Philippine National Heritage Watch

[Wonderboy]

Originally Posted by JAMAICUS

That is why not directly. When truly planted, it is now directly helping.

No offense Jamaicus and I do respect your opinion. However, I believe that even if the seedling bank is "only" donating seedlings, that alone is already a big contribution.

[Wonderboy]

Originally Posted by JAMAICUS

That is why not directly. When truly planted, it is now directly helping.

No offense Jamaicus and I do respect your opinion. However, I believe that even if the seedling bank is "only" donating seedlings, that alone is already a big contribution.

[JAMAICUS]

I'm not saying that the seedling should be abolished. They can transfer.

[JAMAICUS]

I'm not saying that the seedling should be abolished. They can transfer.

[overtureph]

Lost, crumbling, disappearing historic landmarks in Manila

First posted 01:58am (Mla time) Mar 29, 2006
Inquirer



Editor's Note: Published on Page A16 of the March 29, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

IT PAINS me to see beautiful, and even historic, places in Manila falling into ruin little by little or disappearing.

For example, the University of Santo Tomas (UST) campus has lost its beauty. The university itself seems to have lost its sense of history. The small UST press building, one of the oldest buildings in the Philippines, is nowhere to be seen. Years back, the main building was very visible, making for a commanding presence. There was nothing to distract one’s view of it. Not anymore, with the campus itself playing host to a slew of commercial establishments.

This, after we have lost the Jai-Alai building on Taft Avenue. I thought that after it was demolished, in its place would immediately rise the proposed Hall of Justice. That was years ago.

Mehan Garden is also nowhere to be seen now. In its place is a parking area. I thought the Metropolitan Theatre would soon be restored. There’s a billboard that says so. When will this renovation take place? The building
is crumbling.

I hope the concerned government official(s) will finally give historical landmarks serious attention.

DANTE C. ARGAÑOZA, B12 L5 Galilee St., North Olympus, Zabarte, Novaliches, Quezon City

http://news.inq7.net/opinion/index.p...story_id=70891

[overtureph]

Lost, crumbling, disappearing historic landmarks in Manila

First posted 01:58am (Mla time) Mar 29, 2006
Inquirer



Editor's Note: Published on Page A16 of the March 29, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

IT PAINS me to see beautiful, and even historic, places in Manila falling into ruin little by little or disappearing.

For example, the University of Santo Tomas (UST) campus has lost its beauty. The university itself seems to have lost its sense of history. The small UST press building, one of the oldest buildings in the Philippines, is nowhere to be seen. Years back, the main building was very visible, making for a commanding presence. There was nothing to distract one’s view of it. Not anymore, with the campus itself playing host to a slew of commercial establishments.

This, after we have lost the Jai-Alai building on Taft Avenue. I thought that after it was demolished, in its place would immediately rise the proposed Hall of Justice. That was years ago.

Mehan Garden is also nowhere to be seen now. In its place is a parking area. I thought the Metropolitan Theatre would soon be restored. There’s a billboard that says so. When will this renovation take place? The building
is crumbling.

I hope the concerned government official(s) will finally give historical landmarks serious attention.

DANTE C. ARGAÑOZA, B12 L5 Galilee St., North Olympus, Zabarte, Novaliches, Quezon City

http://news.inq7.net/opinion/index.p...story_id=70891

[lewdsaint]

Iloilo is truly a Heritage Champion.....

Originally Posted by kirby21

Macavinta House
Text by Atty. Helen J. Camarista
Photos by A.Chris Fernandez

The Macavinta House is one of the three houses given citation by the Iloilo City Heritage Conservation Council (ICCHC) for preserving its historical significance of its architecture and also for observing the ICCHC guidelines in conservation and preservation. (Reprinted from Iloilo Yearbook 2005)

It looks like a modified European Castle amidst modern edifices facing Gen. Hughes St., Iloilo City.

In 1945, after World War II, the Ferraris Family bought the lot and built the house on it. The year after, the same family sold the house to a certain Mrs. Mirasol who commissioned architect Luis Dichupa to do some renovations on it.

