A visit to C.R.I.B.S. (An Act of Volunteerism)

Category: Arts, Places and Events

(photo: from Left, the author with her PWU friends)

C.R.I.B.S., as what we have discovered after our short briefing in Philippine Women's University (PWU), is an abbreviation for Creating Responsive Infants By Sharing. The center is made up of a compassionate, professional and responsive group of staff and volunteers committed to do the healing, recovery and development of abandoned, surrendered, neglected and sexually abused children and their families. And according to the information that I have read in their posters and displays, it is licensed by the DSWD as a child welfare agency. C.R.I.B.S. has a receiving home program that provides an alternative home environment for abandoned, surrendered and neglected children aged one day to 4 years old. It is maintained by a staff of professional caregivers and is able to support a maximum of 25 babies at any given time.

During the briefing, we were asked one by one about the reasons why we want to volunteer in that facility. Different thoughts encompassed my mind until I finally muttered that I want to volunteer myself because I want to apply what I have learned in theory as a nursing student and to be able to give myself to other people. I know that that phrase is already a cliché' but volunteering really gives me a good feeling that I am able to give some of my time and care for other people. It somehow gives me a sense of purpose and meaning.

After the briefing and changing of shirts and socks, we were assigned to the crawlers (less than 1 year old) and the toddlers ( 1 to 3 years old). It was Rica, Maa'm Tere and me who were assigned to the crawlers while Jack, Anna and Ate Linda marched to the second room to meet the toddlers. When we entered the room and saw the crawlers doing their own businesses, I began to ask myself "Why did their parents neglected them…?". They were like cute little angels. At first, I was kind of apprehensive to touch them because of the numerous rules that was mentioned to us a while ago for fear that I'll commit a mistake. One more thing also is that they are very small and fragile so I just observed them at first. I have noticed that the seven crawlers each had their own personalities. Leah was the first one that I carried and she really craves for attention. She knows how to move with the music and clap her hands. Rodel was also like Leah in the sense that they are very friendly toward their caregivers. They perform certain tricks and emanate certain smiles to catch your attention. Rico and Vincent, who were the smallest in the group, were the most behaved. Give them a book or a toy to read and they already transported to their own worlds. Ryan, who was a half Caucasian was also behaved at first but had tantrums after a while. The most difficult to handle was Alfred who I first saw in the slide shouting and crying for no reason at all. I was able to quiet him down when I put him beside the window but his tantrums began again when the story books were distributed among the crawlers. And lastly, I'm not sure if Nikki was the one who has cerebral palsy but she was the most quiet of the lot due to her condition. How time flies when you are really enjoying what you do because the 2 hours that we have spent with the kids were like only 30 minutes. After playing with them, looking after them and feeding them..we all said our goodbyes. I really love children so the time that we spent with them was a lot of fun and a memorable experience for us all.

Looking back, I learned that volunteerism is a virtue that we all have to acquire. It is through it that we are able to truly show the essence of altruism which is to help others and be of service to other people without expecting anything in return. The act of sharing was also emphasized. Second, I also realized how lucky I am to have responsible and loving parents who took care and watched over me and my sister over the years. The innocent children in C.R.I.B.S. were intentionally neglected and abandoned by people who call themselves parents. Those children should not suffer more and should be placed in the hands of qualified foster parents to allow them to experience the warmth of parental care and family life. And lastly, we were able to enjoy each others company and made new friends through this activity…old friends like Rica and new ones like Maam Tere, Ate Linda, Anna and Jack who also made my day worthwhile. I hope that Peer Facilitators Society of PWU would schedule more activities like this in the future because it is an activity which is very educational and meaningful. And I also hope that we visit C.R.I.B.S again. …

Written By: Lani Diana Santos

Date: May 1, 2006

U.P. Oblation - One Of My Favorite Works of Arts In Campus

Category: Arts, Places and Events

It was Wednesday, the first day of Christmas vacation when I cruised around the campus to observe the different works of art. I’m not really concerned about it in the first place when our professor told us about it. Of course I am well aware of the more famous ones like the oblation by Guillermo Tolentino, the representation in front of the Business Administration and the Faculty Center Building. I was quite in awe when I discovered that there are a lot of arts inside the campus which were crafted by some of the famous painters and sculptors in our country. Well, I'm just going to ponder a upon my favorite artwork for now.

