Mid-Century Family Heirloom Religious Statue Collection

I have visited a collector friend after spending almost an entire day within FEU campus. My friend lives near the border of Manila and Quezon city. Selling a few mid-century items as part time trader. They are selling their old ancestral house and negotiation is still underway.

The buyer most probably will demolish the ancestral house and built a new one. The area is located on higher ground near University belt, hospital, market places which makes it attractive to prospective buyer.

a mid-century house with marston mat gate within the neighborhood

The three story house was built during the commonwealth era. It had a lot area of 249 square meters. Its perimeter fence had Marston Mat, properly called pierced (or perforated) steel planking (PSP). This was first manufactured in the United States in the late 1930’s and was used extensively until the early 1960’s in the country.

marston mat gate within Quezon City

Marston Mat was extensively used during the last world war by army engineers and seabees (construction battalions) to build runways and other readily usable surfaces over all kinds of terrain.

fern with Dischidia ionantha

It was which was quite popular fencing material after the second world war in the country. Some of the martson mat were also used as gates, partition in large properties, fencing material and even covers in manholes.

a mid-century old house within F. Blumentritt, Sampaloc, Manila

There were also several mid-century houses and apartments within the street. However most of the houses were not properly maintained.

Family Heirloom Religious Statues

last supper

Last Supper in large wood frame- This is a last supper made from several pieces of wood glued together. This use to be commonly sold in the souvenir market from the late 1930’s to the mid-1970’s. The first ones were probably made by prisoners from the Bilibid prison and quickly caught the fancy among art collectors.

last supper

Last Supper – Another masterpiece tapestry. This became common piece in almost all the Catholic homes all over the country. These are normally hung in dining area or sala.

 Christ the King seated

 Christ the King seated on his throne while raising his right hand and with the left showing his sacred heart. Made from eskayola/ escayola or plaster of paris.  This was probably made in the late 1970’s or 1980’s which had a customized urna ( religious container) mounted on the wall.

Christ the King seated

Christ the King seated- This is the larger piece seated Christ from their family collection. Made from eskayola /escayola or plaster of paris.  The hands are made from carved wood. This can probably dates back in the mid 1970’s to early 1980’s.

Risen Christ

Risen Christ is made from wood and mounted in one corner of the living room. It was bought several decades ago.

Christ without hands

This is Risen Christ which was rescued from a fire. The hands were lost, the risen Christ was made from iron and zinc. They still have some mid-century statues and other items.

Dance Festival and Handicrafts Showcase at the 14th Waterlily Festival

Colorful street dancers participated by different school in Las Piñas ,agricultural products and items made from water hyacinth were showcased at the 14th Waterlily festival.

The festival was well-attended by thousands of residents of the city, guests and foreigners. Senator Cynthia Villar, who started the holding of the festivities in 2006, said the festival through the years, has served the purpose of being the show window for the city’s most talented performers and the most beautiful and creative people.

“We are very proud of this festival which we also hold to express our commitment for a lifestyle that is in harmony with nature and the environment, ” Villar said.

14th Water lily ( Water Hyacinth festival)

Unang Hirit of GMA channel 7

Unang Hirit of GMA channel 7 went to cover the festivities and dozens of media correspondents , bloggers and vloggers were present during the event.

different handicrafts made from water hyacinth

The yearly festivity is participated in by more than 2,000 attendees,tourists and spectators coming from nearby areas like Cavite, Parañaque, Metro Manila and as far as Tanay ( Rizal), Bulacan and Laguna provinces.

coin holder, tissue holder for sale

Villar Sipag booth

baskets, bags, plate holder from water hyacinth

Although the water plant is popularly called waterlily . It is known as water hyacinth or ( Eichhornia crassipes ) which was introduced to the country during the Manila-Acapulco galleon trade in the mid-16th century.

slippers, bags made from stalks of water hyacinth

The water hyacinth became naturalized in waterways and tend to clogged the system during rainy season. When floral foam was not yet popular, water hyacinth stalks are also used by florists for their floral wreath.

