Quiapo, Manila

Restoring Manila to its old glory
by Edgardo Angara
December 5, 2016

Last Sunday in Manila Bulletin column, “Erap, the Heritage Conservator”, was about recapturing Manila’s former glory because of the reported demolition of the Rizal Memorial Coliseum and the surrounding Sports Complex for a mall and several mixed-use sites.

The column elicited several reactions from historians and heritage experts.

Dr. Augusto de Viana, chairman of the Department of History at the University of Santo Tomas and former head of the Research and Publications Division of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), sent highly informative comments. Reprinted below is part of his reaction:

“…The Manila of today is but a shadow of its glorious past. In the prewar period, the National Geographic [1935] once wrote Manila ‘was the place to be. It was America’s pearl of the orient.’ The year marked the arrival of the Pan American Clipper—the Philippines’s first direct link to the United States. Already the Philippines through Manila were served by prestigious shipping firms, like the United States Lines, the Nord Deutch Shipping, the Nippon Yusen Kaisha and the prestigious P&O, which owned the Queen Elizabeth. Tourists walked in the old Walled City, though it showed signs of decay, portrayed a period of the past century. The old houses and churches still stood there. Outside of the Walled City would be Ermita and Malate districts, where the University Belt stood at the time. Institutions, such as the University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila, Philippine Christian University and various schools, helped mold the country’s youth. The district of Sampaloc still sported somewhat a rural condition with rice fields still existing at the time. Yet, the city was expanding toward this area with the start of the operations of the University of Santo Tomas in its new Sulucan campus.

“The city at the time was the pride of the colonial administrators. The center of the arts was the Metropolitan Theater. Many buildings were built in the neoclassical style, such as the Post Office Building, the Agriculture Building and the Finance Building. There were also the buildings of the Philippine Normal School [now the PNU] and the Philippine College of Arts and Trades [PCAT, now the Technological University of the Philippines]. These buildings stand in contrast with those in Intramuros, which exemplified the Spanish period.

“Across the Pasig River were the districts of Binondo, Quiapo and Santa Cruz, which were the beehives of commerce. Binondo was still a mestizo zone though the Chinese were taking over. Quiapo and Santa Cruz had shops owned by foreigners, such as the Japanese, that the area of Rizal Avenue was called Little Tokyo. Quiapo had fishermen’s shops, bazaars and carpenter’s shops. The area of Tondo represented the places of the workers and the newly arrived migrants from the Visayas and Mindanao.

“Life was very orderly at the time. There was no need for security guards unlike today. Squatting was not tolerated as anyone who tries to set up a post would be questioned by the police and asked for a permit. There were also very few beggars. It was very safe to walk the streets.

“Every district has a park or two and the streets are lined up with trees, which made Manila a pleasant place even during the hot months of April, May and June.

“Everything changed after the war as 70 percent of the city was destroyed. The streets became dirty, many old grand buildings were destroyed, abandoned or gone to seed. Squatting became rife. Along with it would be the rise of criminality.

“Some mayors of the city did try to bring back the glory of Manila. There was Mayor Arsenio Lacson who cleared Intramuros of undesirable elements. The district became the haven of undesirables after its old residents moved out. There was also Mayor Antonio Villegas who replanted trees and some of his plant boxes are still here today along Quirino Avenue and Forbes [Lacson]. During the time of Villegas and Mayor Ramon Bagatsing, some establishments tried to bring back the glitz of Manila. The Plaza Miranda was a sort of our version of Times Square and there were new movie houses, like the Cinerama, the Globe and Times Theater.

“However, since that time the historic beauty of the city was declining through neglect, decay and outright destruction.

“Numerous landmarks were obliterated.

“Harrison Park [a place for baseball and for promenades] is now Harrison Plaza.

“The old Meisic [Spanish army cavalry headquarters] was demolished to give way to a mall.

“The San Lazaro and Santa Ana Race courses are gone and are now condominium sites.

“Historic houses, like the house of Teodora Alonzo, are gone and are now the site of a condominium.