UP is very famous for its U.P. Oblation. It has become a major remnant in every UP campus. It has also become a symbolic link for the hundreds of thousands of the alumni and the Alma Mater. As far as I know, the nude figure of a man is a symbolic gesture of sacrificial offering of service to the country and humanity. It was a masterpiece of Filipino sculptor Guillermo Tolentino. It has also been said that Guillermo modeled the oblation after the late Fernando Poe Sr. The oblation, being the mascot or symbol of the whole UP system became a major rallying point point for all kinds of disagreements, protest actions, and social reproach, as well as expressions of public service, national loyalty, and patriotism. It also became the representative of the U.P. student’s unity, mission and vision.

I have also done quite a reading and research as to what the different parts of the statue represent. And I was very amazed to learn that the oblation wasn’t only about the gesture of offering. Instead, the nude man with outstretched arms and open hands, with tilted head, closed eyes and parted lips murmuring a prayer, with breast forward in the act of offering himself, is Guillermo’s own interpretation. The statue stands on a rustic base, a stylized rugged shape of the Philippine archipelago, lined with big and small hard rocks, each and everyone of which represents an island. At the foot of the figure he also put a cluster of he katakataka plant, symbolizing the deep-rooted patriotism in the heart of our heroes. The 3.5 meter height of the statue is representative of the 350 years of Spanish rule in the Philippines.

Indeed, I’m become very proud whenever I see the statue of the oblation. I don’t know why. One reason might be having the feeling that I’m a UP student and a part of the system or another is that seeing the gesture makes me feel patriotic myself. But I have a question though. Why did they added a leaf in the nude figure? Why did they leave it as that? If it is really a must to have a leaf in that part, then why did the oblation runners doesn’t have a leaf to cover their sexual organs? My..my it’s a wonderful thing to think about isn’t it? Maybe someone suggested to put a leaf for art’s sake and the runners doesn’t want to put the leaf because the run won’t be as thrilling and the view won’t be as breathtaking than what it was. Anyway, the oblation is the best work of art in the campus for me. :-)

Written By: Lani Diana Santos

Date: January 2002

The Bonifacio Monument

Category: Arts, Places and Events

It was very early in the morning while we are on our way home to Paranaque from Ilocos Norte when we passed by Caloocan City. I just woke up around 8 a.m. just to realize that we are already near the Bonifacio Monument. It was because of this reason that I rubbed my sleep deprived my eyes and wondered where in the world is it located amidst all the traffic and the people bustling in the streets.

I haven’t step foot in Caloocan before so I haven’t seen Guillermo Tolentino’s sculpture either. I have been told earlier that you can’t come near the monument because it is located in the center of a busy intersection. You can only stare at it from the side streets afar or another option is to ride a car and watch it while passing through.

The monument was a creation of Guillermo Tolentino, the very same man who built the Oblation of our very own University. It has been said that Tolentino’s portrait busts burst the confining bonds of historic masterpieces to produce likeness revealing his deep insight into human character. His commemorative sculpture, often monumental, had a scale and grandeur matched by no other sculpture of his time.

The Bonifacio monument, one of his best know works in Caloocan was completed in 1933 ( and put on the ten centavo stamp of 1946). The monument, a kilometer west of the actual site, marked the apex of Tolentino's career. It had an Olympian spirit, graceful, grandiose and dramatic in scale and feeling, made up of 70 larger-than-life-size figures, with a 45-foot pylon topped by the winged figure of Victory that was bronze-cast in Rome. At the base, on a platform-like structure, figures are in a series of pyramidal variations, with opposing diagonals providing tension and dynamism.