Prizes

Inter-school street dancing competition was held from 6:00am to past 9:00 am. Groups composed of junior highschool students enrolled in the city competed for the following prizes : Champion :Php 50,000, First runner-up, Php 30,000 and Second runner-up for Php 20,000.

high school students in colorful native costumes made from water hyacinth stalks

Winners of the competition was judged according to their water hyacinth costume, props, choreography and technicality.

Mood was festive and people are anticipating next year’s 15th water lily festival 2020.

Leaders for Heritage Stamp Exhibition to Commemorate National Heritage Month at PHLPOST

The exhibit entitled “Mga Pinuno Para Sa Pamana” (Leaders for Heritage) at the Manila Central Post Office main building will showcase Filipino leaders as essential guardians and propagators of culture. In line with this, PHLPost shall also be featuring the 2019 Heritage stamp issuance entitled “Women as Heritage Keepers”.

The Philippine Postal Corporation, in coordination with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), will conduct a Philatelic Exhibit featuring Special Stamps from notable philatelic collectors in celebration of the National Heritage Month for the entire month.

This issuance aims to give emphasis on the work Filipino women have done as leaders and/or contributors to their different fields.

The Philatelic Exhibit will be launched on May 9, 2019 at 3:00 pm at the Manila Central Post Office main building, Liwasang Bonifacio, Ermita, Manila to be attended by philatelic collectors, partner government agencies, among others. The exhibit will be open to the public from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, from May 9 to May 31, 2019.

There will be a special postal heritage walking tour, stamp talks, stamp bazaar, stamp swap meet and viewing of stamp exhibition schedule on May 18, 2019 ( SATURDAY ) from 8:30 am until 12:00 nn.

For inquiries : Please call Ms. Abigail Tarroza( researcher and tour specialist ) 524-87-71 / +63 9777189690 email : abi.phlpost@gmail.com

Sights and Exhibits at Museo delos Angeles in San Miguel

San Miguel of Archangel Parish had a lot of interesting sights and exhibits. One such place is the former Arzobispado de Manila building. It was last inagurated last August 28,2018.

Museo delos Angeles

The official opening drew hundreds of parishioners, local and foreign tourists.

  imaculate conception statue with mid-20th century baldoza tiles

Arzobispado de Manila

Arzobispado de Manila building

The museum is located at the former Arzobispado building built beside the church. It is when San Miguel church used to be the seat of the archdiocese when Manila Cathedral was destroyed during the war up until when it was re-constructed in 1958.

entrance

The building had retained much of its architecture, baldoza tiles, grilled windows, fixture and furniture. The group was warmly accommodated by a group of volunteer parishioners.

Arzobispado de Manila building marker erected February 27, 1954

a chapel with priest vestments and candle holders

exhibit room

life like virgin mary statue

They told us that the museum is not open everyday except during sundays. The parish had a special arrangement to open the museum for the holy week.

virgin mary paintings and marian medals on wooden capiz window panels

This would drum in much needed support in the care and maintenance of the museum. Much of the collection are on loan or owned by the parish.

old map of San Miguel district

medals, scapulars and rosaries on display

Saint Therese of Child Jesus statue and staircase leading to the second floor

paintings

our lady of miraculous medal

Our Lady of Miraculous Medal made from contemporary materials in wood and painted in gold accessories ( from Dolphy Quizon).

different marian statues

Different marian statues made from porcelain, wood, metal , plaster of paris, wood, and ivory were on display.

different marian statues ( one of the marian statues was used as props in Maalala Mo Kaya television drama anthology of ABS-CBN channel 2 )

mid-century marian statue inside a wood container with glass panel ( urna)

Saint Vincent de Paul statue inside a wood container with glass panel ( urna)

marian statues made from metal and porcelain

second and third class relics

old marian print (estampitas) with ornamentation framed in glass containers

The museum is well lighted and the exhibit is neatly curated. Most of the religious items on display are from the personal collection of Father Rolando Limjoco CM.

El Arte Cristiano made from Pasta Madera , Spain

The exhibit area is air condition and one can marvel at the different marian statues, images, works of art and relics.

Our Lady of Lourdes grotto

Our Visita Iglesia 2019 is incomplete without visiting the church grotto and stations of the cross.

