Laro opens at the Aguinaldo Shrine

Laro, a mixed media show on the Filipino identity, opened yesterday (Feb 7) at the Aguinaldo Shrine. Here are some pics.

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Laro runs until March 6, 2010. Call the Aguinaldo Shrine at (046) 434-2955 for inquiries.

Laro at the Shrine

Laro (Game) a visual art show on the evolution of our identity as Filipinos, opens at the audio-visual room of the Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite, on February 7, 2010, Sunday. The show opens at 3 PM with FAMAS President and Kawit Tourism Officer Chit A. Sambile as guest of honor.

Viewers of Laro are bound to be intrigued by art works that weave into a cohesive thought the experiences of generations of Pinoys. In never ending transitions, these experiences that have affected us in myriad ways are like games where people get the chance to either triumph or remain hopeful for the next turn. As we go through them, the expectations keep running.


Artists Nimfa Ursabia, Rex Domogma, Victor Ursabia, Byron Salarza, Sir Soni Chavez, Cristina Ramirez, Alain Austria and this author relate those transitions in mixed media assemblages and collages reflecting footnotes on history and visual reminders of our glorious past and the dream as a Nation.

Made possible through the generosity of the National Historical Institute and Cafe Marcello,  Laro runs until March 6, 2010.

For particulars, those interested may call the Aguinaldo Shrine via (046) 484-7643 or text/call 09279077749/09195919748.

Forefathers

It has been a month now since my December 2009 appointment as shrine curator. I practically live with a lot artifacts including vintage photos in every nook and cranny of the Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite. Just love old pics especially if they are about family and old family friends. Here are two which I am helping preserve for posterity.

Photo of Emilio Aguinaldo, my greatgrandfather (Lolo Miong).Taken in the 1940s in the old garden of his home which now is the Aguinaldo Shrine.

Clockwise, Miguel Aguinaldo, our grandfather (Lolo Miguel) and eldest son of Emilio Aguinaldo, Emilio Aguinaldo, and Felicidad Aguinaldo, our great grandaunt (Lola Neneng). Photo was taken in the 1900s.

Passion For Printmaking

I mentioned in my blog entry dated Novemebr 10, 2009 how I long to do traditional printing. And in late November, 2009, I did try my hand on rubbercut printing after some prodding from Nimfa Ursabia. The passion was sparked when we both attended BAKAS, an exhibit celebrating 50th year of printmaking in the Philippines, at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, November 2009. Here's the output with an old fretwork design as a subject.

Finally Got The Job!

It was on June 19, 2009 that I finally decided to hand in my letter of intent and resume to the National Historical Institute. I applied for the job as Curator since my aunt retired around three (3) years ago. I waited. Then weeks later after typhoon Ondoy hit the country, I got a text message asking me to report for interview. I went and got the biggest surprise of life for it was a panel (consisting of 11 section chiefs)interview. Then again I waited. Then another text message asking me to report and prepare my requirements. A friend told me I'm already hired. Still, I waited for the appointment papers. And I got to sign them first week of December. I had my oath-taking on December 7 then report to the Aguinaldo Shrine on December 8. It felt like an ordinary day since I have known the staff ever since I was in college for I have always helped out and worked as a volunteer. Every morning that I report for work, it is always like coming to a second home. I feel so comfortable. It may be the sea breeze or the clean environment. OR may be because it is where my roots are. I sometimes feel my great grandfather walking by my side as I do frequent rounds of the 7000 sq. m. plus property. I hope he can also whisper what else to do...

Late afternoon walk at the grounds of the Aguinaldo Shrine...Photos

What is Genius? | Escape Into Life

What is Genius? | Escape Into Life

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Suman

sSteamed glutinous rice wrapped in banana leaves, Suman has been an all-time favorite food; a staple during the Holiday Season. I've known a cousin named Norma who has been in the business of making Suman for over 30 decades; probably inheriting it from our forefathers. Known to have originated in a barrio called Toclong or "Lupang Kawit", Suman is a part of Kawit (Cavite) culture. I took these photos while I indulge on a bar of Suman complete with shredded coconut and traditional brown sugar called "paldo". Yummy.