The sight gave me a sense of national loyalty even though I only viewed the monument for a short time. Given all the restraints ( we don’t have much time to stare at it and the location was not very conducive either), I was able to stare at it enough to form an impression of it.

The monument was a towering site. I was awed not just by the height of the post but also by the emotions evident in the faces of the figures as well. There was a man holding a sword, another in squat position ready to pounce and another man holding his wife and his child, mouth open, shouting words of justice. As I’ve said before, the characters in the monument were well sculpted and their faces expressed the desire of justice and freedom from bondage. They were the revolutionaries who fought for our country. The bitterness and anger was well etched in their faces. Guillermo Tolentino was really a master sculptor and he should be remembered in our minds for his impressive works.

Unfortunately though, there have been news circulating that the monument will be transferred to an isolated site since the monument is near the MRT and the shakes and rigors caused by the transit might damage the statue. The bad thing is, it will be trans-located to a place that might be neglected and ignored by people since it’s a location I’ve never heard of before. I think they should be very careful in transferring the monument and relocate it to a place wherein it would be more valued and treated of importance. Artworks like this is a living reminder that Filipinos are patriotic and nationalistic. They are freedom loving people who always cry for justice and sovereignty. Thanks to Guillermo Tolentino for his artistry and excellence in the art of sculpting.

Written By: Lani Diana Santos

Date: February 2003

The Splendor Of The North -- Paoay Church

Category: Arts, Places and Events

It was late in the afternoon in December 2002 when our family and relatives in Ilocos Norte decided to pay a visit to the very famous Paoay church or formally called St. Augustine Church in Ilocos Norte. The place was very serene and quiet with only a few tourists and visitors and some vendors lining the right side of the church. The sky was downcast and the church was quite stark and empty during that time, except for a few teenagers cleaning and decorating inside because there will be a wedding the other day. Unfortunately we were not allowed to go inside because visiting hours, according to the teenagers, were already over. But we were very persistent since I have to make a documentary and a term paper of the church. Finally, they agreed and allowed us to go inside but only for a short period of time.

Once again, I was stricken by the majestic façade of the church as well as the simplicity and strength showed by the big buttresses flanking both sides of the church. I already went there several times but I don’t get wearied and bored by the sight of it. In fact, I enjoy going there every time because it exhibits an enigma and an exotic church architecture. I chose this church of all the churches that I knew because of this reason. Moreover, it’s unique architecture is a combination of Mexican, Oriental, Gothic, Baroque and Buddhist styles. It is Gothic due to the presence of Pinnacles; Baroque because of the graceful curving and flowing scrolled buttresses supporting the lateral walls; Oriental because of the designs in the walls of the church an some other Chinese elements; and Buddhist as evidenced by the massive stone facings heaped on the façade resembling the design of Buddhist temples ( Manosa, 2003). It’s as if I’m looking at a Cambodian or a Borobodur temple. Although this church has a combination of various styles, it cannot be denied that the architecture of this church as a whole is uniquely Filipino. And of course who would not be proud of this masterpiece none other than Filipinos right?

It was quite sad to think that the church only enjoys a myriad of church goers during Sundays. According to my uncles and aunts, on weekdays the church enjoys busloads of Taiwanese and Koreans. This church has been suffering from lack of patronage. Paoay church should not also be ignored by town officials. It was apparent that there were some damages inside the church especially the flooring which has huge cracks due to earthquakes. The town officials together with the people of Paoay should act to refurbish and beautify one of the tourist spots in the country. As a matter of fact, Paoay church is included in one of UNESCO’s world heritage sites due to its architectural and historical value ( Villalon, 2003).

We Filipinos should be proud of Paoay church because imbedded among those layers and layers of bricks were the artistry and creativity of the Filipino people. We should be proud of it!

