National Heritage Month: ‘Malasakit para sa Pamana’

On Aug. 11, 2003, Proclamation No. 439 (issued by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo) declared “the month of May of every year as National Heritage Month… The event is in recognition of the need to create among the people a consciousness, respect, and love for the legacies of Filipino cultural history.”

The Filipino Heritage Festival, Inc. (FHFI) President Armita B. Rufino and Finance Officer, Araceli R. Salas, have organized a broad array of cultural activities “to bring the Filipino people to a new awareness of age-old traditions, cultural practices, song, dance and centuries-old architectural wonders.”

FHFI, on its 14th year, is working with its partners “to promote the awareness, interest, enthusiasm and strengthen the knowledge and information on the legacies of Filipino cultural history.

“Realizing the importance of the past and the present, FHFI believes in the importance to bond the old and the new traditions and current practices through appreciation, understanding and responsiveness of the Filipinos,” Ms. Rufino explained.

“We should have a sense of the past. Heritage should be part of everyday life. The past helps us understand certain events in our life. Our churches are important culturally. We are a religious people… We must be true to the values we have learned from our parents and grandparents,” remarked Rico Pableo, NCCA executive director.

“The real heritage is the people themselves. For many years, we have helped the government reach out to the different areas, help the youth help promote peace in the country,” said Fr. Harold Rentoria, OSA, NCCA commissioner and head of the NCCA Subcommission on Cultural Heritage.

The National Heritage Month Celebration 2017, with the theme “Malasakit Para Sa Pamana” (Care for Heritage) started in Ormoc City on May 3.

The Youth Forums on Heritage were held in Ormoc City; Ilagan City, Isabela; Mati City, Davao; Virac, Catanduanes; Cagayan de Oro, and Tayabas, Quezon.

A Musical Play — Sanctissima produced, written, and directed by Fr. Dennis Paez, SDB with a performance by Don Bosco Tondo was held at CCP’s Little Theater. It was choreographed by Danspace director Maritoni R. Tordesillas.

Pilipino Komiks by The Philippine Ballet Theatre was performed at CCP’s Main Theater on May 14.

Mars Ravelo’s folklores, myths, and popular comic strips had legendary super heroes and heroines — Darna, Valentina, Dyesebel, Narda, Dario, and others. This well-loved and enchanting production was choreographed by Gener Caringal with music by Chino Toledo

and costume design by the late Arturo Cruz. Music lovers will enjoy the

Pamana ng Filipino Performances by the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra and the acclaimed concert pianist, Dr. Raul Sunico (CCP President). This will be staged at the Rizal Park Open Air Auditorium on May 28.

The note-worthy exhibitions are: Abot-Tanaw: Tracing Local Horizons — a photo exhibition of Philippine Sunsets features different sunsets in various iconic locations in the country. The photos have well-known architectural structures, the coastlines, landscapes from the northernmost province of Batanes, the Banaue rice terraces, Mount Mayon, Boracay, Zamboanga and the colorful vintas, and the cityscape of Makati at the golden hour. Members of the FUNtastic Philippines contributed the photographs.

The launch of Commemorative Stamps of selected sunsets was sponsored by the Philippine Postal Corporation at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila. The ongoing exhibit at the MET’s White Cube will run until June 23. Arte Filipino, Art Installations by Rachy Cuna at S Maison Atrium, Conrad Hotel. The cultural performances are: Pangalay ng Bayan — Celebrating Women through Dance

featuring Alun Alun Dance Circle. Choreography by the Magsaysay Laureate Ligaya

Fernando Amilbangsa, Ph.D D. (Ramon Magsaysay Awardee for culture, 2015)

Parian sa Binondo on May 20, at the Lucky Chinatown Mall, G/F Atrium, 4 p.m.

Other noteworthy activities are:

Angat Kabataan Camp 2017 — in Magalang, Pampanga. The traditional Biblical Santa

Cruz de Mayo procession will be held in Intramuros (Plaza Roma) and San Agustin Church on May 21.

The Santacruzan was started by the Franciscan missionaries in 1867. It is a religious procession of biblical characters and their roles in history. It commemorates the finding of the Cross of Jesus by Queen Helena and her son Constantine. The prince dreamt of fighting the Roman troops where they were outnumbered. This wish came true and Constantine began his conversion to Christianity.

Although it is spiritual in nature, this traditional ritual has evolved over the years into a delightful, colorful community procession wherein the ladies and gentlemen wear religious iconic costumes that represent saints from the bible. It has become more elaborate and fashionable in the big cities.

Little boys and girls pay homage to the image of the Virgin Mother Mary with floral offerings.

The Santacruzan will also be held on May 27 in Victorias City, Negros Occidental.

The culminating activity is the Heritage Pilgrimage: HP Tour —Negros Occidental which will be held on May 25 to 27.

The Heritage month’s activities are co-sponsored by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. Other partners include the local governments of the cities and provinces involved; Cultural Center of the Philippines, Department of Tourism, Intramuros Administration, PAGCOR, Philippine Postal Corp., National Parks Development Committee, the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII); BBB Foundation, Society for Cultural Enrichment, Inc., Philippine Women’s University, FUNtastic Philippines, Inc.; Malls — SM Malls, Robinsons Place Manila, Starmalls and Vista Mall Taguig, Lucky Chinatown Mall and Ayala Center ; the Metropolitan Museum of Manila, Business

World, DDB Cares, AB Leisure and Security Bank Corp. n