Not Just An Old Photo

The myriad photos I see almost everyday since I assumed the post of curator of my great grandfather's mansion in Kawit, Cavite (which now, is the Aguinaldo Shrine) have created more excitement in my job and pride in my ancestry. Here is a photo of my grandaunt Carmen Aguinaldo-Melencio as a teenager which I am trying to restore digitally. Just like me, she was once a teacher. I have just realized that she has a strong resemblance with my aunt Trinidad Aguinaldo-Velasco who was also a teacher. Lola Mameng, as we fondly call her, is the mom of retired supreme court justice Ameurfina A.Melencio-Herrera.

Nagcarlan Filtrographs

Took shots of the Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery Historical Landmark (Laguna, Philippines) during a curators meeting of the National Historical Institute last January 15, 2010. Here are the filtrographed versions:

 

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.

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

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.

Kids: Perfect Subjects

I've often heard artists and photographers say that children are one of the most interesting subjects of any art. Growing up as an artist in a big family (13 in all), I agree. In any occasion at home or elsewhere, my nieces, nephews, grandnieces and nephews would always oblige for a pose. They're so natural and funny! Here are some of my cute family members as subjects of my Filtrographs.

My Great Grand Dad

We fondly call him "Lolo Miong", Emilio F. Aguinaldo, first president of the Philippine Republic. Despite the intrigues created by historians on his being a hero, he has remained an inspiration to many of us, the fourth generation of the Aguinaldo clan and to a lot of other people. Being an artist myself, I have found him an interesting subject of art. Here are some filtrographs I have created with a modern flair to pay tribute to his greatness .

Thirteen

We are thirteen. I found these Filtrographed images of me and my 12 other siblings in an old folder. They're products of my experiment on photo manipulation. I am sharing them online since a lot of people are amazed at this photo taken in the late 60s by an unknown photographer in Antipolo. I think I was only 5 years old then.

Proud to be an Imuseño

Last night, October 6, 2007, I received an award as Outstanding Imuseño (Gen. Juan S. Castañeda Award) in the field of Arts together with a host of others in various fields by the Imus Municipal Tourism Council. I was hesitant at first to accept such an award because I felt that I have not accomplished much. I think the major reason was I caught their attention when I won third place in DeviantArt.com's Show Me Your Hometown Photo Contest last month. I even wrote an entry here about my actual experience in going through the preparation for the contest.

I actually drew attention of the world's artists and photographers to my hometown. The impressions and queries about Imus, made me feel fortunate to have been raised and born here. Also among the awardees is Christian Tamondong, my former student in high school who has made a name in visual arts and who I am so proud of. When I learned that he is in the list, I guess, I thought, its high time that I receive one. Another good reason, I thought, would have been that three of today's Imus municipal councilors were my former students- Jem Yulo-Guinto, Jenalyn Topacio, and Onie Cantimbuhan ( please check out the picture; I'm so proud of these guys!). And the happier I was when I learned that Dr. Corazon Ocampo, one of my former college paper advisers, will receive the award Adopted Daughter of Imus together with Senator Chiz Escudero as Adopted Son of Imus.

It was indeed a proud moment for many of us Imuseños. I personally feel that with such an award, it will make me more inspired to work for the common good as I work harder in my chosen field. I hope the rest of the recipients of the Gawad Parangal which is held annually to celebrate the founding anniversary of Imus, share the same sentiments. This year, Imus is celebrating its 232nd anniversary. Thanks to the screening committee consisting of Dr. Dante Papa, Obie Castañeda, Dr. Arlene Abella-Saunar, Emoy Francisco and Miong Aguinaldo for the recognition.

An Artist's Dream and the Maestro

"Look, ma! He can draw!"

I am certain I was barely six years old when I heard my Kuya Boy blurted out those words to my mom. With a blue ballpen, I went on to finish drawing little Audrey from a comic book on sheets of pad paper with gusto. I just smiled back at my mom and brother who were then so delighted at what I was doing on the pasimano.

Since then, people have raved about my so-called talent and it was the only thing I really love doing when I was in grade school. My projects in arts were always displayed on classroom bulletin boards. And I did make a name for being a little artist.

For the child in me who always finds refuge in a lot of playing and doodling, it spelled happiness. It was all I have; my only world!