Written By: Lani Diana Santos

Date: March 2003

Citations:

Manosa, Francisco. “Architectural Wonders of the World: Paoay Church.” Online. Internet. January 2003. Available URL: http://www.architech online.8m.com/architect.htm

Villalon, Augusto. “16th to 19th Century Church Architecture in the Philippines – Church of San Augustine.” Online. Internet. January 2003. Available URL: http://www.ncca.gov.ph/phil._culture/cultural_heritage/monuments/monument_century.htm.

Wow Intramuros!

Category: Arts, Places and Events

Intramuros is also one of the places that I love besides Vigan because of it’s historical setting and it’s ambience. They call it a city within a city because it was the capital of the city of Manila in the past . I always visit it with my family and friends and sometimes we have picnic in Fort Santiago or visit the well-known churches like Manila Cathedral and San Augustin or just have our own adventures around the establishment. Even though we have been there several times, it seems as though we always enjoy our visit every time.

Intramuros, a walled Spanish settlement is very big and encompasses 64 hectares. It was the political and commercial center under the Spanish regime (1571 to 1898). The walls, extending 4.5 kilometers in length, enclose a community of churches, schools, government offices, and buildings in Castilian architecture. We can really observe that this capital was really well planned. The location of the establishments was commendable.

Among the main sites in Intramuros are the Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church, Manila Cathedral, Casa Manila, Puerto Real Park and San Juan de Letran College. Recent improvements led to the opening of a museum, a park, art galleries, an open-air theatre, fine restaurants, craft shops and souvenir stalls.

Fort Santiago used to be the seat of the colonial powers of both Spain and the U.S. It was also a dreaded prison under the Spanish regime and the scene of countless military police atrocities during the Japanese occupation. Here, too, Dr. Jose Rizal spent his last hours before his execution on Bagumbayan. (now Rizal Park).

Inside Fort Santiago is Rizal Shrine Museum, where we can find Rizal’s manuscripts and collections. It’s the place in Fort Santiago that we don’t miss visiting because it make us feel that we are again in the Spanish era. The museum looks like a Spanish house and the one’s we see in Historical movies. There are a lot of displays inside. There is even a room where the poem of Rizal was written and you can hear a recorded voice reading the poem in the background. There were also booths inside selling souvenirs and stuffs. I remember last time when we went there in the museum, we exited in the back door and ran like winged creatures above the large bricks until we reached the landing. We also went inside the dungeons and my sister and cousins pretended that we were prisoners moaning and asking for help. A view on the north side of the fort was wonderful because you can see the Pasig river and the canyons used during the Spanish era. The foundations wee made of bricks and expressed strength and antiquity.

The next stop, the San Augustin Church was built in 1571. A fine museum is attached to the church and is well worth a visit. Then, the visitor has the choice to walk on the walls of Intramuros on the way to Casa Manila museum, which puts in display the possessions and furniture of a wealthy Spanish family in the 19th Century. The Manila Cathedral is the second church that we can fin in intramuros and is the fifth stone church of Manila. It was destroyed and rebuilt several times. From the air, it appears as a giant cross.

Intramuros is really one of the places in our country that we should be proud of. We should remember that the memories of the glorious past of our nation is imbedded within those layers of bricks and gates that made up intramuros.

Written by: Lani Diana Santo
Date: March 17, 2003

Viva Vigan

Category: Arts, Places and Events

Vigan is the town in our Ilocos Sur that I love most because of its serenity and milieu. Whenever my family and I visit it, I feel that we were transported back in the Spanish regime. My father is originally from Laoag, Ilocos Norte so whenever we have a Christmas vacation, we see to it that we stop by Vigan and enjoy the sights.

I was very curious about Vigan’s architecture so I researched about it and consequently decided to make a reaction paper about the beautiful town. I learned that it was founded in the 16th century and according to the Vigan’s official website, Vigan is the best-preserved example of a planned Spanish colonial town in Asia. Its architecture reflects the coming together of cultural elements from elsewhere in the Philippines, from China and from Europe, resulting in a culture and townscape that have no parallel anywhere in East and South-East Asia.

