The earthquake that struck the central Philippines and killed at least 144 people also dealt a serious blow to the region’s historical and religious legacy by heavily damaging a dozen or more churches, some of them hundreds of years old.
Italian sculptor Francesco Riccardo Monti stayed in the Philippines from 1930 until his death in 1958. During his stay, he worked with local architects and sculptors on major projects commissioned by the government and private individuals.
“It’s like making a copy of an Amorsolo [painting] and then destroying the original Amorsolo,” a heritage conservationist described the fate of “The Furies” of Italian sculptor Francesco Riccardo Monti.
It was a lively evening of music, art and history as the Pundaquit Festival recently kicked off its 20th season at Casa San Miguel in San Antonio, Zambales. In addition to musical performances and an art exhibit, the event also served as the grand opening of the Museum of Community Heritage, celebrating the history of the town of San Antonio and barrio San Miguel.
I do not remember the Jai Alai. I have never marveled at the flame trees that once lined the paseo to Luneta. Not once have I walked through Escolta in all its glory, when it exuded glamour comparable to stylish European boulevards.
It is easy to be bedazzled by all the glitter and the pageantry of a La Naval procession. Looking beyond all these worldly trappings, however, one comes to realize that there is so much more significance than what assaults the senses.
“From childhood, no amount of familiarity could dull for me the mysterious wondrousness of Intramuros as the very vitals, the hid heart, the secret soul of my city,” wrote National Artist Nick Joaquin in the introduction to a 1983 book on Manila’s ancient Walled City.
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