It was in 1977 when Esperanza Mirasol and husband Pedro Macavinta acquired the rights from the other Mirasol siblings and, with sons Howard and Glenn, made the house the family residence. The second floor was then leased by and housed the offices of the Bureau of Forestry and Office of Civil Defense.

In 1994, the Macavinta Family leased the first floor of the house to the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics. From 1995 to 2002, the house was vacant but it was maintained by the family to keep it in good condition.

In 2003, entrepreneur Louise Jardeleza-Cordova and son Miguel leased and transformed the Macavinta House into Afrique’s Restaurant, its length of stay thereat only time can tell.

(from The News Today Info
link: http://www.thenewstoday.info/2006/04...nta.house.html)

[lewdsaint]

Iloilo is truly a Heritage Champion.....

Originally Posted by kirby21

Macavinta House
Text by Atty. Helen J. Camarista
Photos by A.Chris Fernandez

The Macavinta House is one of the three houses given citation by the Iloilo City Heritage Conservation Council (ICCHC) for preserving its historical significance of its architecture and also for observing the ICCHC guidelines in conservation and preservation. (Reprinted from Iloilo Yearbook 2005)

It looks like a modified European Castle amidst modern edifices facing Gen. Hughes St., Iloilo City.

In 1945, after World War II, the Ferraris Family bought the lot and built the house on it. The year after, the same family sold the house to a certain Mrs. Mirasol who commissioned architect Luis Dichupa to do some renovations on it.

It was in 1977 when Esperanza Mirasol and husband Pedro Macavinta acquired the rights from the other Mirasol siblings and, with sons Howard and Glenn, made the house the family residence. The second floor was then leased by and housed the offices of the Bureau of Forestry and Office of Civil Defense.

In 1994, the Macavinta Family leased the first floor of the house to the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics. From 1995 to 2002, the house was vacant but it was maintained by the family to keep it in good condition.

In 2003, entrepreneur Louise Jardeleza-Cordova and son Miguel leased and transformed the Macavinta House into Afrique’s Restaurant, its length of stay thereat only time can tell.

(from The News Today Info
link: http://www.thenewstoday.info/2006/04...nta.house.html)

[Wonderboy]

I had the opportunity to talk to Ms. Bambi Harper last night during the launch/ round table discussion of Dr. Zialcita's latest book "Authentic Though Not Exotic: Essays on Filipino Identity" at the Instituto Cervantes and she gave me the weblink for the Filipino Heritage Festival this coming May 2006:

http://filheritagefest.fateback.com





Filipino Heritage Festival, Inc. Concept

A month-long celebration of tangible and intangible Filipino Heritage presented through cultural events deliberately utilizing heritage sites throughout the country as venues. It is a joint project of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the private sector represented by Filipino Heritage Festival Inc.

Objectives

1. To raise the consciousness of the average Filipino of the existence of these marvelous man-made as well as natural landmarks and the need to cherish and preserve them.
2. To establish a cultural heritage fund through donations from the private sector.
3. To institutionalize and foster the month of May as the National Heritage Month.
4. To animate and focus attention on Filipino Cultural Heritage through various cultural events that will encompass, address and include the different tiers of the society.
5. To act as a unifying force in the society through the use of heritage.

Project Descrption

Filipino Heritage Festival is a yearly month-long celebration centered on heritage. It features performances, visual arts, exhibits, thematic culinary events and other activities emphasizing traditions and customs performed on the heritage sites.

-------

The Filipino Heritage Month is conceived as a fun-filled, month-long nationwide festival highlighting cultural heritage sites by making use of them as venues for cultural activities.

It is one of the aims of the celebration to embrace as many fields and facets of our culture in order to address as many sectors as possible.

"Heritage Month 2006 - Revival of Zarzuela" marks the 4th time this national event that aims to raise national consciousness concerning heritage takes place. It opens in Paoay April 29 and closes in Iloilo on May 20-31. In between are exhibits held in various provinces such as Nueva Ecija and Albay on the 26 colonial lighthouses, Landmark Sites, Architecture, Antiques as well as textile exhibits.

The Iloilo celebration marks a first in that the province joins the national festival by holding events throughout the month starting the 1st of May.

