapers on World War II in the Philippines. A very early, 1666, illustrated edition of Hakluyt’s Voyages is on display along with a copy of George Anson’s account of capturing the Manila Galleon in 1743, with beautiful maps and copper plate engravings. The rarest books in the Ortigas Library are the 1906 galley proofs of John R. M. Taylor’s "Insurgent Records," compiled from thousands of Filipino documents captured in the Philippines and transported to Washington at the end of the Filipino American War in 1901. These contain a wealth of detailed information about the Katipunan and first Filipino Republic. Publication was halted in Washington and these were not officially published until 1971 by the Lopez Museum here in Manila.

Complimenting these books and other texts, the library has an important collection of handsomely framed late nineteenth century photographs on permanent display. These include famous events and picturesque views of Manila, portraits of revolutionary leaders, Rizal’s execution, views of Spanish churches, opulent houses and beautiful women of the era in indigenous costumes. Skillfully reprinted and mounted for a centennial exhibit ten years ago, these photographs were generously donated to the library by Fundacion Santiago.

Reversing the trend of Philippine antiques leaving the country, in the case of the Morton Netzorg collection, the Foundation has brought back thousands of books and documents from the United States. This material includes Netzorg’s voluminous research notes and correspondence with Philippine scholars over many decades. Professor Zaide’s library; thousands of historical periodicals, books, personal papers and scrap books are still being cleaned, cataloged and conscientiously repaired. This has been a daunting assignment for the head librarian who has been given the job of turning a chaotic collection of thousands of books and papers into a working public library.

The library continues to purchase many new books on Philippine history and culture and receives donations of old and rare books from time to time. In the near future the Ortigas Library hopes to expand the collection considerably with access to the extensive private collections of members of the Ortigas family. The most fragile materials in the library, such as century old newspapers and magazines, are too delicate for public use but some day these will be copied and digitalized so they can also be widely used.

The mission of the Ortigas Library, like most other libraries, is to gather together quantities of information, both general and highly specialized and make it available, impartially, to historians and the general public. There are several other excellent Filipiniana collections open to the public at privately owned libraries such as the Lopez Museum Library and the Ayala’s Philippine Heritage Library, Ateneo University, Santo Tomas University, and the University of the Philippines. The National Library on T.M. Kalaw in Rizal Park has many treasures but has been neglected, pilfered from and under funded for years.

Considering that greater Manila now has a population of over ten million and is still growing rapidly, these institutions are all relatively small. The amount of primary source Filipiniana material is actually quite limited. In the future, when the Philippines finally acquires an affluent middle class similar to other developed countries in Asia and the West, these libraries will be completely overrun. Adding to the demand for Philippine material, Filipino Americans and large, well endowed American institutions have started to collect Filipiniana aggressively.

These are only a few of the reasons why the Ortigas Foundation Library is a welcome addition. Forty years ago most of the Mandaluyong– Pasig City area was grassland. Today it is a forest of commercial and residential high-rises bordered by EDSA and the MRT light-rail on the west and Meralco Avenue on the east. Ortigas Center is known for its wide avenues, shopping malls, and innovative urban architecture such as the EDSA Shangri-La Hotel, San Miguel Headquarters and Asian Development Bank, Mega-Mall and Robinson’s Galleria and the landmark EDSA Shrine. The Meralco Theater and the venerable Lopez Museum and Library, hidden away in the Benpres Building on the south side of Ortigas Center, have been the major cultural centers.

With a new building cycle well under way in Ortigas Center, the Foundation hopes to be a catalyst for thoughtful and intelligent development of the cultural resources. As more residential and mixed-use buildings go up, the Foundation plans to support a wide range of cultural programs that will breath life and humanity into the somewhat austere, corporate landscape. The Library with its Philippine Study Center and planned schedule of events is a good first step. Hopefully, in years to come, both residents and workers in the area can look forward to a great many more cultural resources and amenities such as new museums, a larger library, theaters, and art galleries. These will be the building blocks of a well-informed, rich and productive Filipino community.

http://philstar.com/philstar/SPECIALSECTIONS200703054605.htm

[ivanhenares]

From my blog: Hello Ivan, there is now a plan to construct a multi-level parking structure in Burnham Park. I wonder what you and the Heritage group have to say about this. Would appreciate very much your comments. -Resty Refuerzo

[ivanhenares]

This is not enough. Someone should file a TRO or an injunction on the continued construction on the area while you get media mileage. I can't believe that the Office of the President is allowing this right under it's very nose. NHI still reports to the Office of the President, right?

Publicity is not enough when there is a legal basis to put a stop to it. How do you enforce your stop order?

Ask Ambeth Ocampo. He is concurrent chair of the NHI and NCCA, the agencies mandated to stop things like these. He has been silent on this issue as always. I did not get a reply from him yet. Also ask Atty. Trixie Angeles, chair of the NCCA Committee on Monuments and Sites. All she told us was that we write Ambeth a letter and copy furnish her. I'm sure she could be proactive if she wants to. And being a heritage lawyer herself and legal counsel of the NCCA and National Museum, she's the right person to file a case.

[Lili]

Ask Ambeth Ocampo. He is concurrent chair of the NHI and NCCA, the agencies mandated to stop things like these. He has been silent on this issue as always. I did not get a reply from him yet. Also ask Atty. Trixie Angeles, chair of the NCCA Committee on Monuments and Sites. All she told us was that we write Ambeth a letter and copy furnish her. I'm sure she could be proactive if she wants to. And being a heritage lawyer herself and legal counsel of the NCCA and National Museum, she's the right person to file a case. Unless she's still looking for someone to pay her legal fees.

Where can we get their addresses to write to them? Please give us some leads so that we can make follow ups. These agencies do get funding, right?

[TheAvenger]

Where can we get their addresses to write to them? Please give us some leads so that we can make follow ups. These agencies do get funding, right?


Mr. Ambeth R. Ocampo - email address :

aocampo@ateneo.edu



http://www.ncca.gov.ph/about_ncca/pr-ambeth.php

For inquiries, please contact the Public Affairs and Information Division at (T) 527-5529, (F) 527-2191, or email at info@ncca.gov.ph.


April 19, 2005
Ocampo is New NCCA Chair

National Historical Institute (NHI) chairman Ambeth R. Ocampo, writer, historian, well-read Inquirer columnist and Ateneo de Manila University professor, is the new chairman of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).

In a board meeting Thursday ( April 14, 2005 ), the Board of Commissioners of the NCCA unanimously elected Ocampo as chairman, replacing former Tourism Undersecretary Evelyn B. Pantig who retired from public service.


Ocampo will serve as chairman of both the NCCA and the NHI. Chairpersons of the NCCA serve three-year terms but are not allowed to serve for more than two consecutive terms.


http://www.nhi.gov.ph/



AMBETH R. OCAMPO
Chairman, National Historical Institute
NHI Building T.M. Kalaw St., Ermita, Manila, The Philippines P.O. Box 3398 Manila, Tel. Nos. 524-8302* 523-0905* 525-8661* 524-9952* 523-1037* 525-0055

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

Malacanan Information Office
corres@op.gov.ph

[Lili]

^^ Thanks for the info @Ivan.

[Wonderboy]

Below are a couple of contact details and weblinks. Please help us inform these National Government Agencies:

Dominador C. Ferrer Jr.
Administrator
Intramuros Administration
Palacio del Gobernador Building,
Intramuros, Manila 1000
5273155; 5275642; 5273084

PRESIDENTIAL DECREE No. 1616
CREATING THE "INTRAMUROS ADMINISTRATION" FOR PURPOSES OF RESTORING AND ADMINISTERING THE DEVELOPMENT OF INTRAMUROS

http://www.lawphil.net/statutes/presdecs/pd1979/pd_1616_1979.html

PRESIDENTIAL DECREE No. 1748
AMENDING THE CHARTER OF THE INTRAMUROS ADMINISTRATION

http://www.lawphil.net/statutes/presdecs/pd1980/pd_1748_1980.html

National Commission for Culture and the Arts

http://www.ncca.gov.ph/contact_us/contact_us.php

National Historical Institute

http://www.nhi.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=59

[ishtefh_03]

^^ been ignoring these thread for a couple of days because im still adjusting to the new style of the forum, kaya minsan di ko na nachecheck lahat ng thread... sana may magawa dun sa nagyayari sa intramuros... :(

may email ba na pwede i forward?? i want to send it to my friends too... :)

[Wonderboy]

^^ Post numbers 426 and 433 on page 22 of this thread has some relevant info that can be forwarded. Better yet, PM me your e-mail address so I can send a couple of e-mails to you.

[TheAvenger]

^^ been ignoring these thread for a couple of days because im still adjusting to the new style of the forum, kaya minsan di ko na nachecheck lahat ng thread... sana may magawa dun sa nagyayari sa intramuros... :(

may email ba na pwede i forward?? i want to send it to my friends too... :)


relevant government offices email addy :

oc@ncca.gov.ph, oed@ncca.gov.ph, ded@ncca.gov.ph, asean_ncca@pacific.net.ph, pmd@ncca.gov.ph, pmed@ncca.gov.ph, public_affairs@ncca.gov.ph, ppo@ncca.gov.ph, admin@ncca.gov.ph, info@ncca.gov.ph, corres@op.gov.ph, aocampo@ateneo.edu



major newspapers email addy :

feedback_web@abs.pinoycentral.com, feedback@philstar.net.ph, pr_news@inquirer.com.ph, feedback@inquirer.com.ph,
newsboy1@ manilatimes.net

[ivanhenares]

Where can we get their addresses to write to them? Please give us some leads so that we can make follow ups. These agencies do get funding, right?

Yes they get funding. In fact, NCCA controls the funds.

Ambeth Ocampo aocampo@ateneo.edu
Atty. Trixie Cruz-Angeles trixiecruzangeles@yahoo.com

National Historical Institute nhi@ideal-access.ph
Office of the NCCA Chair oc@ncca.gov.ph

The chairperson of both the Intramuros Administration and Philippine Tourism Authority is none other than Sec. Joseph Ace Durano jadurano@tourism.gov.ph

[ivanhenares]

Update (6 March 2007): The latest from the DOT is that Sec. Durano has already sent a memo to Barbers to stop construction because the project has no approval from the PTA Board. Our DOT insiders said however that we still have to be vigilant because Barbers is so stubborn! So it ain't over until it's over!

[Lili]

^^ Thanks for the update @Ivan. I will still be writing those agencies so that they know that it is a concern of Pinoys all over the world and that we are following developments on this.

Thanks for the email and the list of the agencies and the pertinent laws @Wonder Jeff.

Thanks for the listing and the photos @The Avenger since those are what is being circulated now to trigger action from concerned heritage conservationists.

I'm relieved of that stop-order.

We should really be vigilant about this because it was under the very nose of Sec. Durano and within his jurisdiction that the construction started to happen. How could that have been overlooked? The construction has already been underway for weeks. If people did not make an issue about it, it would have been too late.

[portludlow]

The arrogance of dimwits

‘In other words you’re tampering with property that isn’t yours.’

http://www.malaya.com.ph/mar07/edbambi.htm
This is really all thoroughly beyond me. Some weeks ago Joy de los Reyes of Malaya asked whether I knew about a structure that was going up beside one of the Intramuros walls. Since I was attending a Senate hearing on a heritage bill, I asked a PTA lawyer if he knew anything about it seeing as the Intramuros Golf Club is under their jurisdiction. The PTA people present eyed each other and promptly nodded. Apparently they knew something the rest of us didn’t.

Now Ivan Henares has come out with photographs of this structure that PTA manager what’s his name Barbers is building. Let me make myself very clear. I don’t know Mr. Barbers; thank God for little favors. I understand that the person who really should have been named PTA manager since she would have known what she was doing was his mother-in-law, Beth de la Fuente who once ran DOT’s Convention Center very successfully. Unfortunately this was during the Marcos administration and you know what happened to all the Marcos people, capable or otherwise, during Cory’s time.

So the late police chief/senator Barber’s son was appointed by President Arroyo to the PTA post because junior needed a job, one brother being a senator and another a governor or some such thing. In other words, a political appointee without any merits of his own. Of course this happens all the time and I personally don’t see why I should find it upsetting. By this time, as Toti Villalon and company would ask, "Why am I surprised?"

Well, actually no, I’m not surprised; just disgusted. I mean where is this moron coming from? Like from what backwater, or what rock did he crawl out from? Makes you wonder why we bother electing representatives at such great expense to the people to enact laws when we’ve got people like Barbers flaunting their defiance by ignoring them and giving everyone a rotten example. We’re told often enough by politicians that we live in a democracy where we supposedly live by the rule of law including those governing heritage like the Intramuros walls. In case, Mr. Barbers doesn’t know or is illiterate, the law creating the Intramuros Administration (PD 1616) had certain regulations that forbade the construction of any structure that close to the wall. To add insult to injury, it seems the PTA Board vetoed the P85 million project to construct whatever monstrosity he has in mind. Makes you wonder what possessed Barbers to think he has any qualifications to proceed without consultation or even to believe he has the taste to decide. What is this? Just pure arrogance?

Common sense would tell you that the walls are an attraction, not that Mr. Barbers would understand anything that doesn’t resemble Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, for instance, nor would it appear that he recognize any authority except his own. I do not expect DOT Secretary Durano to tell him to cease and desist either just in case Barbers chooses to ignore him. In which case he’d have even more problems with this underling than he’s having right now.

But going back to this heritage thing. While at this point I think it’s a lost cause I still feel we should speak up. What the likes of Atienza, Emilio Yap, Sarino and Narvasa for that matter and now Barbers (and come to think of it any number of Catholic priests and bishops don’t seem to comprehend the concept either) is that none of these belongs to them. There does not seem to be any way to impress upon government officials and the Catholic Bishops Conference members for that matter that the built heritage including some churches are merely under their stewardship no matter how much they may think they own them. God knows why this is so difficult like – repeat after me – this doesn’t belong to you. In other words you’re tampering with property that isn’t yours. There’s a commandment against that in case everybody’s forgotten. For reasons unclear to the rest of us unfortunate mortals, some people, once in positions of authority, think everything is private property. In some cases even the national treasury, but that’s another story.

Going back to Barbers, apparently the guy thinks he’s a hot shot. But a pain is what he really is. In the meantime. I would like to ask, who’s going to stop him? Why should a government official be allowed to do as he pleases, given that he knows zilch about heritage or tourism or art or culture or tradition and has absolutely no respect for the laws of this country? What is the NCCA or the NHI doing? It’s their call; in effect, they should be suing the pants off this idiot or Atty. Fortun should get on his white horse and slay this particular dragon once and for all. (Come to think of it, will his mother-in-law please set him straight?)

One of the problems was that once one of the many idiots – generally elected government officials Filipinos have to endure – got away with destroying the people’s heritage and no one stopped them, that was the end of the story. The others looked on and figured no one was going to bother. Well, I’m waiting…hopefully it won’t be until hell freezes over.
























Ivan, now its in the opinion pages. hopefully, they will listen to reason.

[Lili]

^^ More editorials like those please. It is good that Ms. Bambi Harper wrote that. I am just saddened that she feels its a "lost cause".

I should hope not!!!

The PTA officials make me go "Grrrrr..." Apparently, they are in the know that this is happening but they allowed that to happen.

Command authority! President GMA appointed this nitwit Barbers, she should be held accountable for his actions, too. Let us bombard the Office of the President with letters, too.

More media attention to this matter!

[ishtefh_03]

^^ More editorials like those please. It is good that Ms. Bambi Harper wrote that. I am just saddened that she feels its a "lost cause".

I should hope not!!!

The PTA officials make me go "Grrrrr..." Apparently, they are in the know that this is happening but they allowed that to happen.

Command authority! President GMA appointed this nitwit Barbers, she should be held accountable for his actions, too. Let us bombard the Office of the President with letters, too.

More media attention to this matter!


cool lang ate lili, na feature na ba sa news ito?? sana ma feature like nung nagyari sa theater sa may rizal avenue, nabalita sa GMA before kaso wala na demolished rin sya... Sir Noche, pa interview kayo ulit sa GMA!!! " :lol:

[ivanhenares]

Stationary bandits in Intramuros

Manila Bulletin, Thursday, 8 March 2007
Landscape
by Gemma Cruz Araneta


"STATIONARY Bandits" (Platypus, 2007) is the sinister title of Rene Azurin’s provocative book on political power. He was appointed member of the 2005 Consultative Commission which was mandated to propose revisions to the Constitution. However, to the chagrin of the present dispensation, he penned the Dissenting Report, in behalf of six others; Magnificent Seven, they were called.

In his thought-provoking book, Dr. Azurin tackled the intrinsic value of "deadlocks" against "efficiency" and other thorny issues that evolved around Cha-cha (Charter change). What I found most elucidating was his description of why governments came about, and how a minority became hegemonic, even in a socalled democratic society like ours. Though it gives a semblance of democracy, the voting power of a loose majority is no match to the entrenched clique of stationary bandits that monopolizes and controls the distribution and utilization of our country’s wealth and resources.

The "power motive" is a stationary bandit’s boundless source of energy that propels him/her to the summit and once firmly on the saddle will hold on to power at all costs. Dr. Azurin clearly showed that the Charter change (Cha-cha) scheme that aims to junk the current presidential system of checks and balances for a unicameral parliament has only one beneficiary — the bloc of stationary bandits in power. It is imperative that we strengthen and not destroy the institutional devices that guarantee the distribution of power to several groups.

While reading Dr. Azurin’s book (it merits more than superficial browsing) it suddenly dawned on me that Intramuros the Ever Loyal has become an endangered historical species because it has fallen prey to and has become the veritable lifeblood of despicable stationary bandits.

Do not even blink or you will miss the spectacle of a sports complex rising from the ex-moat of Intramuros, behind the Rizal shrine but outside the walls and near the clubhouse of the golf course of the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA). Could the golf course be losing money because of competition? Is open space so irresistible specially when it is part of historical sites and settings? Or, is it deliberate ignorance of Presidential Decree 1616 which protects Philippine heritage?

So far, information about this dubious project is scanty and confused: It costs eighty five million pesos and is allegedly the brainchild of PTA Genereal Manager Dean Barbers who rammed the project through despite the objections of the PTA board. Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary, Ace Durano, head of the PTA board, was reported to have sent GM Barbers a letter ordering him to cancel the project, but it has remained unheeded. Domidador Ferrer, head of Intramuros Administration (attached agency of the DOT with the Secretary as board chairman) supposedly sent GM Barbers a "stoppage" letter, truly uncharacteristic of such an astute bureaucrat/businessman. Not a peep out of the National Historical Institute nor the National Commission on Culture and the Arts, government agencies mandated by law to protect national patrimony.

Coincidentally, the disquieting news about this latest defilement of Intramuros came while I was plowing through STATIONARY BANDITS (Platypus, 2007), Dr. Rene Azurin's compelling book on political power. Quoting a few philosopher-economists, Dr. Azurin explained the "predatory" as opposed to "productive" nature of a certain class of people and listed (Thorstein Veblen's) predatory occupations as "government, war, sports and devout observances."

The provocative phrase "stationary bandits" was coined bv Mancur Olson in his rather cynical description of how governments were born, "…in places where a single powerful bandit was able to drive away all other roving gangs of bandits from a particular territory and effectively impose a monopoly on banditry in the area…" On the other hand, economist Olson articulated that total control by one bandit (and his cronies) is preferable to the chaos created byroving gangs of bandits committing random acts of violence.

Dispel that romantic notion we learned in school about governments being "social contracts" between subjects (who willingly ceded freedom in exchange for security and peace) and rulers (who promised prosperity and justice). Dr. Azurin affirms that what we now call government "…was really just the final consequence of predatory acts.." for the upkeep of those obsessed with power and capable of tremendous violence.

These predatory acts seem endless and Intramuros is a favorite target of stationary bandits. That is one way of explaining the construction of a sports complex in a historical place protected by law. I have noted that these stationary bandits in our midst are experts in many predatory occupations and one of them is the utilization of public real estate for personal fame and gain. Dr. Azurin should add that to Veblen's evocative list. (gcaraneta@heritage.org.ph)

Part I - http://www.mb.com.ph/issues/2007/03/06/OPED2007030688740.html
Part II - http://www.mb.com.ph/OPED2007030888926.html

[LordCarnal]

ALERT! ALERT!

I got this from my blog:

From a certain Chris Beloria

i really have a passion of old churches and St. Catherine de Alexandria of Carcar is my favorite. I happened to drop by last week on my way to Argao but to my surprise, the angels that have been lining up for almost a century were all gone. What happened?
Does anyone from Carcar care? Please do something.....
Kinsa man intawn ang responsible ana,,,,nganong gi guba man na without consulting the experts.....WAKE UP CARCARANONS.....its your heritage, don't let somebody take it away from you.


The Angels

http://cebuheritage.files.wordpress.com/2007/02/carcarchurch05.jpg

[Wonderboy]

^^ Oh God. My head is about to explode with all these bad news.

-----


I am posting a rather "sensitive and confidential" information but swore to my friend that I will not reveal his true identity for security reasons:

"There is no building permit. Have talked to the Intramuros Admin and the Building Permit office of City Hall. The work has been stopped by the IA with the support of Durano. Went to the site earlier and
talked to the workers and that seems to be the case, they're just lying
around waiting for orders from the "chief" who they say is Barbers to
say start again.

Anyway, the stoppage is to last 15 days. Started at March 5. In
those 15 days the PTA should apply for a building permit from the IA
that will be signed by the Building Permit office IF the permit gets
approved.

As of now, the persons I talked to say its labo that a building permit
will be issued because of the site is historical. . . but you know the
Philippines. . .

Anyway, for now unless the IA changes their tune and decides to give a
building permit. . . its a stalemate."

-----

So it's all in the hands of the Intramuros Administration. Knowing too well that there is a chance that IA will allow the construction of the sports complex, the people's initiative is the only hope, as the government cannot be counted on this issue anymore. The public has to do something as soon as possible.

Below are the contact details of the Administrator of the Intramuros Administration:

Mr. Dominador Ferrer
Administrator
Intramuros Administration
5th Floor, Palacio del Gobernador,
corner General Luna and Gen. Aduana Streets, Intramuros, Manila 1000

Tel. No. 5273155
Fax: 5273084
E-mail: intram2@ultimate.info.com.ph
Website: www.intramuros.vweb.ph

We need your support fellow SSCers.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Wonderboy

[Wonderboy]

ALERT! ALERT!

I got this from my blog:

From a certain Chris Beloria

i really have a passion of old churches and St. Catherine de Alexandria of Carcar is my favorite. I happened to drop by last week on my way to Argao but to my surprise, the angels that have been lining up for almost a century were all gone. What happened?
Does anyone from Carcar care? Please do something.....
Kinsa man intawn ang responsible ana,,,,nganong gi guba man na without consulting the experts.....WAKE UP CARCARANONS.....its your heritage, don't let somebody take it away from you.


Bro, I met a Carcar tour guide and heritage advocate mid last year. I still have her calling card. I'll send you her contact details so you can relay this message to her. Perhaps she can inform the authorities as well as her colleagues and fellow Carcar residents regarding the matter.

[Wonderboy]

Below are the contact details of Barbers:

http://www.philtourism.gov.ph/graphix/gm_message/gm_pict.jpg

Mr. Robert Dean S. Barbers, MNSA
General Manager/ Chief Executive Officer
Philippine Tourism Authority
Department of Tourism Building,
T.M. Kalaw Street, Teodoro F. Valencia Circle,
Ermita, Manila 1000

P.O. Box No. 1813 Manila

Trunkline: (0632) 5247141
Fax number: 5218113
Telex Number: 40183 DEPTOUR PM (c/o Department of Tourism)
E-mail Address: info@philtourism.gov.ph

[ivanhenares]

From my blog: Hello Ivan, the following I read from our local paper, Baguio Midland Courier. There will be a public hearing on the proposed multi-level parking area in Burnham on March 14 at 1 p.m. at the City Hall. I hope a Heritage representative can come to contribute to the hearing. Regards, Resty Refuerzo

[Lili]

^^ What's with the inutile NHI and NCCA? Why are they so silent and inactive on this?

I can't believe that IA might still issue a permit given that there is already willful violation of the law on protecting heritage sites and building without permits! At the very least, they should be penalized for this.

There is some collusion happening somewhere here that is why this Dean Barbers is so brazen to defy the "stoppage order". He might have gotten a "go" signal somewhere.

More media exposure on this please. Is there any news group covering this?

I know "Time is of the essence" in cases like these. I need to be able to set aside time (even by tonight) to write my letters and send an email blast.

[Wonderboy]

^^ Salamat sa tulong, Lili.

[Rence]

:ohno: Hay, What is wrong with these people!

[LordCarnal]

^^

Thanks wonderboy.. Please do send me the contact details.

Anyway, I got that info from my blog.. I still have to find out myself the real score though (maybe they're just cleaning the interiors or what?) But we'll have to find out...


Anyway, here's an attempted treasure hunt at Cebu Cathedral recently:



Secret diggings in Cebu cathedral aborted

By Chito O. Aragon, Jhunnex Napallacan
Cebu Daily News

Posted date: March 08, 2007


IN this holy place, the quest for Yamashita’s World War II treasure has left its mark.

Secret diggings were aborted in the adoration chapel of the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral where laborers broke through the floor allegedly in search for the fabled gold bars of Japanese General Yamashita Tomoyuki.

Cathedral priests denied giving any permission for the excavation, which was discovered Monday afternoon. A church security guard, who heard sounds of a jackhammer, peeped through the chapel window and saw the pit.

She reported her discovery to Msgr. Cayetano Gelbolingo, who ordered the activity stopped. Soon after that, the laborers disappeared.

The hole, as wide as a barrel, was seven to 10 feet deep. It was located at the center of the chapel, a few steps from where the Blessed Sacrament is usually encased in glass on the wall.

Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, who heard news of the diggings over the radio, went to the site yesterday. He said he had not given permission for any excavation much less a treasure hunt.

Waterfront police investigators began an inquiry into the unauthorized digging. Msgr. Gelbolingo, Cathedral team moderator, said he was shocked to learn of the hole because the laborers were only supposed to be changing the floor tiles as part of the ongoing renovation.

The chapel was under renovation for more than a month. Earlier work was focused on the walls and ceilings.

Gelbolingo said Fr. Teogenes “Gene” Herrera, who is also assigned at the Cathedral, had asked his permission for a donor to finance the renovation of the chapel, including the replacement of tiles. For his part, Fr. Herrera said it was retired priest Dominador Dosdos who suggested that the chapel be improved because he had a sponsor for it. The elderly priest was not immediately available for comment.

“I was told by Fr. Herrera there’s a sponsor for the tile replacement and I agreed,” said Msgr. Gelbolingo.

He said he didn’t know the donor’s identity but was told it was a woman from Pari-an.

Desecrated

The digging not only destroyed the floor but was an act of sacrilege in the prayer room where Catholic faithful pray before the Blessed Sacrament, considered the actual presence of Christ.

“It is a desecration,” said Fr. Carlito Pono, head of the Archdiocesan commission on church heritage.

“But I am talking about desecration in a loose sense. They disturbed the sanctity of the place,” he told Cebu Daily News.

“It (the adoration chapel) is a holy place.”

Pono explained that the Church views desecration as a spilling of blood or other grave offense in a holy place.

He said no priest has the authority to order diggings like this.

“They have to get permission from the Cardinal. No priest, even if he is a parish priest, can give that permission.

He recalled similar diggings in church grounds in San Fernando and Cordova towns, which turned up nothing valuable.

The laborers must have been looking for buried treasure such as seven samurai swords and gold bars left by Japanese soldiers during World War II, according to Pancho Ramirez, councilor of barangay Sto. Niño.

He said he was approached several years ago by a Japanese national who claimed to be the son of a Japanese soldier. The man asked for help in appealing to the cardinal in digging up the area beside the cathedral’s tower. But Ramirez said the plan was not allowed by the church officials then.

The adoration chapel, an air-conditioned prayer room, is located beside the cathedral.

Myrna Francisco, 28, church staff security, discovered the pit Monday afternoon when she peeped through holes in the chapel's window. She then told Msgr. Gelbolingo about her discovery.

Francisco was alerted by the sounds of a jackhammer inside the room.

“Nagduda naman ko, akong gi-lili sa bintana, nakit-an dayon nako ang lungag og naay nagtingog sa ilawon” (I became suspicious so I peeped in the window and saw a hole and heard the sound from inside the hole), Francisco said.

She tried to get inside the chapel but found the door locked and barred by a piece of wood.

When the laborers went home later that day, Francisco said she became more suspicious when she was not handed the duplicate keys to the door lock. She also found that the padlock had been changed.

On Tuesday noon, Msgr. Gelbolingo said he checked the chapel and was surprised to be told by the security guard about the excavation.

When the workers showed up and started to work again, Msgr. Gelbolingo said he followed them inside, saw the hole, and told them to stop. He said he then reported the matter to the Cardinal’s office.

Asked why he did not hold the workers for questioning, Msgr. Gelbolingo said that at that time, his main thought was to stop the digging. He said he also had to attend a meeting in Mabolo which lasted until the afternoon.

Trizer Dale Mansueto, the commission's resident historian, said stories about gold being buried in some of Cebu's old churches were just “urban legends.”

“So far, wala pang simbahan nga naay na excavate nga gold bars,” Mansueto said.

“Almost all churches and pre-war buildings are suspected to have buried treasure. The Japanese soldiers may have stayed at the Cathedral but that doesn't mean there’s buried treasure there.”

[Wonderboy]

Father Blanco's Garden

Hello everyone,

Was browsing the web and read that Fr. Gallende of San Agustin Church will build a seminary on the grounds of Fr. Blanco's garden:

-----

FATHER BLANCO'S GARDEN

For years I heard that the Order of Saint Augustine had elaborate plans to construct an seminary/annex to the museum behind their cloisters in Intramuros, on the site of the former Agustinian Dormitories which was destroyed in the Battle of Manila back in 1945 (above, right). In the last ten years, several plans were drawn up, scale models were made, but nothing ever seemed to go beyond the blueprint stage. Frankly, I thought that construction would never ever push through at all. Or that perhaps before doing so, they would first repair the crumbling bathrooms and rooms of the original museum and rebuild the bell tower (which was destroyed in the earthquake of 1883) before venturing into the construction of a new building within the complex. Apparently I thought wrong. Way wrong.

http://img167.imageshack.us/img167/4161/blanco10cv4.jpg

Just a couple of days ago, while doing my usual spiel about the American Colonial period in the garden (above), I recieved word from San Agustin employees that construction would finally begin at the end of March. Looking around, I also noticed that all the plants lining the bench area had all been uprooted, the gardener had been laid off, and the trees marked for cutting (DENR permit?) in order to begin construction of a two storey building that does NOT really look like the original structure at all. This came as horrifying news for me as I now have to find a new location for the American Colonial period segment of my tour. But that aside, I was willing to grin and bear the inconvenience and transfer my spiel to the upper galleries during the construction period since the annex would eventually be used as a restoration workshop, auditorium, and exhibition hall for San Agustin. Truth be told, I am not one to hinder any project that would upgrade the facilities of the museum. But unfortunately that wouldn't be the case either as even the purpose of the new building has been changed. No longer will the building be used for cultural purposes but it will now be used by priests as their domitories and nothing else. I don't know if the National Historical Institute approved these new changes (or if they even know what is going on at all). All I know is that the design needs some major alterations (the glass windows are just way too big and inappropriate) and the museum should definitely be given priority. After all, the San Agustin Order has a lot of land in the province, why don't they build the dormitories out there where the air is fresher and there is more space? It just doesn't make sense to me to build a seminary inside the current San Agustin compound.

The Building Plans:

http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/7409/blanco3yd7.jpg

http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/3562/blanco2gd7.jpg

http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/7389/blanco6if9.jpg

This will remain:

http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/628/blanco9zx8.jpg

But all the trees here will be cut down to make way for the new L shaped seminary.

http://img181.imageshack.us/img181/4779/blanco7yv2.jpg

http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/1807/blanco8vd2.jpg

----

Is Fr. Gallende allowed to do this? I believe that Fr. Blanco's garden is an archeological site and should not be touched.

[ivanhenares]

^^ I saw Fr. Gallende while at the San Agustin Museum today. He in fact asked me about the Barbers project and said that he'll pass by to check it out. He was actually disappointed.

But on the second floor of the museum, the scale models of the buildings seen in the photos are on display. Sigh!

[Lili]

I think the seminary plans look fine. The trees still look young and hopefully, they will be transplanted. The new structure blends well with the old ruins. Maybe, they can still maintain the museum there just like the mission churches/monasteries in California.

I'd rather maintain the presence of the priests in Intramuros than just make it purely for entertainment purpose.

[kyle@1008]

^^ I agree with Lili, heritage is different if it is still alive and living, in contrast to being just a museum piece... the augustinian order is a part of that building... :colgate:

[LordCarnal]

@Wonderboy

I learned from an expert who works in a church heritage commission here in Cebu that one of the angels fell and the parish priest, fearing that the other angels would follow suit, had all the angels removed (maybe temporarily? I hope so).

Anyway, the commission already has its eyes on it and I think he will be in Carcar today to further investigate.

http://cebuheritage.files.wordpress.com/2007/02/carcarchurch05.jpg

[Hawayano]

Father Blanco's Garden

Hello everyone,

Was browsing the web and read that Fr. Gallende of San Agustin Church will build a seminary on the grounds of Fr. Blanco's garden:

-----

FATHER BLANCO'S GARDEN

For years I heard that the Order of Saint Augustine had elaborate plans to construct an seminary/annex to the museum behind their cloisters in Intramuros, on the site of the former Agustinian Dormitories which was destroyed in the Battle of Manila back in 1945 (above, right). In the last ten years, several plans were drawn up, scale models were made, but nothing ever seemed to go beyond the blueprint stage. Frankly, I thought that construction would never ever push through at all. Or that perhaps before doing so, they would first repair the crumbling bathrooms and rooms of the original museum and rebuild the bell tower (which was destroyed in the earthquake of 1883) before venturing into the construction of a new building within the complex. Apparently I thought wrong. Way wrong.

http://img167.imageshack.us/img167/4161/blanco10cv4.jpg

Just a couple of days ago, while doing my usual spiel about the American Colonial period in the garden (above), I recieved word from San Agustin employees that construction would finally begin at the end of March. Looking around, I also noticed that all the plants lining the bench area had all been uprooted, the gardener had been laid off, and the trees marked for cutting (DENR permit?) in order to begin construction of a two storey building that does NOT really look like the original structure at all. This came as horrifying news for me as I now have to find a new location for the American Colonial period segment of my tour. But that aside, I was willing to grin and bear the inconvenience and transfer my spiel to the upper galleries during the construction period since the annex would eventually be used as a restoration workshop, auditorium, and exhibition hall for San Agustin. Truth be told, I am not one to hinder any project that would upgrade the facilities of the museum. But unfortunately that wouldn't be the case either as even the purpose of the new building has been changed. No longer will the building be used for cultural purposes but it will now be used by priests as their domitories and nothing else. I don't know if the National Historical Institute approved these new changes (or if they even know what is going on at all). All I know is that the design needs some major alterations (the glass windows are just way too big and inappropriate) and the museum should definitely be given priority. After all, the San Agustin Order has a lot of land in the province, why don't they build the dormitories out there where the air is fresher and there is more space? It just doesn't make sense to me to build a seminary inside the current San Agustin compound.