Everyone thought I'd be an artist that I'd set my mind on taking fine arts in college. But most parents believe there's no money in painting; mine is no exception.

My world crumbled. It was the end. I could not be a painter! It was so revolting

that I had to kick my poor sheepdog named Shaolin to release the angst.

I just could not recall how I recovered or maybe I have just given up. I pursued my second option -becoming a writer and an educator much to the displeasure of many of my elders. Somehow, I did become a writer and I thought that was it. But the artist in me kept creeping into my system.

At a time I thought I have abandoned dreaming of becoming an artist, I met Simon Saulog.

It was in 1983 and I was president of our town's Painters' Club. We held exhibit dubbed Lapis, Papel atbp. with former Imus Mayor Jose Jamir as guest.

Mayor Jamir's attendance was with good tidings. He invited us to represent the young generation of artists of Imus in an exhibit that will honor a master painter, Simon Saulog.

A master painter from Imus?

We were all intrigued for that was the first time we heard his name. All we know about the Saulogs is a bus line plying the Cavite-Lawton route in Manila. So Mayor Jamir arranged a meeting so we could meet Saulog in the municipal hall.

And so we came and there was the maestro in his thick glasses; very quiet. He burst into a boyish smile when he saw us enter the mayor's office. It was like he could smell artists from afar. In a matter of minutes, we felt like we have known him for ages.

That meeting was to be a turning point not only of my life but .my friends as well. He was so proud of what we were doing that he volunteered to coach us for free. And later, he became our adviser when we moved on to be a socio-civic organization called the Malayang Sining.

For a year, we held sessions with the maestro at the municipal hall every Sunday.Being with Saulog was like a long educational journey, not a trip. The successive visits to Mabini and Ermita in Manila, especially the old Palermo gallery along UN Avenue were exhilarating.

His experiences during the pre-war Philippine art especially the "battle royale" between modernists and conventionalists, the Huks and the NPAs, his contemporaries at the UP College of Fine Arts, politics of that time, were good enough for screenplays. We were caught in a time warp. Listening to him was leafing through the pages of a journal turning yellow.

It was then that we realize the magnanimity of our dear maestro. It was then that we realized how a man like him could fade into obscurity.

I personally could not forget how embarrassed he was when we went to the National Museum to show us one of his earliest works; only to learn that it was nowhere to be found in the museum. We left the museum with the maestro's deafening silence.

I could not forget how his eyes were when he learned that there was a move to make Legaspi, one of his contemporaries, national artist; when he came across published articles praising Anita Magsaysay-Ho. He could not forget her.

And there were so many questions in my young mind then. I couldn't believe that he almost lived the life of a pauper. But the answer came from him. He believed that money is "bulaklak lang ng buhay". He did not use his passion to make money. So my parents were right, after all, I thought. But I was mesmerized by his canvasses. They all have the touch of a master. They were gems. To my young eyes, they were bedazzling that I went on to dream.

Something must be done (not about my dream), we thought. He was after all the acclaimed Filipino painter of the Madonnas of the 1950s! And the Malayang Sining saw my pen as an instrument. I was tasked to write about the life of our maestro. The journey into his personal life began in 1986 and it has not ceased, though our maestro bade this world farewell in 1995. He may not have seen the fruits of our labor as young artists then, but we have always had the seeds he planted in our hearts.

Truly, God has a reason for everything. I realized why I felt so helpless in helping him during those times. I have always thought of giving up on a lot of things. And one of them is Saulog's biography. Then, I could not fathom why. It was not the right season.God was to create more time and people to lend me a hand through my colleagues at the Institutional Communication Office of De La Salle University-Dasmarinas (DLSU-D), Philippines.

DLSU-D is celebrating its silver jubilee and part of the celebration is feting a prominent Caviteno in the person of Simon Saulog. A compact disc on the life and works of the maestro, authored by myself, was launched in a three-week exhibit opened by the Hon. Helena Benitez and held at the Museo De La Salle.

The event was a product of collaborative work for a deserving man like our maestro. It is about the man himself; his humanity; his greatness.

I may not have lived a colorful life like him but Saulog remains an inspiration to me.

Now, I can almost hear my older brother saying: "Look, ma! My brother is an artist!" .

-Published, Philippine Panorama
February 9, 2003