Heritage Month Schedule of Activities

April 6
Thurs.
Press Conference
Intercontinental Hotel

April 29-May1
Sat. to Mon.
Opening (Paoay, Ilocos Norte)
Plaza

May 3
Wed.
Opening Textile Exhibit
Rustans Makati

May 4, 11, 18, 25
every Thurs.
Food festival etc.
hotels

May 5
Fri
Zarzuela Opening *
CCP Little Theater/FEU

May 6
Sat (for First Sunday of May)
Flores de Mayo *
Rajah Solayman

May 7
Sun
Parangal sa Alagad ng Sining
CCP front lawn

May 9
Tues
Noon at Ngayon Photo Contest/Exhibit
Filipinas Heritage Lib.

May 10-17
Wed
National Artist Exhibit
Rockwell

May 12
Fri
Parian
Binondo/Parian

May 13
Wed
Zarsuela
Marikina

May 13
Sat
Laguna / Study Tour

May 15
Mon
Photo Exhibit of church ceiling paintings

May 16
Tues
Zarzuela
AFP Theater

May 17
Wed
Stamp Launch (Lighthouses)
Ayala Museum / Post Office

May 18
Thurs
Balagtasan with National Artists

May 19
Fri
National Artist Exhibit
Rockwell

May 19
Fri
Davao

May 20
Sat
Fashion Show
“Moda Marikina”
Marikina

May 20
Sat
Bangsa Moro Photo Exhibit

May 22
Mon
Makati

May 23
Tues
Bangsa Moro wares exhibit

May 25
Thurs
Lighthouse exhibit
Robinsons

May 27
Sat
Pampanga

May 28
Mon
Flag Day

May 28-29
Mon & Tues
Closing Bacolod
Victorias

May 30 & 31
Wed & Thurs
Closing - Iloilo

For more information on the schedule of activities, below is the contact information of Filipino Hertiage Festival:

Filipino Heritage Festival Inc.
UG-03 Cityland 10 Tower 2
154 H.V. Dela Costa St.,
Makati City, Philippines
Tel. No. (632) 892 58 65
Website: http://filheritagefest.fateback.com
E-mail: heritagemonth@yahoo.com

Your participation on the activities will be highly appreciated!

[Wonderboy]

I had the opportunity to talk to Ms. Bambi Harper last night during the launch/ round table discussion of Dr. Zialcita's latest book "Authentic Though Not Exotic: Essays on Filipino Identity" at the Instituto Cervantes and she gave me the weblink for the Filipino Heritage Festival this coming May 2006:

http://filheritagefest.fateback.com





Filipino Heritage Festival, Inc. Concept

A month-long celebration of tangible and intangible Filipino Heritage presented through cultural events deliberately utilizing heritage sites throughout the country as venues. It is a joint project of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the private sector represented by Filipino Heritage Festival Inc.

Objectives

1. To raise the consciousness of the average Filipino of the existence of these marvelous man-made as well as natural landmarks and the need to cherish and preserve them.
2. To establish a cultural heritage fund through donations from the private sector.
3. To institutionalize and foster the month of May as the National Heritage Month.
4. To animate and focus attention on Filipino Cultural Heritage through various cultural events that will encompass, address and include the different tiers of the society.
5. To act as a unifying force in the society through the use of heritage.

Project Descrption

Filipino Heritage Festival is a yearly month-long celebration centered on heritage. It features performances, visual arts, exhibits, thematic culinary events and other activities emphasizing traditions and customs performed on the heritage sites.

-------

The Filipino Heritage Month is conceived as a fun-filled, month-long nationwide festival highlighting cultural heritage sites by making use of them as venues for cultural activities.

It is one of the aims of the celebration to embrace as many fields and facets of our culture in order to address as many sectors as possible.

"Heritage Month 2006 - Revival of Zarzuela" marks the 4th time this national event that aims to raise national consciousness concerning heritage takes place. It opens in Paoay April 29 and closes in Iloilo on May 20-31. In between are exhibits held in various provinces such as Nueva Ecija and Albay on the 26 colonial lighthouses, Landmark Sites, Architecture, Antiques as well as textile exhibits.

The Iloilo celebration marks a first in that the province joins the national festival by holding events throughout the month starting the 1st of May.