The Building Plans:

http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/7409/blanco3yd7.jpg

http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/3562/blanco2gd7.jpg

http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/7389/blanco6if9.jpg

This will remain:

http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/628/blanco9zx8.jpg

But all the trees here will be cut down to make way for the new L shaped seminary.

http://img181.imageshack.us/img181/4779/blanco7yv2.jpg

http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/1807/blanco8vd2.jpg

----

Is Fr. Gallende allowed to do this? I believe that Fr. Blanco's garden is an archeological site and should not be touched.

Oh, vomit!!! :puke: here we go again: yet another case of Philippine history taking the backseat to unilateral decision-making with little or no consideration of historic preservation.

I'd like to know why the new seminary cannot be built on the footprint of the original second monastery as a faithful exterior restoration with up-to-date interior (as in Danding Cojuangco's mock-up of the Augustinian Provincialate just across Calle Real). Sure is no wonder that our culture is too often misconstrued as baduy and full of tacky borloloys--we can't understand that "less is more" and appreciate the artifacts left by our forebears.

[Pinoy_ako]

I think the seminary plans look fine. The trees still look young and hopefully, they will be transplanted. The new structure blends well with the old ruins. Maybe, they can still maintain the museum there just like the mission churches/monasteries in California.

I'd rather maintain the presence of the priests in Intramuros than just make it purely for entertainment purpose.

It is not the reconstruction per se that is wrong with the project. Rather it is how it will be carried out. As much as possible, the plans should have been faithful to the old buildings. The designation of the San Agustin Church as a World Heritage Site gives more weight on the authenticity of the second monastery's reconstruction. Here's a direct quote from the proceedings of the UNESCO World Heritage Convention meetings:


677 Baroque Churches

"Section II
Periodic Reporting for Well Planned Heritage Preservation
State Party: Republic of the Philippines
Property Name: Baroque Churches of the Philippines
026 Are there (further) changes foreseeable to the authenticity / integrity of the property in the near future? YES/No

"Specifically in San Agustin Church in Intramuros, Manila
027 If YES, please explain and indicate how these changes might affect the World Heritage values of the property:

"There is a proposal to build on the site of Father Blanco's garden within the San Agustin Church complex in Intramuros, Manila. Though the foundation for this building exists, there are no extant plans or pictures on which to base the reconstruction; and in the Rules and Regulations of the Intramuros Administration Charter the area is designated as "ruins." The matter has been referred to the World Heritage Center because it is the opinion of the NCCA and the Intramuros Administration that rebuilding said construction would largely be conjectural. The use of the building will be for commercial purposes: to generate income for the maintenance of the church complex."

If the reconstruction of portions of the Second Monastery will proceed, why not be as faithful as possible to the original buildings. Contrary to what has been said above, there are pictures showing the Second Monastery, perspectives from within Father Blanco's Gardens, as well as perspectives from the Orchards of San Agustin. The ruins itself has perspective both from the Calle Real de Parian showing the pasadizo to the Augustinian Procuration and from the front Patio of the Church. However, I do not know why San Agustin picked up the lines of NCCA and Intramuros Administration regarding the construction as being largely conjectural when it ( San Agustin ) knows that it is in possesion of a large body of pictures showing views of the Second Monastery from various perspective, that is, from all sides, from within the patio and even along the cloisters and halls. There is even an aerial photo from which to base the interior divisions of the building, if there is a need for it. Moreover, why did it carried out the cojectural plan. I am also inclined to believe now that what NCCA and IA regard as conjectural are the drawings that were shown to us by Wonderboy. The bottom line is, IA, NCCA and San Agustin could have worked together to come up with a plan that has a certain degree of authenticity and which UNESCO most likely approve, with regards to San Agustin Church's listing as a world heritage site. Why can't they come together and plan not only for our heritage but that of the world as well.

The book of Father Galende also shows pictures of the ruins of the second monastery before they were destroyed by the earthquake ( of 1968?). Anyway, I just want to show that there are pictures that can be used for the proper perspective. So it cannot be entirely conjectural as written in the report to UNESCO. If there are efforts to reconstruct, why can't we start with San Agustin. It has been done with the walls.


Father Blanco's Garden

The Building Plans:

http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/7409/blanco3yd7.jpg

http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/3562/blanco2gd7.jpg

http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/7389/blanco6if9.jpg



One more thing, the drawings do not reflect the status of the buildings before the war because the original ones were not really pleasing - the walls are heavily buttressed, some wings were higher the the others ( just in the second monastery alone! ). But at least, it can be reconstructed with a certain degree of authenticity with regards to the original buildings. The thing is, the San Agustin Church World Heritage status can later be expanded to include the reconstructed monastery.

In addition to the photos above, here are other photos in the books authored by Father Galende.

References for Photos:

Galende, Pedro G. And Regalado Torta Jose. San Agustin - Art & History 1571-2000. Manila: San Agustin Museum, 2000.

Photos:

P. 22. Second Monaster built from 1628 to 1668 ( It shows the elevation of the section of the vertical bar of the "L" which will be reconstructed in the plan ).

P. 22. The Sala de vistas, with a view of Manila bay, was built over the second monastery by Luciano Oliver from 1861 to 1863. ( It shows the Billiards Hall of the Second Monastery, although I do not know whether this is part of the proposed parts. Anyway, it shows how the roof trusses of the upper story is supposed to be built. )

P. 23. Corridor on second floor of second monastery. ( It shows the corridor, the ceiling planks and the windows as well as certain doors. It is relatively detailed as to how the trusses may be placed since corbels shows through the walls. It also has indications on how to lay-out the floorings ( brick?)

P. 23. View of second monastery from Calle Real ( Shows the photo of the ruins that stands along the Calle Real de Parian ).

P. 34 Ruins of Second Monastery ( It shows the gutted interior of the second monastery, specifically the third floor along Calle Real and the wing connecting the one along Calle Real with that of the First Monastery. Mostly ruins, but it may have tell-tale signs on how it was built ).

P. 35. San Agustin complex just after liberation ( It shows the aerial view of the whole San Agustin Complex, including the Second Monastery. Scaling can be done to a certain extent, based on the church and the First monastery, which are still existing. The division of the cells and corridors and Halls of the upper level of the second monastery can be seen! ).

P. 126 Prewar photo of the second monastery and orchard at extreme left is the infirmary for the community ( This shows another view of the one at page 22.

P. 158-159 Long view of Puerto Santa Lucia ( outside the walls ). ( This shows a panoramic view of the second monastery together with the infirmary wing from the Santa Lucia Gate. )

P. 159. Community infirmary on the corner of Santa Lucia and San Lorenco. ( Another view of the wing along Santa Lucia Gate ).

Galende, Pedro G. San Agustin Noble Stone Shrine. Metro Manila: G. A. Formoso Publishing, 1989.


P. 37 Interior of second monastery where Blanco's garden was located ( shows the how the 3-storey wing looks from within the patio. It shows two buttresses encompassing two storeys, or almost up to the floor of the 3rd storey. Two windows per storey are shown between the two buttresses. It also show how the third storey was designed )

P 38. Recreation Hall located at the third floor ( Another view of the Biliards Hall. It shows the trusses, corbels, walls and flooring. )

Father Blanco's Garden
http://img167.imageshack.us/img167/4161/blanco10cv4.jpg


P. 38. View of Second monastery from Santa lucia street, destroyed in World War II. ( Another view of the wing along Sta Lucia, similar to the one above. The second monastery is the building at the right edge of the picture. The proposed reconstruction however are the wings which could not be seen in the picture ).

P. 39. Wing of second monastery connecting the first one by the Sala de San Pablo ( View marred by several trees, although the original picture might show further details )

P. 39. Infirmary attached to the second monastery. ( Another fiew of the proposed section to be reconstructed. In case the other pictures wouldn't show the required details. )

P. 39. Second monastery seen from outside courtyard. ( This was how the second monastery was connected to the first monastery. This shows one of the balconies from where we look out into Father Blanco's garden from the 2nd floor of the existing museum. )

P. 40. Upper third cloister of second monster ( Another view of the clister, showing arches along the corridor, as well as wooden planks for ceiling and bricks for pavement floors. )

P. 95 Blanco's botanic garden at the second monastery. ( Picture shows one wing of the second monastery and how the tiled roof curved down to the eaves. There are also clues on how the proposed wing was constructed - that is one storey lower than the present ruined wall.

Anyway, I have formerly asked in private a number of people if they remember where the old pictures of Fr Blanco's garden were posted. I had this funny feeling that I would need to look at it. Now I know why.

I hope those who value our heritage would come together and act on this one. It is one of the few areas where we can pool our resources so we can help straighten out the wrongs that are being done. Initially, we can pool all the pictures regarding San Agustin so we can present them to the proper authorities so that the "initial" plans can be modified.

[Wonderboy]

Can I request the mods not to lock this thread yet or create a new thread? Thank you.

[Hawayano]

^^ @pinoy_ako: thanks for the informative posting. Add to your reference list of evidence the two postwar classics on Fil-Hispano architecture:

Intramuros de Manila de 1571 hasta su destruccion en 1945 by Don Pedro Ortiz Armengol, and Arquitectura Española en Filipinas by Maria Diaz Trechuelo-Spinola--both volumes published in the 1950s, when the urgency to save these structures was still supported by a very foreseeable and feasible undertaking since their ruins were still extant.

[TheAvenger]

deleted triple entry

[TheAvenger]

deleted

[TheAvenger]

deleted triple entry

[TheAvenger]

To Mods :

Kindly removed all my above repeated posting which I deleted already.
I am sorry for all this mistake in posting. **** alis po kasi pangit tignan ang paulit ulit na posting.

[TheAvenger]

This afternoon I was in one of the university in Mendiola where my daughter took her college entrance test and while waiting for her, I went to Intramuros to take a quick look at the illegal building of the mentioned sports complex.

There is no workers and no activity in the construction site, and it seems the many lumbers used in the construction were removed.

quite difficult to take photos in close range so I just crossed the street and take the photos.


http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s307/jaime_makabayan_2007/11Fort.jpg

The site of the construction of sports complex adjacent to the wall of Fort Santiago's National Shrine building. The building with the red roof is the National Shrine bulding inside the wall of Fort Santiago.




http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s307/jaime_makabayan_2007/fort13.jpg





http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s307/jaime_makabayan_2007/intram18.jpg

The building with the red roof is the National Shrine building inside the wall of Fort Santiago.



next week when I go back to Manila I intend to take the photos of the construction of sports complex on the Fort Santiago side where I can get a close and better views.

[kyle@1008]

It is not the reconstruction per se that is wrong with the project. Rather it is how it will be carried out. As much as possible, the plans should have been faithful to the old buildings. The designation of the San Agustin Church as a World Heritage Site gives more weight on the authenticity of the second monastery's reconstruction. Here's a direct quote from the proceedings of the UNESCO World Heritage Convention meetings:


677 Baroque Churches

"Section II
Periodic Reporting for Well Planned Heritage Preservation
State Party: Republic of the Philippines
Property Name: Baroque Churches of the Philippines
026 Are there (further) changes foreseeable to the authenticity / integrity of the property in the near future? YES/No

"Specifically in San Agustin Church in Intramuros, Manila
027 If YES, please explain and indicate how these changes might affect the World Heritage values of the property:

"There is a proposal to build on the site of Father Blanco's garden within the San Agustin Church complex in Intramuros, Manila. Though the foundation for this building exists, there are no extant plans or pictures on which to base the reconstruction; and in the Rules and Regulations of the Intramuros Administration Charter the area is designated as "ruins." The matter has been referred to the World Heritage Center because it is the opinion of the NCCA and the Intramuros Administration that rebuilding said construction would largely be conjectural. The use of the building will be for commercial purposes: to generate income for the maintenance of the church complex."

If the reconstruction of portions of the Second Monastery will proceed, why not be as faithful as possible to the original buildings. Contrary to what has been said above, there are pictures showing the Second Monastery, perspectives from within Father Blanco's Gardens, as well as perspectives from the Orchards of San Agustin. The ruins itself has perspective both from the Calle Real de Parian showing the pasadizo to the Augustinian Procuration and from the front Patio of the Church. However, I do not know why San Agustin picked up the lines of NCCA and Intramuros Administration regarding the construction as being largely conjectural when it ( San Agustin ) knows that it is in possesion of a large body of pictures showing views of the Second Monastery from various perspective, that is, from all sides, from within the patio and even along the cloisters and halls. There is even an aerial photo from which to base the interior divisions of the building, if there is a need for it. Moreover, why did it carried out the cojectural plan. I am also inclined to believe now that what NCCA and IA regard as conjectural are the drawings that were shown to us by Wonderboy. The bottom line is, IA, NCCA and San Agustin could have worked together to come up with a plan that has a certain degree of authenticity and which UNESCO most likely approve, with regards to San Agustin Church's listing as a world heritage site. Why can't they come together and plan not only for our heritage but that of the world as well.

The book of Father Galende also shows pictures of the ruins of the second monastery before they were destroyed by the earthquake ( of 1968?). Anyway, I just want to show that there are pictures that can be used for the proper perspective. So it cannot be entirely conjectural as written in the report to UNESCO. If there are efforts to reconstruct, why can't we start with San Agustin. It has been done with the walls.




One more thing, the drawings do not reflect the status of the buildings before the war because the original ones were not really pleasing - the walls are heavily buttressed, some wings were higher the the others ( just in the second monastery alone! ). But at least, it can be reconstructed with a certain degree of authenticity with regards to the original buildings. The thing is, the San Agustin Church World Heritage status can later be expanded to include the reconstructed monastery.

In addition to the photos above, here are other photos in the books authored by Father Galende.

References for Photos:

Galende, Pedro G. And Regalado Torta Jose. San Agustin - Art & History 1571-2000. Manila: San Agustin Museum, 2000.

Photos:

P. 22. Second Monaster built from 1628 to 1668 ( It shows the elevation of the section of the vertical bar of the "L" which will be reconstructed in the plan ).

P. 22. The Sala de vistas, with a view of Manila bay, was built over the second monastery by Luciano Oliver from 1861 to 1863. ( It shows the Billiards Hall of the Second Monastery, although I do not know whether this is part of the proposed parts. Anyway, it shows how the roof trusses of the upper story is supposed to be built. )

P. 23. Corridor on second floor of second monastery. ( It shows the corridor, the ceiling planks and the windows as well as certain doors. It is relatively detailed as to how the trusses may be placed since corbels shows through the walls. It also has indications on how to lay-out the floorings ( brick?)

P. 23. View of second monastery from Calle Real ( Shows the photo of the ruins that stands along the Calle Real de Parian ).

P. 34 Ruins of Second Monastery ( It shows the gutted interior of the second monastery, specifically the third floor along Calle Real and the wing connecting the one along Calle Real with that of the First Monastery. Mostly ruins, but it may have tell-tale signs on how it was built ).

P. 35. San Agustin complex just after liberation ( It shows the aerial view of the whole San Agustin Complex, including the Second Monastery. Scaling can be done to a certain extent, based on the church and the First monastery, which are still existing. The division of the cells and corridors and Halls of the upper level of the second monastery can be seen! ).

P. 126 Prewar photo of the second monastery and orchard at extreme left is the infirmary for the community ( This shows another view of the one at page 22.

P. 158-159 Long view of Puerto Santa Lucia ( outside the walls ). ( This shows a panoramic view of the second monastery together with the infirmary wing from the Santa Lucia Gate. )

P. 159. Community infirmary on the corner of Santa Lucia and San Lorenco. ( Another view of the wing along Santa Lucia Gate ).

Galende, Pedro G. San Agustin Noble Stone Shrine. Metro Manila: G. A. Formoso Publishing, 1989.


P. 37 Interior of second monastery where Blanco's garden was located ( shows the how the 3-storey wing looks from within the patio. It shows two buttresses encompassing two storeys, or almost up to the floor of the 3rd storey. Two windows per storey are shown between the two buttresses. It also show how the third storey was designed )

P 38. Recreation Hall located at the third floor ( Another view of the Biliards Hall. It shows the trusses, corbels, walls and flooring. )



P. 38. View of Second monastery from Santa lucia street, destroyed in World War II. ( Another view of the wing along Sta Lucia, similar to the one above. The second monastery is the building at the right edge of the picture. The proposed reconstruction however are the wings which could not be seen in the picture ).

P. 39. Wing of second monastery connecting the first one by the Sala de San Pablo ( View marred by several trees, although the original picture might show further details )

P. 39. Infirmary attached to the second monastery. ( Another fiew of the proposed section to be reconstructed. In case the other pictures wouldn't show the required details. )

P. 39. Second monastery seen from outside courtyard. ( This was how the second monastery was connected to the first monastery. This shows one of the balconies from where we look out into Father Blanco's garden from the 2nd floor of the existing museum. )

P. 40. Upper third cloister of second monster ( Another view of the clister, showing arches along the corridor, as well as wooden planks for ceiling and bricks for pavement floors. )

P. 95 Blanco's botanic garden at the second monastery. ( Picture shows one wing of the second monastery and how the tiled roof curved down to the eaves. There are also clues on how the proposed wing was constructed - that is one storey lower than the present ruined wall.

Anyway, I have formerly asked in private a number of people if they remember where the old pictures of Fr Blanco's garden were posted. I had this funny feeling that I would need to look at it. Now I know why.

I hope those who value our heritage would come together and act on this one. It is one of the few areas where we can pool our resources so we can help straighten out the wrongs that are being done. Initially, we can pool all the pictures regarding San Agustin so we can present them to the proper authorities so that the "initial" plans can be modified.

yes, but what steps can be taken in order to correct this... from what I understand this is church property,.. and also San Augustin is the mother church of the order in this country.

From what I know, the govt has less leverage or none in church lands,. or do they?? I'm not sure..

[Animo]

Father Blanco's Garden

The Building Plans:

http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/7409/blanco3yd7.jpg

http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/3562/blanco2gd7.jpg

http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/7389/blanco6if9.jpg



I also hope that they can rebuild the original but if this plan will be implemented I think it might be just fine. I know people like to keep everything as it was, just like the American policy in Intramuros. They wanted to keep the place as a War Memorial and not let people who used to live in the place to rebuild the ruins. (By the way this information comes from a Filipino Academian)

I actually would like to see the place field with more life - Jardin de Padre Blanco - (albeit needs to be sensical in issues and decisions) than let it remain as a piece of history/ruins. Is it also because of money issues? On why they wany to build one with a different design? The proposed building looks somewhat Tuscan.

[Pinoy_ako]

yes, but what steps can be taken in order to correct this... from what I understand this is church property,.. and also San Augustin is the mother church of the order in this country.

From what I know, the govt has less leverage or none in church lands,. or do they?? I'm not sure..

There are still other ways, like the people initiating a dialogue with the friars of San Agustin. The Church is made up of the people, San Agustin included, so I think that there is still a possibility that a proper dialogue might bring about changes in plans. The extent of the project also shows that donors have been tapped for the reconstruction. These donors could be swayed to stipulate that the fund be used for a more heritage-friendly manner. There are a number of ways, depending on who would be willing to take the initiative to rebuild the second monastery using the original designs. It would also depend on who will be willing to help in various matters, like financial, expertise, research, among others.

I must admit though, that restoration is a more capital-intensive project than mere reconstruction.

The project also means that this monastery, unlike the first monastery which has been converted into a museum, will not be accessible to the general public, since it will be a seminary. This was also the case during the pre-war years. Even though, I believe that proper funding and proper restoration be done since this is part of our heritage.

[kyle@1008]

^^ then the problem is capital.... without it, the order may not be keen on doing a restoration,. this would require additional sponsorship...

[Lili]

This afternoon I was in one of the university in Mendiola where my daughter took her college entrance test and while waiting for her, I went to Intramuros to take a quick look at the illegal building of the mentioned sports complex.

There is no workers and no activity in the construction site, and it seems the many lumbers used in the construction were removed.

quite difficult to take photos in close range so I just crossed the street and take the photos.


http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s307/jaime_makabayan_2007/11Fort.jpg

The site of the construction of sports complex adjacent to the wall of Fort Santiago's National Shrine building. The building with the red roof is the National Shrine bulding inside the wall of Fort Santiago.




http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s307/jaime_makabayan_2007/fort13.jpg





http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s307/jaime_makabayan_2007/intram18.jpg

The building with the red roof is the National Shrine building inside the wall of Fort Santiago.



next week when I go back to Manila I intend to take the photos of the construction of sports complex on the Fort Santiago side where I can get a close and better views.

I think they should go ahead and dismantle all those frames they built that obstruct the view of the Intramuros.

It is just so irritating for me to see this.

[Wonderboy]

Thanks again for those who posted and viewed the previous threads (Heritage Watch I and II). This thread is only a year old (March 5, 2006 to be exact) but had been an integral part of SSC heritage section and important resource for conservation groups in the Philippines. While numerous built heritage had already been demolished, this thread has raised public awareness for the protection and preservation of our precious heritage.

SSC Philippines is a public forum focusing on modernity, skyscrapers, urbanity, but it is also important to include heritage and historic preservation. Tracing one’s roots and realizing that the country’s growth and development lies in understanding the past and preserving what’s left is very essential especially for the future generations to come

It is my sincere hope that this thread will initiate people to do something about their heritage and not just say, sayang each time a structure will be demolished.

Wonderboy

[Wonderboy]

Here are the weblinks to the previous threads:

Heritage Watch Philippines (Part I)
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=324626

Heritage Watch Philippines (Part II)
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=375261

[Wonderboy]

Let’s start off this thread with some good news.

The city of Manila recently “rehabilitated” the inner city by cleaning and repainting old structures on Calle Rosario (now Quintin Paredes Street) in Binondo, Manila. I heard that other districts are getting a face lift as well. While this could be Atienza’s way of earning more votes from the Manileños (after all, election is just a few months away), nonetheless, the old district was given an opportunity to come alive. Below are some photos that I took last week:

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/850/rosario1fe8.jpg

http://img131.imageshack.us/img131/6836/rosario2il2.jpg
The art deco gem, Uy Su Bin building, gets a Miami pink paint job.

http://img131.imageshack.us/img131/9162/rosario3ec9.jpg

http://img57.imageshack.us/img57/2091/rosario5pn6.jpg
A portion of Uy Chaco building is being repainted as well.

PHOTO COPYRIGHT. All photography copyrights are exclusively held and no photographs from this posting may be copied, reproduced, stored in any retrieval system, sold or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, or otherwise, without prior permission from the photographer.

[Wonderboy]

I also heard that the Metropolitan Theater on Plaza Lawton (now Liwasang Bonifacio) will be restored sometime soon. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that the restoration will remain faithful to the original:

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/8845/metpz6.jpg

[Wonderboy]

Following my previous posting on the second thread, I went to Intramuros and took photos of the controversial (well because it’s illegal and doesn’t have a permit) sports complex that’s very close to Intramuros walls:

http://img131.imageshack.us/img131/3170/intra1og4.jpg

http://img107.imageshack.us/img107/4083/intra2iq2.jpg

http://img107.imageshack.us/img107/1995/intra3bs9.jpg

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/7003/intra4tc3.jpg

PHOTO COPYRIGHT. All photography copyrights are exclusively held and no photographs from this posting may be copied, reproduced, stored in any retrieval system, sold or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, or otherwise, without prior permission from the photographer.

[Wonderboy]

Please click below and feel free to repost the previous discussions on San Agustin Church and Complex controversy:

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=375261&page=25

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=375261&page=26

[Wonderboy]

Hi folks,

Please continue the discussion on the new thread:

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=450562

[Animo]

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

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e132/restardo/Instituto%20Cervantes/invite2.jpg

[kyle@1008]

I talked with my Uncle, a salesian priest, about the issue of the proposed seminary in San Agustin, regarding this, he told me that this is chucrh property, and whatever the Order's decision on their lands is their own affairs.. thanks to the separation of church and state, the governmant may have no say in this matter....

So if any alterations in the plans are to be done.. this has to pass through the order itself or Rome..

[Wonderboy]

Below is Fr. Gellende's contact details:

Pedro G. Gallende, O.S.A.
San Agustin Museum
San Agustin Church, General Luna Street,
Intramuros, Manila 1002
Tel. Nos. 5274061/ 5266793/ 5266794
Telefax No. 5274060
E-mail samuseum@nsclub.net

[TheAvenger]

Following my previous posting on the second thread, I went to Intramuros and took photos of the controversial (well because it’s illegal and doesn’t have a permit) sports complex that’s very close to Intramuros walls:

http://img131.imageshack.us/img131/3170/intra1og4.jpg

http://img107.imageshack.us/img107/4083/intra2iq2.jpg

http://img107.imageshack.us/img107/1995/intra3bs9.jpg

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/7003/intra4tc3.jpg

PHOTO COPYRIGHT. All photography copyrights are exclusively held and no photographs from this posting may be copied, reproduced, stored in any retrieval system, sold or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, or otherwise, without prior permission from the photographer.



Sports Complex adjacent to the wall of Intramuros

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

@wonderboy - After I have seen your latest photos I rethink my previous posting as below, why I thought the lumbers used in construction was removed. After seeing your photos I knew now that it was not removed. I have checked the wrong location which is a few meters on the north direction, owing I was misled by the big blue canvas covering the construction site .



http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s307/jaime_makabayan_2007/fort13.jpg



Quote from my previous posting :

There is no workers and no activity in the construction site, and it seems the many lumbers used in the construction were removed.

quite difficult to take photos in close range so I just crossed the street and take the photos.

[overtureph]

QUESTIONS OF POLICIES
Escolta in decay

By Honesto General
Inquirer
Last updated 02:47am (Mla time) 03/14/2007

The other day, I had to go to Manila to transact business with Malayan Insurance at Quintin Paredes Street in the Binondo district. As I usually do nowadays whenever I make my infrequent trips to Manila from Makati, I took a taxi. The traffic was unusually light and I arrived at Plaza Moraga half an hour before my mid-morning appointment. To kill time, I decided to take a stroll down memory lane by going through Escolta Street and swinging around to Dasmariñas Street.

I have fond memories of Escolta. From 1948 to 1951, I worked my way through mechanical engineering night school as a steno-typist at the office of the late senator Vicente Madrigal, the grandfather of Senator Jamby Madrigal. For his Senate staff, he rented a room in the Regina Building. Across the hallway, he ran Madrigal Shipping, then the world’s largest tramp steamship company.

After taking the board exams in 1951, my dean found me a job in the Insular Life-FGU Insurance Group, which was then part of the Ayala Group. The office was at the Filipinas Building, Plaza Moraga. This was supposed to be a temporary arrangement until an engineering job I was eyeing opened up. After six months as a fire insurance inspector, I was transferred to Training & Planning where I went through two years of intensive study and training. Insurance became my lifelong career.

In all, I spent 10 years working at Escolta. Often during lunch break, I thoroughly enjoyed window-shopping. I seldom bought anything. The goodies on display at the upscale stores -- Soriente Santos, H. Alonzo, Walkover Shoes, Levy Hermanos, Heacock’s, Berg’s and Botica Boie -- were out of my price range. I did my buying in the less expensive stores on Rizal Avenue.

At Dasmariñas were the large hardware stores. I still have the remnants of a screwdriver set I bought from a sidewalk vendor just outside Go Soc & Sy Gui Huat.

Lyric and Capitol were the high-class movie houses. Before World War II, my father treated me to my first trip to Manila. There were no air-conditioned movie houses in Naga City. So, my father took me to my first air-conditioned movie at Capitol.

Escolta was the banking and insurance hub. The head offices of Philippine National Bank and Rehabilitation Finance Corp. (later renamed Development Bank of the Philippines) Bank of the Philippine Islands, Citibank and Prudential were in the area. Almost all of the insurance companies, domestic and foreign, had their main offices in and around Escolta. The Insurance Commission was in Natividad Building.

From Spanish times, Escolta was the most expensive strip of real estate in the land. It is on Escolta where the country’s first multi-storied buildings rose.

My stroll down memory lane was a complete letdown. The glory and glitter are gone.

Escolta is in total decay. The banks and insurance companies have moved out. Capitol Theater is a shell. Where Lyric Theater used to be is now a school. The upscale stores are all gone. Berg’s is shuttered down. Dasmariñas is worse. It is a dump. The whole street needs a coat of paint.

About the only good thing left is you can still get a good Chinese meal in the area.

The Escolta decay can be traced directly to the spectacular rise of Makati and the shopping malls in the suburbs. But Escolta has to be rehabilitated. It is part of our history. Perhaps, the city government can set up a commission to study how to bring back Escolta’s old glory. Then, I will enjoy another stroll down memory lane.


http://business.inquirer.net/money/columns/view_article.php?article_id=54670

[ivanhenares]

Reply of Fr. Galende...

Dear Henares,
The second Monastery will be reconstructed, as approved by UNESCO, IA, NCCA and NM, on exactly the same "footprint" of the original building.
Thanks for your message and pls. circulate it around.

Fr. P. Galende

[Wonderboy]

^^ My father told me to read the morning paper for that article.

It's good that the business sector is also concerned about the deterioration of Escolta. And since the article is on the business section, let's keep our fingers crossed that it will be read by businessmen and government officials. It wouldn't hurt to stop dreaming of a rehabilitated Escolta in the near future.

-----

@Fr. Gallende, If you're reading this thread via weblink, we sincerely hope that the "reconstruction" will be faithful to the original. We will be more than happy to check out the blue print/ master plan of the proposed seminary.

[portludlow]

Former PTA heads demand Barbers’ resignation

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryID=70162
Two former heads of Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) on Thursday demanded the resignation of the agency's incumbent general manager Robert Dean Barbers for alleged corruption, DZMM reported.

The report said Angelito Banayo and Nixon Kua accused Barbers of approving the construction of a sports complex near the wall of historic Intramuros in Manila worth more than P80 million without consulting the PTA board.

Banayo said the project was awarded without undergoing the proper bidding process.

The former PTA officials added they fear that the construction might destroy the Intramuros wall.

"Dapat ibalik sa dating kalagayan ang hinukay na yan sapagkat may posibilidad na masira ang pader ng Intramuros…napakamakasaysayan ng pader ng Intramuros lalong lalo na yung portion na yun sapagkat sa likod lamang ng pader na yun doon kinulong si Jose Rizal (The excavated portion should be restored because there is a possibility that the Intramuros wall will be destroyed...the wall of Intramuros is very historical especially the part near the construction area because at the other side of that wall is the detention cell where Jose Rizal was held)," Banayo said.

Banayo and Kua called on Tourism Secretary Joseph Durano, being the PTA board chairman, to file a case against Barbers before the Presidential Anti-Graft Commission.

[Hawayano]

Reply of Fr. Galende...

Dear Henares,
The second Monastery will be reconstructed, as approved by UNESCO, IA, NCCA and NM, on exactly the same "footprint" of the original building.
Thanks for your message and pls. circulate it around.

Fr. P. Galende

^^ Sorry, I'm still not absolutely clear on this: although Father Galende says that the new structure is to be built in the same footprint, it is a glaring anachronism in its design. I can't imagine the Japanese, for example, building a grossly incongruous interpretation adjacent to their World Heritage Toshogu Shrine in Nikko (whose structures and surrounding grounds look as if you've been transported back to the 17th century).

If only the millions of Filipino Catholic parishoners could somehow support historic preservation and petition the Philippines' bishops to take action or face defection to the Protestants and Evangelicals.

[kyle@1008]

^^ well I guess this falls unto a debate,... most people don't know about this issue, some are apathetic, others don't care, some don't see anything wrong with it...I'm one of them.

But if anyone prefers to lodge a complaint,, it seems Fr. Gallende is going on with this. It might be best to send it to his superiors in the order. The Bishops by policy don't interfere with the internal affairs of religious orders....

or one can send a complaint here...



Pontifical Commission for the cultural heritage of the church ,a branch of the roman curia..


* Description: presiding over the guardianship of the historical and artistic patrimony of the entire Church (works of art, historical documents, books and everything kept in museums, libraries and archives); collaborating in the conservation of this patrimony with the individual Churches and their respective episcopal organizations; and promoting an ever greater awareness in the Church about these riches, in accordance with the Congregations for Catholic Education and for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments
* Mailing Address: Palazzo della Cancelleria Apostolica, 00186 Roma, Piazza della Cancelleria, 1
* Telephone: 06.69.88.75.17; 06.69.88.75.56
* Fax: 06.69.88.75.67

[Wonderboy]

I realized that instead of posting on the SSC heritage forum, I will create a new blog instead. It covers more users and outsiders can view and comment on the entries. Based on feedback from friends, colleagues, and fellow heritage conservationists, SSC with its nature being a forum, somehow "restricts" other people who doesn't want to register and simply view the entries and comment anonymously. Anyway, will probably start the new blog later next month. So fellow heritage folks, I will have to ask for your e-mail address so I can send the weblink. Will send a personal message a couple of weeks from now.

[ivanhenares]

Intramuros a warehouse?

By Gemma Cruz Araneta

LAST Tuesday, a good fifteen minutes before my radio program ("Krus na daan" DZRJ 810 khz) began, I decided to wait at the AM booth even if Nildo Pable was still winding up his bombastic news and public service program. He was lambasting Dean Barbers, general manager of the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) for constructing a sports complex shoulder to shoulder with the walls of Intramuros, in blatant violation of an existing law, PD 1616.

In his colorful style, Mr. Pable said that as far as he knew, Intramuros, in particular the Fort Santiago area, is not a bodega, as claimed by GM Dean Barbers who he must have interviewed by phone patch minutes before I entered the room. If it were a warehouse, he asked in the vernacular, why did he see a lot of "singkit" visiting the place? Mr. Pable was referring to Asian tourists who usually flock to view Rizal’s shrine at Fort Santiago. After his show, I confirmed that Intramuros is definitely not an abandoned warehouse; perhaps, it is a living bodega of history, but I was sure GM Barbers was not speaking figuratively. The PTA head, who defied the board of directors headed by the tourism secretary, was trying to justify his flagrant violation of the law.

