MINIATURES

   Introduction The late 19th century until the early years of the American occupation witnessed Pasig's thriving and renowned brass band tradition. However, over time, this vibrant cultural heritage slipped into obscurity, fading from the memory of the Pasigueños.The purpose of this article is to rekindle the narrative of Pasig's brass band tradition, shedding light on its historical, cultural, and musical significance. By examining the tradition's roots in the fusion of Catholicism and Western music, its role in religious and communal contexts, and its eventual decline, we aim to celebrate and re-establish this lost legacy. Harmony of Faith and Music: The Arrival of Western Musical Tradition Pasig's musical journey was intertwined with the arrival of the Catholic faith and Western music in the Philippines. The Catholic Church, a harbinger of both Christian beliefs and Western culture, played a pivotal role in introducing traditional European music to the archipelago. ...

  It is well documented among the great yogis of Varanasi, India, that they possessed this uncommon skill - the ability to control their fart. It is said that before they go to their marathon meditation, they prepare their bodies from the arduous task by controlling first their diet. Lentils and beans are prevented. After that, there will be no more food intake--fasting. Then they will finally go to a trance-like hibernation. Of course, without the inconvenience of releasing air. A story goes about an Austrian professor 's experiment on soul levitation or this out of body experience done among the monks of a Tibetan temple at Lhasa. One particular monk was said to have mastered the ability to use an animal-vehicle (vahana). His soul could enter the body of an animal, acquiring its skills and of course, the instinct plus emotion to see the world around. One day, after another experiment, the monk went back to his earthly body in pain and in anguish. It was later discovered that d...

Leon Kilat Monument at Bacong town plaza   Many have raised their eyebrows upon hearing me label the Katipunan's regimental music, one of which eventually became our national anthem. Currently, we can only definitively identify two such compositions, though I firmly believe there could be more — who knows? The "Marcha Nacional Filipina" (Marcha Magdalo) by Julian Felipe, now known as Lupang Hinirang, distinctly carries the spirit of Caviteños, while "Marangal na Dalit ng Katagalugan," later transformed into Salve Patria, composed by Julio Nakpil, serves as the anthem of Manileños (or the "Hymn ng mga Manila Boys," as I sometimes jest). However it was largely unheard and unplayed , even though the suppose anthem is identified with the leadership of Bonifacio, whose influence extends further to the Tagalog pueblos bordering Manila and even into the then province of Morong, encompassing present-day Metro Manila and Rizal Province. The Cavite march is inf...