Heritage Month Schedule of Activities

April 6
Thurs.
Press Conference
Intercontinental Hotel

April 29-May1
Sat. to Mon.
Opening (Paoay, Ilocos Norte)
Plaza

May 3
Wed.
Opening Textile Exhibit
Rustans Makati

May 4, 11, 18, 25
every Thurs.
Food festival etc.
hotels

May 5
Fri
Zarzuela Opening *
CCP Little Theater/FEU

May 6
Sat (for First Sunday of May)
Flores de Mayo *
Rajah Solayman

May 7
Sun
Parangal sa Alagad ng Sining
CCP front lawn

May 9
Tues
Noon at Ngayon Photo Contest/Exhibit
Filipinas Heritage Lib.

May 10-17
Wed
National Artist Exhibit
Rockwell

May 12
Fri
Parian
Binondo/Parian

May 13
Wed
Zarsuela
Marikina

May 13
Sat
Laguna / Study Tour

May 15
Mon
Photo Exhibit of church ceiling paintings

May 16
Tues
Zarzuela
AFP Theater

May 17
Wed
Stamp Launch (Lighthouses)
Ayala Museum / Post Office

May 18
Thurs
Balagtasan with National Artists

May 19
Fri
National Artist Exhibit
Rockwell

May 19
Fri
Davao

May 20
Sat
Fashion Show
“Moda Marikina”
Marikina

May 20
Sat
Bangsa Moro Photo Exhibit

May 22
Mon
Makati

May 23
Tues
Bangsa Moro wares exhibit

May 25
Thurs
Lighthouse exhibit
Robinsons

May 27
Sat
Pampanga

May 28
Mon
Flag Day

May 28-29
Mon & Tues
Closing Bacolod
Victorias

May 30 & 31
Wed & Thurs
Closing - Iloilo

For more information on the schedule of activities, below is the contact information of Filipino Hertiage Festival:

Filipino Heritage Festival Inc.
UG-03 Cityland 10 Tower 2
154 H.V. Dela Costa St.,
Makati City, Philippines
Tel. No. (632) 892 58 65
Website: http://filheritagefest.fateback.com
E-mail: heritagemonth@yahoo.com

Your participation on the activities will be highly appreciated!

[Wonderboy]

Originally Posted by ishtefh_03

@kuya jeff- i texted the number you gave here and nag reply na di daw sya taga HCS, baka mali poh ung nalagay nyo poh dito... and i'm really planning of organizing a chapter in UST, i already have a copy of the procedures on how to be accredited and my sample constitution included... pero minsan naisip ko kung gagawin ko ba?? masyadong matrabaho talaga eh...

Hello Steph,

My apologies for the delayed repsonse to your concern. I checked the telephone number of HCS that I provided on the first posting on this thread and indeed, I got the numbers mixed up! My bad. Anyhow, below is the correct contact information:

Heritage Conservation Society

Telephone numbers: 5212239/ 5222497
Mobile number: 09178668853
Contact person: Ms. Dorie Soriano

Please let me know if you were able to get in touch with Ms. Dorie.

I also had the same concern while I was just starting my advocacy work at HCS. Volunteerism is sometimes tedious but I was determined to help out no matter what happens. You may ask for assistance from your professors or friends who also share your passion in preserving our heritage.

Ngayon pa lang, saludo na ako sa'yo. "Things are always hard before they are easy" (please ignore the weird sentence construction as I am quoting verbatim a long lost book which I already forgot the title. Nevertheless, I believe that that saying makes sense. )

[Wonderboy]

Originally Posted by ishtefh_03

@kuya jeff- i texted the number you gave here and nag reply na di daw sya taga HCS, baka mali poh ung nalagay nyo poh dito... and i'm really planning of organizing a chapter in UST, i already have a copy of the procedures on how to be accredited and my sample constitution included... pero minsan naisip ko kung gagawin ko ba?? masyadong matrabaho talaga eh...

Hello Steph,

My apologies for the delayed repsonse to your concern. I checked the telephone number of HCS that I provided on the first posting on this thread and indeed, I got the numbers mixed up! My bad. Anyhow, below is the correct contact information:

Heritage Conservation Society

Telephone numbers: 5212239/ 5222497
Mobile number: 09178668853
Contact person: Ms. Dorie Soriano

Please let me know if you were able to get in touch with Ms. Dorie.