Frankly, I did not expect someone like Nildo Pable to even care about Intramuros but I confess to being pleasantly surprised that GM Barber’s transgression provoked his rage and ire. That can only mean Intramuros is not just a historical landmark, it has, in fact, become iconic and emblematic despite the "historia negra" woven around it. That is hopeful because Nildo Pable’s radio listeners are definitely mass-based.

GM Barber’s arrogant defiance of the existing Philippine legislation is an unfortunate reminder that education in this republic has deteriorated and that there is no rule of law. To all appearances, constitutions, executive orders, presidential decrees, enabling acts, and other legislative devices which form the body of laws are not self-executory, which means that citizens, even if they are informed about the law feel that they can violate these with impunity until somehow constrained by ex-post facto judicial action. Aren’t responsible citizens (especially if they are government officials) supposed to obey the law even when no one is looking? What a shameful example, GM Barbers! No wonder the Philippines is perceived as the most corrupt country in Asia. (gemma601@yahoo.com)

[ivanhenares]

MANILA TIMES
Thursday, March 15, 2007

BIZZFIZZ
By Rene Martel
PTA’s illegal designs on Intramuros
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/mar/15/yehey/business/20070315bus13.html

JUST when one thought that the walled city of Intramuros was safe from invaders comes news of a planned bricks and mortar attack on the historic site, with the Philippine Tourism Authority—an entity whose existence is as much a curiosity as it is a complete waste of public money since it is nothing more than a secondary (and seriously under achieving) body to the Department of Tourism—at the forefront of the impending assault.

This time around the threat to the historic ramparts comes via a P85-million sports complex set to go up very close to the walls, supposedly a pet project of PTA general manager and CEO Robert Dean Barbers.

According to concerned citizens in cultural quarters, what is so brazen about this project is the whole illegality of it. Work commenced even though there was no building permit obtained from Manila City hall and, more alarmingly, despite an existing presidential degree (PD 1616, in case Barbers wondered) protecting Intramuros from such intrusions.

Furthermore, there is talk that the PTA board itself (surprise . . . surprise) had disapproved of the project. If that was the case it would have been sensible thinking on the part of the board since if the PTA had P85 million spare it would have been (just to give but one example) better spent on the Rice Terraces in Banawe—declared by Unesco as a World Heritage Site—where the tourism infrastructure at this popular worldwide attraction is in dire need of rehabilitation.

Anyway, back to Intramuros where the workmen who had got to work had to save their sweat and toil for another time when the Intramuros Administration, which has jurisdiction over the historic place, issued a stoppage order.

The worry in cultural quarters is that the stoppage order which was issued on March 5 is valid for only 15 days, during which time the boys of Barbers could against all the odds obtain the necessary permits and resume work on the allegedly illegal structure.

And a disturbing element here is that IA Administrator Dominador Ferrer doesn’t exactly have the best record when it comes to serving the best interests of Intramuros.

However, all is not lost and there is a measure of hope in this depressing scenario. Hard-working Tourism Secretary Ace Durano, who has shown to have a high sense of propriety, happens to be chairman of both the PTA and the IA. And word in café society is that he had a hand in the stoppage order.

So the hope is that Durano—who is busy dashing around the archipelago as campaign spokesman for the Team Unity senatorial ticket—will be kept abreast of what is going on (paging Undersecretary Edu Jarque!) and nothing illegal connected with the proposed sports complex would be sneaked in while he is otherwise engaged.

But, say the concerned citizens on the cultural front, complacency would be dangerous. So they are suggesting that if there are readers out there who have similar concerns about protecting the Walled City of Intramuros they should join in e-mailing their concerns to Secretary Durano jadurano@tourism.gov.ph

And while they are at it an e-mail to the chairman of the National Historical Institute Ambeth Ocampo at nhi@ideal-access.ph would also be useful.

By the way, there is also talk that NHI chairman Ocampo had sent a letter to the PTA to desist from putting up a sports complex at Intramuros but to no avail.

E-mail: bizzfizz_98@yahoo.com

[kyle@1008]

^^ Oh my, its still not over.... the idiocacy of it all..

[ivanhenares]

Below is Fr. Gellende's contact details:

Pedro G. Gallende, O.S.A.
San Agustin Museum
San Agustin Church, General Luna Street,
Intramuros, Manila 1002
Tel. Nos. 5274061/ 5266793/ 5266794
Telefax No. 5274060
E-mail samuseum@nsclub.net

His personal e-mail is pedrogalende@yahoo.com

If you do e-mail him, please be nice. If we start with a bitter tone, he may not listen to what we have to say even if we have a point. Remember that in this case, it's church property.

[ivanhenares]

Ex-PTA chiefs want Barbers sued for Intramuros project

FORMER Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) general managers Angelito Banayo and Nixon Kua yesterday asked Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano to bring charges against current PTA chief Robert Dean Barbers at the Office of the Ombudsman and the Presidential Anti-Graft Commission over the sports complex Barbers is building outside the walls of Intramuros.

Banayo and Kua said the construction is illegal and is putting the centuries-old walls of Intramuros in peril.

Historical and cultural conservationists are also raising hell over the sports complex for marring and endangering the historic walls.

"This is a clear violation of the law. It violates Presidential Decree No. 1616. It also endangers the centuries-old walls of Intramuros because it is being constructed so close to the walls," said Banayo.

PD 1616 provides that "no structure, including stone walls, fences, light or other fixtures, steps and paving shall be erected, altered, restored, moved or demolished within Intramuros without the Intramuros Administration’s Certificate of Appropriateness as to external architectural features and its congruity with the historic district, including style, general design and arrangement, types of windows, doors, light and other fixtures and signs, material and location of advertisements and bill posters."

The one-hectare lot where the construction is going on was a former part of the golf driving range of Club Intramuros located along Bonifacio Drive. The structure will be built a mere two meters distant from the historical walls. On the other side of the wall is the prison cell where Dr. Jose Rizal spent his last night before being executed in December 1896.

Banayo said Barbers pushed ahead with the construction without getting clearance from several offices. "He bypassed the Intramuros Administration, he bypassed the City of Manila, he even bypassed the Department of Tourism, which has control over PTA. He caught everyone by surprise, including us," he said. Banayo, who headed the agency from 1998 to 2000.

Kua said the Intramuros Administration (IA) had already disapproved the proposed project thrice but Barbers still went ahead with the construction. The IA approval is a prerequisite before the city government of Manila approves the construction.

"Despite IA board’s disapproval of the project in its May 4, 2006 meeting, Barbers pursued the project, which was not also approved by the PTA board. Worse, he ignored three notices of stoppage from IA," said Kua.

KuA said the project did not go through a proper bidding after it was transferred from its originally planned location in front of the Manila Bulletin building, also in Intramuros.

"The P24 million project was awarded to IA Bosque Construction in November 2005 without project approval from IA. From its original proposed site on Victoria St., Ravellin de Recolletos, Intramuros, Barbers moved the project site to the Intramuros driving range, still without the approval of the IA while the cost has already ballooned to P87 million on a "negotiated" price," Kua said.

"Charges should be filed at the Presidential Anti-Graft Commission and to the Ombudsman. We are asking Secretary Durano to do this. If not, we will be the ones to do it as concerned citizens. It is obvious! Hindi na dapat pag-isipan kung ano ang motibo nito kundi ang kumita," Banayo said.

The sports complex will reportedly include two floors, and courts for indoor basketball, badminton and tennis once completed.

No activity was monitored yesterday at the building site with workers and construction equipment just sitting around. – Gerard Anthony M. Naval

http://www.malaya.com.ph/mar15/metro2.htm

[marcintexas]

those conservationist developments in Manila are very encouraging. I was really disappointed when I walked through Intramuros with the sight of decaying historic buildings. I wish Atienza would repaint the Manila City Hall at least, I couldnt even bring myself to take a picture there, not to mention, the glue-sniffing people on the sidewalks, very scary place to be in.

[Pinoy_ako]

^^
It has been repainted white, although it looks more like it has been whitewashed due to the work's execution.

It now even sports the letterings "CITY HALL" / "ERECTED 1939" in metal(!!!), just like the nearby "UNIBERSIDAD DE MANILA", also in metal.

It would have been nice for neo-classic buildings for the letterings to be engraved on the walls themselves, just like the way it has been done with the Post Office and National Museum. Maybe because they are neo-classic buildings, MCMXXXIX would have been appropriate.

[portludlow]

Mabini Shrine falls to clearing job
By Rio N. Araja
http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=police1_mar13_2007
THE Metro Manila Development Authority is removing the shrine of the “Sublime Paralytic,” a national figure in the Philippine Revolution and the First Republic, to widen the river and reduce the flooding in the metropolis.

Baltazar Melgar, the officer-in-charge of the agency’s flood control unit, said the Mabini Shrine would be moved to another section of the Malacañang Park in Pandacan.

The historical spot is on a 200-sq m government property on the southern bank of the Pasig River near the Nagtahan Bridge, with a library and a museum showcasing artifacts and memorabilia on the life of Apolinario Mabini, who is also revered as the “Brains of the Revolution,” in the administration of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo.

National artist Juan Nakpil designed and restored the hero’s house, where he stayed after being captured by the American authorities in 1899, following the defeat of Aguinaldo’s forces in the continuing struggle for independence from one colonial rule to another.

Melgar said the shrine occupied a portion of the park that narrowed a section of the river, restricting the flow of water to the Manila Bay especially during the rainy season.

He stressed that widening the waterway would reduce the perennial inundation of Marikina City, San Juan and Quezon City by speeding up the downstream flow.

Hydrographic measurements on the Pasig River indicate that 535.58 cubic meters of water per second slows down to 247.80 cu m upon reaching the shrine, according to Melgar.

Landscape workers from MMDA are clearing up the premises, cutting the vegetation to relocate the Mabini house before June.

Melgar said the clearing operation had the approval of the National Historical Institute.

Meanwhile, two local government offices on Tramo Street near the Edsa flyover in Pasay City were removed by the agency’s wrecking crew to ease traffic congestion.

MMDA clearing operations group chief Roberto Esquivel said his staff removed the city hall’s traffic station and the police station, which jutted out to the road.

“Vehicles are parked in front of the offices... traffic violators keep on crossing the street to queue up to pay fines. Even the police parked there,” he told Standard Today.

Esquivel said the local city government and police were invited to a dialog.

“At first, there was resistance. So far, the demolition was fine... We will not only demolish illegal structures of lowly vendors, but also of government offices as well as large establishments.”

[ivanhenares]

^^ The MMDA cannot do that since the shrine was created by national law. I wonder if Ambeth gave his nod.

[overtureph]

http://rally65.multiply.com/journal/item/27

[ivanhenares]

Ex-tourism chiefs protest Intramuros construction
By Helen Flores
The Philippine Star 03/15/2007

Former Philippine Tourism Authority general managers yesterday called on Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano to file appropriate charges against incumbent PTA chief Robert Dean Barbers for the "illegal" construction of a sports complex within Intramuros.

In a joint statement, Lito Banayo and Nixon Kua said Barbers has authorized the construction of a sports complex in the driving range area of Intramuros even without the approval of the Intramuros Administration, PTA board. It also had no building permits from the city government, they said.

"We call on Secretary Ace Durano to file appropriate charges against Dean Barbers for violation of several laws. Records clearly show that Barbers acted without authority from IA and PTA board, of which Durano is a member," Banayo said.

Banayo cited Section 7 of Presidential Decree 1616 which states that: "No structure, including stone walls, fences, light or other fixtures, steps and paving shall be erected, altered, restored, moved, or demolished within Intramuros without the (Intramuros) Administration’s certificate of appropriateness as to external architectural features and its congruity with the historic district, including style, general design and arrangement, types of windows, doors, light and other fixtures and signs, material and location of advertisements and bill posters."

"Secretary Durano must not allow this illegal act of Barbers so unpunished. Barbers desecrated a historic heritage protected by our laws, violated national laws and local ordinances and ignored the disapproval of the project by the IA." Banayo said.

Durano told The STAR that he has ordered Barbers to stop the construction of the sports complex, saying the IA and the PTA board have not approved it.

"(The) Intramuros Administration disapproved that project as it does not comply with its requirements. PTA board never approved that project," Durano said.

"For these two reasons, I issued an order received by GM Barbers’ office in March 5 ordering GM Barbers to stop the construction. He has until March 26 to comply. In the meantime, (the) department (is) investigating the matter to determine proper action to take."

http://www.philstar.com/philstar/NEWS200703156307.htm

[ivanhenares]

Manila Times headline today...

Sunday, March 18, 2007
Ugly side of Tourism Authority revealed
By the case of a disapproved sports complex project that desecrates the Fort Santiago shrine
By Katrice R. Jalbuena

The walls of Intramuros and the hallowed, historic edifices within them—among the most beautiful reminders of the Philippine Spanish past—are being desecrated by an unauthorized and twice disapproved sport-complex project of the Philippine Tourism Authority.

Costing P25 million, the project touches the outside walls of the Fort Santiago Shrine (which has the Rizal Shrine within it), thus defacing a historical monument and possibly endangering the shrine’s structure.

The sports complex is being built—or was, because Department of Tourism Secretary Ace Durano has ordered a 15-day stoppage of construction—in Intramuros Administration-controlled land that used to be the driving range of Club Intramuros.

The man behind the project is no less than Robert Dean S. Barbers, PTA general manager.

Barbers, according to records of the Intramuros Administration of which Secretary Ace Durano is the chairman and Dominador C. Ferrer Jr. is the administrator, has persisted in building the sports complex despite its being disapproved in the May 4, 2006, meeting of the Intramuros Administration Board.

The project, according to people close to the problem, reveals an ugly side of the Philippine Tourism Authority.

In fact, other records The Times saw copies of, show that Barbers started the project in 2005 or earlier on the basis of a Memorandum of Agreement between the PTA and I. A. Bosque Construction Corp.

Dated November 29 and 30, 2005, Barbers approved the release of P3,709,852.32 to I.A. Bosque Construction, representing 15 percent of the “total contract cost of P24,732,358.77 and must have approved the disbursement voucher dated November 30, 2005.

Visible from the Fort Santiago wall facing the Bonifacio Drive and Del Pan Bridge, iron scaffoldings are in place, some of these touching the wall itself. Building materials and equipment, lie about.

However, the construction workers, actively at work in previous months, are now just lazing around or resting inside their makeshift shelters. For the work on the project has been halted. The workers are waiting orders from their supervisors to resume.

Asked why they have stopped working, they claim not to know. But they will tell you that the order to work again that they are waiting for will come from Barbers.

The reason for the stoppage is of course the command from the boss’ boss, Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano.

The construction is bereft of a building permit from the City of Manila, whose Mayor Joselito Atienza is also a member of the Intramuros Administration which has the power to approve or disapprove such projects as this.

The IA and the City of Manila would both not issue a building permit to this sports complex because it will deface and endanger the Fort Santiago Shrine.

It is also, according to the minutes of the May 4, 2006, IA board meeting, disapproved “for the reason that the proposed site has been designated as a special zone and prohibited area. . . .” Further, the design of the building is not in accordance with the architectural standards set by PD 1616 as the proposed structure is massive and the height is higher than the walls.”

“It is dismaying,” said a tour guide who takes clients to Fort Santiago every day. “If the sports complex is truly going to fill the area, it will cover a huge chunk of Intramuros’ walls from view. Even now, it detracts from the area’s historical significance. The groups of foreign tourists I will be leading to Fort Santiago will ask—instead of the romance and the history of this sacred place—what that ugly construction is.”

According to several other tour guides, who spoke on condition of anonymity—the site was prepared for construction sometime in December last year. Not only is the site a distraction to the tourists, but also an embarrassment.

There have been several incidents when construction workers heckled and shouted catcalls at some of the tourist.

However, the biggest concern of Intramuros Administration officers is the sport complex’s proximity to walls. This poses an immediate danger to the walls themselves.

“All it would take is one little accident and irreparable damage would be done to the walls,” Marietta V. Allaga, the Urban Planning and Community Development Division head of IA. “That is why we would never approve such a project.”

Intramuros is under the jurisdiction of the IA. By virtue of Presidential Decree 1616, the IA was created for the purpose of restoring and administrating the development of Intramuros. Any construction to be done in the environs of Intramuros requires an IA building permit, which is also approved by the City of Manila.

According to Allaga, who monitored with alarm the growth of the project since last year, after alerting the IA Administrator, he took the matter up with Durano and the secretary issued a stoppage order dated March 5, 2007. The stoppage order is for 15 days. This means the project can resume by next Wednesday.

“The IA did not issue a construction permit,” said Allaga. “There should not be a structure in that area.”

Allaga declined to comment on what would happen after the 15 days were up.

“We have no record of a building permit or an application for a building permit for a construction site outside the walls of Fort Santiago,” City of Manila Building Officer Engineer Saturnino Disu.

According to Disu, the area in and around Intramuros falls under the jurisdiction of the IA and building permits would be required to be issued by the IA for any construction projects in the area. The IA along with a city engineer would inspect and approve the project.

“The building permit would be issued by the IA,” continued Engineer Disu. “But the permit would still pass through my City division for me to affix my signature.”

According to Engineer Disu, it would be unlikely for the IA or even the City Building office to issue a building permit for a site such as this sports complex that is practically leaning on the walls of Intramuros’ Fort Santiago.

“It is a historical site,” said Disu. “It is too close to a historical site. That is not permitted.”

It is unclear as to how the construction was allowed to even begin—since it is illegal.

Not only was the site deemed to be possibly destructive to a valuable historical site; the project also did not even go through the proper channels and procedures.

For now, the IA and the City of Manila Building Division are in agreement that construction of this sports complex project of Barbers in the area is illegal—for lack of the proper papers and for being in an area in which construction should be prohibited.

In the meantime, the stoppage order is in effect over the area.

The staff of Durano told The Times that the notice of the stoppage order has been delivered to the PTA and to Barbers. In the 15 days that the stoppage is in effect, Barbers will be given an opportunity to explain the project and may attempt to procure a building permit to continue the structure—if the permit is granted.

Barbers has refused our request for an interview and give him a chance to explain.

Though Durano was able—in his capacity as DOT secretary and chairman of both the IA and the PTA—to put a stop to the construction for now, he was unavailable to comment on the future of the proposed sports complex or how it was that the project was even allowed to get underway without following the proper procedures.

This reporter tried several times to contact the secretary and was unsuccessful and informed by the staff that the secretary was busy.

Durano is the spokesman of the proadministration Team Unity Senate slate.

http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/mar/18/yehey/top_stories/20070318top1.html

[ivanhenares]

Manila Times, Sunday, March 18, 2007

Former PTA heads want Gen. Mgr. Barbers charged
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/mar/18/yehey/top_stories/20070318top2.html

On March 14, two former general managers of the Philippine Tourism Authority, Lito Banayo and Nixon Kua, called on Tourism Secretary Joseph “Ace” Durano to file charges against incumbent PTA general manager Robert Dean Barbers for the illegal construction of a sports complex within Intramuros.

Banayo and Kua issued a joint statement informing the public that Barbers had authorized the construction of a sports complex in the driving range area without the approval of the Intramuros Administration.

They also disclosed that Barbers had not even informed the PTA board of the project and that he did not secure any building permits from either the IA or the City of Manila.

“We call on Secretary Ace Durano to file appropriate charges against Dean Barbers for violation of several laws. Records clearly show that Barbers acted without authority from IA and PTA Board, of which Durano is a member,” Banayo said.

Banayo quoted Section 7 of PD 1616 that states: “No structure, including stone walls, fences, light and other fixtures, steps and paving shall be erected, altered, restored, moved, or demolished within the Intramuros area without the [Intramuros] administration’s certificate of appropriateness as to external architectural features and its congruity with the historic district, including style, general design and arrangement, types of windows, doors, light and other fixtures and signs, material and location of advertisements and bill posters.”

“Secretary Durano must not allow this illegal act of Barbers go unpunished. Barbers desecrated a historic protected by our laws, violated national laws and local ordinances and ignored the disapproval of the project by the IA, where Durano is a board member,” Banayo said.

Kua said he had discovered that discussions on the project started in October 2005. The P24-million project was awarded to I. A. Bosque Construction in November 2005 without the project approval from IA.

He said the project was originally proposed to be built Victoria Street, Ravellin de Recolletos in the main Intramuros area.

Barbers moved the project site to the Intramuros driving range, behind Fort Santiago still without the approval of the IA.

“Despite IA board’s disapproval of the project in its May 4, 2006, meeting, Barbers pursued the project, which was not also approved by the PTA board. Worse, he ignored three notices of stoppage from IA,” Kua added.

The PTA on Barbers’ initiatives approved and released of P3.7 million, representing 15 percent of project cost, to I. A. Bosque Construction as early as November 2005, Kua said.

[ivanhenares]

Manila Times, Sunday, March 18, 2007

What is behind Barbers’ insistence on this project?
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/mar/18/yehey/top_stories/20070318top4.html

Observers are wondering what is behind PTA General Manager Barbers’ insistence on building this sports complex.

But no one can give an answer. He has avoided being questioned on the subject.

The Times learned from the Intramuros Administration’s Urban Planning and Community Development Division head, Marietta V. Allaga, that her office and other sections of the IA had been telling people in the Philippine Tourism Authority that their Sport Complex was unauthorized, disapproved and illegal.

The latest correspondence seen by The Times on the sports complex are dated February 13, February 21 and February 26.

The February 13, 2007, me-morandum is from Allaga to IA Administrator Ferrer.

Titled “Construction of Sports Complex by PTA at the Gold Course Grounds,” the memorandum informs the IA administrator “that the ongoing construction of sports complex by PTA without permit from Intramuros Authority is already 15 percent completed. We have already issued the first and second notices of violation and stoppage but PTA continues to ignore the same.

“In view of this may we suggest that this matter be elevated to the secretary for his information and further instructions.” Allaga submitted photographs.

On February 21 Allaga again memoed her boss, the IA administrator. She reported that with Undersecretary for Special Concerns of the DOT Phineas A. Alburo, she had inspected the sport complex site and saw all its violations of the rules.

She reiterated the PTA’s refusal to heed IA exhortations.

Her points were directly sent to Secretary Durano by Undersecretary Alburo in a memo also dated February 21.

Alburo said, the sports complex “fronting Bonifacio Drive” was “about 20 percent done.”

He noted that IA had not issued permits to PTA since the project is beside and will “cover the wall.” He also wrote that “a concrete fence has also been erected contrary to existing policies of IA.”

He reported that “No building permit from City Hall was shown by the contractor when demanded by IA officials.”

He noted that “Construction continued in spite of three notices of stoppage issued and served by IA” and that “to date, PTA has refused to recognize the authority of IA under PD 1616.”

The undersecretary recommended, “that PTA be made to explain their continued refusal to stop their illegal construction and to impose sanctions on them when necessary.”

Then on February 26, Ferrer finally sent Durano a memo attaching the memo from Allaga and a copy of the IA board meeting minutes disapproving the PTA’s sports complex project.

Until now, however, no word has been heard from Barbers.

[ivanhenares]

NEW HCS WEBSITE IS ONLINE
Check out the new HCS website at http://www.heritage.org.ph

* * *

NEWS FROM OUR FRIENDS

1. "Quiapo: Heart of Manila" book launch on March 24
http://www.heritage.org.ph/news.php?id=5

The City of Manila, Metropolitan Museum of Manila, Department of Sociology and Anthropology of the Ateneo de Manila University, Architectural Archives and And Samahan ng Puso ng Maynila cordially invite you to Mabuhay ang Quiapo! Ipagdiwang ang Pamana! on March 24, 2007.

4:30 p.m. - Revitalizing Quiapo Photo Exhibit, Arsenio Lacson Underpass
5:00 p.m. - Juan Nakpil: National Artist for Architecture Exhibit, Bahay Nakpil-Bautista, Calle A. Bautista (formerly Barbosa); and Walking Tour of Quiapo landmarks on the way to San Sebastian
5:45 p.m. - Quiapo: Heart of Manila Book Launching, Calle San Sebastian (behind San Sebastian Basilica)

RSVP - Rose 5211517, 5230613; Bernie (Ateneo) 4265990


2. Winners of the 1st Honny Awards for Architectural Criticism announced
http://www.heritage.org.ph/news.php?id=4

The History, Theory and Criticism Studio Laboratory of the UP College of Architecture (UPCA), the UP Office for Initiatives in Culture and the Arts, and the UP Architecture Forum student organization launched the first Honrado R. Fernandez Competition for Architectural Criticism, a month-long essay competition analyzing any aspect of the designed environment. The competition ran from December 2006 to January 2007, and was culminated in an Awarding Ceremony last March 12, as an offering of the National Symposium on Filipino Architecture and Design (NSFAD) and the Haraya 2007, the College of Architecture's week-long celebration of student works.

The university-wide essay competition was named in honor of the late architect Honrado "Honny" Fernandez, UPCA's third dean and a known pioneer in the field of Architectural Criticism. Dean Honny (as he was popularly known in academic circles) in his day, lobbied to recognize Architectural Criticism as art worthy of study and evaluation. Fernandez was also director the Philippine High School for the Arts in Makiling, Laguna. He passed away in 2005 at the age of 55.

Six students from were selected as finalists for this year's Awards. They were Geronimo Cristobal, Jr. and Ma. Emmanuelle Nicola Berbano from the College of Arts and Letters, Christian Immanuel Cruz, Guillermo Lorenzo Fuertes, Francis Lanuza and David Samuel Ty from the College of Architecture. Their entries were judged by a select body that included Gemma Cruz-Araneta of the Heritage Conservation Society, Dr. Patrick Flores of the National Museum, Paulo Alcazaren of BluPrint Magazine, and Arch. Froilan Hong of the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP).

Among the six, four were selected as awardees of this year's competition. Tied in third place were Berbano (Where the Sidewalk Ends: An Essay on Why it Shouldn't, a critique of Manila's sidewalk system) and Fuertes (Crass and Class, a piece on the Highway 54 commercial complex in Shaw Boulevard). Second place went to Lanuza for his piece Pearls from Ashes (an evaluation of the Gawad Kalinga housing project). Ty garnered the top prize for his critique on Filipino housing entitled "Hardin ng Rosas: From Filipino House to Filipino Housing". All four received a cash prize, a gift pack from BluPrint and collector's edition trophies donated by the Fernandez Family (replicas of the late Fernandez' sculptures). The four were also offered summer internships courtesy of BluPrint magazine, which will publish their works in a special feature section.

The winning essays can be downloaded from the HCS website.

Send news and updates, articles, photos, press releases and annoucements related to heritage conservation and Philippine built heritage resources to ivanhenares@heritage.org.ph

* * *

DOWNLOAD THE LATEST VERSION OF THE HERITAGE BILL
Senate Committee Report No. 297
http://www.geocities.com/heritageconservationsociety/files/scr297.pdf


* * *

NEW HCS E-MAIL ADDRESS
The Heritage Conservation Society (HCS) has a new e-mail address.You can reach us at info@heritage.org.ph

* * *

MEMBERS' BLOGS
Ivan About Town http://ivanhenares.blogspot.com
HCS Database of Philippine Built Heritage Resources http://heritageconservation.wordpress.com
HCS Database of Heritage Articles & Columns http://preservephilippineheritage.blogs.friendster.com
Old Manila Walks (Ivan ManDy) http://oldmanilawalks.blogspot.com
Essays on Filipino Identity (Butch Zialcita) http://www.dsa-ateneo.net/fzialcita

* * *

MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL AND APPLICATION
HCS is reminding all its old members to renew their annual membership with the organization. We are also inviting all interested individuals, institutions and corporations to become registered members of the HCS.

Corporate Patron (PHP50,000.00)
Individual Patron (PHP10,000.00)
Executive (PHP5,000.00)
Individual (PHP1,000.00)
Associate - below the age of 30 (PHP500.00)
Academic - undergraduate student (PHP100.00)

Please issue check payments to HERITAGE CONSERVATION SOCIETY. Cash payments could be deposited to HCS Current Account: 8105-8153-61, BPI-M H del Pilar Branch. Please send to Heritage Conservation Society, Museo Pambata Compound, Roxas Boulevard, Ermita, Manila or Fax to 522-2497 or e-mail to info@heritage.org.ph

* * *

ABOUT THE HCS
The HCS is a non-stock, non-profit organization advocating the protection and preservation of our built heritage, cultural and historical sites and settings, thus upholding the Philippine Constitution that heritage and culture should be developed and preserved for national identity.

VISION
A Filipino society that values and preserves its cultural heritage in order to instill pride of place and strengthen Philippine national identity.

MISSION
The HCS will be the prime mover and advocate for the preservation of Philippine built heritage resources in order to contribute towards the establishment of a Society that preserves and values its cultural heritage through advocacy and volunteerism, project implementation, education and information.

WHY CONSERVE HERITAGE?
The HCS affirms that an efficient 21st century lifestyle can take place in the same urban and architectural envelope created by earlier generations. Built heritage can be recycled for contemporary, adaptive re-use, thereby preserving the cultural charm and traditional character of our cities and towns. Heritage conservation enhances progress and modernization: from urban revitalization and community housing, to the revival of traditional crafts and the stimulation of entrepreneurial activities. It awakens our "pride of place," arousing cultural and historical awareness, which often advances cultural tourism.

Heritage Conservation Society
G/F Museo Pambata Building
Roxas Boulevard, Ermita
Manila, Philippines
Tel. +632 521 2239
Fax. +632 522 2497

[ivanhenares]

Toti Villalon is back!!!


PRIDE OF PLACE
Monumental legacy
By Augusto Villalon
Inquirer
Last updated 00:30am (Mla time) 03/19/2007

MANILA, Philippines - The Manila Polo Club in Makati, a heritage structure completed in 1950 by National Artist Pablo Antonio, was recently bestowed a marker by the Architectural Legacy of Philippine National Artists.

During the simple recognition ceremonies, architect Pablo Antonio Jr., representing the late National Artist's family, expressed his "profound gratitude to the officers and management of the Manila Polo Club for their tireless efforts in preserving this club."

Antonio Jr. echoed the rationale for the Architectural Legacy of Philippine National Artists program that seeks to recognize the unappreciated excellence of Philippine architecture while demonstrating that heritage structures built over 50 years ago deserve to continue living, to be reused and updated to render them more relevant to today's way of life, and that the original architectural design and character of the building should be maintained.

In recognition of greatness in Philippine architecture, four institutions are collaborating in the Architectural Legacy of Philippine National Artists program that documents the work of outstanding architects Juan Nakpil, Pablo Antonio, Leandro Locsin and Ildefonso Santos.

As a first phase of the program, commemorative markers are in the process of being installed in 12 surviving works of the National Artists for Architecture although full documentation has been completed for all National Artists' works.

The participating national institutions are the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

In the spirit of professional cooperation, the United Architects of the Philippines, together with the Philippine Institute of Architects, conceptualized the Philippine Architectural Archives Program, the basis of the present Architectural Legacy program.

Boysen Paints is the project's construction industry partner.

Nakpil, Antonio

Among the initial 12 structures are Quezon Institute in Quezon City (1938), Quezon Hall at UP Diliman (1950) and San Carlos Seminary in Makati (1953) by Juan Nakpil.

Juan Felipe Nakpil (1899-1986) was born in Quiapo, Manila. Son of musician Julio Nakpil (composer of Katipunan hymns) and Gregoria de Jesus (widow of Andres Bonifacio), he obtained his Diploma in Architecture from the Fontainebleau School of Fine Arts in Paris and received his Master in Architecture degree from Harvard University. He founded the Philippine Architects Society in 1933 and is considered the Dean of Filipino Architects.

He was the first architect named National Artist in 1973 "for his outstanding talents and services in creating edifices, both private and public, that are conceptually well-designed and conscientiously executed."

Works by Pablo Antonio to receive markers are the Far Eastern University campus in Manila (1938-50), White Cross Sanatorium in San Juan (1938) and the Manila Polo Club in Makati (1950).

Born in Binondo, Manila, Pablo Sebero Antonio (1902-75) began his architectural studies at Mapua Institute of Technology and completed his degree at University of London in 1927.

Clean lines, plain surfaces and bold rectangular masses characterize Antonio's buildings, a radical departure from the traditionalist and academic style of the period leading to his reputation as the foremost modernist architect of his time.

He was the second architect bestowed National Artist status (1976) "for his unique creations and distinct contribution to Philippine architecture and to the developing culture of the nation."

Leandro Locsin is honored for the Church of the Holy Sacrifice at UP Diliman (1955), the Church of Saint Andrew in Makati (1968) and the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City (1975).

Locsin, Santos

Leandro Valencia Locsin (1928-95), born in Silay, Negros Occidental, in 1928, completed his architecture studies at University of Santo Tomas in Manila.

As seen in his Cultural Center of the Philippines and Philippine International Convention Center, Locsin floats architectural volumes that capture the visual lightness characteristic of Philippine architecture.

His significant contributions in the search of Philippine identity in design led to his being proclaimed National Artist in 1990 in acknowledgement of "his triumph in combining in a forceful and dramatic fashion the precision of engineering technology with the principles of aesthetics."

Among the achievements of Ildefonso Santos awarded commemorative markers are the landscape architecture of Paco Park (1963) and "Martyrdom of Jose Rizal" at Rizal Park (1989).

Santos (1929- ) was born in Malabon, Rizal, holds a BA in Architecture from University of Santo Tomas and University of Southern California.

He established the Philippine Association of Landscape Architects and headed the graduate program of tropical landscape architecture at University of the Philippines. He was elevated to National Artist in 2006 for his "work in the development of landscape architecture in the Philippines."

The Architectural Legacy program is a commendable first step in establishing the public awareness that heritage buildings are to be respected and should remain in use since they definitely serve a need in our contemporary lifestyle.

Pushing aside the stereotype that to be considered heritage a structure must date to the Spanish colonial era, this program expands the idea of heritage to rightfully include more recent structures dating from the American colonial period, ranging through the early days of Philippine Independence, and all the way to the late 1970s.

Sadly, the commemorative plaques do not guarantee preservation of the buildings.

Feedback is welcome at pride.place@gmail.com

http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/lifestyle/lifestyle/view_article.php?article_id=55602

[ivanhenares]

RANDOM JOTTINGS: God and mammon join hands at Intramuros
by Rene Martel
Manila Times, 19 March 2007

GOSH…is nothing sacred? And hear this…the person planning to perpetuate the act of near sacrilege is no less than a gentleman of the cloth!