A visit to the San Miguel church and national shrine is incomplete without a visit to the museum.

Visita Iglesia of 14 Churches and Chapels in Manila

Walkwithchan in special arrangement with Royal Postal Heritage tour, heritage groups conducted a FREE guided tour on Maundy Thursday (April 18) and dubbed the walking tour as Visita Iglesia of 14 Churches and Chapels in Manila.

Palacio del Gobernador and Plaza Roma with art works

We decided to open a FREE Visita Iglesia 2019 walking tour, since our group will visit Intramuros and sharing the beautiful spots in Manila with the ordinary public.

hoardes of people walking along Rizal avenue, Santa Cruz

Visita Iglesia 2019

tarpaulin map of intramuros

huge tarpaulin poster from intramuros administration – this serves as a guide for parking area, churches, chapels and interesting places within the walled city.

station of the cross along General Luna street

The FB event attracted 66 participants but only 30 people manage to find the group at the meeting place which is at Plaza Roma- King Charles IV statue and fountain. cellphone signal is weak.

Manila Cathedral Basilica during the Chrism mass

There were a lot of people at the Chrism mass. This is one of the important liturgies during the holy week. It took me almost 15 minutes to get out of the cathedral basilica. There is only one exit. I have to be at the main plaza by 6:30 am. I saw Philip Reyes then followed by Jose Juan Paraiso ( who did not get a sleep) members of Advocates for Heritage Preservation group and other participants.

The plaza seems abuzz with all sort of tarpaulins, balloons and the mood was very festive.  The Chrism mass is being shown via large screen to the people at the plaza.

Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of Immaculate Conception facade

The Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Beaterio St., Intramuros.

Manila Cathedral Basilica back portion

Saint Agustine Church and convent

Saint Augustine interiors

Saint Agustine Church, General Luna St., Intramuros

Father Willmann Chapel, Santa Potencia St., Intramuros.

Dendrobium anosmum aka sanggumay

The group took time in admiring the neatly manicured garden and large trees within the compound. As an orchid grower, I also took time to examine the Dendrobium anosmum (sanggumay) orchid flowering. This is of of the all time favorite native orchids.

Father Willmann chapel altar

statue

Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM ) facade

Shrine of Jesus the Divine Teacher, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, Muralla St., Intramuros.

Shrine of Jesus the Divine Teacher altar

The Catholic Chapel of the Mapua Institute of Technology, Muralla Street, Intramuros.

Mapua Institute of Technology -chapel altar

The security guards at the Mapua Institue of Technology were also helpful to the participants, Some of them needed to have a bathroom break.

Lyceum of the Philippines University entrance

chapel of the sacred heart of jesus

 chapel interior

The group were greeted by the security guards of the university while some participants took time filling up their water bottles at the fountain station.

Colegio de San Juan de Letran facade

 chapel

Colegio de San Juan de Letran is one of the oldest secondary school for boys and was established in 1620. The college is already busy preparing their 400th anniversary in 2020.

chapel interior

Colegio de San Juan de Letran’s central courtyard had a neatly manicured lawn with large trees, bromeliads, Dendrobium hybrid orchids, native orchids, frangipanis and ornamental plants.

There is also a fountain and several statues of their alumni and patron saint. There is also a mini koi pond and water plants planted at the fountain area.

The group had a busy time admiring this painting at the back portion of the chapel

Roman Ongpin statue- Ongpin corner Quintin Paredes street

This time, we have to walked from Intramuros cross the Jones bridge towards Binondo district.

main altar

Minor Basilica of San Lorenzo Ruiz, Plaza Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila, Binondo

some of the participants enjoyed hot rice porridge (lugaw) and filtered water courtesy of the barangay chairman of place.

filtered water

rice porridge

The group enjoyed the hearty mid-day meal and some took time buying some treats at nearby Eng Bee Tin bakery. There was also a water station in front of the bakery.

 beautiful flower arrangement at the side altar

main altar

Archdiocesan Shrine of the Blessed Sacrament, Plaza Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, Manila

Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, Quezon Boulevard, Quiapo, Manila

Some of the participants had to beg-off after this leg of the tour. It is getting hot as it is almost midday. Our group had to go under the bridge since the underpass is close and the footbridge is few meters away. Signal is also weak.