I also had the same concern while I was just starting my advocacy work at HCS. Volunteerism is sometimes tedious but I was determined to help out no matter what happens. You may ask for assistance from your professors or friends who also share your passion in preserving our heritage.

Ngayon pa lang, saludo na ako sa'yo. "Things are always hard before they are easy" (please ignore the weird sentence construction as I am quoting verbatim a long lost book which I already forgot the title. Nevertheless, I believe that that saying makes sense. )

[Wonderboy]

Originally Posted by lewdsaint

Iloilo is truly a Heritage Champion.....

This is true Lewdsaint, I heard there's even one particular street in Iloilo that has been declared as a heritage communiy by the city mayor.

[Wonderboy]

Originally Posted by lewdsaint

Iloilo is truly a Heritage Champion.....

This is true Lewdsaint, I heard there's even one particular street in Iloilo that has been declared as a heritage communiy by the city mayor.

[lewdsaint]

Wonderboy, This is the Calle Real (Royal Street) of Iloilo City



Calle Real is the old name of the Iznart and J.M. Basa Streets, which is lined by businesses owned mostly by Filipino-Chinese traders. The street boasts of buildings that date back during the Spanish and American colonial periods.



Calle Real was also known as the “Escolta of Iloilo”. It was the site of most of the city's European, Chinese and American retail stores, with property values markedly high along it.



J.M. Basa is a shopping and business district of the city. Here you can find a wide array of products distinct from what you find in malls which are a lot cheaper and more reflective of Ilonggo culture.

Originally Posted by Wonderboy

This is true Lewdsaint, I heard there's even one particular street in Iloilo that has been declared as a heritage communiy by the city mayor.

[lewdsaint]

Wonderboy, This is the Calle Real (Royal Street) of Iloilo City



Calle Real is the old name of the Iznart and J.M. Basa Streets, which is lined by businesses owned mostly by Filipino-Chinese traders. The street boasts of buildings that date back during the Spanish and American colonial periods.



Calle Real was also known as the “Escolta of Iloilo”. It was the site of most of the city's European, Chinese and American retail stores, with property values markedly high along it.



J.M. Basa is a shopping and business district of the city. Here you can find a wide array of products distinct from what you find in malls which are a lot cheaper and more reflective of Ilonggo culture.

Originally Posted by Wonderboy

This is true Lewdsaint, I heard there's even one particular street in Iloilo that has been declared as a heritage communiy by the city mayor.

[lewdsaint]

Chinese Ilonggos embrace heritage
By Ma. Diosa Labiste
Philippine Daily Inquirer


MARIVIC Parcon was raised well by her Chinese parents who tried to acquaint her with the many facets of Chinese culture, including its work ethic.

Every weekend, she helped out in the grocery run by her parents to earn her allowance in elementary and high school.

Parcon now teaches Chinese languages at the Iloilo Chinese Commercial High School (ICCHS) in Iloilo City. These days, she says Chinese Ilonggo parents are more lenient.

Instead of making their children tend shops, parents encourage them to excel in school, compete in academics and athletics, and become successful in their careers.

Parcon named a few famous alumni of the ICCHS-entrepreneur and recording artist Jose Mari Chan and basketball stars Yves Dignadice and James Yap, more famous as the boyfriend of Kris Aquino.

Other successful alumni may not be in the spotlight but are working in government, banks, hospitals, churches and schools in the country and elsewhere.

While of Chinese descent, they proudly say they are Filipinos or Chinoys (Chinong Pinoy or Chinese Filipinos), or even Chinese Ilonggos because they knew no other home than Iloilo.

During the Jan. 31 fourth Chinese New Year celebration in Iloilo City, the Chinese Ilonggos' history, culture and contribution were feted anew. This year, Iloilo ceased to claim to have the only public celebration of the Chinese New Year outside Metro Manila.

Other cities, such as Cebu and Bacolod, have been holding theirs since 2003.

As in previous years, the schools have taken the lead in ushering in the Year of the Fire Dog. They are the ICCHS, Ateneo de Iloilo/Sta. Maria Catholic School, Sun Yat Sen High School, and the Colegio de Sagrado Corazon de Jesus.