We are talking of the famed Father Blanco’s Garden nestled within the historic Walled City of Intramuros, a botanical entity that once was the definitive depository for Philippine flora but today, even in its sadly neglected state, is revered – and visited by legions of visitors from home and abroad – because of its link with the nation’s history and heritage.

But now comes Father Pedro Galende, director of the museum at the equally historic San Agustin Church set within Intramuros as well, with plans to dig up and clear out whatever remains of Father Blanco’s Garden to make way for a concrete edifice intended as a seminary.

Which is a great leap of faith on the part of the good Father Galende and the rest of the Order of Saint Agustine friars since all the signals coming out of the Catholic Church point to a serious and worrying decline in the number of people entering the priesthood.

Apparently the OSA had long held plans to construct a seminary/annex to the museum behind their cloisters in Intramuros, on the site of the former Agustinian Dormitories destroyed in the Battle of Manila back in 1945.

Over the past decade several plans were drawn up and scale models made. But, considering the storm such a plan would cause on the cultural and archeological fronts, it’s hardly surprising that matters never progressed beyond the blueprint stage.

Besides, as concerned people with their fingers very much on the pulse of history pointed out to us, before thinking about a seminary, Father Galende and his fellow friars should concentrate their energies (and funds) on first repairing the crumbling bathrooms and rooms of the original museum and rebuild the bell tower (which was destroyed in the earthquake of 1883) before venturing into the construction business.

Alarmingly, it was a tip-off from San Agustin employees that set alarm bells ringing in heritage and history quarters. And it would appear that work was on the way since the gardener employed at Father Blanco’s Garden had been laid off (a dead giveaway of the OSA’s covert plans) and the majestic trees marked for cutting.

Though we guess that being God fearing and law abiding folk, a Department of Environment and Natural Resources permit will first be obtained before the chain-saw gangs get to work. And while they are it, the written approval of the National Historic Institute as well.

Incidentally, should the planned two-storey L-shaped (now raising hell?) structure go up it will play havoc with the enlightening spiel of the tour guides who take visitors to that part of Intramurous since it will virtually obliterate the American Colonial period segment of the tour. But anyone harboring impure thoughts that the Spanish friars came up with the plan for a seminary on that site to remove any vestiges within Intramuros of American rule should promptly say a couple of Hail Marys!

The plan for a seminary within hemmed in Intramuros is somewhat strange considering that the San Agustin Order has vast expanses of land in the province where the air is fresh and the surroundings green. In fact the perfect ambience for religious contemplation.

The news of Father Blanco’s Garden being replaced with Father Galende’s seminary comes on the heels of equally distressing news that the Philippine Tourism Authority general manager and CEO Robert Dean Barbers had started work on a P85 million sports complex by the perimeter wall of Intramuros.

And work there allegedly commenced without permits or approval from the relevant authorities, and with brazen disregard for Presidential Decree 1616 which was put in place to protect Intramuros from just such intrusions.

But kudos to Tourism Secretary Ace Durano who – in his pivotal role as chairman of both the PTA and the Intramuros Administration – put a temporary stoppage to the supposedly illegal structure.

With the latest alarming developments in Intramuros it appears that God and Mammon have finally found common ground. (rjottings@yahoo.com)

[ivanhenares]

DOWNLOAD MEMO OF SEC. DURANO TO GM BARBERS
Re: Construction of a PTA Sports Complex in Intramuros
http://www.geocities.com/heritageconservationsociety/files/duranomemo.pdf

[ivanhenares]

Ace and Dean
‘All these offices were created during the martial law era, when Ferdinand Marcos entrusted Smiling Joe Aspiras with the sunshine industry that was tourism.’
By Lito Banayo
Malaya, March 17, 2007
http://www.malaya.com.ph/mar17/edbanayo.htm

The government’s tourism support system is headed by Joseph Ace Durano. As Secretary of Tourism, he is the ex-oficio chair of the Philippine Tourism Authority. Likewise the Intramuros Administration. All these offices were created during the martial law era, when Ferdinand Marcos entrusted Smiling Joe Aspiras with the sunshine industry that was tourism.

The Intramuros Administration was created through PD 1616, which also spelled out strict rules on how the Walled City was to be preserved, adapted for tourism, and enhanced. The decree as well as the implementing rules and regulations state clearly that no structure could be erected that would cover the walls from full public view. Thus, when PTA took over the Muni Golf Links and converted it into the Intramuros Golf Club during FVR’s time, it made sure all the plans were first approved by the Intramuros Administration, as the decree requires. Even the iron grill fences are a specific stipulation. One cannot fence off Intramuros from the surrounding streets, except with see-through iron grilles.

Now comes Robert Dean Barbers, general manager and self-proclaimed CEO (every predecessor of his in the past was just content with the GM title, knowing that superfluity was both oxymoronic and pompous) of the Philippine Tourism Authority, with a multi-million project called the Intramuros Sports Complex. He had the plans drawn, approved the funding unilaterally without even seeking approval by the presidentially-appointed Board of Directors of the Authority, and in late 2005, issued a notice to proceed construction in favor of a Lucena City-based firm, I. A. Bosque Construction. The site was supposed to be the old tennis court and its peripheral areas, in what is known as the Revellin de Recoletos, at the corner of Victoria and Muralla, facing City Hall and the Bulletin.

Intramuros Administration, the guardian of the Muralla and the entire area known as the Walled City, disapproved the plans. In a meeting attended by the representatives of the Secretary of Tourism, its ex-oficio chair, the Mayor of Manila, the National Historical Institute, among others, the PTA sports complex was roundly disapproved. So, Robert Dean Barbers asked his engineers to circumvent the IA disapproval, and chose to put up his super-structure on "better" ground – the driving range of the golf course located at the north end of Intramuros. But right beside this baluarte is Fort Santiago, and the carcel in which Jose Rizal wrote the immortal "Ultimo Adios". And, with the new site came increased funding, to the tune, insiders from DOT tell us, of 87 million pesos.

Beside this baluarte, his I. A. Bosque contractor dug footings for steel and concrete posts less than two meters from the base of the historic walls. The same contractor already put up concrete fencing, tearing down the iron grilles, and proceeded to emblazon each section with the PTA logo on stainless steel sheeting, and in extremely poor taste, the name of Robert Dean S. Barbers proclaiming himself as territorial master of the premises.

Presidential Decree 1616 was willfully violated. The National Building Code was violated. No permit was granted by the City of Manila. The written and express objections of the Intramuros Administration were wantonly disregarded. Worst of all, an ipso facto violation of both the Corporation Law and government administrative and auditing procedures was committed. The general manager and self-proclaimed CEO of the Authority did not even calendar his mega-project for deliberation by the Board of which he is the vice-chair. The Chair, Secretary Joseph Ace Durano, was totally unaware until someone told him something rotten was being implemented right under his nose, by someone whose office was two floors on top of his. Some insiders say he learned about the project only from Malaya, courtesy of our colleague Bambi Harper, the well-known conservationist. Four days after, he issued a stop order to his PTA chief, but gave him 15 days to stop. Mirabile et merveilleuse!

I myself learned about the project from Ms. Harper’s column, which came out only last week. I got in touch with my immediate successor at PTA, Nixon Kua, and asked him if he had heard of the sports complex. Nada. Whenever we passed by the site, which is at the foot of Del Pan Bridge, temporary fencing shielded off the area, and one would think they were perhaps fixing the greens. Little did anyone notice that the historic walls were being "raped" by this Bosque under the express orders of a Barbers.

Under my watch, and I presume under my predecessors, no project moved until it was discussed and approved by the Board of Directors. In fact, I nominated to the Board no less than the Executive Director of the Philippine Convention and Visitors Commission (PCVC), Danilo Corpuz, and the Duty Free general manager, Faustino Salud, who along with the chairperson, DOT Secretary Gemma Cruz Araneta, were all part of the tourism family. And President Joseph Estrada concurred by appointing them to the five-man board of which Secretary Araneta and I, by virtue of our positions, were automatic members of a five-man board.

But under this self-proclaimed CEO, the Board is willfully disregarded, and meetings are few and far between. Projects are implemented without board approval, and his secretary, Ace Durano, seemed blissfully unaware of goings-on in the same building.

Well, Joseph Ace is now concurrently the spokesman of Team Unity, President Arroyo’s team of senatorial hopefuls. The Philippines has just been conferred the "encomium" of being Asia’s most corrupt by almost 1,500 CEO’s of multinational firms operating in the region. And it is Joseph Ace’s unenviable task to defend his team, and his administration, from charges of corruption most grand.

Start right in your territory, Mr. Secretary, Ace my friend. Ask Malacañang to suspend your Dean as CEO of the PTA while he faces criminal and administrative charges filed by you as head of the Department, for all the violations of law and procedure I have summarized in this article.

I know, and the entire tourism department which holds you in esteem knows, that you had nothing to do with this anomaly. But it is incumbent upon you to protect the government, and the tax-paying public it claims to serve, to take immediate action. Prove you have both sincerity and the guts to implement that sincerity.

[Animo]

By the case of a disapproved sports complex project that desecrates the Fort Santiago shrine

By Katrice R. Jalbuena

The walls of Intramuros and the hallowed, historic edifices within them—among the most beautiful reminders of the Philippine Spanish past—are being desecrated by an unauthorized and twice disapproved sport-complex project of the Philippine Tourism Authority.

Costing P25 million, the project touches the outside walls of the Fort Santiago Shrine (which has the Rizal Shrine within it), thus defacing a historical monument and possibly endangering the shrine’s structure.

The sports complex is being built—or was, because Department of Tourism Secretary Ace Durano has ordered a 15-day stoppage of construction—in Intramuros Administration-controlled land that used to be the driving range of Club Intramuros.

The man behind the project is no less than Robert Dean S. Barbers, PTA general manager.

Barbers, according to records of the Intramuros Administration of which Secretary Ace Durano is the chairman and Dominador C. Ferrer Jr. is the administrator, has persisted in building the sports complex despite its being disapproved in the May 4, 2006, meeting of the Intramuros Administration Board.

The project, according to people close to the problem, reveals an ugly side of the Philippine Tourism Authority.

In fact, other records The Times saw copies of, show that Barbers started the project in 2005 or earlier on the basis of a Memorandum of Agreement between the PTA and I. A. Bosque Construction Corp.

Dated November 29 and 30, 2005, Barbers approved the release of P3,709,852.32 to I.A. Bosque Construction, representing 15 percent of the “total contract cost of P24,732,358.77 and must have approved the disbursement voucher dated November 30, 2005.

Visible from the Fort Santiago wall facing the Bonifacio Drive and Del Pan Bridge, iron scaffoldings are in place, some of these touching the wall itself. Building materials and equipment, lie about.

However, the construction workers, actively at work in previous months, are now just lazing around or resting inside their makeshift shelters. For the work on the project has been halted. The workers are waiting orders from their supervisors to resume.

Asked why they have stopped working, they claim not to know. But they will tell you that the order to work again that they are waiting for will come from Barbers.

The reason for the stoppage is of course the command from the boss’ boss, Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano.

The construction is bereft of a building permit from the City of Manila, whose Mayor Joselito Atienza is also a member of the Intramuros Administration which has the power to approve or disapprove such projects as this.

The IA and the City of Manila would both not issue a building permit to this sports complex because it will deface and endanger the Fort Santiago Shrine.

It is also, according to the minutes of the May 4, 2006, IA board meeting, disapproved “for the reason that the proposed site has been designated as a special zone and prohibited area. . . .” Further, the design of the building is not in accordance with the architectural standards set by PD 1616 as the proposed structure is massive and the height is higher than the walls.”

“It is dismaying,” said a tour guide who takes clients to Fort Santiago every day. “If the sports complex is truly going to fill the area, it will cover a huge chunk of Intramuros’ walls from view. Even now, it detracts from the area’s historical significance. The groups of foreign tourists I will be leading to Fort Santiago will ask—instead of the romance and the history of this sacred place—what that ugly construction is.”

According to several other tour guides, who spoke on condition of anonymity—the site was prepared for construction sometime in December last year. Not only is the site a distraction to the tourists, but also an embarrassment.

There have been several incidents when construction workers heckled and shouted catcalls at some of the tourist.

However, the biggest concern of Intramuros Administration officers is the sport complex’s proximity to walls. This poses an immediate danger to the walls themselves.

“All it would take is one little accident and irreparable damage would be done to the walls,” Marietta V. Allaga, the Urban Planning and Community Development Division head of IA. “That is why we would never approve such a project.”

Intramuros is under the jurisdiction of the IA. By virtue of Presidential Decree 1616, the IA was created for the purpose of restoring and administrating the development of Intramuros. Any construction to be done in the environs of Intramuros requires an IA building permit, which is also approved by the City of Manila.

According to Allaga, who monitored with alarm the growth of the project since last year, after alerting the IA Administrator, he took the matter up with Durano and the secretary issued a stoppage order dated March 5, 2007. The stoppage order is for 15 days. This means the project can resume by next Wednesday.

“The IA did not issue a construction permit,” said Allaga. “There should not be a structure in that area.”

Allaga declined to comment on what would happen after the 15 days were up.

“We have no record of a building permit or an application for a building permit for a construction site outside the walls of Fort Santiago,” City of Manila Building Officer Engineer Saturnino Disu.

According to Disu, the area in and around Intramuros falls under the jurisdiction of the IA and building permits would be required to be issued by the IA for any construction projects in the area. The IA along with a city engineer would inspect and approve the project.

“The building permit would be issued by the IA,” continued Engineer Disu. “But the permit would still pass through my City division for me to affix my signature.”

According to Engineer Disu, it would be unlikely for the IA or even the City Building office to issue a building permit for a site such as this sports complex that is practically leaning on the walls of Intramuros’ Fort Santiago.

“It is a historical site,” said Disu. “It is too close to a historical site. That is not permitted.”

It is unclear as to how the construction was allowed to even begin—since it is illegal.

Not only was the site deemed to be possibly destructive to a valuable historical site; the project also did not even go through the proper channels and procedures.

For now, the IA and the City of Manila Building Division are in agreement that construction of this sports complex project of Barbers in the area is illegal—for lack of the proper papers and for being in an area in which construction should be prohibited.

In the meantime, the stoppage order is in effect over the area.

The staff of Durano told The Times that the notice of the stoppage order has been delivered to the PTA and to Barbers. In the 15 days that the stoppage is in effect, Barbers will be given an opportunity to explain the project and may attempt to procure a building permit to continue the structure—if the permit is granted.

Barbers has refused our request for an interview and give him a chance to explain.

Though Durano was able—in his capacity as DOT secretary and chairman of both the IA and the PTA—to put a stop to the construction for now, he was unavailable to comment on the future of the proposed sports complex or how it was that the project was even allowed to get underway without following the proper procedures.

This reporter tried several times to contact the secretary and was unsuccessful and informed by the staff that the secretary was busy.

Durano is the spokesman of the proadministration Team Unity Senate slate.

http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/mar/18/yehey/top_stories/20070318top1.html

[ivanhenares]

I. HCS NEWS

1. New HCS website is online
Check out the new HCS website at http://www.heritage.org.ph

2. Be an affiliate organization of HCS
Existing heritage councils and foundations in the various cities, municipalities and provinces all over the country are encouraged to affiliate with the Heritage Conservation Society in order to strengthen the national network of heritage organizations. As an affiliate, your organization and contact details will be included in the HCS websites as an affiliate organization. Contact info@heritage.org.ph for more information.

3. HCS student chapters
We encourage students to form chapters of the HCS in their own colleges and universities. Existing organizations can also get themselves accredited as an HCS student chapter of their school. Please download guidelines at http://www.geocities.com/ivanhenares/HCS_Youth.pdf for more information.

4. List of restoration architects and experts
As a service to the public, we are publishing the names of Filipino architects and experts with advanced degrees or extensive experience in heritage conservation and restoration. The list can be found in the "Membership" section of the HCS website.


II. HERITAGE WATCH

1. Download memo of Sec. Durano to GM Barbers
Re: Construction of a PTA Sports Complex in Intramuros
http://www.geocities.com/heritageconservationsociety/files/duranomemo.pdf


2. Download the latest version of the Heritage Bill
Senate Committee Report No. 297
http://www.geocities.com/heritageconservationsociety/files/scr297.pdf


III. COLUMNS AND ARTICLES

1. PRIDE OF PLACE: Monumental legacy
By Augusto Villalon
Philippine Daily Inquirer, 03/19/2007

MANILA, Philippines - The Manila Polo Club in Makati, a heritage structure completed in 1950 by National Artist Pablo Antonio, was recently bestowed a marker by the Architectural Legacy of Philippine National Artists.

During the simple recognition ceremonies, architect Pablo Antonio Jr., representing the late National Artist's family, expressed his "profound gratitude to the officers and management of the Manila Polo Club for their tireless efforts in preserving this club."

Antonio Jr. echoed the rationale for the Architectural Legacy of Philippine National Artists program that seeks to recognize the unappreciated excellence of Philippine architecture while demonstrating that heritage structures built over 50 years ago deserve to continue living, to be reused and updated to render them more relevant to today's way of life, and that the original architectural design and character of the building should be maintained.

In recognition of greatness in Philippine architecture, four institutions are collaborating in the Architectural Legacy of Philippine National Artists program that documents the work of outstanding architects Juan Nakpil, Pablo Antonio, Leandro Locsin and Ildefonso Santos.

Read entire article: http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/lifestyle/lifestyle/view_article.php?article_id=55602


2. CITY SENSE: Boundless city living
By Paulo Alcazaren
The Philippine STAR, 03/17/2007

Living in Manila can get you all mixed up and mangled. This is because people have to live in one place — that is, on the average two hours' commute-time away from where they work — and another hour or so from where they find leisure. This taxes people dearly in terms of time and travel expenses, and tires them out even before the day ends. Thankfully, there is a trend in real-estate development that solves this three-pronged dilemma — mixed-use development.

Mixing residences, offices and leisure amenities in one complex is the modern solution for urbanites with finite time to spend on work, travel and leisure. Infinity is the limit when a development provides deluxe housing units, office space and boundless leisure all in one package.

Read entire article: http://www.philstar.com/philstar/LIFESTYLE200703193302.htm


3. LANDSCAPE: Civilizing the civilized
By Gemma Cruz Araneta
Manila Bulletin, March 20, 2007

FRANKLY, I have always wondered why, at the turn of the XXth century, we were portrayed in leading American magazines as fierce little black pygmies cuddled by a benevolent Uncle Sam. The captions of such degrading images always alluded to America's divine mission of Christianizing and civilizing us. Didn't the USA know we were already Catholics? Hadn't they heard of Jose Rizal and Marcelo del Pilar, of Leona Florentino, Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Jacinto, and Apolinario Mabini? I am aghast at how long it has taken me to discover what must have been so glaringly simple to my grandparents.

Most of us are not aware that although short-lived the First Republic and the Malolos Constitution set the stage for a national educational system that was secular, scientific, patriotic and democratic. Operating even in conditions of war, the First Republic decreed free and compulsory elementary education, reformed higher education and opened the Universidad Literaria de Filipinas in Oct 1898. Law, medicine, pharmacy, and significantly, "Historia Critica de Filipinas" were taught together with other disciplines that included foreign languages. It was supposed to be a state university with the noble vision of challenging Filipino youth to create "a free country."

Read entire article: http://www.mb.com.ph/OPED2007032089951.html


4. DPWH will tear down billboards. Let's help!
by John L. Silva

In the March 21, 2007 issue of the Philippine Inquirer, Metro section, the headline reads: NLEX billboards illegal, to go down next week–DPWH. Upon inspection of the over 130 billboards on the 88 km stretch of the expressway it writes "...not one has complied with the law" states a DPWH official. Starting next week, the billboards will be torn down for various violations. You can read the full article by clicking on this: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/metro/view_article.php?article_id=56089

This declaration by DPWH will most certainly be fought by billboard company owners, ad agencies and even corporations who advertise on the billboards. But the DPWH has in the article cited the specific reasons why they are a violation and why they have to be removed. Much of it is for our own public safety.

We now have an opportunity to swing the tide against billboards. I ask you all to do the following: e-mail or call DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan and tell him you support his efforts in removing illegal billboards.

Read entire article: http://www.heritage.org.ph/article.php?id=33

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Read more articles and columns at http://www.heritage.org.ph/article.php


IV. WORLD HERITAGE DAY (APRIL 18)
April 18 is World Heritage Day! This year, to mark April 18, ICOMOS encourages everyone to organize activities to promote the theme "Cultural Landscapes and Monuments of Nature," to take this theme as an opportunity to raise public's awareness concerning this heritage and the efforts that are required to protect and conserve it, as well as to draw attention to its vulnerability.

A whole section of the ICOMOS website is dedicated to the 18 April 2007 ( http://www.international.icomos.org/18thapril/2007/18thapril2007-1.htm ), which will provide you with the information necessary to raise awareness about the theme.

INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR MONUMENTS AND SITES
Theme for 2007 : Cultural Landscapes and Monuments of Nature
Theme for 2008 : Religious Heritage and Sacred Places

CULTURAL LANDSCAPES
The term "cultural landscape" as a World Heritage was introduced after a long and intensive series of meetings of international experts. They finally agreed on the definition that cultural landscapes "are cultural properities and represent the 'combined works of nature and man,' illustrative of the evolution of human society and settlement over time, under the influence of the physical contraints and/or opportunities presented by their natural environment and of successive, social, economic and cultural forces, both external and internal." The first site to be inscribed in the Wold Heritage List as a cultural landscape were the Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras.

The concept of "cultural landscape" can be divided into two main categories. The first category includes "clearly defined landscape designed and created intentionally by man". This can range from garden and parkland landscape to polders. The second main category is called the "organically evolved landscape". It is the landscape that "has developed its present form by association with and in response to its natural environment".

OVERVIEW
The International Day for Monuments and Sites (World Heritage Day) was created on 18th April, 1982, by ICOMOS and later approved at the 22nd UNESCO General Conference in 1983. This special day offers an opportunity to raise public's awareness concerning the diversity of the world's heritage and the efforts that are required to protect and conserve it, as well as to draw attention to its vulnerability. For seven years now, ICOMOS has been choosing a common theme shared by all ICOMOS National Committees for this day.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES
Below are a number of general suggestions for locally-organized activities to mark this event


Visits to monuments and sites, and restoration works, possibly with free admission
Articles in newspapers and magazines, as well as television and radio broadcasts
Hanging banners in town squares or principal traffic arteries calling attention to the day and the preservation of cultural heritage
Inviting local and foreign experts and personalities for conferences and interviews
Organizing discussions in cultural-centers, city halls, and other public spaces
Exhibitions (photos, paintings, etc.)
Publication of books, post-cards, stamps, posters
Awarding prizes to organizations or persons who have made an outstanding contribution to the conservation and promotion of cultural heritage or produced an excellent publication on the subject.
Inaugurate a recently restored monument
Special awareness raising activities amongst school children and youth


The essential thing is to mark this day so that it becomes not only a day to celebrate your national heritage, but also a day of international solidarity in favor of strengthening and safeguarding heritage worldwide.


V. NEWS FROM OUR FRIENDS

1. "Quiapo: Heart of Manila" book launch on March 24
http://www.heritage.org.ph/news.php?id=5

The City of Manila, Metropolitan Museum of Manila, Department of Sociology and Anthropology of the Ateneo de Manila University, Architectural Archives and And Samahan ng Puso ng Maynila cordially invite you to Mabuhay ang Quiapo! Ipagdiwang ang Pamana! on March 24, 2007.

4:30 p.m. - Revitalizing Quiapo Photo Exhibit, Arsenio Lacson Underpass
5:00 p.m. - Juan Nakpil: National Artist for Architecture Exhibit, Bahay Nakpil-Bautista, Calle A. Bautista (formerly Barbosa); and Walking Tour of Quiapo landmarks on the way to San Sebastian
5:45 p.m. - Quiapo: Heart of Manila Book Launching, Calle San Sebastian (behind San Sebastian Basilica)

RSVP - Rose 5211517, 5230613; Bernie (Ateneo) 4265990

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Send news and updates, articles, photos, press releases and annoucements related to heritage conservation and Philippine built heritage resources to ivanhenares@heritage.org.ph. Read more news at http://www.heritage.org.ph/news.php


VI. MEMBERS' HERITAGE BLOGS

1. Ivan About Town (Ivan Anthony Henares) - Finalist (Travel) Philippine Blog Awards 2007
http://ivanhenares.blogspot.com

The Intramuros controversies continue (03/19): http://ivanhenares.blogspot.com/2007/03/intramuros-controversies-continue.html
Back to Metro Manila (03/15): http://ivanhenares.blogspot.com/2007/03/back-to-metro-manila.html
Around Baguio City (03/14): http://ivanhenares.blogspot.com/2007/03/around-baguio-city.html
More great stopovers in Ilocos (03/13): http://ivanhenares.blogspot.com/2007/03/more-great-stopovers-in-ilocos.html
Driving up north to Pagudpud (03/12): http://ivanhenares.blogspot.com/2007/03/driving-up-north-to-pagudpud.html
Flavors of Metro Manila's streets (03/10): http://ivanhenares.blogspot.com/2007/03/flavors-of-metro-manilas-streets.html
War memorial in Metro Manila (03/10): http://ivanhenares.blogspot.com/2007/03/war-memorial-in-metro-manila.html
Inside the walls of Intramuros (03/09): http://ivanhenares.blogspot.com/2007/03/inside-walls-of-intramuros.html



2. Old Manila Walks (Ivan ManDy)
http://www.oldmanilawalks.com

3. Authentic, Though not Exotic (Dr. Fernando "Butch" Zialcita)
http://www.dsa-ateneo.net/fzialcita

4. Walk This Way (Carlos Celdran) - Finalist (Travel) Philippine Blog Awards 2007
http://celdrantours.blogspot.com

5. The Sleepy Traveller (Karlo de Leon) - Finalist (Photo Blog) Philippine Blog Awards 2007
http://karlodl.blogspot.com


VII. HCS BLOGS

1. HCS Database of Philippine Built Heritage Resources
http://heritageconservation.wordpress.com

2. HCS Database of Heritage Articles & Columns
http://preservephilippineheritage.blogs.friendster.com


VIII. MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL AND APPLICATION
HCS is reminding all its old members to renew their annual membership with the organization. We are also inviting all interested individuals, institutions and corporations to become registered members of the HCS.

Corporate Patron - PHP50,000.00
Individual Patron - PHP10,000.00
Executive - PHP5,000.00
Individual - PHP1,000.00
Associate (individual below the age of 30) - PHP500.00
Academic (undergraduate student) - PHP100.00

Please issue check payments to HERITAGE CONSERVATION SOCIETY. Cash payments could be deposited to HCS Current Account: 8105-8153-61, BPI-M H del Pilar Branch. Please send to Heritage Conservation Society, Museo Pambata Compound, Roxas Boulevard, Ermita, Manila or Fax to 522-2497 or e-mail to info@heritage.org.ph

Application Form - http://www.heritage.org.ph/uploads/documents/hcsapplication.pdf
Renewal Form - http://www.heritage.org.ph/uploads/documents/hcsrenewal.pdf


IX. NEW HCS E-MAIL ADDRESS
The Heritage Conservation Society (HCS) has a new e-mail address.You can reach us at info@heritage.org.ph


X. ABOUT THE HCS
The HCS is a non-stock, non-profit organization advocating the protection and preservation of our built heritage, cultural and historical sites and settings, thus upholding the Philippine Constitution that heritage and culture should be developed and preserved for national identity.

VISION
A Filipino society that values and preserves its cultural heritage in order to instill pride of place and strengthen Philippine national identity.

MISSION
The HCS will be the prime mover and advocate for the preservation of Philippine built heritage resources in order to contribute towards the establishment of a Society that preserves and values its cultural heritage through advocacy and volunteerism, project implementation, education and information.

WHY CONSERVE HERITAGE?
The HCS affirms that an efficient 21st century lifestyle can take place in the same urban and architectural envelope created by earlier generations. Built heritage can be recycled for contemporary, adaptive re-use, thereby preserving the cultural charm and traditional character of our cities and towns. Heritage conservation enhances progress and modernization: from urban revitalization and community housing, to the revival of traditional crafts and the stimulation of entrepreneurial activities. It awakens our "pride of place," arousing cultural and historical awareness, which often advances cultural tourism.

Heritage Conservation Society
G/F Museo Pambata Building
Roxas Boulevard, Ermita
Manila, Philippines
Tel. +632 521 2239
Fax. +632 522 2497

[ivanhenares]

Just confirmed with Atty. Trixie Angeles of NCCA that the San Agustin project has UNESCO Paris' approval. But as Pinoy_ako noted, it was obtained under false pretenses since contrary to the claim of the proponents, there are tons of archival photos enough for a faithful exterior reconstruction.

That being said, our next line of defense is to write UNESCO Paris and tell them about it and ask them to put some sort of retraining order in place until it's fully investigated. I'm still trying to find their contact details.

[overtureph]

Palawan Wildlife Trade: An Alarming Issue

The Philippine STAR 03/24/2007

When I was a young child in my hometown in Palawan, I dreamt on how I could contribute to conservation efforts like saving the last remaining tracts of forests or protecting threatened species. I ended up doing all these, living the life that I had once dreamed and enjoying each day of my life as a field officer of the Katala Foundation.

In 2004, I was assigned to the town of Jose P. Rizal 230 kms south of Puerto Princesa City in Palawan. The lush forest and rugged mountains connected with the mangroves, a rare and unique site in the Philippines where one can observe such a panoramic view. What really excited me were the magnificent wildlife species thriving in the trees and wetlands in Rizal at that time, waiting to be explore by me. On my way to our project site in Culasian, Rizal, an unforgettable event happened that spoiled my trip. A tricycle driver asked me something that almost changed my impression about the area. He asked "Sir, I am selling Pikoy and a couple of Kiaw, I just thought maybe you would be interested in having these beautiful birds? It would not cost you much. You can have it for only P50.00/head". Hearing this, I showed no interest until the moment he said that "I also sell other species in huge volumes depending on the demand of interested parties. If you are interested, look for me." Upon hearing all of these, a bigger issue arose in my thought.

In 2005, Program Leader and Field Biologist Peter Widmann together with the Katala Foundation launched the Southern Palawan Anti-Poaching Initiative. The project aim is to address poaching activities and illegal wildlife trade in Southern Palawan. The main component of the project is to identify an area that still holds critical population of cavity nesting animals involved in the pet trade and conserve the species. After few months of nesting tree verification and mapping, a suitable area of conservation importance was identified and established locally through a municipal resolution. Conservation education was also implemented to heighten the level of awareness of local people towards conservation.

Thirteen former poachers were identified and converted into wildlife wardens. Their primary duty is to safeguard the nesting trees and to conduct patrol and monitoring inside the 1,954 hectares of Culasian Managed Resource Protected Area.

In 2006, 4,606 pieces of wildlife were confiscated in Palawan. Majority of the wildlife confiscated allegedly originated from the southern part of the province. The series of confiscations from well-known traders showed the alarming picture of massive wildlife trafficking, continuous and increasing annually. An estimated 1,252 heads of different wildlife were apprehended in just a span of three months in 2006. Apart from that, 39 wildlife traders from the two big trade rims operating in Palawan identified. The target species are Philippine cockatoo Cacatua heamaturopygia, Blue-naped parrot Tanygnathus lucionensis , Palawan bearded pig Sus aheonobarbus, Balabac mouse-deer Trugalus nigricans, freshwater turtles, beetles Dorcus titanus palawanicus and even timber were being poached to supply the growing demand in local and international market(Cruz, et al., in prep.).

Palawan is perceived of having "the empty forest syndrome", having an intact forest but with no animal dwellers because of hunting pressure, poaching and trading. This is evident in Southern Palawan. Wildlife trade species were formerly widespread throughout the archipelago but in recent years, many of these had suffered in traumatic population decline. Many of these species were already listed under IUCN's Red List of Threatened Species and some of them could eventually perish in the next couple of years. The critically endangered Philippine cockatoo or Katala is only now restricted to small islands in Palawan and Sulu. Rasa Island Wildlife Sanctuary in Narra, Palawan was the last remaining stronghold of the Katala population in the world Dexterous poachers from the local tribe collected this bird to supply the traders every breeding season from December to July. Lately, even the rearing parent birds have been targetted. Poaching and trading is illegal and totally prohibited by RA 9147 otherwise known as Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001and other forestry laws in this country. The question remain, is there really somebody paying attention to this issue? Is there someone getting paid or maybe a lot of them are being paid to look the other way?

Wildlife trade is an alarming issue that needs utmost attention and action not only by NGOs and government agencies but by everyone who love and are passionate enough to conserve and protect wildlife. Once gone, it is gone forever! Protecting other species would not only ensure their survival, but our own as well. After all, everything on this planet is interconnected to everything else and the loss of species and biodiversity would eventually affect us one way or another, even if we sit still.

One famous quote says "When the buying stops, the poaching stops too." Here in the south, traders have a different take, "Trading stops when there is no more wildlife to poach". Wildlife trade will be featured in the country's first, comprehensive documentary on Philippine biodiversity. Endangered Tales premieres on Earth Day April 22 at SM cinemas in Manila. Help conserve nature and support the hornbill any many other wildlife species on Earth Day. For more information, visit www.ceae.org

ROMMEL M. CRUZ
Project Field Assistant
Southern Palawan Anti-Poaching Initiative
Katala Foundation, P.O. Box 390, Puerto Princesa City, 5300, Palawan
rumil_03@yahoo.com


http://philstar.com/philstar/LIFESTYLE200703243305.htm

[Lili]

I am more keen with putting my effort on totally stopping that construction of the Sports Complex beside Intramuros walls. I don't want a temporary halt. It has to be total stoppage and removal of all those framework and building materials. They have to also go after Barbers and the others in cahoots with him and charge them for malfeasance, misfeasance or what have you.

[le Reine]

I am also nervous about that issue. Plus that one in Father Blanco's garden. Please, could someone brief us about the Blanco's garden issue?

[Lili]

^^ Here @XP http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=375261&page=25

Start with post #494 of @Wonderboy. :)

[ivanhenares]

I am more keen with putting my effort on totally stopping that construction of the Sports Complex beside Intramuros walls. I don't want a temporary halt. It has to be total stoppage and removal of all those framework and building materials. They have to also go after Barbers and the others in cahoots with him and charge them for malfeasance, misfeasance or what have you.

According to a DOT undersecretary, Durano will file a case.

[ivanhenares]

I am also nervous about that issue. Plus that one in Father Blanco's garden. Please, could someone brief us about the Blanco's garden issue?