Bakerite

tasty bread

Bakerite is one of the iconic homegrown bakeries in Quiapo district. They are the ones who popularized the brand “Tasty”. The bread is good and the group took a short snack time inside this bakery.

Shrine of the Holy Face of Jesus, 1111 F. R. Hidalgo Street, Quiapo, Manila

Shrine of the Holy Face of Jesus chapel

The chapel is located at the 2nd floor of the shrine. This is also the final resting place of the founder and of the congregation members.

participants

 tomb

Minor Basilica of San Sebastian, Plaza del Carmen St., Quiapo

main altar

D.Genaro Palacios y Guerra ( main architect ) marker at the floor of the minor basilica

San Beda College- Abbey of Our Lady of Montserrat, Mendiola Street,  San Miguel

historical marker

National Shrine of St. Jude Thaddeus, Jose Laurel Sr. Street, San Miguel, Manila

passage way which connects the parish to the center

Saint Jude Catholic School and Parish welcome arch

Saint Jude Thaddeus national shrine main altar ( photo taken from the 2nd floor choir area)

old organ built in Germany in the 1950’s at 2nd floor of the shrine

some participants lighted candles and have their moment of prayer at the shrine

a mid -1930’s ancestral house along J.P. Laurel street

 Malacañang place gate 4 along Jose P. Laurel Sr.street

We took a longer route going to the next national shrine, since the presidential security group (PSG) only allowed one portion of Jose P. Laurel street ( security issues).We walked from Arlegui street towards Aguado street passing several old mansions like the ones owned by Laperal family ( Arlegui mansions) and several turn of the century houses along Aguado street. It is sad to see that the former Cocina de Tita Moning ancestral house is closed.

Office of the President ( Presidential Complain Center) along Jose P. Laurel street

The group decided to have a short stop over at Casa Roces– Fine dining restaurant owned by the Roces family ( a separate blog entry) Some of the participants wanted to eat and we have a short photo opportunity. We spend about an hour or so at the restaurant before visiting the next church. It is almost 2:00 pm,when we finished our hearty meal.

San Miguel church main facade

interior

baptismal front

elaborate tombstone by one of the benefactors of the church

group photo at the entrance of the church

National Shrine of St. Michael and the Archangels, Gen. Solano Street, San Miguel

interior and altar

St. Anthony of Padua Shrine, Manrique Street corner J. Figueras street, Sampaloc

facade

Our Lady of Loreto metal sculpture at the side of the church (by Eduardo Castrillo)

Our Lady of Loreto church and Saint Anthony Shrine were dubbed as twin churches of Sampaloc. These two churches were badly destroyed during the closing days of February 1945.

historical marker

interior and main altar

Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Loreto Parish, Sampaloc, Manila

This is like a homecoming event for me, We lived few blocks away from these two churches for almost 15 years.  Most of the participants had to finished their Visita Iglesia trip at this point. Only 10 were left and we decided to hitch ride together going to Immaculate Conception church.

Immaculate Conception church interior

side altar bedeck with flowers and candles

Immaculate Conception Parish, Katamanan Street, Tondo, Manila

Espiritu Santo church side entrance

Espiritu Santo interior

decree

It was declared an Archdiocesan Shrine by Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle on June 8, 2014, the Solemnity of the Pentecost.

The church an interesting neo-gothic architecture with a lot of modern elements and this had a parochial school located within its compound. This used to be a public cemetery until early 1900.  The church was fully completed and solemnly blessed on May 14, 1932.

Archdiocesan Shrine of Espiritu Santo, Rizal Avenue, Santa Cruz, Manila

San Roque de Manila interior

San Roque of Manila church along Avenida Rizal, Santa Cruz, Manila.

We hope to have a repeat tour of these churches next year.  The group would like to extend our heartfelt ” THANKS” to the intramuros administration, schools, government buildings, universities and shrines which opened their doors to all the pilgrims, local and foreign tourists.