Dance history

The ICCHS performed in dances a history of the Qin Dynasty in 221 BC that became a turning point in Chinese history. The dynasty unified the warring states, standardized writing, language and currency, and built the Great Wall of China.

Another dance presentation portrayed the Terra Cotta Warriors, or the famous 6,000 clay soldiers found in a burial site in China.

Carmen Santos, principal of the ICCHS, said the presentation would remind Chinese Ilonggos of their legacy and help teach Chinese history to Filipinos.

"There are lessons to be learned from the history of China that can be applied today," said Philippe John Sopacio, who researched and wrote the dance theater.

While the history of China is well-recorded and easily retrieved from books and chronicles, little has been written about the Chinese Ilonggo history that can be shared or put into dance.

Santos and Sopacio said local Chinese Ilonggo historians must piece together accounts, documents and life stories on how the Chinese came to Iloilo and why they stayed. Some local historians have written about Chinese Ilonggos but not extensively.

Archeological records showed that trading between Iloilo and the Chinese started between 960 AD and 1279 but Chinese settlers did not arrive until the Spaniards had colonized Iloilo in the 16th century. A Spanish royal decree issued on July 17, 1679 established a parian, or Chinese district in Iloilo City, on what is now Avancena Street in Molo
District.


Chinatown

Pieces of evidence of Chinese influence abound in the city's economy and these are found in the streets of J.M. Basa, Iznart and Aldeguer that form a triangle. The area is the central business district and the unofficial Chinatown.

But Chinese Ilonggo business leaders, led by Felipe Uygongco, said instead of calling it Chinatown, they want the place declared Chinese Filipino Cultural Center.

Long before malls and air-conditioned shopping enclaves appeared, the central business district was the busiest and liveliest shopping area in the city. By giving it a place in the Chinese Ilonggo history, it could be saved from becoming a retail slum.

Bazaars, small shops, hardware stores and restaurants flank both sides of the streets. Many of these are owned by Chinese Ilonggos who weathered the competition from malls, ironically owned also by Chinese Filipinos, by selling goods at lower prices.

One of the popular shops is Botica China, a drugstore that has antique wooden shelves and a metal scale used for weighing Chinese drugs. It has glass counters displaying cough syrups, candies and treats, slimming teas, whitening facial creams and powders, and aphrodisiacs.

Its owner, who begged anonymity, said the drugstore was a family business before she was born. While Chinese medicines are not a hit, the store, like many others in the area, survives because of loyal customers and buyers looking for alternative medicines.

"Discipline, hard work, and a will to serve made us what we are today," said Parcon. "These traits are Chinese but they are also Filipino."

[lewdsaint]

Chinese Ilonggos embrace heritage
By Ma. Diosa Labiste
Philippine Daily Inquirer


MARIVIC Parcon was raised well by her Chinese parents who tried to acquaint her with the many facets of Chinese culture, including its work ethic.

Every weekend, she helped out in the grocery run by her parents to earn her allowance in elementary and high school.

Parcon now teaches Chinese languages at the Iloilo Chinese Commercial High School (ICCHS) in Iloilo City. These days, she says Chinese Ilonggo parents are more lenient.

Instead of making their children tend shops, parents encourage them to excel in school, compete in academics and athletics, and become successful in their careers.

Parcon named a few famous alumni of the ICCHS-entrepreneur and recording artist Jose Mari Chan and basketball stars Yves Dignadice and James Yap, more famous as the boyfriend of Kris Aquino.

Other successful alumni may not be in the spotlight but are working in government, banks, hospitals, churches and schools in the country and elsewhere.

While of Chinese descent, they proudly say they are Filipinos or Chinoys (Chinong Pinoy or Chinese Filipinos), or even Chinese Ilonggos because they knew no other home than Iloilo.

During the Jan. 31 fourth Chinese New Year celebration in Iloilo City, the Chinese Ilonggos' history, culture and contribution were feted anew. This year, Iloilo ceased to claim to have the only public celebration of the Chinese New Year outside Metro Manila.

Other cities, such as Cebu and Bacolod, have been holding theirs since 2003.