The people describe Vigan as a "place like no other". Its uniqueness lies in the townscape which is a blend of various influences of Asian, European and Latin American. Being the only surviving colonial town in the country, Vigan has more strung along the narrow streets of the old Mestizo District, popularly known in the olden days as Kasanglayan (Chinese Quarters).

Vigan, according to UNESCO, was earlier known as " Ciudad Fernandina" from 1758 to late 19th century, is the oldest surviving Spanish colonial city in the country. It has auspiciously escaped the bombs of World War II unlike its sister cities, Manila and Cebu.
How and why it has survived the wrath of war is a fascinating story on its own. The photograph on the left is a well know street in the town called “ Calle Crisologo”. Vehicles are not allowed to pass by certain streets such as this. The reason they banned the vehicles from passing was mainly to preserve the ambience of the streets and to safeguard the road from being damaged since it was made up of tiles.

Vigan brings images of old-fashioned houses, cobbled narrow streets, calesas and friendly faces peering out of large windows; a place where "time stood still". Yet, despite all the romantic images this place provokes, much is still unfamiliar about Vigan. Two years ago, we rented a calesa and had a tour around Vigan. It was really enjoyable because our family and relatives had the chance to witness the old houses and the old churches. Majority of the houses had windows made from Capiz. The tour was like being in a movie “Rizal” or “Noli Me Tangere”. I felt that I was one of the characters there riding the calesa in streets that reminded me of the past. Moreover, we had the chance to buy different antique furniture’s from the shops and bought big jars from the burnayan which you can see in the photograph below.

Vigan came from the Ilocano word "kabiga-an" pertaining to the plant "biga" abounds. Biga is a tuberous plant (alocadia indica) that once grew along the banks of its rivers.

Vigan was once a thriving center for trade and commerce among the people of Ilocandia and the Cordilleras. It is situated at the delta of the Abra River (now the Mestizo and Govantes Rivers) going to the South China Sea. This position at the mouth of the river most probably afforded its existence as it was a fluvial harbor connected to the China Sea, making trade possible with other islands and with China.

Today, Vigan was recently included in the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List in December 1999 and converted into a component city last January 21, 2001. In partnership with the government of Spain, the Vigan Master Plan is in the process for the revitalization of the historic Vigan.

Written By: Lani Diana Santos

Date: March 17, 2003

Alienation of Quiapo

Category: Arts, Places and Events

I always shop in the refined commercial centers in Alabang and Makati. I enjoy promenading in the vast labyrinth of polished marble floors, listening to the euphonious music and relaxing inside the air-conditioned boutiques and movie houses. There are bigger parking spaces so I have no difficulty finding an adequate space to park my car. And if ever I needed anything, I need not to go further than a mall. Glorietta 4 or known as G4 is my favorite hangout because it is already complete with café’s, fast-food restaurants, novelty shops and boutique stores.

However, at one point of time, I cannot find any combat shoes that I need in our C.A.T. training in Glorrieta and in the other malls that I have been. My grandmother advised me it isn’t that the goods in Quiapo are poor in quality because whatever you can find there, you can also find the same kind in the malls but the only difference is the price.

Quiapo has stood longer. It acceded with our parents and grandparents way back. Yet, strangely enough Quiapo seems a foreign land to us. It is true that whatever is sold there is cheap but we tend to liken cheap with embarrassing. We, Pinoys, are becoming blinded to what to most of us is dead real. Quiapo’s streets are filthy and smelly with poor roads and scattered garbage and that is the reason why we seem reluctant to venture there. But if that is the case isn’t it that traffic and stench and other things and much worse are everyday occurrences in out city? Sad to say, places like Quiapo have become unfamiliar to their own people.

Written By: Lani Diana Santos

Date: October 17, 2001