“Declared historical sites, such as the Katipunan founding site and the La Liga Founding Sites, are dirty and neglected.

“What is more alarming is we are losing old heritage houses. Binondo has more antique houses than Intramuros. Since the ones at the latter were destroyed and the ones standing there are simply replicas. The sites of these old houses have been turned into condominium sites.

“Even the historic Rizal Park is being invaded by commercial establishments, like hamburger restaurants and even a motorcycle dealership. Parks are supposed to be for the free promenade for the people to allow them to relax and to appreciate the historicity of the place. Now they are being commercialized…”

History of 3 Kings Day - Epiphany

Lovers of carols and Christmas parties know that this season has 12 days, packed with golden rings, calling birds and various kinds of gentry, musicians and domestic workers. December 25 is Christmas - and 25 minus 12 does equal 13. Do the math and you will see why shopping malls, newspapers, television networks, and other cultural fortresses annually deliver some kind of "Twelve Days of Christmas" blitz, beginning on December 13.

Problem is that for centuries church calendars in the East and the West have agreed that there are twelve days of Christmas and they begin on Christmas Day and end on January 6.

The twelve days of Christmas end with the Feast of Epiphany also called "The Adoration of the Magi" or "The Manifestation of God." Celebrated on January 6, it is known as the day of the Three Kings (or wise men/magi): Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar. According to an old legend based on a Bible story, these three kings saw, on the night when Christ was born, a bright star, followed it to Bethlehem and found there the Christchild and presented it with gold, frankincense and myrrh.

January 6, the last day of Christmas, comes with its own traditions, rituals and symbols. Carolers are going from house to house; in many homes the Christmas tree is taken down and in some areas is burnt in a big bonfire. For the children this is an especially joyous occasion because, associated with taking down the tree goes the "plündern" (raiding) of the tree. The sweets, chocolate ornaments wrapped in foil or cookies, which have replaced the sugar plums, are the raiders' rewards.

The history of Christmas, (the festival of the nativity of Jesus Christ,) is intertwined with that of the Epiphany. The commemoration of the Baptism (also called the Day of Lights, i.e. the Illumination of Jesus) was also known as the birthday of Jesus, because he was believed to have been born then of the Virgin or reborn in baptism. In some records Christmas and Epiphany were referred to as the first and second nativity; the second being Christ's manifestation to the world.

In the fourth century, December 25 was finally adopted by the Western Christian Church as the date of the Feast of Christ's birth. It is believed that this change in date gave rise to the tradition of the "12 Days of Christmas." While the Western Christian Church celebrates December 25th, the Eastern Christian Church to this day recognizes January 6 as the celebration of the nativity. January 6 was also kept as the physical birthday in Bethlehem. In the Teutonic west, Epiphany became the Festival of the Three Kings (i.e. the Magi), or simply Twelfth day.

On the evening before Three Kings, traditionally there were prayers, blessed dried herbs would be burnt and their aromatic smell would fill the house. Doorways would be sprinkled with holy water and the master of the house would write with chalk C + M + B and the year above the house and barn door and say: "Caspar, Melchior, Balthasar, behütet uns auch für dieses Jahr, vor Feuer und vor Wassergefahr." ("CMB, protect us again this year from the dangers of fire and water.") C + M + B has traditionally been translated with Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar, however, according to the Church it stands for "Christus Mansionem Benedictat" (Christ bless this home).

Wish you a Merry Christmas and may this festival bring abundant joy and happiness in your life!

May the good things in life be yours in the coming year and always. Happy New Year to all ...

The Significance and Origin of SIMBANG GABI

SIMBANG GABI is one of the longest and most popular among the Filipino traditions in the country. It is when Catholic churches across the nation start to open their doors shortly before the break of dawn to welcome the faithful to the Simbang Gabi mass.

Simbang Gabi or Mass at Dawn is a nine-day novena to the Blessed Mother. The novena begins December 16 as early as 4 in the morning and culminates with the “Misa de Gallo” on Christmas Eve to welcome the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. In some churches, the panuluyan is reenacted showing the effort of Joseph and Mary to find a suitable birthplace.