On 3/23/07, Trixie Cruz-Angeles wrote:
Yes they were (approved). All the way up to Paris. NCCA managed to wrestle some control of the design. Believe me, we had to bully right back with Father Galende. But in the end, what you see has been approved.

Trixie


On 3/24/07, Augusto ViLLALON wrote:
This is the official trail to follow regarding the San Agustin issue:

Pls ask Trixie Angeles of NCCA of the UNESCO National Commission unescoph@mozcom.com whether they have a copy of the ICOMOS report responding to Galende's request to rebuild the monastery. What I seem to remember is that ICOMOS recommended an exhaustive research of the old structure and reconstructing it. I don't remember the reoport's recommendations on re-use or repartitioning. Since San Agustin is a World Heritage property, those recommendations must be followed. And since PD1616 gives IA legal jurisdiction over San Agustin, IA can also recommend alterations on the design.

Therefore it should be IA to advise Galende. NCCA is also the government agency recognized by UNESCO as being caretaker of San Agustin, therefore they should also provide assistance. HCS has no legal personality to provide advice.

So let all three agencies (UNACOM, NCCA, IA) know of the concern.

Toti

[Migan]

http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/7389/blanco6if9.jpg
hmm it doesn't take an expert to figure out there's something wrong with this picture. i suppose there was an effort to design the proposed bldg. in context with the character of the existing structure and it's surrounding area, but it looks as if it's gonna do more damage to the place rather than enhance or compliment it. to put it bluntly, i think that design approach just won't work imho.

here's what i think: (opinion ko lang ito and i mean no harm). i based this on the images that i saw and the rest is purely assumption.

1. there is a risk that the garden courtyard might die, meaning there might be no or minimal circulation of people. especially to the public (if it won't be a private/restricted area). in a way, they're like entirely closing up those two sides of the garden. i would put up an arcade consisting of a series of arches around the perimeter of the proposed structure which is directly adjacent and facing the garden to increase and encourage circulation. instead of just locating there the usual rooms. they should have put that premium space to good use. premium coz again, that's a darn beautiful open garden you know. if they kill the circulation, that would be like beating the whole purpose of maintaining a garden courtyard.

2. air conditioning. unless that bldg. will utilize central air conditioning (which is highly unlikely), expect a lot of ugly a/c units hanging all over the facade... if not now, then in the future. it's standard issue here in the phils. after all so i wouldn't be surprised. i'm not encouraging the use of centralized a/c coz i'm pretty much against it as well, but there are a lot of ways to hide those unwanted protrusions. or better if they incorporate various passive cooling methods.

3. the facade is just too dull and plain as opposed to the richly patterned classic structure beside it. i have no problems with incorporating modern materials and all that as long as they are used wisely, but those huge glazed arches and squarish windows just doesn't work imho.

4. orientation-wise, the shorter side of the L-shaped structure will most likely be the/a central focus considering that it will be located at the middle, in between the old structure and part of the newer one, and will be directly facing the open (front?) side of the courtyard garden/plaza where people will most likely be coming from to get a good view of the whole area. why does it look so dull then?? it should be more grand not to mention CONSISTENT.


my verdict: it might just very well be another classic example of a standard issue "pseudo-classic" pinoy architecture in the making.

again, this is all just assuming that all of what i saw is the real deal and i was merely taking the renderings for granted thinking that's what they're really gonna do. of course these can all still change during the entire process of construction.

[TheAvenger]

saan kaya ang exact location ng Father Blanco's Garden, balak kong puntahan yaon pag nadaan ako ng city hall and intramuros area.

sa loob ba yaon ng intramuros ?

[le Reine]

^yup. nasa tabi ng san agustin church. kailangan mong pumasok sa chruch para makapunta dun

[ivanhenares]

A Latin Perspective on Preserving Cultural Heritage

With Prof Eliane C. Karp de Toledo
March 27, Tuesday, 2:00 - 5:00 pm
Fee: FREE

The National Museum and Museum Foundation of the Philippines invites you to attend a very special lecture by anthropologist and former First Lady of Peru, Madam Eliane C. Karp de Toledo at the Ablaza Hall of the National Museum on March 27, 2:00 - 5:00 pm.

Mrs. Toledo is presently teaching as a visiting lecturer at Stanford University in California . As an anthropologist, she teaches courses related to indigenous peoples and their social inclusion to democracy in Latin American countries. As a diplomat, she practices what she preaches, presiding over various philanthropic entities, one of which is the Administrative Council of the Pacha Foundation for Change. This Foundation places special emphasis on the design of sustainable development projects based on traditional and communal organizations and the development of productive skills to promote the comparative economic advantages of the Peruvian biodiversity and its rich potential for ecotourism.

In relation to her areas of expertise, Mrs. Toldeo will discuss biodiversity, cultural heritage and the creation of alternatives sources of income such as eco-tourism managed by the indigenous communities.

The Museum of the Filipino People is found along Finance Road just off Padre Burgos. For information and reservation, please call Ms. Elvie Magpayo or Ms, Patricia Limon at 404 -2685 or Ms. Flor Cortez at 722-9073.

For more Museum Foundation events and activities please visit our website at http://museumfoundationph.org/news/

[Pinoy_ako]

^^

We might be expecting much from Fr. Blanco's garden based on what we know of gardens, like manicured lawns, flower beds, and fountains. Fr. Blanco's garden was a long, narrow interior courtyard. It became famous because Fr. Blanco grew native plants, including those with medicinal properties, in this secluded area. The only highlight of the garden may have been the fountains and a number of small plants. They may not even be flowering plants.

Historically, it was not a public space. It was a very private area, reserved for the Augustinian community. I believe that once the structure is done, particularly if it's a seminary, we will lose access to this area. But that is not supposed to be an issue.

The more relevant thing would be to come up with a building that will reflect the orignal design of the former one. This is more pressing since the adjacent structure is a World Heritage Site. As the Augustinian Order regains the former use of the building, its original function will be recovered. However, it will also mean that the general public may be excluded from this space, or portions of it. It will also mean that most of the plants that we see in the picture will be relocated elsewhere.

[Migan]

seeing the potential of the place, i hope that somehow the public would be given access to the garden after construction is done. nasasayangan din kasi ako kahit paano. if assuming they are really capable of building a historically accurate/sensitive building, then i think they should also take into consideration the whole essence of the place. plan it out as a whole and not just part by part. it would be really nice to see the whole place restored to its former glory, both with the addition of a historically sensitive building and the revitalization and maintenance of the garden. i think they should give equal importance to both, or at the very least consider the garden as a significant design factor since one can't really do without the other if history and heritage is to be taken into serious account. sige huwag na nilang ayusin ang garden, pero leave provisions for its future development/rejuvenation. the building to be built must be able to compliment the garden if not at present, then in the future. and thinking future-wise, its subsequent effect would hopefully contribute to further (proper and legitimate) developments in its surrounding areas or merely serve as a guideline for future revitalizations in intramuros.

but based on the perspective and elevations alone, it looks as if that building will only contribute to further killing off the area as i have mentioned earlier due to it's somewhat socially and historically unresponsive architecture. anyone can tell that it's just a box with windows... and it will function just like any other soul-less box here in manila.

of course staying true to the original design character and being as historically accurate as possible is probably the most important concern, it being a world heritage site and all that. i'm not saying everything should be perfect, but i think merely addressing the facade and character of the proposed building alone would not entirely suffice to a true and legitimate restoration in a world heritage site such as this. they have got to address historical revitalization, redevelopment and reconstruction in both a micro and macro scale.

it will be like hitting two birds with one stone. since aayusin at magtatayo ka narin sa lugar, maximize mo na rin ang magagawa mo para dun. design and plan the structure properly and carefully in such a way na makakabuti ito para sa garden and vice-versa if not at present, then again in the future. do it right since they're at it... and in such a way that it would also be contributing to the regeneration of the surrounding areas. whether this will be for the benefit of the public or solely for the private owners.

it may seem like asking too much, and i know things are easier said than done, but can we really ignore such possibilities? then again were in the phils. so... oh well we can always dream :)

[ivanhenares]

‘Developing Corregidor’
By Beth Day Romulo

ON March 14th, the National Defense College of the Philippines hosted a roundtable discussion on "Developing Corregidor: Challenges and Prospects.’’ Some nit-picking criticism of our present preservation efforts, under the aegis of the National Historical Institute, which had appeared on the Internet, had whetted their curiosity and 40 members of the college visited Corregidor the day before the meeting to see what was actually going on. Both our host, Commodore Carlos Agustin, and his group and the presidential adviser on veterans affairs, Jesus Terry Adevoso, agreed that "no desecration had taken place.’’ Both seasoned world travelers, they made comparisons to ruins that have been preserved in Greece and Italy, and Mr. Adevoso suggested that Corregidor could be the Philippines Acropolis, its Coliseum. But much needs to be done. What we are working on now is simply the most urgent repair, that of Middleside Barracks, which took a direct hit in the last back-to-back typhoons and the trees close to it destroyed portions of walls.

It was suggested we need a real master plan for the preservation of all the ruins from the Spanish period through World War II. Not restoration. We have no interest in recreating what was once there, but preserving for posterity the ruins that remain. We have had sporadic interest from the government, from the President herself when she visited Corregidor to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the retaking of the island March 2nd 2005. And from Senator Richard Gordon and from Speaker Joe de Venecia, who found us an appropriation sufficient to get the fountains flowing in the reflecting pools again.

Topside and Middleside hold the important ruins, of barracks from the American period, some of which are not available to the public at this time because they have not been maintained for lack of funds. It is only at the island’s bottom level that tourist accommodations, food and lodging are available. Last year, the Eternal flame on Topside was finally lit by solar power through the good office of the Filam Memorial Endowment and Sunpower Manufacturing Philippines. We are now using solar power for streetlights, and need many more. The deep well is also run with solar power.

The discussion concluded that we all need to work together, military, government, and private sector to bring Corregidor to its fulfillment as the most important historical military memorial in Southeast Asia. Funding has always been a problem but national pride should see to it that the questions of adequate power, security, and the reclamation of areas that are not yet available to the public should be pursued.

Lt. Col. Matibag, the executive director of Corregidor, was charged with creating a master plan of all the things Corregidor needs to be properly developed, which can be presented to Congress.

[TheAvenger]

^yup. nasa tabi ng san agustin church. kailangan mong pumasok sa chruch para makapunta dun


thanks for the info...

[kyle@1008]

^^ dumaan ka sa kilid,... not the church itself,.. may door sa side,.. so that you can also tour the museum, great place...

[ivanhenares]

Barbers is PDI editorial cartoon today... Hehe! http://opinion.inquirer.net

But I'm still trying to understand if the cartoon is for or against Barbers. :(

[ivanhenares]

I just had a meeting with Fr. Galende today. The San Agustin issue was a false alarm. The photos are from an old design idea that never became a plan. I mentioned to Fr. Galende that they should not have displayed it on the second floor. So the blue prints of the current plans are now on display on the first floor, an exterior reconstruction that was approved by UNESCO Paris. The design came about from several technical working groups which included several HCS members such as Bambi Harper, Archt. Jojo Mata, and representatives from the National Museum, NHI, NCCA and IA.

Anyway, I mentioned this to Jeff already and asked where the news and photos came from. He said he got it from someone's blog. I hope that the said blogger would be more responsible next time since it really created a lot of animosity where it was not needed. He should have asked first especially since he is in Intramuros regularly.

And Fr. Galende is very receptive. He in fact wants feedback on the current design if there are any and requested me to relay the same to him. I am now posting some of the current plans (there are several panels in San Agustin) for everyone's information.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/178/437694018_cdefcf6f54.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/148/437694034_ab029ba1f4.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/158/437694036_9bd3040fe7.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/184/437694064_3b781c9afd.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/158/437694072_03dd312019.jpg?v=0

[Migan]

it's good to hear that the first one didn't push through... what a relief! i think this design is a hell lot better. i noticed that they actually put an arcade(?) defined by a series of arches which is good. it will open up and provide free and direct access to the garden. but i noticed some arches were obstructed with railings and ironically marked with "X" patterns? i think those aren't really needed unless they had a particularly good reason for placing them there. perhaps they could just open the whole stretch up entirely as to be free of any unnecessary and unwanted obstructions and provide steps throughout each arched opening. a stretch of balcony up there on the second floor would be nice too.

i also noticed the left endmost portion of the new structure directly beside the old structure shown in the perspective. the one shown in the last drawing named "left elevation". one way or the other, it will serve as a border bridging the new and old structure. it is a critical area design-wise and i think they could still improve on the transition between the two. perhaps this transition should be more consistent and explicit. all i see is a flat structure with a dull facade decorated with rectangular elements... which can become contradictory to the mostly arch-dominated area.

the "left elevation" also reveals a facade dominated by rectangular ground floor windows which again i think is inconsistent with the arcade arches. unless of course the original structures that once stood there consisted of both arches and rectangles. and since it is located in between, it's either they make the entire facade more grand and impressive, or just simply continue the arched arcade perpendicular to it for consistency. merely changing the general pattern from curved arches to straight rectangles will just obscure things even more rather than create a good point of focus.

but again, overall yeah i really prefer this design over the latter one and it makes more sense too :)

[Lili]

^^ Nice we have an in-house expert, too.

@Ivan: It is good that these things are clarified. However, part and parcel of advocacy in architectural heritage conservation is the sense of urgency, too. Granted that the first plans were not the real approved plans and there was miscommunication, something good came up when someone raised the issue. We got more clarity and transparency. Look at the Sports complex being built beside the Intramuros walls. People have been namby pamby about it and if it weren't for pictures posted by @TheAvenger here in these threads, people would not have known how far along the construction has been. And then, that is when concerned people got mobilized.

An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. I say the same on the issue about Corregidor that happened before.

[ivanhenares]

^^ Yes Lili, but on the other side, Fr. Galende got lambasted in the Manila Times for something that wasn't accurate. That's why it's very important to ask first because once we post something on the net (like what the blogger did), we can't stop it from spreading like wildfire especially since we have passionate people like Jeff, you and me who work fast once we get information. Same thing goes for Intramuros, you need to verify sources. It was the DOT people who was feeding information to us and we could not move until we had evidence/proof/documents with us which we finally got from the IA. None of us want to face libel or slander charges here now do we? So let's be fair to both sides before raising issues else we may create irreversble damage to reputations. You can get clarity and transparency in a different manner.

Here was a reaction of Jeremy Barnes which explains the damage done to Fr. Galende by the wrong information:

What a diatribe. What disrespect. And what slander on Father Galende, who, while he might not be the best or most admired in field of heritage has devoted so many years to preserving and promoting the historical glories of his order. We all got started with his church and his museum I think. I for one would love to see it become a monastery again - or a seminary or formation center; to see San Agustin rejuvenate itself as an institution and not remain as a mere venue for weddings and receptions and a place for tour guides who only see it as an aide for demonstrating "Old Manila". In the first and last place, it's a house of God, not a backdrop for snapshots. And who knows? If priests were trained amidst centuries of tangible heritage, perhaps they would look after their churches better once they are assigned parishes.

It’s long been obvious to all who cared to notice that Father Galende needs help and support. Perhaps on his terms, sure, but would any of us be much different? And at least his work and his vision can said to deserve respect. His achievements have been real and the fruit of hard work and sacrifice, unlike those of others who just stand by and jeer.

Anyhow, invective is not the way forward. It’s the easiest thing in the world to criticize from a distance. What we need is to engage, be supportive and work creatively to bring about the right conditions in specific situations where the balance of multiple considerations can be tipped in favor of heritage.

Jeremy Barns

[Lili]

^^ Yes, I see your point. We should be more circumspect but still be vigilant about these things.

Well, for one, I was not really against the construction of a seminary there so I kept mum about that particular issue. But all these experiences in each of these heritage sites will serve guidance for our future actions.

Anyway, here in our threads, I don't see anything that will blacken the reputation of Fr. Gallende that can be a ground for libel or slander. What were discussed constructively were the architectural designs of the proposed seminary that were displayed on their second floor.

[Migan]

oh i feel sorry for the priest for facing such prejudice. i for one have only but design criticisms (and hopefully constructive ones) directed mainly to the design itself and of course the designers... not like they;re reading it anyway. i reckon we have plenty of responsible priests already... but what we do need are more responsible designers :)


any official renderings of this infamous sports complex? can't seem to find one in these threads and am rather curious on how it's supposed to look like.

[ivanhenares]

Anyway, here in our threads, I don't see anything that will blacken the reputation of Fr. Gallende that can be a ground for libel or slander. What were discussed constructively were the architectural designs of the proposed seminary that were displayed on their second floor.

On libel and slander, I was referring more to the PTA issue. As I mentioned, we did not move until we had evidence in our hands. To say that people were namby pamby about it until the pictures were posted is not at all accurate. How many people actually browse through this forum? Outside SkyscraperCity, there was already a tempest brewing waiting for the right moment to strike.

[Rence]

Palawan Wildlife Trade: An Alarming Issue

The Philippine STAR 03/24/2007

When I was a young child in my hometown in Palawan, I dreamt on how I could contribute to conservation efforts like saving the last remaining tracts of forests or protecting threatened species. I ended up doing all these, living the life that I had once dreamed and enjoying each day of my life as a field officer of the Katala Foundation.

In 2004, I was assigned to the town of Jose P. Rizal 230 kms south of Puerto Princesa City in Palawan. The lush forest and rugged mountains connected with the mangroves, a rare and unique site in the Philippines where one can observe such a panoramic view. What really excited me were the magnificent wildlife species thriving in the trees and wetlands in Rizal at that time, waiting to be explore by me. On my way to our project site in Culasian, Rizal, an unforgettable event happened that spoiled my trip. A tricycle driver asked me something that almost changed my impression about the area. He asked "Sir, I am selling Pikoy and a couple of Kiaw, I just thought maybe you would be interested in having these beautiful birds? It would not cost you much. You can have it for only P50.00/head". Hearing this, I showed no interest until the moment he said that "I also sell other species in huge volumes depending on the demand of interested parties. If you are interested, look for me." Upon hearing all of these, a bigger issue arose in my thought.

In 2005, Program Leader and Field Biologist Peter Widmann together with the Katala Foundation launched the Southern Palawan Anti-Poaching Initiative. The project aim is to address poaching activities and illegal wildlife trade in Southern Palawan. The main component of the project is to identify an area that still holds critical population of cavity nesting animals involved in the pet trade and conserve the species. After few months of nesting tree verification and mapping, a suitable area of conservation importance was identified and established locally through a municipal resolution. Conservation education was also implemented to heighten the level of awareness of local people towards conservation.

Thirteen former poachers were identified and converted into wildlife wardens. Their primary duty is to safeguard the nesting trees and to conduct patrol and monitoring inside the 1,954 hectares of Culasian Managed Resource Protected Area.

In 2006, 4,606 pieces of wildlife were confiscated in Palawan. Majority of the wildlife confiscated allegedly originated from the southern part of the province. The series of confiscations from well-known traders showed the alarming picture of massive wildlife trafficking, continuous and increasing annually. An estimated 1,252 heads of different wildlife were apprehended in just a span of three months in 2006. Apart from that, 39 wildlife traders from the two big trade rims operating in Palawan identified. The target species are Philippine cockatoo Cacatua heamaturopygia, Blue-naped parrot Tanygnathus lucionensis , Palawan bearded pig Sus aheonobarbus, Balabac mouse-deer Trugalus nigricans, freshwater turtles, beetles Dorcus titanus palawanicus and even timber were being poached to supply the growing demand in local and international market(Cruz, et al., in prep.).

Palawan is perceived of having "the empty forest syndrome", having an intact forest but with no animal dwellers because of hunting pressure, poaching and trading. This is evident in Southern Palawan. Wildlife trade species were formerly widespread throughout the archipelago but in recent years, many of these had suffered in traumatic population decline. Many of these species were already listed under IUCN's Red List of Threatened Species and some of them could eventually perish in the next couple of years. The critically endangered Philippine cockatoo or Katala is only now restricted to small islands in Palawan and Sulu. Rasa Island Wildlife Sanctuary in Narra, Palawan was the last remaining stronghold of the Katala population in the world Dexterous poachers from the local tribe collected this bird to supply the traders every breeding season from December to July. Lately, even the rearing parent birds have been targetted. Poaching and trading is illegal and totally prohibited by RA 9147 otherwise known as Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001and other forestry laws in this country. The question remain, is there really somebody paying attention to this issue? Is there someone getting paid or maybe a lot of them are being paid to look the other way?

Wildlife trade is an alarming issue that needs utmost attention and action not only by NGOs and government agencies but by everyone who love and are passionate enough to conserve and protect wildlife. Once gone, it is gone forever! Protecting other species would not only ensure their survival, but our own as well. After all, everything on this planet is interconnected to everything else and the loss of species and biodiversity would eventually affect us one way or another, even if we sit still.

One famous quote says "When the buying stops, the poaching stops too." Here in the south, traders have a different take, "Trading stops when there is no more wildlife to poach". Wildlife trade will be featured in the country's first, comprehensive documentary on Philippine biodiversity. Endangered Tales premieres on Earth Day April 22 at SM cinemas in Manila. Help conserve nature and support the hornbill any many other wildlife species on Earth Day. For more information, visit www.ceae.org

ROMMEL M. CRUZ
Project Field Assistant
Southern Palawan Anti-Poaching Initiative
Katala Foundation, P.O. Box 390, Puerto Princesa City, 5300, Palawan
rumil_03@yahoo.com


http://philstar.com/philstar/LIFESTYLE200703243305.htm

Same with the story of our Flora !

[ivanhenares]

Val Sandiego, head of the Carcar Heritage Conservation Society (an affiliate of the HCS), is probably the first candidate ever in the Philippines to run on a heritage-based platform.

Sandiego is a candidate for Mayor in Carcar, the most important heritage town in Cebu province.

Actively involved in the conservation of Carcar heritage, Sandiego has intiated and participated heritage activities including formulating and lobbying for conservation legislation, establishing cultural tourism programs, and organizing a series of yearly festivals that have successfully revived the vanishing traditions of the lovely heritage town.

Sandiego expressed frustration over incumbent local officials' "neglect in supporting their visions in preserving the heritage of Carcar," Val Sandiego, a heritage advocate, choreographer, and art director, "spent sleepless nights with fervent prayers before finally deciding to answer his calling."

Running as an independent candidate, Sandiego is challenging the incumbent Mayor Patrick Barcenas.

http://www.heritage.org.ph/news.php?id=8

[Lili]

On libel and slander, I was referring more to the PTA issue. As I mentioned, we did not move until we had evidence in our hands. To say that people were namby pamby about it until the pictures were posted is not at all accurate. How many people actually browse through this forum? Outside SkyscraperCity, there was already a tempest brewing waiting for the right moment to strike.

Sorry about that term. I did not mean to diminish the efforts of all the advocates out there. More power to the cause!

[Lili]

CONGRATULATIONS TO IVAN HENARES FOR WINNING THE BEST PHILIPPINE TRAVEL BLOG!

Carry on the cause and more power! :)

[ivanhenares]

^^ Thanks @Lili. I'll be guesting in Shoptalk on ANC tomorrow. Although the talk is about visita iglesia, I'll be inserting church preservation issues. Hehe!

[Lili]

^^ I wish that is available here or will be posted on youtube so we here can see the feature. :)

[BoNduRanT]

^^Wow, Ill be watching that one tomorrow. Good job on your website. Heres another great ***s, Wonderboy of SSC was interviewed on GMA's I-Witness. I think about sa Heritage and conservation ang topic. I saw the clip of the program ad a while ago. I could tell thats him kasi nakita ko na pics niya na nakapost dito before. :okay:

[BoNduRanT]

Bat nasecensore ang N-E-W sa n.e.w.s ko? Pati pala yung a.r.c.h.i.t.e.c.t.u.r.e na word.

[ivanhenares]

PRIDE OF PLACE
Trashing Intramuros

By Augusto Villalon
Inquirer
Last updated 11:34pm (Mla time) 04/01/2007

MANILA, Philippines - Among the overriding compulsions of the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) appears to always have been to fill up empty lots in open-air centers of Philippine cities and towns with large constructions.

At the behest of local representatives or town councils, PTA routinely gifts town plazas with cavernous multipurpose structures. Normally high steel skeletons supporting wide roofs, most of these constructions ruin townscapes as they squat on the open space of plazas, often one of the few last open spaces in town.

Political rallies, town fiesta events, graduations, beauty contests, athletic contests, tournaments, and daily basketball games happen inside these monsters, in full view of the plaque commemorating the PTA and the official who caused its construction.

Never mind that those town plazas were constructed by earlier, defunct regimes like the Spanish and American colonial governments, because they sought to provide communal outdoor space for town residents to share.

Open space is today at a premium in most Philippine areas due to the jumble of haphazard, unguided urban buildup that is encouraged by local governments and real-estate speculators in the name of "development."

It really may not matter to the PTA that these plazas commemorate a government system and lifestyle that has contributed to the governance and lifestyle models we enjoy today.

Most of all, most Filipinos choose to disregard the fact that these plazas are as patrimonial and historic as any landmark, contributing to national memory and urban environment, like Manila's Rizal Park.

Therefore, like Rizal Park, the plazas should be left alone regardless of how remote or humble their locale might be.

Intramuros is neither remote nor humble. Prominently located in the Philippine capital, it is proudly the country's grandest monument to its rich Spanish heritage.

All Filipinos immediately associate Intramuros as the traditional center of Catholicism in the Philippines while regarding it as the historic symbol of the nationís Spanish heritage.

The incontestable patrimonial value of Intramuros is further reinforced by Presidential Decree 1616 (Intramuros Code) that has remained basically unchanged since the Marcos era.

The law sets out strict guidelines to protect Walled City heritage and organized the Intramuros Administration to carry out all its provisions.

To regulate new construction in the area, the Intramuros Code specifies that the Intramuros Administration's technical staff must approve all architectural and engineering plans before the City of Manila Engineer's Office issues a building permit.

Offending structure

Despite the Intramuros Code, the PTA bypassed the Intramuros Administration and started the construction of an P85-million sports complex located in the vicinity of Club Intramuros, a PTA property.

The offending structure rises on the filled-in former Intramuros moat right next to the historic Intramuros ramparts.

The PTA construction reportedly has no permits from either Intramuros Administration or the City of Manila.

Furthermore, the project reportedly is unauthorized by the PTA Board and now is under serious question by Secretary of Tourism Joseph Durano.

The structure under construction is too dangerously close to the historic ramparts. Depending on subsoil conditions, the new foundations could cause a sinking of the old walls practically adjoining them and, at worst, bring about partial collapse of the section nearest the questionable construction.

The walls of the new structure are only six meters away from the historic walls. This means its foundations would extend below ground, past the six-meter wall line to a distance of maybe four meters away from the wall, very close quarters indeed.

Actually, technical considerations and the new construction's threats to structural integrity of the neighboring heritage structure are the least of issues. The issue is basically that the Intramuros Code forbids any new construction in that particular location and that the PTA has chosen to ignore the law.

All this issue proves is that the same old story remains: the continuing disregard by most Filipinos of their national heritage and their cavalier disrespect toward the laws that protect it.

And to think of all government agencies, the PTA, whose ultimate mission is to promote and guard national heritage as a tourism resource, is the agency that now is so arrogantly trashing Intramuros and expecting to get away with it.

Is legal protection the avenue for saving Philippine heritage?

The Philippine Heritage Bill is at last in the final stages of discussion. When it passes into law, heritage will be better protected.

However, will protection remain simply a paper concept while Filipinos continue to disregard conservation as the PTA did, taking no notice of PD1616 and merrily constructing just a perilous few meters away from the legally protected Intramuros ramparts?

Can Philippine laws be strong-armed?

Where do we go next?

Before going anywhere, housekeeping is in order. So the next thing that must be done is to keep our heritage clean by immediately throwing out the trash growing beside the Intramuros ramparts.

Dismantle the PTA construction!

Feedback is welcome at pride.place@gmail.com

http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/lifestyle/lifestyle/view_article.php?article_id=58275

[Lili]

^^Wow, Ill be watching that one tomorrow. Good job on your website. Heres another great ***s, Wonderboy of SSC was interviewed on GMA's I-Witness. I think about sa Heritage and conservation ang topic. I saw the clip of the program ad a while ago. I could tell thats him kasi nakita ko na pics niya na nakapost dito before. :okay:

Congrats on the Wonderboy Jeffy! We want to see on youtube. :)

[overtureph]

Congratulations Ivan! More power, more conservation and preservation advocacies. Truly a great blog. Mabuhay!

[le Reine]

Wow, sikat na mga taga-SSC ahahaha... kailan kaya interview ko?!

[Sinjin P.]

^ Kapag tatakbo ka bilang pangulo... :lol: (OT)

[ivanhenares]

Finally!

Nat’l culture body to look into Intramuros complex
By Jerome Aning
Inquirer
Last updated 06:30am (Mla time) 04/03/2007

MANILA, Philippines -- The National Commission for Culture and the Arts will discuss the alleged violations committed by the Philippine Tourism Authority when it built a sports complex beside the historic walls of Intramuros.

NCCA’s committee on monuments and sites, headed by Commissioner Rose Beatrix Angeles, will hold the meeting in Guiuan, Eastern Samar, on April 15.

Angeles, who also heads NCCA’s subcommission on cultural heritage, said she received about a dozen letters against the PTA construction which the committee could use in its recommendation to the NCCA board.

“I think the building would look good anywhere but there,” Angeles told the Philippine Daily Inquirer, adding that she would also seek a personal meeting with PTA general manager Robert Dean Barbers.

PTA and the Intramuros Administration, both attached agencies of the Department of Tourism, have been wrangling over the construction of the building.

Barbers insisted that the site for the future sports complex was on the Club Intramuros golf course, which is PTA property, thus, they would not need building permits from either the IA or Manila City Hall.

“The contract for the building was above-board and the building’s design conforms to the Spanish and American colonial style being implemented by the IA,” Barbers said in a separate interview.

He explained that the complex would be made of adobe stones and would have capiz shell windows. The building would be six meters away from Intramuros’ walls and the entire site would be one meter lower so the historic walls could still be seen from afar.

In 1981, Presidential Decree No. 1763 gave the PTA the “possession, administration, and control” of the golf course, then known as the Manila Municipal Golf Links.

Angeles, however, said that earlier laws, like PD 1616 issued in 1979, created the IA to preserve Intramuros as a historic site. This included the golf course -- which was Intramuros’ former moat.

She said PD 1763 did not take away the IA’s original jurisdiction over Intramuros.

“Just because the golf links were turned over to the PTA doesn’t mean they could do anything with it. They still have to conform with PD 1616 and other laws related to Intramuros, which were not repealed,” Angeles stressed.

She also cited a principle in law that says that “while you may do anything with your property in relation to your rights of ownership, once it affects somebody else’s rights, it can be restricted.”

She said the area around Intramuros was meant to be open so the historic walls could be seen.

“The walls are meant to be seen; their heritage value is in being seen,” Angeles said, adding that the sports complex could affect the overall aesthetic appearance of Intramuros.

She called on the PTA to thoroughly study the legal basis of the construction.

“Heritage is a non-renewable resource; if you destroy it, there’s nothing in the world that will bring it back. That’s why we have to be careful, that’s why we require even government agencies to comply with the law,” she said.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/metro/view_article.php?article_id=58548

[ivanhenares]

Manyson de Pobre
http://www.gmanews.tv/video/5368/Mansyon-de-Pobre

[Rence]

Manyson de Pobre
http://www.gmanews.tv/video/5368/Mansyon-de-Pobre

I saw that episode kaninang umaga!

Just like Ivan Mandy and Wonderboy's interview , It is a sad state when you see all those buildings etc. being destroyed either by fires, natural calamity, lack of historical sense and demolition jobs by their owners

:ohno: I also wanted to say that our wildlife is also being destroyed at an alarming stage ! Most of our native floras and faunas are being lost

:banana:

[ivanhenares]

^^ Sayang I wasn't able to watch the whole thing. I would have wanted to lambast Barbers on air but I had to decline the i-Witness interview since I was in Pampanga the day they were shooting around Manila. But more shows are scheduled so watch out for them. :lol:

[kyle@1008]

^^ cool, we'll be waiting for you to lambast him on national televison... :lol:

[TheAvenger]

http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u157/jibrael_2007/intramuros1.jpg




http://thepinoy.net/?p=653

By Katrice R. Jalbuena - The walls of Intramuros and the hallowed, historic edifices within them—among the most beautiful reminders of the Philippine Spanish past—are being desecrated by an unauthorized and twice disapproved sport-complex project of the Philippine Tourism Authority.

Costing P25 million, the project touches the outside walls of the Fort Santiago Shrine (which has the Rizal Shrine within it), thus defacing a historical monument and possibly endangering the shrine’s structure.

The sports complex is being built—or was, because Department of Tourism Secretary Ace Durano has ordered a 15-day stoppage of construction—in Intramuros Administration-controlled land that used to be the driving range of Club Intramuros.

The man behind the project is no less than Robert Dean S. Barbers, PTA general manager.

Barbers, according to records of the Intramuros Administration of which Secretary Ace Durano is the chairman and Dominador C. Ferrer Jr. is the administrator, has persisted in building the sports complex despite its being disapproved in the May 4, 2006, meeting of the Intramuros Administration Board.

The project, according to people close to the problem, reveals an ugly side of the Philippine Tourism Authority.

Pls read further at the below weblink :

http://thepinoy.net/?p=653

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Other Web links about the Sports Complex



http://ivanhenares.blogspot.com/2007/03/intramuros-controversies-continue.html


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

http://www.yehey.com/News/Article.aspx?id=156114


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http://article.wn.com/view/2007/03/17/Ugly_side_of_Tourism_Authority_revealed/


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http://www.heritage.org.ph/index.php


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http://www.topblogarea.com/sitedetails_3849.html


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http://www.asianjournal.com/?c=186&a=19277

[Mercato]

PRIDE OF PLACE
Trashing Intramuros

By Augusto Villalon
Inquirer
Last updated 11:34pm (Mla time) 04/01/2007

MANILA, Philippines - Among the ..............

Dismantle the PTA construction!

Feedback is welcome at pride.place@gmail.com

http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/lifestyle/lifestyle/view_article.php?article_id=58275


Greetings. Thanks Ivan & the other guys for those rivetting pics, albeit mortifying, about THAT ugly structure. We Filipinos seem to be accursed in that we never seem to run short of dolts in our government.

May I ask what the ordinary man on the street can do to help put a stop to this ridiculous edifice? Is that Feedback "pride@gmail" meant for the article only or does it go to a more proactive cause?