As in previous years, the schools have taken the lead in ushering in the Year of the Fire Dog. They are the ICCHS, Ateneo de Iloilo/Sta. Maria Catholic School, Sun Yat Sen High School, and the Colegio de Sagrado Corazon de Jesus.

Dance history

The ICCHS performed in dances a history of the Qin Dynasty in 221 BC that became a turning point in Chinese history. The dynasty unified the warring states, standardized writing, language and currency, and built the Great Wall of China.

Another dance presentation portrayed the Terra Cotta Warriors, or the famous 6,000 clay soldiers found in a burial site in China.

Carmen Santos, principal of the ICCHS, said the presentation would remind Chinese Ilonggos of their legacy and help teach Chinese history to Filipinos.

"There are lessons to be learned from the history of China that can be applied today," said Philippe John Sopacio, who researched and wrote the dance theater.

While the history of China is well-recorded and easily retrieved from books and chronicles, little has been written about the Chinese Ilonggo history that can be shared or put into dance.

Santos and Sopacio said local Chinese Ilonggo historians must piece together accounts, documents and life stories on how the Chinese came to Iloilo and why they stayed. Some local historians have written about Chinese Ilonggos but not extensively.

Archeological records showed that trading between Iloilo and the Chinese started between 960 AD and 1279 but Chinese settlers did not arrive until the Spaniards had colonized Iloilo in the 16th century. A Spanish royal decree issued on July 17, 1679 established a parian, or Chinese district in Iloilo City, on what is now Avancena Street in Molo
District.


Chinatown

Pieces of evidence of Chinese influence abound in the city's economy and these are found in the streets of J.M. Basa, Iznart and Aldeguer that form a triangle. The area is the central business district and the unofficial Chinatown.

But Chinese Ilonggo business leaders, led by Felipe Uygongco, said instead of calling it Chinatown, they want the place declared Chinese Filipino Cultural Center.

Long before malls and air-conditioned shopping enclaves appeared, the central business district was the busiest and liveliest shopping area in the city. By giving it a place in the Chinese Ilonggo history, it could be saved from becoming a retail slum.

Bazaars, small shops, hardware stores and restaurants flank both sides of the streets. Many of these are owned by Chinese Ilonggos who weathered the competition from malls, ironically owned also by Chinese Filipinos, by selling goods at lower prices.

One of the popular shops is Botica China, a drugstore that has antique wooden shelves and a metal scale used for weighing Chinese drugs. It has glass counters displaying cough syrups, candies and treats, slimming teas, whitening facial creams and powders, and aphrodisiacs.

Its owner, who begged anonymity, said the drugstore was a family business before she was born. While Chinese medicines are not a hit, the store, like many others in the area, survives because of loyal customers and buyers looking for alternative medicines.

"Discipline, hard work, and a will to serve made us what we are today," said Parcon. "These traits are Chinese but they are also Filipino."

[lewdsaint]

Bridging the Gap
By Henry F. Funtecha

Institutional services available in Iloilo City, 1930s

Iloilo, being considered as the 'Queen of the City of the South' in the first half of the 20th century, was the premier commercial center and entertainment capital of the Philippines outside of Manila in the 1930s. To it flocked not only farmers and merchants from the interior towns of the province and of the neighboring provinces of Aklan, Antique and Capiz, but also hacienderos and sacadas, especially from Negros Occidental. They visited Iloilo to sell their products, buy consumer goods, purchase machinery and equipment, negotiate crop loans with banks, check on prices of sugar and other products, and avail of the services that the city had to offer.

To cater to the discriminating taste of the hacienderos and the emerging middle class in the region, there were a number of tailoring shops in Iloilo City. They were the De Luxe Fashion, that also offered dry cleaning services; the ABC Gents' Tailoring in Iznart St. owned by Peyo Chen; the American Bazaar; and the De Luxe Haberdashery Co., Inc. The last two were found in J.M. Basa St.

For one's photographic needs, a number of photo studios could be found in the city, among them: Casanave Art Studio in Corner Sto. Nino-J.M. Basa Sts., Visayan Studio in Iznart St., owned by a certain H. Niinoto; and, The Nolasco D'Art Studio, Photo-engraving services were offered by the Joaquin Reyes and Co., Inc. at J.M. Basa St.

