MINIATURES

There is much history to be found in documents, official seals, and letterheads of the past. One interesting discovery in the so-called "Tech Documents" of Pasig, dated 1836, revealed a seal and letterhead bearing the inscription: HISP. ET IND. R. FERD. VII D.G.—an abbreviation of the Latin phrase Hispaniarum et Indiarum Rex, Ferdinandus VII Dei Gratia (Ferdinand VII, by the grace of God, King of Spain and the Indies). However, the bottom inscription mentioned Isabel II, who was the reigning Spanish monarch at that time. How do we reconcile this document within its proper historical context? Remarkably, the letterhead itself reflects the turbulent period in Spain’s history, the reign of Ferdinand VII --The years when Napoleon Bonaparte was also imposing his will across Europe. When Ferdinand VII’s father was deposed by Spanish Bonapartists, the French installed Ferdinand VII as king—effectively making him a puppet of Napoleon. Soon after, Ferdinand was deposed and replaced by...

  The photo is labeled "Menuisiers chinois," Manille, Philippines, 1890. Presented in French, it features Chinese carpenters or woodworkers in Manila during the 1890s. Similar photos of Chinese during this period often depict them as ambulant sellers, food vendors, or small merchants. However, some, like this photo, highlight them as skilled workers. Of Encik Viejo and Peranakan    Most Chinese in Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, trace their ancestry to the southern province of Fujian, the majority of whom speak the Hokkien dialect. The region’s proximity to the sea made migration an appealing option for its poor inhabitants, who sought better opportunities in the southern seas. Their resilience and hard work propelled many to success, with some rising to become prominent tycoons in the lands they settled. However, it was their adaptability that truly elevated them. The Chinese embraced many cultural and social norms of their adopted countries while blending th...

  A Different Image of Saint Sebastian In the Catholic Church, from its earliest centuries of establishment and growth in the West centered in Rome, the creation of icons (images) of saints became a significant part of the identity and veneration of the first faithful. One of the most notable examples of such iconic representation is the image of Saint Sebastian—the centurion tied to a tree, stripped of his armor, and pierced with arrows. This image has remained the primary representation of the saint for devotees, even up to the present day. However, this iconic representation also becomes limited. It highlights a specific aspect of Saint Sebastian’s life—his martyrdom—but often overlooks other important aspects, such as his efforts in spreading Christ’s gospel. The centrality of his image as a martyr has led to a narrower understanding of his entire persona. Saint Sebastian in Different Cultures In other parts of the world, such as Sri Lanka and Malta, alternative depictions of S...

My lecture presentation at UP Diliman, Palma Hall for The 15th Conference of the Société Internationale d´Ethnologie et de Folklore (SIEF) Ritual Year Working Group (RYWG) : Food, Feasts, Festivities, & Folklore. December 13, 2024 Pasig City, particularly its riverside communities extending toward Laguna de Bay, boasts a unique culinary culture rooted in its rich history of duck raising. Among these communities, the barangays of Pinagbuhatan and Kalawaan stand out for their vibrant celebrations, especially during their annual barrio fiestas, honoring thier respective patron saints. In Pinagbuhatan, for instance, calderetang itik (duck stew) takes center stage as the highlight of celebration in many households. Each family and community adds its own unique touch to this dish. Some marinate the duck in beer or lemon-based soft drinks, imparting a subtle tang and depth of flavor. Others employ meticulous methods for cleaning and preparing the bird, ensuring its quality, aroma, and hy...

The photo of Spanish poet Salvador Rueda at a banquet in Bacolod captures an important cultural moment during his visit to the Philippines. Rueda, a key figure of Modernismo, toured Manila and the Visayas (in 1910), observing the flourishing Spanish language at a time when Spanish literature in the Philippines was at its peak in the early 20th century. Modernismo, a literary movement that began in Latin America, was led by Nicaraguan poet Rubén Darío. Another important figure, Cuban poet José Martí, is considered a precursor to the movement. Modernismo poets often created vivid, exotic imagery with themes of nature, elegance, and royalty. These images were not mere escapes from reality but intentional challenges to the materialism and vulgarity of daily life. In the Philippines, many poets who wrote in Spanish were aligned with Modernismo, including Manuel Bernabe, Jesús Balmori, and Cecilio Apostol. Balmori, in particular, is also associated with a related movement, French Parnassiani...

Saint Francis of Assisi Receiving the Stigmata ca. 1295-1300 by Giotto   Ora et labora... et bella? The life of a peasant in Medieval Europe was often perceived as insignificant, a relentless struggle for survival marked by scarce resources and complete dependence on the landlord. God’s presence loomed heavily over their daily lives, shaping their thoughts and actions. Ora et labora —"pray and work"—was the essence of their existence? As temporal authorities, the Church, and the nobility vied for dominance over society, peasants and serfs were often met with disdain and suspicion. Their essential role in sustaining the very foundation of society was frequently overlooked. Ironically, the oppressive structure of feudalism was sometimes justified as the divine will. The Medieval period was also punctuated by wars or "bella" that brought forth figures of renown from both noble and warrior ranks. Yet amidst the violence and political intrigue of the 13th-century Italia...