The town of Angono in Rizal Province bills itself as the “art capital” of the Philippines, a reputation that can be traced to its painters and composers, most prominent among them being National Artists Carlos “Botong” Francisco and Lucio D. San Pedro.

To this honor roll you can add Juan “Matandang Juancho” Senson, a master from Angono who lived from the late 19th century to the early 20th century.

One of Senson’s major paintings, “The Baptism of Jesus Christ by St. John the Baptizer” (Ang Pagbibinyag ni San Juan Bautista kay Hesukristo), was unveiled recently and declared a National Cultural Treasure. This was a big event in Angono in cultural, religious, and musical terms. It was organized by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), represented by its chairperson Victorino Mapa Manalo.

The venue was the town’s Church of San Clemente, with its resplendent pantheon of saints all lit up for the occasion along with candles to herald the season of Advent. The town brought out its formidable talents in music: the Angono National Symphonic Band under the baton of Guiseppe Andre Diestro, and the 50-strong mixed choir Angono Chorale Ensemble.

Glorious sound

The festivities began with a Mass celebrated by the bishop of Antipolo Ruperto Cruz Santos and parish priest Fr. Julian Eymard Balatbat. This was followed by the unveiling of Senson’s painting where it was declared a National Cultural Treasure in the presence of Mayor Jeri Mae Calderon and other officials.

The Angono Choral Ensemble is conducted by Editha Fuentes (right). —PHOTOS BY AMADÍS MA. GUERRERO

The celebration was capped by the misa cantada dedicated to patron saint San Clemente, with the glorious sound of choir and symphonic band resonating through the church. The concert was also a tribute to the religious music of San Pedro—solemn, serene, and celebratory.

This was evident in the repertoire: “Umaawit kang Masaya” and “Ang Puso Ko’y Nagpupuri,” a San Clemente Mass “Kyrie Eleison” (Lord Have Mercy), “Gloria Sanctus” (Holy), “Agnus Dei” (Lamb of God), “Himno kay San Clemente,” an original composition by San Pedro.

The evening concluded triumphantly with “Simbang Gabi,” which may be considered both religious and patriotic, with its imagery of the midnight Mass being embedded in the heart of every Filipino—“sa puso ng bawat Pilipino.” —CONTRIBUTED INQ