Iloilo was also one of the earliest cities in the Philippines to show first-run Hollywood movies to entertain patrons from all walks of life. Palace and Roxy Theaters were the homes of Metro Goldwyn Mayer, United Artist, Colombia,and Fox Quality Pictures. Eagle and Lyric movie houses were identified with Paramount, Universal, Warner Brothers, and First National Pictures.

For those who were fond of dancing, there were a number of nightclubs in the city. Gambling houses were also available who were inclined to this particular pastime.

For the moneyed ones who wanted to have a made-to-order jewelry, there were jewelry shops such as the Juan de Salvador Joyeria y Agencia de Empeños, Pablo Dulalia Joyeria y Casa de Empeños, and Hechanova and Co., Inc., all located at J.M. Basa St.

Printing and bookbinding needs could be done by La Editorial and by the Imprenta La Defensa in Rizal St., the latter owned by Marcos Villalon. Insurances can be secured from Sucesores de J. Reguera and Sorox.

There were also a umber of hotels and restaurants in Iloilo City. Among them were Central Hotel and Plaza Lunch, the latter served both as a lodging house and a restaurant.

A barber shop, 'The Modern Barber Shop', owned by Patricio Kabasaan, was operating in J.M. Basa St.

For electrical and refrigeration needs, there was Alpha Electrical and Refrigeration Service near Plaza Libertad.

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Bridging the Gap
By Henry F. Funtecha

Institutional services available in Iloilo City, 1930s

Iloilo, being considered as the 'Queen of the City of the South' in the first half of the 20th century, was the premier commercial center and entertainment capital of the Philippines outside of Manila in the 1930s. To it flocked not only farmers and merchants from the interior towns of the province and of the neighboring provinces of Aklan, Antique and Capiz, but also hacienderos and sacadas, especially from Negros Occidental. They visited Iloilo to sell their products, buy consumer goods, purchase machinery and equipment, negotiate crop loans with banks, check on prices of sugar and other products, and avail of the services that the city had to offer.

To cater to the discriminating taste of the hacienderos and the emerging middle class in the region, there were a number of tailoring shops in Iloilo City. They were the De Luxe Fashion, that also offered dry cleaning services; the ABC Gents' Tailoring in Iznart St. owned by Peyo Chen; the American Bazaar; and the De Luxe Haberdashery Co., Inc. The last two were found in J.M. Basa St.

For one's photographic needs, a number of photo studios could be found in the city, among them: Casanave Art Studio in Corner Sto. Nino-J.M. Basa Sts., Visayan Studio in Iznart St., owned by a certain H. Niinoto; and, The Nolasco D'Art Studio, Photo-engraving services were offered by the Joaquin Reyes and Co., Inc. at J.M. Basa St.

Iloilo was also one of the earliest cities in the Philippines to show first-run Hollywood movies to entertain patrons from all walks of life. Palace and Roxy Theaters were the homes of Metro Goldwyn Mayer, United Artist, Colombia,and Fox Quality Pictures. Eagle and Lyric movie houses were identified with Paramount, Universal, Warner Brothers, and First National Pictures.

For those who were fond of dancing, there were a number of nightclubs in the city. Gambling houses were also available who were inclined to this particular pastime.

For the moneyed ones who wanted to have a made-to-order jewelry, there were jewelry shops such as the Juan de Salvador Joyeria y Agencia de Empeños, Pablo Dulalia Joyeria y Casa de Empeños, and Hechanova and Co., Inc., all located at J.M. Basa St.

Printing and bookbinding needs could be done by La Editorial and by the Imprenta La Defensa in Rizal St., the latter owned by Marcos Villalon. Insurances can be secured from Sucesores de J. Reguera and Sorox.

There were also a umber of hotels and restaurants in Iloilo City. Among them were Central Hotel and Plaza Lunch, the latter served both as a lodging house and a restaurant.

A barber shop, 'The Modern Barber Shop', owned by Patricio Kabasaan, was operating in J.M. Basa St.

For electrical and refrigeration needs, there was Alpha Electrical and Refrigeration Service near Plaza Libertad.