Abucay, Bataan – Reyes Group Capital Holdings Inc. officially broke ground and laid down a time capsule for the Philippines’ first printing museum, the EDIFICIO 1587, last August 9.
The historic project is a 1,400-sqm development site in Abucay, Bataan that will house the works of Don Tomas Pinpin, the country’s first Filipino printer. Moreover, the project will honor various personalities of the country’s printing heritage in unique and Filipino-Spanish-inspired architectural structures.
The event was headed by RG Capital Holdings Inc. President Robie Reyes and Arkhi Interior Design and Builders Inc. President Marvin Ortiz. Gracing the event were special guests including Hon. Felicito Payumo, Rev. Fr. Fidel Villarroel, OP, Rev. Fr. Angel Aparicio, OP, and Prof. Maria Eloisa de Castro, who were the inspirations behind the project.
A Brief Tour to the Philippines’ 1st Printing Heritage: Edificio 1587
A year from now, a tourist would ask, “Where is the best place to go in Bataan?” A proud local would sassily answer, “Go visit EDIFICIO Mil Quinientos Ochenta y Siete (1587) and travel in time to meet our very own Prince of Printing, Tomas Pinpin.”
The year 1587 marked the arrival of the Dominican missionaries in Bataan. Fr. Juan de Ormaza, OP, one of the founding fathers of the province, built the Santo Domingo Church in Abucay, which also housed the first printing press and helped shape the religious and cultural significance of the province, hence the name of the first printing museum in the country – the Edificio 1587.
A property of RG Capital Holdings Inc. and designed by Arkhi Interior Design Builders Inc., this development project features five cultural heritage namely:
Estadio Herrero
This is a monumental sculpture which commemorates the suffering of the friar prisoners and soldiers in their captivity and persecution in Bataan. It is dedicated to Fr. Ulpiano Herrero, a Dominican parish priest in the province, who published the book Nuestra Prision that recounts the imprisonment of the friars by the Katipunan and Fr. Julian Misol, his assistant and brother in the order.
Casa Gutierrez
A Spanish-Filipino-inspired house in memory of Fr. Lucio Gutierrez, OP whose writings in history have appeared not only in the country but also in Spain and Paris. Though he finished his studies in Madrid, England, and Rome, his love for the Philippines prevailed as he stayed and served in the country. His writings in the Philippine history are Domingo de Salazar, OP, 1512-1594: Primer Obispo de Filipinas, The Archdiocese of Manila: A Pilgrimage in Time, and Historia de la Iglesia en Filipinas. Also one of his notable works is his article about the Dominicans in the Evangelization in Bataan published in the landmark book.
Vestibulo Aozaraza
An open hall located at the second floor of Limbagang Pinpin that will showcase some of the local artifacts and visual artworks by promising Filipino artists. It is dedicated to San Miguel de Aozaraza, a Spanish Dominican saint who suffered martyrdom along with San Lorenzo Ruiz and other saintly Dominican friars in Nagasaki, Japan. He is considered as the Apostle of Bataan after being assigned in Abucay as Parish Priest.
Plaza Villarroel
The central plaza of the facility dedicated in honor of Reverend Fr. Fidel Villarroel, OP who joined the Dominican order in 1945 and spent his life to academic pursuits in the University of Santo Tomas. His research led to the beatification and sainthood of Miguel de Aozaraza and Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila.
Limbagang Pinpin
A gallery that will house some of the books printed in the country. It will also exhibit the replica of the first printing press made by Arch. Benjamin Santos and was inspired by the one used by Tomas Pinpin, who was born and raised in Bataan.
With honoring Tomas Pinpin’s legacy in mind, Mr. Robie Reyes shared that through EDIFICO 1587, dreams will not only be woven but will definitely happen as the people behind the project and Abucay will both write history.
“Hindi lamang tayo magbubungkal ng lupa, tayo ang guguhit ng kasaysayan,” Mr. Reyes added.
(We will not only break grounds, we will also write history.)
EDIFICIO 1587 and other projects
EDIFICIO 1587 is one of the many undertakings of RG Capital Holdings Inc. for Bataan. Four years ago, its subsidiary Tomas Pinpin Publications launched the book Peninsula of Faith and Valor: Bataan Through the Centuries.
“This is for Filipinos to appreciate the achievement of their ancestors. Let this seed be planted today and be sown in the heart of every Bataaños,” Rev. Fr. Angel Aparicio said.
Construction is now ongoing for EDIFICIO 1587. April 9 next year, everyone will be invited to witness another historical event as it officially opens its doors to re-introduce the rich printing history of the country.
Alongside the groundbreaking ceremony is the sealing of partnership with Yeriho: Center for Formation and Community Building, which shall further promote Bataan as a destination for corporate team buildings, student retreats and personal reflection.
On the Inauguration Ceremony of the museum in March 18, 2015, which is also the date of birth of Fr. Villarroel, more projects and developments are expected to push through in this partnership.
Originally Posted: 1:21 pm | Monday, August 18th, 2014