ORIGIN
Simbang Gabi traces its roots in Mexico when, in 1587, the Pope granted the petition of Fray Diego de Soria, prior of the convent of San Agustin Acolman, to hold Christmas mass outdoors because the Church could not accommodate the huge number of people attending the evening mass.

During the old times, the pre-dawn mass is announced by the ringing of the church bells. In some rural areas, an hour before the start of Simbang Gabi, a brass band plays Christmas music all over the town. It is also believed that parish priests would go far knocking on doors to wake and gather the faithful to attend the misa de gallo. Farmers as well as fishermen wake up early to hear the Gospel before going to their work and ask for the grace of good harvest.


SIMBANG GABI NOW AND THEN
The changing of times does not break the preservation of celebrating Simbang Gabi although it is celebrated in new ways. Still, the tradition of Simbang Gabi continues. Part of it are the colorful lights and lanterns that fill every streets. Beautiful parols are hung in every window. Songs of the season are played everywhere to warm the hearts. Families, friends and even individuals find its way going to the nearest church to attend the nine-day novena. Shortly after the misa de gallo, families gather in their homes to celebrate Noche Buena and feasted on various delicacies like queso de bola, bibingka, p**o bungbong, or a drink of salabat or hot chocolate.


SIGNIFICANCE
Simbang Gabi has become one of the most popular traditions in the country. But it is not just a tradition that is celebrated because we need to do so. It is a significant moment not only because it strengthens relationships among family members but also because it is the time where our faith is intensified. This is the time where we mostly feel the presence of the Lord because it is the spiritual preparation for Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ. It does not matter if one has the stamina to complete the novena or not, what really matters is what is inside the heart. The blessing does not depend on the number of mass attended, but what is important is the disposition of the person who receives the Lord’s blessing.

Halloween History & Origin

Halloween is the one of the oldest holidays still celebrated today. It's one of the most popular holidays, second only to Christmas. While millions of people celebrate Halloween without knowing its origins and myths, the history and facts of Halloween make the holiday more fascinating.

Some people view Halloween as a time for fun, putting on costumes, trick-or-treating, and having theme parties. Others view it as a time of superstitions, ghosts, goblins and evil spirits that should be avoided at all costs.

As the Christian debate goes on, celebrating Halloween is a preference that is not always viewed as participating in an evil holiday. Halloween is often celebrated with no reference to pagan rituals or the occult.

Halloween History

Halloween is on October 31st, the last day of the Celtic calendar. It was originally a pagan holiday, honoring the dead. Halloween was referred to as All Hallows Eve and dates back to over 2000 years ago.

All Hallows Eve is the evening before All Saints Day, which was created by Christians to convert pagans, and is celebrated on November 1st. The Catholic church honored saints on this designated day.

Origin of Halloween

While there are many versions of the origins and old customs of Halloween, some remain consistent by all accounts. Different cultures view Halloween somewhat differently but traditional Halloween practices remain the same.

Halloween culture can be traced back to the Druids, a Celtic culture in Ireland, Britain and Northern Europe. Roots lay in the feast of Samhain, which was annually on October 31st to honor the dead.

Samhain signifies "summers end" or November. Samhain was a harvest festival with huge sacred bonfires, marking the end of the Celtic year and beginning of a new one. Many of the practices involved in this celebration were fed on superstition.

The Celts believed the souls of the dead roamed the streets and villages at night. Since not all spirits were thought to be friendly, gifts and treats were left out to pacify the evil and ensure next years crops would be plentiful. This custom evolved into trick-or-treating.

Manila reopens renovated underpass in Quiapo
October 14, 2014

After nine months of renovation, the Lacson Underpass in Quiapo is now open to public once again, bearing a more spacious and neat passageway lined with shops and food kiosks.

The Lacson underpass is now privately-owned and operated by Victory Malls - which has several branches in Caloocan, Antipolo, Pasay, Bulacan and Batangas.