Why are these guys in government moving heaven & earth to push through with that hideous monstrousity? What a waste of taxpayer's money. I mean, the cycle never ends on these sordid sort of issues. It astounds me beyond belief that certain government officials and politicians are such buffoons and neanderthals, devoid of any appreciation at all of our nation's history & culture. Am I to believe that these people have to be actually taught basic decency & common sense in their approach to the arts and culture? Good grief.

[OtAkAw]

I believe PTA is also the one that created the hideous clamshells inside Intramuros and the fugly Bagumbayan Light and Sound Museum, am I wrong?

With this project, the more I get convinced that PTA should be abolished and just let the DOT to do its job!

[kyle@1008]

^^ correct, the PTA should be abolished, it is a center of cprruption for our government , and it is headed by a morron who has no regard for our nation's historical patrimony.... :lol:

[ivanhenares]

I was horrified when I saw the cover photo of the PDI today. What they did in the Angat Church was horrible! Those murals do not match the simplicity and historicity of the heritage church! Why do we have to copy murals in the Vatican? We have our own Philippine Baroque to be proud of. The sad part about publishing that heritage blunder on the front page is it will give the wrong impression to parish pastoral councils that it's a cool thing to do to their own heritage churches.

Artists can release their creative juices in a new church. But let's respect our forefathers and the artisans who built the heritage churches by keeping their work intact, without the explosion of gold leaf and murals which weren't originally there to begin with.

[ivanhenares]

Dr. Butch Zialcita:
It's disturbing that many parishes want to copy either estampitas or famous murals on their walls and ceilings. Example: the parishes of Binondo and Ermita. The lack of art education among both priests and parishioners is to blame. What to do?

Bad taste is widespread in this country.

Clarissa Chikiamko:
Hi Ivan! I totally agree with you! I looked at the front page this morning and was greeted by eek! that horror! Can anything be done about that? It's such a disgrace.

[ivanhenares]

I was told the murals in Angat Church was the brainchild of Dez Bautista. He argued that he placed the embellishing there because the old artisans failed to produce manificent artworks that otherwise would have been done in Bulacan. I hope someone who knows him makes him realize the damage he did to the church and the possible damage to that could be done to other churches with that frame of thought. It's really sad.

Let's write the PDI and complain about the misleading caption!

"VISUAL FEAST. Considered one of the country’s most beautiful churches, the Sta. Monica church in Angat, Bulacan, is a pilgrimage destination for the faithful who prefer their beliefs lavishly illustrated. The central frescoes are variations of the Sistine Chapel’s masterpiece by Michelangelo. But both sides of the ceiling portray Philippine events and traditions such as “Simbang Gabi,” the First Mass at Limasawa and “Santacruzan.” Though the church was rebuilt by Franciscans in 1892, the ceiling was painted by Rene Robles only in 1998 and Jess Santos in 2002. RODEL ROTONI"

It's not a visual feast at all! Write them at http://services.inquirer.net/contactus/contactus.php

[Askal82]

Forget your latest dream condos elsewhere in Manila because nothing beats this one: :D

cMJiZo303uI

[jbkayaker12]

I visited Corregidor last month and the shores around the dock are still full of thrash getting washed ashore. It is sad that the Corregidor Foundation is not doing enough to clean this mess. I have seen the same mess 2 years ago. Once a day cleaning is not enough. People should be assigned all day and most especially during the arrival and departure of guests on this beautiful island. The island inland is clean but the surrounding waters especially around the docks are filthy.

The island's caretakers need to put in more effort in cleaning up the thrash on the water and on the shores. I mentioned this to the tour guide and all I got was excuses and an attitude. Sad and pathetic.

Oh and I got the brochure for Corregidor Island, they were advertising adventure in Corregidor and one of the activities is rock climbing. When I looked at the picture on the brochure, I saw a climber rappelling from one of the ruins. Hahaha Filipinos indeed are one of a kind.

[Wonderboy]

"VISUAL FEAST. Considered one of the country’s most beautiful churches, the Sta. Monica church in Angat, Bulacan, is a pilgrimage destination for the faithful who prefer their beliefs lavishly illustrated. The central frescoes are variations of the Sistine Chapel’s masterpiece by Michelangelo. But both sides of the ceiling portray Philippine events and traditions such as “Simbang Gabi,” the First Mass at Limasawa and “Santacruzan.” Though the church was rebuilt by Franciscans in 1892, the ceiling was painted by Rene Robles only in 1998 and Jess Santos in 2002. RODEL ROTONI"

Gusto ko sana mag-comment pero baka kasi tirahin na naman ako ni Carlos Celdran at sabihin na ano naman ang alam ko sa color theory so quiet muna ako sa issue.

[ivanhenares]

^^ Why worry about Carlos Celdran?

[ivanhenares]

I was told the murals in Angat Church was the brainchild of Dez Bautista. He argued that he placed the embellishing there because the old artisans failed to produce manificent artworks that otherwise would have been done in Bulacan. I hope someone who knows him makes him realize the damage he did to the church and the possible damage to that could be done to other churches with that frame of thought. It's really sad.

Dr. Butch Zialcita:
Sad to hear that. Dez is a good friend and a staunch defender of heritage. But this is one case of gilding the lily.

By the way, we say "Return the church to what it was." But what was it before? What if it was poorly deisgned to begin with? I think it might be better to appeal to aesthetics: visual unity, order, a sense of balance and proportion. It might also help to explain our position in Tagalog. Mas may dating.

[Pinoy_ako]

In all probability, the ceiling of the church might have been bare. Only a few churches have painted ceilings in the country.

I am inclined to think that in our time, the state of aesthetics in churches would not compare with that of the Spanish colonial ! Angat may have been better compared to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in QC, where proportion is absolutely lacking. Still, the Angat ceiling is just a copy and in all probability, it is a poor copy ( imagine comparing it with the original ).

I think the present time is obsessed with monumentalism, just like what we have in Binondo and Ermita. In addition, there is no originality. If one inspects the church of Santiago Apostol in Betis, one would notice that some portions of the ceiling were actually copies of images that are familiar to us. However, the panels were part of a composition that fits into the scheme of the church's decoration.

I just hope that the youngsters of Angat would have dealt with the powerful images of Micelangelo's work, with he help of their parents.

[penmanila]

just chiming in to say many thanks for all the good work in this forum, even if only to raise people's consciousness at first. if there's any way i can help, let me know and i will, through my column in the star ;)

butch dalisay

[Lili]

^^ Thanks, Butch Dalisay. We are elated to have you join us here in SSC Philippines. You are a very much welcome addition to our esteemed line-up of SSC forumers. :)

[Wonderboy]

Forget your latest dream condos elsewhere in Manila because nothing beats this one: :D

cMJiZo303uI

I hope they turn other old buildings in Manila into lofts and condo units.

[Wonderboy]

just chiming in to say many thanks for all the good work in this forum, even if only to raise people's consciousness at first. if there's any way i can help, let me know and i will, through my column in the star ;)

butch dalisay

Oh wow. I can't believe Sir Butch Dalisay is here. Welcome to SSC forums, Dr. Dalisay!

[le Reine]

Forget your latest dream condos elsewhere in Manila because nothing beats this one: :D

cMJiZo303uI

I'm glad that more people now are appreciating historical structures... well, this one is considered historical, right?!

[TheAvenger]

http://www.bulacan.gov.ph/tourism/angatchurch.asp


A 400 year old Church considered to be one of the greatest churches in Bulacan in terms of its façade preservation, and architectural design. It has a fully painted ceiling that depicts the history of salvation and highlights of Philippine churches.


http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u157/jibrael_2007/angat-church-1.jpg


.

[TheAvenger]

http://chieyu.wordpress.com/2007/04/05/church-defaces-their-own/


Church Defaces Their Own April 5, 2007
Posted by Chie in Ohmygod Moments, Religion.


Oh. My. God.

No really. I have never seen an ugly Church but I think I might faint if I visit the Sta. Monica Church in Angat, Bulacan. I saw a picture of it in Inquirer’s front page today. It’s hiddeous I tell you. A church that’s over a hundred years old defaced by color and ugly renditions of michelangelo’s paintings on the Sistine chapel. Totally horrendous.




http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u157/jibrael_2007/micheangelo.jpg

VISUAL FEAST:

Considered one of the country’s most beautiful churches, the Sta. Monica church in Angat, Bulacan, is a pilgrimage destination for the faithful who prefer their beliefs lavishly illustrated. Thec central frescoes are variations of the Sistine Chapel’s masterpiece by Michelangelo. But both sides of the ceiling portray Philippine events and traditions suchs as Simbang Gabi, the first Mass at Limasawa and Santacruzan.

Though the Church was rebuilt by Franciscans in 1892, the ceiling was painted by Rene Robles only in 1998 and Jess Santos in 2002.

Oh someone should hunt Robles and Santos down. We should even hunt for the parish priest. Someone should pay for this! REALLY!

Can we sue them for defacing a historical, cultural place? Can we run to the Pope and cry sacrilege?? The church is over a hundred years old and it looks like someone used crayola on them!

Oh the pain. My eyes hurt from staring at the picture. I literally stared at it with my mouth open. You can’t just paint over something just to make it look new. Sometimes things look better when they’re left alone. Anyone with eyes can see that that Sta. Monica is defaced… ugly beyond words.

The ceiling is too distracting.. you won’t even be able to look at the altar. I would even go as far as saying that it’s downright sinful. People who had a hand in this are evil… they lead people to sin by creating such a monstrosity.
This is our heritage for crying out loud!

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Last August 2006, UCA (Union of Catholic Asian) News carried a story entitled Philippine bishops urged to prevent defacing of ‘national heritage’ churches. Here’s an excerpt:

In a 2005 circular, Cardinal Ricardo Vidal of Cebu instructed priests to send a written request for “any renovation, any construction, or improvement on a given structure which has a historical and cultural value.”

Father Milan Ted Torralba, the PCCHH executive secretary, told UCA News his committee, an advisory body created in July 1996, helps the CBCP protect heritage churches in the country. The committee has no executive powers, he explained, and “the bishops are the chief administrators of projects of the dioceses.” He said the committee “can only remind the bishops gently about the heritage laws of the Church,” which set the guidelines, rules and norms by which the bishops can implement their projects.

Father Torralba recently distributed to the bishops a paper on canons affecting Church heritage. He said his committee has also proposed to include cultural heritage in the seminary curriculum. “What we can do now is educate the clergy on the importance of heritage in the liturgy,” he said.
With bishops “concerned about so many things,” the priest added, physical maintenance of church buildings is delegated to parish priests who sometimes “act as engineers and architects of the churches under their care.”

HCS wants the CBCP to declare that all Catholic churches in the Philippines 50years or older are heritage churches. The heritage society also wants those churches to be listed, to help the PCCHH monitor and preserve them.

I do hope they’re strong in pursuing this. We can’t do anything else for Sta. Monica at the moment… the parish must’ve spent an enormous amount of money to make their church ugly. It’ll take more money to get it out and preserve it. Haaaay.

I hope we have a local Pontifical Commission for the Cultural Heritage of the Church.

Description: presiding over the guardianship of the historical and artistic patrimony of the entire Church (works of art, historical documents, books and everything kept in museums, libraries and archives); collaborating in the conservation of this patrimony with the individual Churches and their respective episcopal organizations; and promoting an ever greater awareness in the Church about these riches, in accordance with the Congregations for Catholic Education and for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. We certainly need one.

If you want to sign a petition that the CBCP Stop the Further Defacing of Philippine Heritage Churches, click here.

Comments»
1. eric - April 6, 2007
this is horrendous! i also this in phil daily inquirer. Why do people tend to forget the real value of these churches. this is a national treasure. this is OUR treasure. how many more churches are in the line for destruction.
sana matigil na ito. can we just teach the priests, and bishops, lessons on Heritage101?

tsk tsk tsk

With thanks to Blog of Chie in Ohmygod Moments, Religion.

Church Defaces Their Own
http://chieyu.wordpress.com/2007/04/05/church-defaces-their-own/


----------------------------------------------------------
The photos below I scanned from the pages of National Geographic Magazine


Perhaps if they were genius to copy the original as below, then perhaps it will be okey also.


http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u157/jibrael_2007/michel1-1.jpg





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.

[TheAvenger]

http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/7389/blanco6if9.jpg





Photos on 16th April 2007

I visited San Agustin yesterday and have taken some photos of the famed Father Blanco's Garden, the museum
and the Church.






http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u157/jibrael_2007/160snagustin.jpg





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Inner Garden (since this inside the Church / Museum complex)





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Father Blanco's Garden


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Behind the old crumbling wall is the Eduardo Cojuangco Bldg.





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These new building on the background and outside the wall of San Agustin is the Don Eduardo Cojuangco Building.





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The west side of the San Agustin Chuch /Museum complex.





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Building Plans for a Monastery - displayed in the hallway of San Agustin.


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I have posted the photos of San Agustin Church and Museum in the Thread
Ciudad Murada de Intramuros at the below weblink.

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=332162&page=23

.

[Migan]

^wow nice photos there. para tuloy nakapagtour narin ako sa lugar na yan ah :) i noticed them coloring the walls white a la vigan style. i know the stone facade can look rather old and dull, but i really can't say if it will be helpful or eventually damaging. just like what they did with the san agustin church... they painted it beige which was just nice and dandy at first... but then look at it now. i wish they'd just maintain a natural stone facade for the entire complex. wag na pilitin magmukhang bago kasi hindi naman talaga siya bago in the first place. hayaan nalang nila lumabas kung ano ang natural. kung waterproofing naman ang problema meron namang ibang mga paraan para maayos yung problema sa pagtagos ng tubig sa dingding.

[Wonderboy]

deleted.

[Pinoy_ako]

^wow nice photos there. para tuloy nakapagtour narin ako sa lugar na yan ah :) i noticed them coloring the walls white a la vigan style. i know the stone facade can look rather old and dull, but i really can't say if it will be helpful or eventually damaging. just like what they did with the san agustin church... they painted it beige which was just nice and dandy at first... but then look at it now. i wish they'd just maintain a natural stone facade for the entire complex. wag na pilitin magmukhang bago kasi hindi naman talaga siya bago in the first place. hayaan nalang nila lumabas kung ano ang natural. kung waterproofing naman ang problema meron namang ibang mga paraan para maayos yung problema sa pagtagos ng tubig sa dingding.

The "white" color of the monastery walls is due to the application of the paletada on the stone surface. The paletada was applied to protect the stone from the elements, which would result in erosion. ( The brick walls of Vigan that were exposed when the paletada was scrapped off manifests this kind of problem ). In the monastery, the paletada covered parts of the monastery, although the buttresses, which were added after the series of earthquakes, were not covered with paletada, as well as other parts of the monastery.

At first glance, it may look like the recent works done on San Agustin were attempts to make it look new. This is due to the alterations that were done on the facade in the 1970s, when they scrapped off the paletada, together with the history of "paints jobs" that it had, under layers of grime. The present paint job of San Agustin is based on a former picture, showing this same color ( it may have been hand tinted since it was taken during the American period ). Other "paint jobs" on the church include a light blue color. I think when there's an important even, like the Eucharisic Congress in 1937, the whole of Intramuros usually acquire a new look. In the interior, the old paint job is a mix of yellow, red and ochre, with gilded highlights in some parts, portions of which can be seen at a very small section of the choir loft. So in the meantime, let's just enjoy the present color of the church - while it lasts.

[Migan]

^thanks for the detailed explanation of the church's facade, it was educational. now i understand how all the plastering and cosmetic makeovers came to be - it actually had a history. i can understand why there were measures taken to prevent the erosion of the facade... since natural stone is basically porous which makes is susceptible to penetration of outside elements like water, air, dust particles, acids, pollutants, etc. though i think applying/retaining the paletada and paint over the natural stone facade will only restrict its porosity which would make it less breathable leading to the buildup of more moisture and humidity. it can compromise the stone's integrity as well as its aesthetic condition at the very least. i think this is evident in the current pictures earlier shown. this "stone-saving" process has been repeatedly done for decades? i'm not sure, but the entire paletada culture may just as well hasten the deterioration of its facade and coherently its natural beauty. stone will eventually have to be replaced because nothing really lasts forever, and it is usually replaced when the damage/deterioration is irreparable. but the lifespan of stone can be prolonged. perhaps an alternative to plastering are stone treatments that can be applied to drastically slow down the whole deterioration process to ensure longevity, while allowing it to become more breathable at the same time retaining its natural look. i dunno if they have tried that before and i cannot be sure as to how effective it will be in san agustin's situation, but this has been done in other stone structures. if historic authenticity dictates so, and they really have no choice but to plaster up and color one part of the church complex beige, might as well color everything beige for consistency. right now i really cannot seem to appreciate its current state... but i suppose it is just a matter of personal opinion and taste.

[Animo]

By Bobby Labalan
Inquirer
Last updated 08:57pm (Mla time) 04/18/2007

MAGALLANES, Sorsogon, Philippines --The National Historical Institute officially declared Bagatao Island in Magallanes municipality as a historical site on Wednesday having been the site of a major shipyard during the Spanish colonial period.

On Wednesday morning, a marker was unveiled on a hill in the village of Behia on Bagatao Island, overlooking the China Sea, in recognition of its historical significance. The island is 648 kilometers from Manila.

Emilia Almosora, deputy executive director of the NHI, said it was the first of its kind in the country, making the declaration unique.

She said one of the galleons built at the shipyard was the huge Santisima Trinidad, which was famous during the Acapulco trade between the Philippines and Mexico.

The shipyard, which was established in 1610 during the time of Governor General Juan de Silva, existed for 140 years based on official NHI records, she added.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view_article.php?article_id=61194

[Pinoy_ako]

^^^

The paletada was found to be effective since it is supposed to be weaker than the stone underneath. Any deterioration of the stone underneath will cause the paletada to manifest so the stone underneath can be changed without endangering the building's fabric. :bash: The mixture allows the stone underneath to breath. They experimented on a number of mixture that will produce the proper effect. Of course, the early builders did not have that same mixture ! :lol:

[ivanhenares]

The 15-day stoppage order has lapsed. According to the IA, construction has commenced again. Tuloy nanaman ang ligaya sa PTA! :bash:

[flymordecai]

Beruit, Lebanon's massive urban renovation should be an inspiration for the Philippines to restore the harm done to our buildings (and our land) over the course of the years.

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=12681126&postcount=8

[Mercato]

The 15-day stoppage order has lapsed. According to the IA, construction has commenced again. Tuloy nanaman ang ligaya sa PTA! :bash:


:gaah:

What do you mean? IA - I this the Intramuros Admin? I thought the construction issue had subsided already. Go na naman!? Why is everyone so helpless against the PTA? :wallbash: What a bloody country. :nuts:

[TheAvenger]

delete

[TheAvenger]

delete

[TheAvenger]

This is the kind of political system we have and where we are forced to vote in every election. the political elite will do what they like, disregarding the law or anyone below their ranks in the government or society.

[Migan]

^^^

The paletada was found to be effective since it is supposed to be weaker than the stone underneath. Any deterioration of the stone underneath will cause the paletada to manifest so the stone underneath can be changed without endangering the building's fabric. :bash: The mixture allows the stone underneath to breath. They experimented on a number of mixture that will produce the proper effect. Of course, the early builders did not have that same mixture ! :lol:the whole paletada ritual gets even more and more interesting. at least it's good to hear they're using a plaster compatible with san agustin's stone...and not the traditional hard plaster that i suspected. i guess they know what they're doin at least in that aspect huh.. so that only leaves the aesthetic implications of the paletadas and the practicality of its practice. but nah... again i am just being biased and more inclined to the natural stone look. unless of course the paletada was an original design component for the facade. the whole thing just makes the church look dirty and weathered in the end instead of making it look regal and timeless. but you won't get that same effect in stone.

[Pinoy_ako]

^^

Yes, cut stone is really beautiful. It is quite unfortunate that our stone is of the poorer quality, as the first stone builders in Manila once said. If the churches were made of granite, like the ones which were used to pave the sidewalks of Intramuros and parts of the arrabales, then it would have been different.

There is an upcoming seminar on paletada, which will be conducted by the San Agustin Church and Museum. I think it will be on the technical side.

[Sinjin P.]

We went to the Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite yesterday.

One word: Kalunus-lunos

Reason: Lack of funds :nuts:

[le Reine]

^bakit kalunos-lunos? ang ganda diyan nung pumunta ako nung HS pa ako. :D

[Sinjin P.]

^ Hindi na pinapapasukan ang 3rd floor to 7th floor dahil may mga sira na kailangang irepair (wala daw funds) and then yung sa 1st floor na may kumbaga puppet show sa buong buhay ni Aguinaldo mula nang ipinanganak siya hanggang mamatay (dahil wala paring funds).

In fairness, educational siya, mas nagustuhan ko siya kaysa Fort Santiago/Intramuros. Pero yun nga, the surroundings are even more depressing, shanties everywhere, trash floating on the river and the sea, even more trash na nakatambak sa road.

Sa labas eh may sign na strictly walang gagamit ng camphone, camera and videocam sa loob ng museum pero nung patapos na kami sa tour eh du'n pa sinabing pwedeng-pwede kumuha ng pictures dahil wala silang maibigay na souvenirs/brochures/postcards/atbp.

Kalunus-lunos. Nararamdaman ko na ang mga sentimiento sa thread na 'to.

[le Reine]

^ay oo nga. nung pumunta kami diyan bawal na talagang umakyat sa 3rd to 7th floor kasi mahina na yung floors daw. hindi naman sinabi na kulang sa funds.

Eudcational nga siya. At in fairness sa bahay niya, ang ganda talaga at ang laki. Nagustuhan ko yung map ng Philippines sa ceiling pati yung underground meeting place nila...

sayang naman at ganyan na sa palce na iyan. dati ang nakita ko lang na problem eh traffic. ngayon madumi na rin? tsk tsk...

[Chrismag]

^thanks for the detailed explanation of the church's facade, it was educational. now i understand how all the plastering and cosmetic makeovers came to be - it actually had a history. i can understand why there were measures taken to prevent the erosion of the facade... since natural stone is basically porous which makes is susceptible to penetration of outside elements like water, air, dust particles, acids, pollutants, etc. though i think applying/retaining the paletada and paint over the natural stone facade will only restrict its porosity which would make it less breathable leading to the buildup of more moisture and humidity.
You don't regard Granite a natural stone? Granite is not basically porous...
Besides the porousity of stones is not a problem at all. Limestone and coralstone are porous too and excellent masonary materials.
Exact -not theoretical- knowledge (something you don't have here in the Philippines!) on how to prepare a paletada is the key to makeing it non restricting to the moveing in and out of vapor.


it can compromise the stone's integrity as well as its aesthetic condition at the very least. i think this is evident in the current pictures earlier shown. this "stone-saving" process has been repeatedly done for decades? i'm not sure, but the entire paletada culture may just as well hasten the deterioration of its facade and coherently its natural beauty. That's is what happened in the 1993/4 "restoration". The Paletada then was also said to be NCCA/ NHI/ UNESCO etc. approved. But thanks to also faulty application (lack of knowledge again!) that approval was -and still is for the new project- worthless.

stone will eventually have to be replaced because nothing really lasts forever, and it is usually replaced when the damage/deterioration is irreparable. but the lifespan of stone can be prolonged. perhaps an alternative to plastering are stone treatments that can be applied to drastically slow down the whole deterioration process to ensure longevity, while allowing it to become more breathable at the same time retaining its natural look. i dunno if they have tried that before and i cannot be sure as to how effective it will be in san agustin's situation, but this has been done in other stone structures. Judgeing on the charachteristics of Adobe stone "stone treatments" will be a waste of time, funds and effort, besides that there are "voices" here in your agencies, that "such not here in the Philippines known! and tested material has to be prevented from being used.



if historic authenticity dictates so, and they really have no choice but to plaster up and color one part of the church complex beige, might as well color everything beige for consistency. right now i really cannot seem to appreciate its current state... but i suppose it is just a matter of personal opinion and taste. You want to say there is only one certain condition that the church has to appear? What about the additions of -let us say the last two centuries- ? Who says the first color was really "beige", besides that the 1993 color was "terracotta" and changed due to wrong choice of paint to peachy salmon? What about the interior change in 1860? You want to skip that too? So, which historic authenticity do you referr to?

[Chrismag]

...
There is an upcoming seminar on paletada, which will be conducted by the San Agustin Church and Museum. I think it will be on the technical side.
Can you please give me some more details on this?

[Chrismag]

the whole paletada ritual gets even more and more interesting. at least it's good to hear they're using a plaster compatible with san agustin's stone...and not the traditional hard plaster that i suspected. i guess they know what they're doin at least in that aspect huh.. so that only leaves the aesthetic implications of the paletadas and the practicality of its practice.
That is the most important question: If they realy know what they are doing with their "only theoretical" knowledge. And how will you practice something you don't know?


but nah... again i am just being biased and more inclined to the natural stone look. unless of course the paletada was an original design component for the facade. the whole thing just makes the church look dirty and weathered in the end instead of making it look regal and timeless. but you won't get that same effect in stone.

http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/322/img2001cd5.jpg
http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/599/img3274rz5.jpg

"...instead of making it look regal and timeless. but you won't get that same effect in stone."
...Ahh, I see. Please tell me more.

[Migan]

You don't regard Granite a natural stone? Granite is not basically porous...
Besides the porousity of stones is not a problem at all. Limestone and coralstone are porous too and excellent masonary materials.
Exact -not theoretical- knowledge (something you don't have here in the Philippines!) on how to prepare a paletada is the key to makeing it non restricting to the moveing in and out of vapor.when i said stone is basically porous, i meant all kinds of stone is porous to some extent. EVEN GRANITE. but that statement was mainly to establish the fact that YES, the porosity of stone can actually become a liability in terms of the penetration of harmful elements from the outside environment such as acids, air pollutants, and dirt. because of this, one of my main concerns was if whether or not the current paletada applied to the facade could actually effectively protect the stone facade and not the reverse. because there was also the issue of humidity build-up. so to make things clear, i wasn't trying to determine how porous one type of stone can be and whether or not the natural porosity of stone can be good or bad for masonry. of course it is undisputable that we need experts who has the technical know-how to handle such sensitive concoctions - the "paletada" :)


That's is what happened in the 1993/4 "restoration". The Paletada then was also said to be NCCA/ NHI/ UNESCO etc. approved. But thanks to also faulty application (lack of knowledge again!) that approval was -and still is for the new project- worthless.so are you saying that the current paletada being used is ineffective? because if so, i would rather get rid of the whole "plastering culture" for the entire complex and revert back to a natural stone finish. detailed studies on its effectiveness might have been conducted before. if not, then they should.


Judgeing on the charachteristics of Adobe stone "stone treatments" will be a waste of time, funds and effort, besides that there are "voices" here in your agencies, that "such not here in the Philippines known! and tested material has to be prevented from being used.my question to you here is, have they actually tried that method in san agustin? if not, then how certain are you that such stone treatments like polymer composites and saline-based agents won't do the job and will merely be "a waste of time, funds, and effort"? perhaps experts can give light to this and even mock-up tests can be conducted in a per-square meter scale. like what i said before, even i myself am not sure how these will benefit san agustin's stone facade, but i think such things shouldn't be just ignored... thus the suggestion.



You want to say there is only one certain condition that the church has to appear? What about the additions of -let us say the last two centuries- ? Who says the first color was really "beige", besides that the 1993 color was "terracotta" and changed due to wrong choice of paint to peachy salmon? What about the interior change in 1860? You want to skip that too? So, which historic authenticity do you referr to?AGAIN, i would like to make it clear that i wasn't in any way imposing a certain kind aesthetic "condition" or whatsoever. in short, what i was trying to say was if this revived paletada tradition is to be proven ineffective, might as well just get rid of it. if they can't come up wiht an effective paletada, get rid of it .no matter how culturally relevant this paletada is, if ineffective, won't mean a single thing... to make things easier to understand. might as well revert back to the original (if the original didn't consist of paletadas). right now you can cleary see parts plastered beiege only to be covered with molds (and caused by what??)... some parts left raw and untouched (paletada-less)... and some newer structures being painted white. but for me (and just me), the result of the whole thing was an aesthetic disaster... so, if getting rid of the paletada wasn't an option, might as well paint every single part of the church complex in a uniform way. huwag na halo-halo at iba-iba nagmumukhang chop suey eh. but pinoy_ako posted a statement saying the paletada was actually effective.

and besides, i am merely voicing out my opinions and in a constructive way as much as possible so don't misinterpret it as something else.



http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/322/img2001cd5.jpg
http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/599/img3274rz5.jpg

"...instead of making it look regal and timeless. but you won't get that same effect in stone."
...Ahh, I see. Please tell me more.that is beautiful indeed. it is important for people to be more aware of the natural beauty of stone. we should learn to appreciate stone as it is, without the extras. i believe they can make the whole natural stone thing work. the key is proper stone maintenance and care for such things. besides, seeing the way those stone pictures are right now and comparing it to the current facade, still looks better. in short i think those images of the church up there looks way better than let's say...

http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u157/jibrael_2007/74agustin.jpg

THIS :) i reckon mold would look better on poorly maintained stone than any poorly maintained pinkish plaster.




cheers, and more reading power to you sir :)

[Chrismag]

when i said stone is basically porous, i meant all kinds of stone is porous to some extent. EVEN GRANITE. but that statement was mainly to establish the fact that YES, the porosity of stone can actually become a liability in terms of the penetration of harmful elements from the outside environment such as acids, air pollutants, and dirt. because of this, one of my main concerns was if whether or not the current paletada applied to the facade could actually effectively protect the stone facade and not the reverse. because there was also the issue of humidity build-up. so to make things clear, i wasn't trying to determine how porous one type of stone can be and whether or not the natural porosity of stone can be good or bad for masonry. of course it is undisputable that we need experts who has the technical know-how to handle such sensitive concoctions - the "paletada" :)
Well- judgeing on the plastering of the courtyard, they are makeing already mistakes. Acc. to the SA church people they this time have the right formula for the paletada. And still they are making mistakes on the application. I must say that didn't seem to have learned anything from the 1993/4 failure.

But don't you see, it's not the Paletada, that is filthy and full of moulds. It's the paint. The current Paletada destroys the (adobe) stone because of the high composite of cement. It is actually not anymore a Lime(based)-paletada (as it should be and is described in the books), but a lime enhanced cement. By thus it is too strong (watertight) to allow a flowtrough of watervapor. The paint seals the paletada even more.



so are you saying that the current paletada being used is ineffective? because if so, i would rather get rid of the whole "plastering culture" for the entire complex and revert back to a natural stone finish. detailed studies on its effectiveness might have been conducted before. if not, then they should. That would be the wrong attempt. The effectiveness of a paletada in general is without doubt. But in this special case it is 1. wrong by composition, 2. faulty applied and 3. even more wrongly, sealed with an inappropriate paint.




my question to you here is, have they actually tried that method in san agustin? if not, then how certain are you that such stone treatments like polymer composites and saline-based agents won't do the job and will merely be "a waste of time, funds, and effort"? perhaps experts can give light to this and even mock-up tests can be conducted in a per-square meter scale. like what i said before, even i myself am not sure how these will benefit san agustin's stone facade, but i think such things shouldn't be just ignored... thus the suggestion.
AFAIK it has never been tried. It would be useless anyway, because of the specifics of the Adobe itself. You would endup with an embedded Adobe, that you (really) wouldn't want either.



AGAIN, i would like to make it clear that i wasn't in any way imposing a certain kind aesthetic "condition" or whatsoever. in short, what i was trying to say was if this revived paletada tradition is to be proven ineffective, might as well just get rid of it. if they can't come up wiht an effective paletada, get rid of it .no matter how culturally relevant this paletada is, if ineffective, won't mean a single thing... to make things easier to understand. might as well revert back to the original (if the original didn't consist of paletadas). right now you can cleary see parts plastered beiege only to be covered with molds (and caused by what??)... some parts left raw and untouched (paletada-less)... and some newer structures being painted white. but for me (and just me), the result of the whole thing was an aesthetic disaster... so, if getting rid of the paletada wasn't an option, might as well paint every single part of the church complex in a uniform way. huwag na halo-halo at iba-iba nagmumukhang chop suey eh. but pinoy_ako posted a statement saying the paletada was actually effective.
and besides, i am merely voicing out my opinions and in a constructive way as much as possible so don't misinterpret it as something else.
The use and effectivness of paletada is out of question and doubt. What makes it ineffective in this special case is the ignorance of the participating agencies and people.
I wonder on what basis they did prove that "the paletada was effective".



that is beautiful indeed. it is important for people to be more aware of the natural beauty of stone. we should learn to appreciate stone as it is, without the extras. i believe they can make the whole natural stone thing work. the key is proper stone maintenance and care for such things. besides, seeing the way those stone pictures are right now and comparing it to the current facade, still looks better. in short i think those images of the church up there looks way better than let's say...Beauty and esthetics are very personal judgings. To have a correct appearance of a baroque church yopu have to quite the idea of a "naked" stone wall. Besides that the adobe itself is cannot withstand wear and tear on an outside use. There is no way of makeing the Adobe-stone appearance "work". Presarvation of Adobe-masonary (especialy in a harsh climate like here in the Philippines) requires an adequate Paletada. Think of why you call that stone Adobe (mud!).


THIS :) i reckon mold would look better on poorly maintained stone than any poorly maintained pinkish plaster.
Poor or even no mainatance is the second biggest mistake, right after applying wrong or inappropriate materials, especially if this is done due to ignorance. Beside that moldy and filthy facades (representative facades like on a church) don't look nice at all, no matter if plastered or naked stone. It is always a sign of poor maintanace.

[Migan]

Well- judgeing on the plastering of the courtyard, they are makeing already mistakes. Acc. to the SA church people they this time have the right formula for the paletada. And still they are making mistakes on the application. I must say that didn't seem to have learned anything from the 1993/4 failure. then that is a very serious thing to consider.

But don't you see, it's not the Paletada, that is filthy and full of moulds. It's the paint. The current Paletada destroys the (adobe) stone because of the high composite of cement. It is actually not anymore a Lime(based)-paletada (as it should be and is described in the books), but a lime enhanced cement. By thus it is too strong (watertight) to allow a flowtrough of watervapor. The paint seals the paletada even more.i think it (the somewhat debatable problem) has everything to do with both the paletada and the coating applied in both a practical and aesthetic sense, and surely not just in one particular aspect namely the preservation factor.



That would be the wrong attempt. The effectiveness of a paletada in general is without doubt. But in this special case it is 1. wrong by composition, 2. faulty applied and 3. even more wrongly, sealed with an inappropriate paint. why would a natural stone finish be a wrong attempt if that is what you meant? please elaborate.