Since January, the Arsenio Lacson underpass, a 2,585 square meter space, was closed for reconstruction to pave the way for a modern public facility. Operators rehabillitated the underpass at no cost to the city and will also shoulder its operating and maintenance costs. It will operate on a profit-sharing scheme with the city, although officials have not yet disclosed how much will go to the city coffers.

“Those who are using the underpass before the renovation will surely be pleased with the changes it underwent. Previously, it was dirty but now it is clean. It is no longer scary to come to this place. Previously, it is dark here; very dark. Now, it is well-lighted,” Mayor Joseph Estrada said during the inauguration of the Lacson underpass.

“As in other places in Manila, the Lacson underpass was neglected by the past administration. They clean it for a short while and then leave it to deteriorate,” Estrada added.

It was in January when Estrada first reported the bidding for private companies who have expressed interest in reconstructing the historical underpass which was first built in the 1960s during the term of then mayor Arsenio H. Lacson.

The city official said the underpass has become an ‘eyesore’ and ‘haven for criminals.’ Privatization of the underpass would rid it of illegal vendors, vandalism and other problems and would restore dignity to the place.

The new Victory Lacson underpass has 26 regular stalls, 105 tiangges, 36 kiosks, 19 food carts, and four Automated Teller Machines (ATMs).

The 26 regular stalls are 10 to 20 square meters wide and is worth P5,000 per square meter. The kiosks are about four square meters wide and are worth P35,000 per month. The food carts are worth P35,000 per month while the ATM companies will be charged P25,000 monthly.

The Victory Lacson underpass will open from 8 AM to 8 PM daily.

EID MUBARAK !!!

Eid al-Adha also called the Feast of the Sacrifice is the second of two religious holidays celebrated by Muslims worldwide each year. It honors the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his promised son. Ishmael as an act of submission to God's command, before God then intervened to provide Abraham with a lamb to sacrifice instead. The meat from the sacrificed animal is preferred to be divided into three parts. The family retains one third of the share; another third is given to relatives, friends and neighbors; and the remaining third is given to the poor and needy. In the lunar-based Islamic calendar, Eid al-Adha falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah and lasts for three days. In the international Gregorian calendar, the dates vary from year to year, drifting approximately 11 days earlier each year. Eid al-Adha is the latter of the two Eid holidays, the former being Eid al-Fitr. The basis for the observance comes from the 196th ayah of Al-Baqara, the second sura of the Quran. The word "Eid" appears once in Al-Ma'ida, the fifth sura of the Quran, with the meaning "solemn festival". Like Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha begins with a Sunnah prayer of two rakats followed by a sermon (khutbah). Eid al-Adha celebrations start after the descent of the Hujjaj from Mount Arafat, a hill east of Mecca. Eid sacrifice may take place until sunset on the 13th day of Dhu al-Hijjah. The days of Eid have been singled out in the Hadith as "Days of Remembrance". The takbir (days) of Tashriq are from the Fajr prayer of the 9th of Dhul Hijjah up to the Asr prayer of the 13th of Dhul Hijjah (5 days and 4 nights). This equals 23 prayers: 5 on the 9th–12th, which equals 20, and 3 on the 13th.

Happy WORLD ANIMAL DAY !!!

World Animal Day was started in 1931 at a convention of ecologists in Florence as a way of highlighting the plight of endangered species. October 4 was chosen as World Animal Day as it is the Feast Day of St Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals.

Happy WORLD TEACHERS' DAY !!!

On October 5, 1994, the first World Teachers' Day was held. This event has been organized on the same date each year since then. However, local events may be on some other date close to October 5, so that they do not fall during fall (northern hemisphere) or spring (southern hemisphere) school vacations. In 2002, Canada Post issued a postage stamp to commemorate World Teachers' Day.

Good Luck to all 2014 Bar Examinees ...

CELEBRATING THE FEAST of the BLACK NAZARENE!
Happy Fiesta!