AFAIK it has never been tried. It would be useless anyway, because of the specifics of the Adobe itself. You would endup with an embedded Adobe, that you (really) wouldn't want either.yeah it is true adobe has been one of the toughest historic materials to preserve (if indeed san agustin is comprised mainly of that) so good point there.... BUT that is EXACTLY what these treatments were made for. stone consolidating materials were proven to work even for adobe. various chemical consolidants can strengthen adobe's resistance to erosion by water while retaining its natural appearance and its ability to transmit moisture without weakening it. of course another alternative to this applying adobe plaster and i think that's where (i would say) the much-debated paletada comes in. but again, let the experts (whoever they are in the phils. :)) study san agustin's facade and maybe let them confirm and determine the most appropriate action.

so how can you easily come to such quick conclusions? and again, can we really ignore these alternate possibilities?



Beauty and esthetics are very personal judgings. To have a correct appearance of a baroque church yopu have to quite the idea of a "naked" stone wall.of course i have made it clear that it (raw natural stone finish) is my personal preference, but i have my own various reasons for that. san agustin was clearly more likened to the high renaissance style... but there are certain characteristics which link it to the late renaissance era leading to the baroque. when i say likened, i do not necessarily accept it as a pure and legitimate renaissance/baroque structure and find ithe whole issue partially debatable. i see that church more as a hybrid which adapted our own society's social and geographical requirements. i think it is in some way a physical copy of such styles and does not necessarily adhere and represent the fundamentals and philosophy behind them. but that is a different matter. point is, our classic san agustin's architectural character required raw materials that were only present in the country and this is where the stone used for the facade comes in. stone was the building essence of the "late renaissance church" which in my opinion makes the raw stone facade configuration reasonably justifiable.

but historic background can cancel all of that. no matter what style we categorize it, if the facade originally consisted of pure stone or paletada, then that's what they should really go for. if the paletada wasn't an original component but later added for more than half a century ago making it historically relevant, one of the problems that i see is the whole pseudo-plaster culture it created. because through time it may have even created more problems rather than solving them. so yeah its either they assure a decent paletada-based outcome, or if not, then i think a natural stone finish should suffice. i think it will look great, really... such is my bias.



Besides that the adobe itself is cannot withstand wear and tear on an outside use. There is no way of makeing the Adobe-stone appearance "work".for the 'nth time, how sure are you?

Presarvation of Adobe-masonary (especialy in a harsh climate like here in the Philippines) requires an adequate Paletada. Think of why you call that stone Adobe (mud!).OR possibly stone treatments :) again again again, we can't really ignore that as an alternative.


Poor or even no mainatance is the second biggest mistake, right after applying wrong or inappropriate materials, especially if this is done due to ignorance. Beside that moldy and filthy facades (representative facades like on a church) don't look nice at all, no matter if plastered or naked stone. It is always a sign of poor maintanace.yes of course, but my point was that in my own opinion, dirty pinkish plaster is still way uglier than dirty old stone. simple as that :)

[ivanhenares]

Vatican, RP ink pact to save old churches
________________________________________
BY CZERIZA VALENCIA
THE Vatican and the Philippines have signed an
agreement for the preservation of heritage churches.
The Agreement on the Cultural Heritage of the Catholic
Church signed April 17 will implement measures on the
regulation of Church properties through proper
inventory, restoration, anti-trafficking, custody and
security, archiving, and promotion of tourism in the
heritage sites.
It covers four churches % San Agustin Church in
Intramuros, the Santa Maria Church in Ilocos Sur, the
Paoay Church in Ilocos Norte, and the Miagao Church in
Iloilo.
"Catholic churches are testaments to the enduring
Filipino faith. They are also repositories of
artifacts and icons that are divinely inspired and
universally accepted works of art. The Catholic Church
likewise holds historical records of importance, and
Catholic churches and similar properties are the
venues where centuries-old traditions and practices of
faith have found enrichment and fulfillment," said
Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo who signed
the pact with papal nuncio Fernando Filoni.
The agreement will be implemented by the Catholic
Bishops Conference of the Philippines and the National
Commission on Culture and the Arts, said Foreign
Affairs spokesman Claro Cristobal.
The agreement was an initiative of the NCCA.
NCCA consultant Eric Zerrudo said the agreement is a
directive from the Holy to Filipino bishops to include
the preservation of the churches in their priorities.
Zerrudo said the agreement does not involve monetary
donations from the Vatican. The NCCA is helping with
the research and funding, he said.
The estimated research and assessment cost for each
church, he said, is P1 million.
He said the trafficking of church relics is one of the
biggest problems in the preservation of the church’s
cultural heritage. Because of the "lack of proper
inventory system" of most churches, particularly those
in the rural areas, relics are easily stolen.
He also said some churches which lack funds are forced
to sell priceless relics to antique shops in Manila.
Among those who witnessed the signing were Jaro
Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, CBCP president; Cardinal
Gaudencio Rosales; Cardinal Ricardo J. Vidal; Emily
Tiongco, NCCA deputy executive director, and officials
from the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Apostolic
Nunciature, CBCP, National Historical Institute,
National Museum; and representatives from the San
Agustin Museum, the Manila Cathedral, the Parish of
St. John the Baptist (Quiapo Church), the National
Shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Help (Baclaran
Church), the Santo Domingo Convent, and the Ateneo de
Manila University.

[Chrismag]

then that is a very serious thing to consider. I brought my thoughts to their notice and even made up an own suggestion. You see the result...


i think it (the somewhat debatable problem) has everything to do with both the paletada and the coating applied in both a practical and aesthetic sense, and surely not just in one particular aspect namely the preservation factor.
Agreed!


why would a natural stone finish be a wrong attempt if that is what you meant? please elaborate.
Again- In this case, San Augustin was never meant to be just naked stone.



yeah it is true adobe has been one of the toughest historic materials to preserve (if indeed san agustin is comprised mainly of that) so good point there.... BUT that is EXACTLY what these treatments were made for. stone consolidating materials were proven to work even for adobe. various chemical consolidants can strengthen adobe's resistance to erosion by water while retaining its natural appearance and its ability to transmit moisture without weakening it. of course another alternative to this applying adobe plaster and i think that's where (i would say) the much-debated paletada comes in. but again, let the experts (whoever they are in the phils. :)) study san agustin's facade and maybe let them confirm and determine the most appropriate action.

so how can you easily come to such quick conclusions? and again, can we really ignore these alternate possibilities? The trouble with your experts is that they are so ignorant! Don't let me elaborate this, I don't like "washing dirty laundry in publicity". That is why I will and cannot bring in names. Only so much: Father Galende is not "the bad guy" this time.

The facade has underwent so many severe changes, there is nothing really left to study.

The Adobe specifics are just to bad to be worth being treated. You will end up in an in Polymer embedded stone. That is not anymore a natural stone. You are takeing away the "natrural charachter of the stone. Besides also the Paletada is understood to be a "lossy material". It is never meant to endure to infinity. So why do want to "preserve" Adobe to infin ity with chemical treatments?



of course i have made it clear that it (raw natural stone finish) is my personal preference, but i have my own various reasons for that. san agustin was clearly more likened to the high renaissance style... but there are certain characteristics which link it to the late renaissance era leading to the baroque. when i say likened, i do not necessarily accept it as a pure and legitimate renaissance/baroque structure and find ithe whole issue partially debatable. i see that church more as a hybrid which adapted our own society's social and geographical requirements. i think it is in some way a physical copy of such styles and does not necessarily adhere and represent the fundamentals and philosophy behind them. but that is a different matter. point is, our classic san agustin's architectural character required raw materials that were only present in the country and this is where the stone used for the facade comes in. stone was the building essence of the "late renaissance church" which in my opinion makes the raw stone facade configuration reasonably justifiable.

but historic background can cancel all of that. no matter what style we categorize it, if the facade originally consisted of pure stone or paletada, then that's what they should really go for. if the paletada wasn't an original component but later added for more than half a century ago making it historically relevant, one of the problems that i see is the whole pseudo-plaster culture it created. because through time it may have even created more problems rather than solving them. so yeah its either they assure a decent paletada-based outcome, or if not, then i think a natural stone finish should suffice. i think it will look great, really... such is my bias. Paletada was and is an original content. Renaisance and Baroque building traditions and methods implement the use of Paletada if the stone is of inferior quality. You don't want to doubtt the inferior quality of Adobe (compared to i.e. High quality Limestone), don't you?



for the 'nth time, how sure are you?

OR possibly stone treatments :) again again again, we can't really ignore that as an alternative.
I'm 102% sure. We can ignore that as an option in this case!



yes of course, but my point was that in my own opinion, dirty pinkish plaster is still way uglier than dirty old stone. simple as that :)
Your opinion is as good or bad as mine or anybody else's. You are free and have the right to have your own opinion, I didn't want to neglect that. :)

[ivanhenares]

^^ The pink palitada IMO has more rustic charm to it. According to Fr. Galende, it was Archt. Toti Villalon who suggested and helped the Augustinians apply that layer of plaster. Now who in the Philippines could beat his credentials and knowledge when it comes to restoration?

[Migan]

I brought my thoughts to their notice and even made up an own suggestion. You see the result...and i am sure the current results can still be improved upon.


Again- In this case, San Augustin was never meant to be just naked stone.ah, but i think that is debatable.


The Adobe specifics are just to bad to be worth being treated. You will end up in an in Polymer embedded stone. That is not anymore a natural stone. You are takeing away the "natrural charachter of the stone. Besides also the Paletada is understood to be a "lossy material". It is never meant to endure to infinity. So why do want to "preserve" Adobe to infin ity with chemical treatments?actually, the whole purpose here is to restore the the facade to its original look - as the church once would have looked like without replacing the original stone components as much as possible. these stone treatments prolong the life of stone but depending on its current state. to make things clear, good condition stone can still be treated with just the purpose of prolonging its life span and NOT making it "infinite". deteriorated stone on the other hand, depening on how bad its state, can either be replaced or undergo stone consolidation. like what i said, there are various stone consolidants out there (and not just synthetic polymers - if you think they will be ineffective) that can PROLONG the lifespan of natural stone and ENHANCE its resistance to elements that causes it to deteriorate... and again, not to make it infinite. i don't think there is such a thing. so why not try something that will work? test the best material and process of preserving and prolonging san agustin's stone.


Paletada was and is an original content. Renaisance and Baroque building traditions and methods implement the use of Paletada if the stone is of inferior quality. You don't want to doubtt the inferior quality of Adobe (compared to i.e. High quality Limestone), don't you?is that a fact or an assumption? it is of course already known that many classic styles incorporate a plastered and raw stone finish. but that does not necessarily mean they actually DID incorporate a paletada in the facade as an original design intent. i see a lot of local churches having a raw adobe stone finish out there and they are decades if not hundreds of years old. did they all originally have plastered facades? i dunno, but i doubt it. perhaps san agustin itself is showing signs of paletada inconsistency having some parts plastered, some left to "rot", paletada-less. i think stone superiority and inferioriy shouldn't be the authoritative basis for determining whether or not this or that church originally once had plastering. but like what i said, if the facade REALLY had one from the very beginning then there should be no debate as to whether or not the current church should have paletada. and instead just improve it. right now i dunno.. i think the facade just looks plain ugly.


I'm 102% sure. We can ignore that as an option in this case!anyone can say he or she is "102%" sure of just about anything. but that is your opinion... with all respects. clearly we have differing opinions on the stone issue. what i am 102% sure though is that we both improved our cutting, pasting, and quote/unquote skills for the past few days don't you agree? :)




of course we all just want what's best for san agustin and the same goes for all our heritage treasures. there are a lot of great pinoy professionals out there doing their utmost to achieve the best results and i pay my respects to them, whoever they may be. but even the most renowned architects and professionals should be open for suggestions, improvements and change. in fact there should always be room for improvements. we can only move forward, or at least that's what we all would like i'm sure. looking at san agustin's current state, i don't know. i feel there is something evasively wrong with how it is right now and in context with the present as well as newer structures being added... to some extent. unless it has already improved since my last visit. whenever i get the chance to bring up the subject of san augustin's current "look" with various people, i usually get mixed opinions. but most of them do think that it looks "dirty", or the "paint job" looks terrible... or "mukhang kulang sa maintenance". so what's up with that? but those are all just opinions from common people including me, hey we're no conservation experts.

[Rence]

^ Hindi na pinapapasukan ang 3rd floor to 7th floor dahil may mga sira na kailangang irepair (wala daw funds) and then yung sa 1st floor na may kumbaga puppet show sa buong buhay ni Aguinaldo mula nang ipinanganak siya hanggang mamatay (dahil wala paring funds).

In fairness, educational siya, mas nagustuhan ko siya kaysa Fort Santiago/Intramuros. Pero yun nga, the surroundings are even more depressing, shanties everywhere, trash floating on the river and the sea, even more trash na nakatambak sa road.

Sa labas eh may sign na strictly walang gagamit ng camphone, camera and videocam sa loob ng museum pero nung patapos na kami sa tour eh du'n pa sinabing pwedeng-pwede kumuha ng pictures dahil wala silang maibigay na souvenirs/brochures/postcards/atbp.

Kalunus-lunos. Nararamdaman ko na ang mga sentimiento sa thread na 'to.

Matagal nang hindi pinapa-akyat ang mga visitors sa third floor ng bahay ni Aguinaldo sa Kawit that way way back in the late 1980's pa yata

[ivanhenares]

is that a fact or an assumption? it is of course already known that many classic styles incorporate a plastered and raw stone finish. but that does not necessarily mean they actually DID incorporate a paletada in the facade as an original design intent. i see a lot of local churches having a raw adobe stone finish out there and they are decades if not hundreds of years old. did they all originally have plastered facades? i dunno, but i doubt it. perhaps san agustin itself is showing signs of paletada inconsistency having some parts plastered, some left to "rot", paletada-less. i think stone superiority and inferioriy shouldn't be the authoritative basis for determining whether or not this or that church originally once had plastering. but like what i said, if the facade REALLY had one from the very beginning then there should be no debate as to whether or not the current church should have paletada. and instead just improve it. right now i dunno.. i think the facade just looks plain ugly.

As I mentioned above, according to Fr. Galende, it was Archt. Toti Villalon who suggested and helped the Augustinians apply that layer of plaster. Now who in the Philippines could beat his credentials and knowledge when it comes to restoration?

[Rence]

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/apr/24/yehey/images/mainphoto.jpg

At the Office of the Ombudsman, Atty. Fe Salvador discusses with former Philippine Tourism Authority general managers Lito Banayo (left) and Nixon Kua (center) their complaint affidavit charging PTA GM Robert Dean Barbers with criminal wrongdoing.
Photo by Ruy Martinez

See the link :

http://www.manilatimes.net/
PTA GM Barbers charged before Ombudsman

By Jomar Canlas, Reporter

CRIMINAL charges were filed before the Office of the Ombudsman against Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) General Manager Robert Dean Barbers for desecrating the historical Walled City of Intramuros by approving the construction of a sports complex in the area.

This issue was the subject of a Sunday Times special report on March 18, 2007.

In a nine-page complaint affidavit, former PTA General Managers Nixon Kua and Lito Banayo, accused the present PTA general manager was with technical malversation, violation of Republic Act 3019 or the Antigraft and Corrupt Practices Act and RA 6713 or violation of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

Kua and Banayo are also asking Ombudsman Merce*ditas Gutierrez to place Barbers under preventive suspension in order to “protect and preserve documents, papers, records and other evidence necessary in the proper resolution of the charges lodged herein, and in order to prevent respondent from terrorizing or otherwise influencing potential witnesses against him.”

The complaint accuses Barbers of graft by ignoring Presidential Decree 1616 or the law preserving the Intramuros walls. Kua and Banayo stressed that “respondent Barbers is guilty of causing undue injury not only to the government but to the Filipino as a whole. He recklessly put to naught the historical value and importance of the Walled City.”

Malversation was also allegedly committed by the illegal use of public funds in the construction of the said sports complex.

“It must be pointed out that subject to the approval of the project by the IA, the PTA Board allocated only P15 million for the construction of the questioned PTA Sports complex, per PTA’s corporate operating budget for the year 2005.”

They added that the actions of Barbers constitute grave misconduct for which he should likewise be administratively made liable and dismissed from service. Barbers allegedly put the PTA in a bad light by desecrating the Walled City of Intramuros.

[Mercato]

^^

Yesssssss! More power...:banana: :)

[Rence]

I hope hindi ningas kugon ang mga taga Ombudsman

[Migan]

^^ wow i suppose they get to halt the construction of that infamous sports complex huh. i wonder what will happen to it now...



As I mentioned above, according to Fr. Galende, it was Archt. Toti Villalon who suggested and helped the Augustinians apply that layer of plaster. Now who in the Philippines could beat his credentials and knowledge when it comes to restoration?my respects to the architect. if the paletada was the his suggestion then great! we know the matter was actually overlooked by a credible professional. but should that really be our basis for contentment?





even the greatest of architects were open to change and the possibility of improving whenever there is room for improvement. how good and renowned the architects involved in the restoration process really is a big factor yes, but that alone cannot really justify the end result of san agustin's current facade, whether it turned out good or bad. we also gotta consider all other aspects like perhaps the application and execution, balance and aesthetics in context with historical authenticity, and the practicality of the entire restoration process. can't they be more open to suggestions and improvements anymore? if there is indeed a problem, can't they conduct another study and again consult more experts? perhaps they can. i don't mean to gripe and i also hate being redundant, but again, i feel the current facade of the church complex as a whole still needs more work and revision judging from what i am seeing. if it is so great, then why does a significantly large part of it look alarmingly dirty-bulok-kupas na parang amag-pinkish-weird? seriously... is it because of lack of budget and maintenance? is it because of the plaster? is it because of poor execution? is it because of applying ineffective materials? or all of the above?

if back then they strongly felt that a raw stone facade was really REALLY not an option anymore then fine, but did the current paletada-based outcome live up to its expectations? is there nothing else that can be done to improve its current state? or is there still room for improvement in all aspects of the facade restoration? if there is, then what kind of improvements? the materials? the methodology? the execution? those are the type of questions i think seriously needs to be properly addressed or maybe re-addressed. how can people understand what they see in front of them whenever they see those perplexing physical manifestations in the facade? imagine common tourists, students, and pilgrims visiting and suddenly reading this placard...

http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u157/jibrael_2007/74agustin.jpg

it says "the oldest stone church" in the country... and then what do they see in the background? probably the oldest dirty looking beige/pink poorly plastered church wall... in their eyes. good thing there's this part that says that it survived many many wars and earthquakes... and the tourists will probably say, "oh that's why!" :) i hope they already cleaned and fixed at least that part by now.

[Chrismag]

As I mentioned above, according to Fr. Galende, it was Archt. Toti Villalon who suggested and helped the Augustinians apply that layer of plaster. Now who in the Philippines could beat his credentials and knowledge when it comes to restoration?
What does that prove? Nothing.
1. 1993/4 work was not a restoration, as there was nothing to restore. So in the best it was a renovation.
2. to suggest something and to actually apply something are two different shoes. Haveing "a formula" doesn't mean you know, what the formula doesn't say.
3. i repeat too again: the compostion and application of the plastering (and paint) did have several severe mistakes ...now, due or altough of T. Villalons incorporation?

Think about that...

[Chrismag]

...
ah, but i think that is debatable.
Agreed!

is that a fact or an assumption? it is of course already known that many classic styles incorporate a plastered and raw stone finish. but that does not necessarily mean they actually DID incorporate a paletada in the facade as an original design intent.
Fact! and Yes!


i see a lot of local churches having a raw adobe stone finish out there and they are decades if not hundreds of years old. did they all originally have plastered facades? i dunno, but i doubt it. perhaps san agustin itself is showing signs of paletada inconsistency having some parts plastered, some left to "rot", paletada-less. i think stone superiority and inferioriy shouldn't be the authoritative basis for determining whether or not this or that church originally once had plastering.
FYI: a Paletada is a plastering


but like what i said, if the facade REALLY had one from the very beginning then there should be no debate as to whether or not the current church should have paletada. and instead just improve it. right now i dunno.. i think the facade just looks plain ugly.
It did have one initial form and appearance.
Reg. the apperance: I can't agree more.

... what i am 102% sure though is that we both improved our cutting, pasting, and quote/unquote skills for the past few days don't you agree? :) I agree on this too.
I also want to say, I do see that our different opinions are starting to go towards a trench war. I don't really want that. So, appreciate your different point of view and promise to try to be not so offensive in my arguments, ok?




of course we all just want what's best for san agustin and the same goes for all our heritage treasures. there are a lot of great pinoy professionals out there doing their utmost to achieve the best results and i pay my respects to them, whoever they may be. but even the most renowned architects and professionals should be open for suggestions, improvements and change. in fact there should always be room for improvements. we can only move forward, or at least that's what we all would like i'm sure. looking at san agustin's current state, i don't know. i feel there is something evasively wrong with how it is right now and in context with the present as well as newer structures being added... to some extent. unless it has already improved since my last visit. whenever i get the chance to bring up the subject of san augustin's current "look" with various people, i usually get mixed opinions. but most of them do think that it looks "dirty", or the "paint job" looks terrible... or "mukhang kulang sa maintenance". so what's up with that? but those are all just opinions from common people including me, hey we're no conservation experts.
It's all as you stated. Everything is still the same "mess", due to very complicated circumstances. Nothing new in RP.

[ivanhenares]

What does that prove? Nothing.
1. 1993/4 work was not a restoration, as there was nothing to restore. So in the best it was a renovation.
2. to suggest something and to actually apply something are two different shoes. Haveing "a formula" doesn't mean you know, what the formula doesn't say.
3. i repeat too again: the compostion and application of the plastering (and paint) did have several severe mistakes ...now, due or altough of T. Villalons incorporation?

Think about that...

You all have nice points. Why don't you bring all of this to Fr. Galende since he's very open to suggestions anyway. Sayang naman discussion if it doesn't reach them.

[Migan]

FYI: a Paletada is a plasteringyes, yes of course. perhaps there was a misunderstanding on that particular post.


I also want to say, I do see that our different opinions are starting to go towards a trench war. I don't really want that. So, appreciate your different point of view and promise to try to be not so offensive in my arguments, ok?again, another misunderstanding. a trench war is the last thing i want out of a decent constructive argument. that was a legitimate joke back there. i apologize if in any way you found it to be offensive or inappropriate. peace :)

[Chrismag]

You all have nice points. Why don't you bring all of this to Fr. Galende since he's very open to suggestions anyway. Sayang naman discussion if it doesn't reach them.
That has happened and not only once and by me only, but with no effect. As a higher member of HCS you should very well know, this is not a matter (only) on Father Galende. The problem lies ..."higher up" in the hierarchie (not of the OSA, but in the civil organisations, if you know what I mean).

[ivanhenares]

That has happened and not only once and by me only, but with no effect. As a higher member of HCS you should very well know, this is not a matter (only) on Father Galende. The problem lies ..."higher up" in the hierarchie (not of the OSA, but in the civil organisations, if you know what I mean).

Sorry, please enlighten me. What's a civil organisation?

[LordCarnal]

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b396/arnoldsa/CebuHeritageWalk/Heritage_Banners/casapanares_bw02.jpg

[Wind Shear]

^^ Arnold, where's Casa Pañares located? In Barili, Cebu? I have a friend that has same as mother's maiden family name.

[LordCarnal]

^^

Yup, in Barili, Cebu. It was built in 1876 by Marciano Duterte Pañares, a native of Naga, Cebu who married a scion of a wealthy family in Barili, the Paras'. Marciano was a friend of Don Pedro Cui, founder of the Hospicio de San Jose de Barili.

Marciano only had one surviving son, Bartolome, who became a Capitan Municipal. Don Bartolome was known as Cebu's Southwest King of Coconuts due to his vast coconut business.

The house was known as one of the grandest in Barili town. Crystal chandeliers once hanged in its ceilings, there were period sala and dining sets, chinaware from Hong Kong, and porcelain lamps. Sometime during the Spanish colonial period, it was leased and temporarily became a Casa Tribunal.

Hehehehehehehe...

[Wind Shear]

^^ Seems the description of yours and from my friend does match. She told me that her ancestor has a copra business. This is gonna be more interesting. :D

All I need to know for now is the name of her grandfather and great grandfather of my friend. If it does match, then bingo.

[Chrismag]

Sorry, please enlighten me. What's a civil organisation?
In this case: NCCA, NHI, Lopez museum. The (also) funding organisations.
"He, who pays, rules!" - it has come to my ears, Fr Galende has been "instructed" not to take advice from Mexico, France, Germany or elsewhere outside RP and earlier/ upper mentioned institutions. --I wonder why? (-> Irony / rhetorical question!)--

[ivanhenares]

In this case: NCCA, NHI, Lopez museum. The (also) funding organisations.
"He, who pays, rules!" - it has come to my ears, Fr Galende has been "instructed" not to take advice from Mexico, France, Germany or elsewhere outside RP and earlier/ upper mentioned institutions. --I wonder why? (-> Irony / rhetorical question!)--

Oh, you mean government agencies. Plans were approved by UNESCO Paris and ICOMOS. I wonder where your info came from.

[Chrismag]

Oh, you mean government agencies. Plans were approved by UNESCO Paris and ICOMOS. I wonder where your info came from.
Don't get me wrong, my last two sentences are regarded to the actual SA project, not to the 1993/4 works.
But even reg. the 1993/4 works: So what if they were UNESCO, ICOMOS, NCCA, NHI, NM approved, it still failed. My point is, altough everybody approved it still failed. In other words it was/ is an approved failure. These (phil.) institution were/are not able to forsee the technical problems, not to mention to forsee the correct execution of the plan.

Again, knowing how a work is to be done theoretically -like from books- is not enough!. Remember what i said earlier, you don't have the knowledge and standards for doing works like that here in the RP for atleast since WW2. And it is not so important to have a certain formula -even if it did come from archival material- it is still far more impotant how to read the formula and to know what is not said in this formula.
Therefor i strongly believe the plan was and still is doomed for same reasons, no matter who ever approves it.

[portludlow]

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/04262007/images/life-pic01.jpg
Filipino Heritage takes Centerstage
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/04262007/life01.html
By Jun Ebias

NOT a few people lamented the demolition of the Jai Alai building, an art deco structure built in the late 1930s along Taft Avenue—once considered a mini-Champs Elysee before the World War II reduced much of it into a rubble. Amid protests, Manila Mayor Lito Atienza went ahead and destroyed the building, one of the few survivors of the war, to make way for a new courthouse in June 2000.

Conservationists considered the demolition of the building, designed by renowned architect Welton Becket, as another example of how some Filipinos care little about the country’s heritage. Good thing that the historic houses and landmarks dotting the cobble-stoned streets of Vigan, a great reminder of Spanish occupation, have been preserved, others restored and were inscribed in Unesco’s World Heritage List in 1999. Otherwise.

“What is Filipino heritage? It is our tradition, which brings us back to our roots and past. It reminds us of who we are and what happened to us in the past. It is our identity as Filipino people,” said Mita Rufino, president of the Filipino Heritage Festival, in an interview recently. “So that when we are asked who we are, we can proudly say ‘I’m a Filipino’ and not ‘I’m an Ilocano’ or ‘I’m a Samareno.’

Rufino presided the launching of this year’s celebration of the National Heritage Month in May. The month-long event will revolve around the theme The Traditions of the Bamboo, a tribute to the pliant but strong plant found in most Filipino homes’ backyard and a staple for building houses, making furniture and home decorations.

Bamboo has also figured prominently in Filipino folklore. Remember “Si Malakas at Si Maganda”? Never mind that it had been appropriated by the once-powerful couple in Malacañang to create their own myth.

The festival will feature an art exhibit honoring Davao’s legendary bamboo sculptor, Jose Patinio; a concert of the St. Joseph Parish’s famed bamboo organ in Las Piñas; another concert that will have bamboo music accompany dance and songs; another exhibit of bamboo-inspired paintings by Jose Blanco, Rodolfo Roa and R.P. Pecson.

Fashion shows by noted designers Jose “Pitoy” Moreno and Ben Farrales will also be part of the festivities. Pitoy will showcase his Asean Collection, shown during the Asean Summit held in Cebu City earlier this year. The traditional terno and barong were reinterpreted to incorporate materials found in other countries in the region such as Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam to add their flavor to the clothes, Pitoy said during an interview at the same event.

“It’s a little tough doing the collection because it will be using not just materials from the Philippines but it will also have influences from other Asean countries,” said Pitoy, famous for creating the clothes for some of local society’s richest and most powerful men and women.

Floral artist and designer Rachy Cuna, who recently launched a coffee table book featuring his works, will hold an exhibit of bamboo installations.

To spread awareness of the festival throughout the country, various events will be held outside of Metro Manila. For instance, the opening will be staged in Tacloban City that would include exhibits of Letye’s old religious icons, heritage structures, tuba making and abaca installations. Fermenting tuba, a local wine made from the flower of coconut tree bearing the same name, is a major source of livelihood in the province.

There will also be activities in the cities of Silay, Iloilo, Laoag, Bacolod, Cebu and Bulacan. The closing ceremonies will be held in Cagayan Valley that will feature a reenactment of the arrival of the Spaniards in the province, trade fares, culinary feasts, tours and brick-making demonstration, the material used in building centuries-old churches of Cagayan.

[ivanhenares]

Therefor i strongly believe the plan was and still is doomed for same reasons, no matter who ever approves it.

Ok, if that's your opinion. Taking off from your posts, then there's nothing we can do if that's the case except wait for the Philippines to achieve First World status. :)

[Animo]

LIGHTHOUSE on a desolate Capul hilltop

By Augusto Villalon
Inquirer
Last updated 00:53am (Mla time) 04/09/2007


MANILA, Philippines - Island caravan is a young adventure tour operator offering a smorgasbord of tours to the most exciting and unexpected places in the Philippines.

Island Caravan arranges everything to get me to the many places I have always wanted to see. And what's more, they often suggest other places in this great country that I never even knew existed.

Three of these "secret" places are the islands Biri, Capul and Dalupiri, all off the coast of Northern Samar.

Remote and desolate, and definitely off the normal tourist track, forgotten Northern Samar evokes powerful images.

Among the last frontiers in the country, its rugged coastline of limestone cliffs along the Pacific Ocean is a historical landmark. During the Spanish colonial era, Samar island was the first Philippine landfall seen by the Manila galleons as they approached the end of their long voyage from Acapulco.

Entering the waters of the Philippine archipelago, the galleons called at the fortified island of Capul off Samar, offered thanks for a safe crossing at the Jesuit church, and then negotiated the rough waters of narrow San Bernardino Strait toward Manila, their final destination.

Capul was the last stop on Philippine soil of the departing galleons before the long, often treacherous trans-Pacific sail to Acapulco in Mexico.

Island Caravan's "Samar Outdoor Escapade" checks guests into lodgings at the port town of Allen, then spends the next two days exploring the islands off the wind-swept Samar shoreline.

Walk around rock formations on the beach before riding astride a motorcycle behind the driver "habal-habal" style, climbing up a narrow, winding coconut-shaded mountain path. The rest of the trail must be negotiated on foot, but it is an easy trek to reach a pair of massive rock formations atop of the hill, visible navigation markers to incoming ships seen kilometers away at sea.

The US Signal Corps used the location during World War II to scan for enemy ship sailing in from the Pacific.

The following day, a large outrigger banca takes you to largely unexplored Biri, a marine sanctuary surrounded by marshlands. Another habal-habal ride through rice paddies which follow the rolling contours of the rustic landscape ends at wind-battered limestone cliffs lining the shore.

After Biri, the banca crosses the open sea to fabled Capul, the next destination, a galleon staging point during the Spanish colonial era. The ruins of the massive, extensive Capul fortress, now part of the modern town, mark the strategic significance of Capul during the galleon trade.

What has survived is impressive Saint Ignatius Church, integrated into the fortress walls, the ruins of an old watchtower looking out toward the sea, and a Spanish-era lighthouse on the most prominent hilltop on the island.

The last island visited is Dalupiri (or San Antonio), where the water is pristine, the white sand beaches deserted and spotless, and where weary psyches battered by urban stress recharge instantly, and the balance between man and nature is regained.

Fly to Catarman from Manila. The bus to Allen Baluarteco connects through the ro-ro system to strategic points in the Visayas, or to Luzon and Mindanao.

Island Caravan offers an extensive menu of adventure tours in the most surprising, unexpected locations in the Philippines. For inquiries, information or bookings, call 896-1910, 816-7569, 0920-9048646, or e-mail inquiry@islandcaravan.com.

Heritage watch

Val Sandiego, head of the Carcar Heritage Conservation Society, is probably the first heritage candidate ever to run for local office on a conservation-based platform in the Philippines.

Sandiego launched his candidacy for mayor of Carcar, the most significant heritage town in Cebu and a popular tourist destination in the province.

His long involvement in the conservation of Carcar heritage as president of the Carcar Heritage Conservation Society includes organizing heritage campaigns; formulating and lobbying for conservation legislation on local and provincial levels; establishing cultural tourism programs; and organizing a series of yearly festivals which have successfully revived the vanishing traditions of the lovely heritage town.

Sandiego sees heritage as the basis of sustainable cultural tourism as a partner in the future development of Carcar.

Expressing frustration over incumbent local officials' "neglect in supporting their visions in preserving the heritage of Carcar," Val Sandiego "spent sleepless nights with fervent prayers before finally deciding to answer his calling" which led to his challenging incumbent Mayor Patrick Barcenas as an independent candidate.

http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/lifestyle/lifestyle/view_article.php?article_id=59252

[Chrismag]

Ok, if that's your opinion. Taking off from your posts, then there's nothing we can do if that's the case except wait for the Philippines to achieve First World status. :)
Besides that the latter is very unlikely to happen in a reasonable amount of time (you have to re-reach Second World status first), I did not say there is no hope. "The hope dies last..." There always would be or is hope and solution, but -unfortunaly- the "system" doesn't seem to want to give it a chance. I would suggest: find the people (i.e. within the HCS accredited list) with skill and knowledge (not to forget the funds) and force min. one major work -like this one- through.
Show them (NCCA, NHI, NM) how it could work out without their ignorance. Promote and advocate the qualifiedest people you can find (there are few, believe me!).

[ivanhenares]

Besides that the latter is very unlikely to happen in a reasonable amount of time (you have to re-reach Second World status first)

Second World (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_World) is used to describe Communist states within the Soviet Union's sphere of influence. It's no longer in use.

On those in the HCS list, several of them were consulted by SA such as Toti Villalon and Jojo Mata. Unless the Heritage Bill is enacted, I don't think we could make changes to the current system for now.

[LordCarnal]

A Lighthouse in Bagacay Point
(Lilo-an, Cebu)
http://cebuheritage.wordpress.com


The Church of San Fernando Rey
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b396/arnoldsa/Liloan_Lighthouse/liloan03.jpg


The lighthouse built in 1904
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b396/arnoldsa/Liloan_Lighthouse/liloan13.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b396/arnoldsa/Liloan_Lighthouse/liloan08.jpg


Ruins of what seems to be a watchtower or probably an earlier lighthouse during the Spanish era

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b396/arnoldsa/Liloan_Lighthouse/liloan42.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b396/arnoldsa/Liloan_Lighthouse/liloan16.jpg


Bagacay Point

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b396/arnoldsa/Liloan_Lighthouse/liloan20.jpg

[Lili]

^ Ang ganda ng shot na 'yan!

[Lili]

Besides that the latter is very unlikely to happen in a reasonable amount of time (you have to re-reach Second World status first), I did not say there is no hope. "The hope dies last..." There always would be or is hope and solution, but -unfortunaly- the "system" doesn't seem to want to give it a chance. I would suggest: find the people (i.e. within the HCS accredited list) with skill and knowledge (not to forget the funds) and force min. one major work -like this one- through.
Show them (NCCA, NHI, NM) how it could work out without their ignorance. Promote and advocate the qualifiedest people you can find (there are few, believe me!).

Are you saying that these agencies are inutile agencies?

[ivanhenares]

^^ Haha! Tell that to the NHI. DepEd requested HCS to get a certification from NHI that we are experts in restoration. Guess what their answer was? Ambeth in his letter said that the NHI had been restoring structures for the longest time and has the necessary expertise to restore. And that he has no knowledge or information as to the capabilties of HCS. This despite the fact that he knows the members personally and we gave him tons of information about HCS. So what is the letter trying to say? Read between the lines.

I'm thinking the letter was drafted by someone else and he simply signed it. I hope he starts making decisions on his own. Many of the undeclared historical and heritage sites are depending on the NHI for government protection.

[LordCarnal]

^^

Ambeth in his column in Inquirer referred to the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño here in Cebu as the Cathedral of the Santo Niño de Cebu.

Also, the AtiAtihan in Aklan and Dinagyang in Iloilo were not copied from the Sinulog in Cebu. Hehehe.. :D

http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/columns/view_article.php?article_id=47011





.:.

[habagatcentral1]

^^ Ati-Atihan and Dinagyang are unique from Sinulog although venerating the same image of Santo Niño de Cebu.

I may say that Dinagyang is a copy of Ati-Atihan (Ibajay version to be exact) than of Sinulog.

[ivanhenares]

^^Ambeth in his column in Inquirer referred to the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño here in Cebu as the Cathedral of the Santo Niño de Cebu.

Also, the AtiAtihan in Aklan and Dinagyang in Iloilo were not copied from the Sinulog in Cebu. Hehehe.. :D


Hmmmm, as a respected historian, he should be careful with those details and his declarations, lalo na the second one. I wonder why he made a mistake with Sto. Niño since it's a national historical landmark. The Cebu Cathedral is not yet declared.

Pampanga may be enacting a heritage ordinance for the entire province soon. I just spoke with Vice Governor Yeng Guiao and he agreed to it. He's just waiting for our draft.

[Pinoy_ako]

^^

Was the Arevalo statue of the Santo Nino lost? They say it was the second oldest image of Santo Nino in the Philippines.

[Chrismag]

Are you saying that these agencies are inutile agencies?
If you mean NCCA and NHI when it comes to "a certain extent of" built heritage, yes!

"Only in the Philippines" you would have a commision, institution and/ or any other kind(s) of organisation, side by side dealing with the same thing, but not under the same "aspect". Pure nonsense and very counterproductive, IMO.

But: this is strictely my impression and opinion with my kind of experience. ...or maybe i just can't understand their differnt purposes.

[Animo]

By Chit Roces
Inquirer
Last updated 01:11am (Mla time) 04/29/2007


MANILA, Philippines - Charlie has his angels, Lola Enchay had her tres Marias - her first granddaughters from the oldest three of nine boys of the Roces-Reyes line. Not one was actually named Maria; it was just an affectionate way of bunching the three of us.

There was, first, Sylvia, from the eldest son, Liling; then Regina, arriving two years later, from the second son, Tuting; then me, Teresita, a year later, from the third son, Titong. Every one in the family thought us the luckiest grandchildren, and we did feel special: the daughters Lolo and Lola never had. There had been a daughter after Regina's dad, but she had died at age four, a few months before my own father was born. Poor Lola must have gone through a hell of a postpartum.

Formative years

I don't know exactly how it all came about, but we tres Marias continued to live our formative years with Lolo and Lola long after our parents, except for Sylvia's widowed mom, had moved out of the ancestral home. We became closer than sisters - we were each other's best friend, something that made Lola expressly especially happy, and others in the family happy for us and her.

"Hasta ahora, siempre juntas, las tres Marias de Enchay," older aunts would remark when they saw us together, even when we had all become wives ourselves.

It seemed a lifetime ago that we had frolicked in Lola's front garden, which, in our minds, no doubt made fertile by comic books, had been transformed into a jungle, full of dangers and challenges. The old white Kalachuchi tree was the garden's centerpiece and itself our own tree house. It's thick base was framed by three rows of the biggest rectangular piedra china. Numerous others formed broken lines of stepping stones along the borders of the front lawn.

The rules were clear: Once we stepped onto the piedra china, we were safe from the monsters of the perilous waters that were actually the expanse of bermuda grass. Regina chose to be Tarzan's Jane, Sylvia was Camille, the jungle girl, and I Sheena, Queen of the Jungle. As a triumvirate, we ruled the territory and protected it from intruders. We never walked on grass; we swam. Lola always got a laugh watching us through the jalousies of the lanai, and she would pull Lolo from his French audio lessons or some book of poetry to watch us play out our fantasies.

When it came time for us to climb into the big drums by the adobe garden walls, Lola would pretend not to see. She knew it signaled the closing of the day's adventures: bath before supper. The world was still dengue-free, and we felt safer in the neck-deep mix of water from tap and rain than the shark-infested green sea around the tree. Submerged, we conferred about plans, strategies, and other matters of jungle state. After decisions had been reached (we ruled by consensus), we closed our eyes and surrendered to the pleasures of jungle spa.

We spent summers in Palawan, where our grandparents had farms and mining interests. We sailed on the General Malvar and slept in the captain's cabin. Well, it was that or on the tejeras on deck! It was a treat to watch the "lumba-lumba," the dolphin show by ship side. It was so easy to love nature growing up with our grandparents and uncles who were knowledgeable about animals and plants. Regina's father loved tree-planting. Sylvia's dad was an agriculture graduate, and had practiced for a while before going into journalism. My own dad loved flowering plants; he also fished and hunted, as did all his brothers. Vacations always brought us close to nature.

Alfresco classroom

Lola's garden was an open-air classroom. By having us watch and sometimes help as she tended it, she taught us respect for nature. She spoke to plants, flowers, caterpillars, bees, even pests.

She knew her plants. The calamansi doesn't want too much water, the flowering plants need full sun. She never wore gloves, removing aphids and stains from leaves with her bare fingers. As lush as it was, her garden was neat and organized.

It seemed only natural, I suppose, for us Lola's tres Marias, after we were done with our own private gardening, to get ourselves involved in the creation of a forest park in the heart of Manila, where our family originally come from. Lola did not simply tell us stories about beautiful old Manila; she instilled in us a certain sense of responsibility for it. To a city choking from heat and pollution, our own native city, a forest, we thought, was a perfect legacy.

Today, as happens, we the tres Marias are responding to a 911 call from the caretaker of the forest, now 12 years old with more than 8,000 trees and countless crawling and flying things in residence. The mayor has seized it, and his henchmen have begun to cut the trees to make way for a building. Where are the young people, I wondered.

What a sorry cavalry we tres Marias matronas make. Regina, headstrong and determined, has become the leader and proved worthy, standing up to the mayor during the entire controversy. I myself stand unshaken, though in another sense, in the conviction that everything happens for the best. Sylvia, though not much older, has always been the mature one: responsible, reliable. According to our Spanish literature professor in Madrid, Sylvia was the philosopher, Regina the no-nonsense type who gets things done, and I the happy romantic, the cheerful poet.

Alas, the occasion calls for Charlie's Angels. Our early jungle training was too illusory to be practically useful now. Arriving at the scene of the massacre - cut trees, trenches dug up revealing shards turned up from the historic earth - we tres Marias dolorosas are silenced by grief. Sylvia speaks of Lola, as one or all of us do in moments like this. Inspired and emboldened, Regina goes over to confront the men responsible.

Lola always had something to say to lighten things up without trivializing the situation. "If she saw this," Sylvia says, she would most likely say in exasperation, "Esto no cabe en ninguna cabeza!'" Or, "I add, 'Que barbaridad!î'" Sylvia and I begin to chuckle, prompting Regina to throw us that Mother Superior glare. But once told what it was all about, she herself manages a smile through angry tears.

"Stupid and senseless!" Regina says. But we are grateful for small mercies, able as we are yet to save the badly pruned century-old narra tree from complete destruction. "No hay mal que por bien no venga." Trust Lola's words to lift our spirits. She always believed that something good is bound to come out of a bad situation.

Riding home, we feel energized again as we look forward to our next move, perhaps a forest park in Quezon City.

We tres Marias abuelas know there are battles we can't win, but this one isn't lost yet. We may need fresh troops, but we can't quit.

What would Lola say! She herself didn't call it quits until she was 92.

http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/lifestyle/lifestyle/view_article.php?article_id=63042

[ivanhenares]

PRIDE OF PLACE
Church "over-beautification": Will it ever stop?

By Augusto Villalon
Inquirer
Last updated 00:44am (Mla time) 04/30/2007

MANILA, Philippines - Along the rural Iloilo coastline continue to stand massive sandstone churches dating from the Spanish colonial regime. Imposing and prominent on seaside promontories, they are powerful icons of Spanish-influenced Catholicism and unmistakably convey the might of the Spanish empire.

Since the days of early Catholicism, bells rang from church towers to announce to the faithful Masses, christenings, weddings and deaths. Bell towers also served another purposeóas lookouts to detect maritime invasions.

Church bells rang either for soul and body, or for religious and municipal control. Coded chimes signaled the moment of consecration during Mass, enemy approach, even an evacuation of villagers within the fortified church walls.

Settlements were arranged bajo de la campana, dwellings spread in an area within hearing radius of the bells, to assure that the population could be rallied quickly and effectively. And for the faithful to be controlled.

Bells, bell towers and magnificent Philippine Baroque churches majestically positioned by the sea are part of the stereotypical Pinoy image, always set off by clear sky that goes on forever, crisp sunshine, coconut trees swaying, long beaches, crystalline blue water sparkling all the way toward the horizon. This vision has clung to the national psyche for generations.

It's in my psyche, too. Indelibly. That image is in a dossier filed in my head since childhood, difficult to shake off because of its association with youthful holidays and carefree times.

So imagine my delight to be invited to a Sunday morning drive along the coastline where each town to the west of Iloilo City (Oton, Tigbauan, Guimbal, Miag-ao and San Joaquin) toward the Antique border has a great church. The experience, as I remembered it, intensified as churches became grander as you approached the Antique border.

To prevent church overdose, I asked to see only two that day, a "beautified" church and an "un-beautified" one, still in its authentic state that I presumed (wrongly) to be Santo Tomas de Villanueva Church in Miag-ao, because of its inscription on the World Heritage List that certifies it to be among the world's coveted greats requiring proper conservation.

Actually, any church, or heritage structure for that matter, whether of World Heritage caliber or not, requires proper conservation. That day I found out a few things about the non-relevance of that statement in the Philippines.

The first church I was taken to was in the town of Tigbauan.

Tigbauan's shame

Built by the Agustinian priests, the present Church of San Juan de Sahagun in Tigbauan dates from 1867, built to replace an earlier church. The new church was "spacious but dark," writes Fr. Pedro Galende.

When we came into full view of the church facade and its attached convento (destroyed in 1984, replaced with a concrete structure), I sensed trouble. Although the fade stones were degenerated (facade] influences perfectly blended into one, splendid Mexican Plateresque style, continues Galende), a concrete lip painted white around the arched main door gave it all away.

This was the "beautified" one.

And beautified it was, certainly "spacious and dark" no more. Behind the stone facade was an entirely new structure, ceiling held high by open steel trusses, walls replaced by floor-to-ceiling openings. The altar, with the retablo removed, now stood beneath a blue-green grotto that seemed to be submerged, its elongated shell shape covered in what appeared to be mosaic of some kind.

I did not want to disturb the Sunday Mass going on. I confined my speed-reading of the interior from a distance, standing behind a side door farthest from the altar.

Mosaic was the order of the day in Tigbauan, and Byzantine (as in the Basilica of St. Mark in Venice) seemed to be the architectural style of inspiration. The original coral stone facing of the church, cut into tiny pieces and colored, covered practically every interior surface. Even the Stations of the Cross were of mosaic. Tropical folk Byzantine was the ambiance.

If the reality of remodeling a 140-year-old heritage structure - gutting it out and cutting its stone into little pieces - was not so horrifying to me, I would have been delighted with the naif, highly textured, multicolored exuberance of folk-art interior.

If only they mosaic-ed something else, not a heritage structure, maybe a plaza bandstand or purpose-built a new structure just aching to be encrusted in multicolored mosaic, there may have still been a heritage Tigbauan church today, plus a first-class folk-art structure destined to be the heritage of tomorrow.

Miag-ao's skin-deep beauty

After Tigbauan, next stop was Miag-ao.

Unparalleled folk-art exuberance in a Philippine Baroque setting distinguishes the facade of Santo Tom•s de Villanueva Church, inscribed on the World Heritage List as "an outstanding example of the Philippine interpretation of a Western architectural style."

Carved in high relief, its facade is a masterpiece. With wild abandon, unknown craftsmen carved a stunning juxtaposition of festoons, tassels, swags, tendrils and vines without any of the artistic restraint imposed by the discipline of Western art.

On the central panel of the facade, St. Christopher, clad in farmer's rolled-up trousers, carries Christ Child on his back while holding on to a lush coconut tree for support, surrounded by guava and papaya trees, ornamental urns and rococo balusters. Itís just absolutely superb. What more can anyone ask for?

"The scene merges Western Catholic iconography with a folk representation of the Iloilo countryside. The facade is a true Filipino masterpiece," "Living Landscapes and Cultural Landmarks" (2005) affirms.

Miag-ao beauty is unfortunately skin-deep. Despite stringent World Heritage guidelines that Philippine government authorities must uphold, the church interior managed to escape the high state of conservation required for a monument of its global stature.

Polished marble covers the floor. A new, over-gilded retablo shines to high heavens. Old windows have been cut open to floor length, concrete (a modern material totally incompatible with and damaging to colonial lime construction) ledges set in, and new doors installed. The stucco of interior walls scraped away, tarted up with color-tinted stone patterns.

The landscape was still church, sky, beach, and sea, just as I remembered it. However, that morning I learned how impossible it is to avoid church overdose in the Philippines, after I got seriously churched out after just two visits.

The days of ad-hoc church "beautification" may be over. The Philippine government and the Holy See have stepped in, with a very heavy hand, I hope, to jointly regulate the conservation of church heritage.

A historic conservation agreement, the first of its kind ever signed by the Republic of the Philippines and the Holy See, seeks tighter control on conservation of church heritage.

Signed on April 17 by Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo and Apostolic Nuncio Fernando Filoni, the agreement pledges the cooperation of both states in the protection of the cultural heritage of the Catholic Church in the Philippines.

Objects covered by the agreement are only the 26 Spanish colonial churches declared as National Treasures and legally protected by the republic, museums, archives and libraries belonging to ecclesiastical institutions and organizations.

Therefore, both the Republic of the Philippines acting through the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Holy See represented by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) will agree upon proper methods of conservation, appreciation and use of the church cultural heritage.

When will both states expand the agreement's coverage to include very rigorous measures to prevent all church heritage in the Philippines from vanishing so rapidly?

Heritage watch

The construction of the Philippine Tourism Authority Sports Complex within Intramuros property continues.

A complaint was filed against PTA general manager Robert Dean Barbers by former PTA GMs Lito Banayo and Nelson Kua, who cited the constructionís violation of PD 1616 which states the Intramuros Administration must issue a certificate of appropriateness and permit for all new constructions. The ongoing construction has no permit.

Feedback is welcome at pride.place@gmail.com

http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/lifestyle/lifestyle/view_article.php?article_id=63177

[ivanhenares]

National Heritage Month goes bamboo
By Amadis Ma. Guerrero
Inquirer
Last updated 00:45am (Mla time) 04/30/2007

MANILA, Philippines - It's May, it's May, the lusty month of May/that shocking time of year, when tons of wicked little thoughts merrily appear...," trilled soprano Julie Andrews in Lerner and Loewe's musical play "Camelot."

Now, here in the Philippines, Maytime is not shocking at all. It is, in fact, the month of flowers, of Mama Mary and the cultural-religious procession Santacruzan.

In my youth in Ermita, Manila, little girls dressed in white would offer flowers to the shrine of the Blesses Virgin. (I wonder if this beautiful Catholic practice is still being observed today.)

May is also the National Heritage Month, with its monthlong festival of exhibits, performances, tours, processions, paradises and poetical jousts celebrating our historical landmarks and traditions.

The theme for this year is "The Culture and Traditions of Bamboo," and the events are being held under the auspices of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Department of Tourism.

At a recent press conference at Hotel Intercontinental in Makati, NCCA commissioner Trixie Angeles, observed that "with democracy now becoming noisier, what with elections, it is more necessary than ever to know our heritage. We have forgotten our heritage; it is time to relearn it."

She added: "Our heritage is resilient, like the bamboo. So, tell other Filipinos about it."

The festival unreeled with a concert featuring the Philippine Youth Symphonic Band in Harbor Square, right beside the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), April 28. Actual opening ceremonies will be held April 30-May 2 in Tacloban City.

Landmarks exhibit

The first week of May will consist of a Philippine landmarks exhibit in Lipa City; performance by various artists using bamboo instruments at the CCP's Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo; bamboo festival at Marco Polo Hotel in Davao City; performance of Banda Kawayan at the Manila Metropolitan Museum; exhibit of the ceiling paintings of Bohol churches at Gameng Museo in Laoag City; tour of Laguna for ambassadors; lighthouse exhibit at Santa Rosa Museum in Laguna; Santacruzan at Rajah Sulayman Plaza, Fort Santiago, Manila; National Artist exhibit at Edsa's Robinson's Galleria, with Banda Kawayan at hand; and an Ilonggo-flavored food festival at Mandarin Oriental, Makati.

As the festival gathers steam, the second week will witness a lighthouse exhibit at the Marikina City Hall Quadrangle; Santacruzan with traditional rigodon dance in Marilao, Bulacan; vintage jazz with Mon David and Tots Tolentino at Eastwood City; exhibit of Bohol churches at Makati Museum; tour of Pasig River; food festival at Makati Shangri-La Hotel; and an exhibit of Chinese and Filipino traditional medicine at Bahay Tsinoy in Intramuros, Manila.

The third and fourth weeks of May will showcase an exhibit of colonial bridges and the launch of heritage stamps at Glorietta, Makati; concert of traditional songs at Las Piñas Church, home of the only bamboo organ in the world; "Kawayanihan" exhibit and Negrense food festival at Hotel Intercontinental; Pitoy Moreno fashion show at the NBC Tent, Taguig; a bamboo-influenced exhibit, "Little Paris" heritage tour, and a bamboo concert, all in Silay City and later at Victorias, Negros Occidental; National Artists exhibit at Robinson's Place, Manila; Pampanga tour; "Aton Panubli-on" (Our Heritage) show at Robinson's Bacolod City; parao (sailboat) parade along Iloilo River; and a Bangsa Moro exhibit complemented by Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group dancers at The Podium.

Closing ceremonies, with varied activities along the way, will be held at Cagayan Valley, May 28-29, with the Cagayanons reenacting the arrival of the Spaniards at Iguig, commemorating the historic townís 400th anniversary.

A Ben Farrales fashion show at Waterfront Hotel, Cebu, will cap the festival on May 31.

"We will be celebrating Philippine culture from north to south," said Armita Rufino, president of Philippine Heritage Festival, Inc.

Call 8925865 or email heritagemonth@yahoo.com.

[Animo]

“VIGAN,” once wrote architect Augusto Villalon, “has become the generic term for anything old and Hispano-Filipino.”

But Vigan’s architect was reportedly impressed enough to gush that “the south of Cebu is more than Vigan,” says Honorary Spanish Consul Jaime Picornell, after the visitor witnessed how present-day Cebuanos continue to live out their routines against a rich tapestry of tangible and intangible reminders of the past.
Teaching the grassroots how to tightrope between development and legacy is the challenge faced by the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc.’s (Rafi) Cultural Heritage Program, says its executive director Dr. Jocelyn Gerra.

While publicity campaigns have recently promoted local delicacies, crafts, symbols and trivia to draw in tourists and bring about economic resurgence in towns, stakeholders in these communities have to “know” first, then “understand,” “appreciate” and “love” their heritage before the past can pass on its lessons, reflects Rafi chief operating officer Dominica Chua.

As a heritage advocate, Rafi puts its stake in training first the youth to appreciate heritage resources and later, educators to integrate heritage appreciation in their lessons.

History guardians

Under the painted four-century-old vaulted roof of Nuestra Señora del Patrocinio de Maria, history student Bethany Oraca briefs visitors about the restoration of of the Boljoon church, a national historical landmark and the only church complex that is in the list of National Cultural Treasures.

A regular college student in Cebu City, Oraca finds time to commute back to his hometown and support the activities of the Boljoon Heritage Foundation (BHF), which is undertaking the restoration of the church, along with the Province of Cebu and other partners.

His childhood memories of the church lend his commentary during the church’s guided tour a certain whimsy, as well as poignancy. Pointing to the grand staircase, he recalls sliding down the tugas (molave) handrail while waiting for Flores de Mayo practices to start.

The town’s museum-in-the-making holds an impressive collection of religious icons and artifacts. But the inventory is already much diminished, following unexplained losses and thefts in the past, Oraca observes. Without a curator and staff to run the museum, it’s up to BHF officials and volunteers to safeguard the ecclesiastical treasures from further looting or even damage by the elements and termites.

Gen X warriors

Argaoanon Rechie delos Reyes poorly reins in his disgust when he narrates the failure of authorities to report to police the losses and disappearances of priceless relics from the San Miguel Archangel Parish Church and museum.

The heritage volunteer strictly enforces the “no picture-taking” rule inside the museum, whose gold and silver rooms display the relics that have not been spirited away or “desecrated yet.” Delos Reyes is scathing, too, about the decision to paint the church altar in blinding gold, reducing what was one of the country’s most ornate to the merely dubious.

Oraca and delos Reyes are among the youth leaders trained by Rafi in heritage identification, documentation, valuation and interpretation. While heritage work is perceived to interest only the mature and there is a standing bias that today’s youth is rootless, the youthful partners of Rafi’s Cebu Heritage Frontier Project have more than acquitted themselves.

If the heritage towns of Argao, Dalaguete, Boljoon and Oslob should have a resurgence, perhaps it will not be by way of PR campaigns and tourism caravans but by the unsullied and the altruistic: youth’s idealism.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2007/04/30/oped/editorial.html

[ivanhenares]

Philippine heritage needs a boost in Wikipedia!

I've made a lot of pages for heritage structures and festivals. You might want to check them out and make pages for heritage structures and festivas in your own locality.

Here are some of the categories where you can find related articles:
FESTIVALS
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Philippine_Festivals
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Pampanga_Festivals

HERITAGE
DECLARED
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Declared_Cultural_Properties_in_the_Philippines
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Heritage_Houses_in_the_Philippines
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:National_Historical_Landmarks_in_the_Philippines
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:National_Monuments_in_the_Philippines
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:National_Shrines_in_the_Philippines
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:National_Geological_Monuments_in_the_Philippines
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Declared_Cultural_Properties_in_the_Philippines
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Important_Cultural_Properties_in_the_Philippines
GENERAL
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Heritage_in_Pampanga
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Gabaldon_School_Buildings
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Old_Houses_in_the_Philippines

[Wonderboy]

San Agustin Museum
General Luna Street, Intramuros, Manila 1002
Tel. Nos. 5266793-94/ 5274060-61
Telefax No. 5274060
E-mail: samuseum@eastern.com

SEMINAR WORKSHOP ON THE SIGNIFICANCE OF PALITADA
MAY 17-18, 2007

The paleta is, in Spanish, a wooden instrument, of triangular form and with a handle, used by the masons to apply the mortar and hold together the stones or bricks of a wall. In the Philippines it was transformed into “palitada,” referring not to the instrument used but to the action done with it, the application of a towel full of plaster to the walls. Thus the revocado of lime in Spanish became the “palitada” in Filipino, known in Mexico as the skin of architecture. Our seminar is addressed to all of you, custodians of historical and ecclesiastical buildings, architects, masons, and people concerned with the restoration techniques.

Our forefathers, the architects of our churches covered the surface of their stone/ brick walls with a mixture of lime, sand and water using sometimes, an adhesive element, the molasses or white of the eggs. The purpose of the palitada was to protect the soft volcanic stone from erosion and making the surface of the wall even. When applied to the interior of the buildings it acts as a repellant of infections.

The palitada was the victim of the improvised “restorations” of church walls carried out in the early 19th century. As a consequence, the walls of many churches were denuded of the palitada. San Agustin was one of them.

The purpose of this seminar workshop is to develop among builders, historians, architects, and restorers an understanding of the historic significance of the palitada and its need to protect the buildings from deterioration.

We recommend the seminar to parish priests, architects, urban planners, and caretakers of historical buildings.

For more information on the seminar, please call 5266793-94/ 5274060-61.

[Wonderboy]

I went to Paco Park last Sunday, April 29 and was surprised to see campaign billboards and posters plastered on its walls. This is a desecration and utter disregard of a historic site's significance. I hope NGOs like HCS and other national government agencies like the NHI can do something about this. It is also important to advise these candidates running for the national elections to inform their people manning the posting of their campaign materials to respect these historical structures.

* Photos of desecrated Paco Park to follow.

[ivanhenares]

I went to Paco Park last Sunday, April 29 and was surprised to see campaign billboards and posters plastered on its walls. This is a desecration and utter disregard of a historic site's significance. I hope NGOs like HCS and other national government agencies like the NHI can do something about this. It is also important to advise these candidates running for the national elections to inform their people manning the posting of their campaign materials to respect these historical structures.

* Photos of desecrated Paco Park to follow.

Sad, sad. I have pics of Gabriela posters on the Metropolitan Theater here: http://ivanhenares.blogspot.com/2007/02/underneath-urban-chaos-hides-manilas.html

But the question then is, who will file the cases? We need to look for a legal group willing to do it pro bono or else we'll end up shelling out our own money. If only the NHI did its job of monitoring declared structures and files cases against these politicians. Ah, but then they'll get a zero budget. :ohno:

On the HCS, Gemma has repeatedly said that the HCS cannot wage battles in court else all the funds of the HCS goes to legal fees when it could be put to better use restoring structures. A shame campaign is in order then. As always, let's alert the media.

[Lili]

^^ Why not write the headquarters of Gabriela first? Most probably those "volunteers" tasked to stick those posters are not aware that they cannot just stick those posters anywhere and desecrate historic sites. They should be asked to remove those at their own cost. Also, publicity will expose them and curtail these acts of desecration and disregard, as well as raise awareness on historic preservation, cleanliness and beautification of the environment.

Also, the police officers manning the areas are not doing their jobs preventing those people from sticking posters on places and walls where they are prohibited from doing so. All those candidates with such prohibited campaign posters should be fined. I don't think you need to retain lawyers for this purpose to file cases. Any taxpayer has a legal standing to file a complaint with the Office of the Prosecutor regarding this matter and provide proof. It is the prosecutor's office who should be going after them for violating a public law.

[Wonderboy]

You got a point there, Lili. Speaking of which, a colleague suggested that I do something about it instead of asking the agencies to act on the matter. At first I thought, good suggestion but easy for her to say. Then I realized that NHI couldn't care less so I might as well remove the posters myself. But since there were many posters plastered, I was wondering if I could get help from the HCS folks on this? Or anyone here from the heritage forum? It would be good if an arm of HCS youth and other concerned members go to Paco Park, Metropolitan Theater, etc., and remove the posters.

"Just go back to Paco Park and remove the posters. Bring
friends. By the time the national government agencies act election
will be over! Candidates will turn a deaf ear because they know that
there is no punishment for plastering campaing posters and billboards
on trees, posts, walls of historic sites, etc."

[Lili]

Do we have friends in the media? Send pictures of the posters of candidates violating the law to them with a write-up: "How can we vote them as law-makers when they themselves violate the law?" You know media always love stories. Internet, fora, emails and blogosphere are also good media for this campaign.

Then also do some press coverage of the civic-minded volunteers who help in removing those posters.

[Wonderboy]

^^ I have a couple of friends from the media but promised not to divulge their names.

That's a very good suggestion, Lili. I took some photos and will include caption (message that you suggested).

[ivanhenares]

You got a point there, Lili. Speaking of which, a colleague suggested that I do something about it instead of asking the agencies to act on the matter. At first I thought, good suggestion but easy for her to say. Then I realized that NHI couldn't care less so I might as well remove the posters myself. But since there were many posters plastered, I was wondering if I could get help from the HCS folks on this? Or anyone here from the heritage forum? It would be good if an arm of HCS youth and other concerned members go to Paco Park, Metropolitan Theater, etc., and remove the posters.

We have an HCS Youth meeting this Saturday at the office. We can discuss mobilization there.

[habagatcentral1]

--edit--

[Wonderboy]

Following my previous posting regarding Paco Park desecration, below are some photos that I took last Sunday:

http://img478.imageshack.us/img478/6847/paco1of3ls2.jpg

http://img106.imageshack.us/img106/9492/paco2bj8in0.jpg

http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/7123/paco3oh6re1.jpg

[Lili]

^ Oh yeah, they are really defacing Paco Cemetery walls with those posters and billboards. To think it is the Lacuna and Moreno (Ishko?) tandem. Even Mayor Atienza has the makeshift billboard which although not attached to the walls of Paco Park still desecrates it. Nakakahiya sila.

We have an HCS Youth meeting this Saturday at the office. We can discuss mobilization there.

Yes, I think this will be a good endeavor. Just make sure that you have the law to back you up when you decide to do a citizen's action to remove those posters. I suggest you write a petition or affidavit-complaint, too, and send it to the Office of the Prosecutor of Manila or the Mayor's office and the Commission of Elections, which I think also has jurisdiction over violation of election laws. (I'm not sure if regulations on campaign materials are covered by these election laws.)

[Pinoy_ako]

Following my previous posting regarding Paco Park desecration, below are some photos that I took last Sunday:

http://img478.imageshack.us/img478/6847/paco1of3ls2.jpg

http://img106.imageshack.us/img106/9492/paco2bj8in0.jpg


Are the restored areas still made from cut stone? I hope they did not use hollow blocks. I wonder how they attached the iron gate to the walls.

[TheAvenger]

Do we have friends in the media? Send pictures of the posters of candidates violating the law to them with a write-up: "How can we vote them as law-makers when they themselves violate the law?" You know media always love stories. Internet, fora, emails and blogosphere are also good media for this campaign.

Then also do some press coverage of the civic-minded volunteers who help in removing those posters.

this morning I passed by the Metropolitan Theater and not seen anymore any political posters. Will post the photos tonight.

[TheAvenger]

morning of May 4, 2007

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t218/jibrael_2008/metropolitan42.jpg

underneath the LRT railbridge looking toward Sta Cruz area.




http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t218/jibrael_2008/metropolitan43.jpg

looking toward the LRT Central Station / Mehan Garden





http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t218/jibrael_2008/metropolitan44.jpg

east side of Metropolitan Theatre





http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t218/jibrael_2008/metroolitan45.jpg

looking toward the east, at the other side of LRT is the Quezon / Quiapo Bridge.




http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t218/jibrael_2008/metropolitan46.jpg

Metropolitan Theatre front




http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t218/jibrael_2008/metropolitan47.jpg





http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t218/jibrael_2008/metropolitan48.jpg

Metropolitan Theatre




http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t218/jibrael_2008/metropolitan52.jpg




http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t218/jibrael_2008/metropolitan53.jpg




http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t218/jibrael_2008/metropolitan54.jpg




http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t218/jibrael_2008/metropolitan55.jpg




http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t218/jibrael_2008/metropolitan57.jpg




http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t218/jibrael_2008/metropolitan58.jpg




http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t218/jibrael_2008/metropolitan59.jpg




http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t218/jibrael_2008/metropolitan60.jpg
.

[LordCarnal]

Monument to Miguel Lopez de Legazpi
Plaza Independencia, Cebu


http://cebuheritage.files.wordpress.com/2007/05/legaspi_monument02.jpg

http://cebuheritage.files.wordpress.com/2007/01/legaspi_monument03.jpg

http://cebuheritage.files.wordpress.com/2007/01/legaspi_monument01.jpg

[Wonderboy]

Click on the weblink below to view the activities of Filipino Heritage Festival, Inc. this month:

http://filheritagefest.fateback.com/schedule.html

[richard24]

morning of May 4, 2007

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t218/jibrael_2008/metropolitan42.jpg

underneath the LRT railbridge looking toward Sta Cruz area.




http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t218/jibrael_2008/metropolitan43.jpg

looking toward the LRT Central Station / Mehan Garden





http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t218/jibrael_2008/metropolitan44.jpg

east side of Metropolitan Theatre





http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t218/jibrael_2008/metroolitan45.jpg

looking toward the east, at the other side of LRT is the Quezon / Quiapo Bridge.




http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t218/jibrael_2008/metropolitan46.jpg

Metropolitan Theatre front




http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t218/jibrael_2008/metropolitan47.jpg





http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t218/jibrael_2008/metropolitan48.jpg

Metropolitan Theatre




http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t218/jibrael_2008/metropolitan52.jpg




http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t218/jibrael_2008/metropolitan53.jpg




http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t218/jibrael_2008/metropolitan54.jpg




http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t218/jibrael_2008/metropolitan55.jpg




http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t218/jibrael_2008/metropolitan57.jpg




http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t218/jibrael_2008/metropolitan58.jpg




http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t218/jibrael_2008/metropolitan59.jpg




http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t218/jibrael_2008/metropolitan60.jpg
.

are there plans to fix and revive the metropolitan theater?