hometown blues and being an academic
December 7, we were supposed to be finished with the recitation in Civil Law Review 2. We’ve been standing for three weeks, but alas, Dean Aligada didn’t even cast his shadow and we waited for one and a half hours, until I finally decided to dismiss the class. I was damn tired of going back and forth the Dean’s Office just to ask where the hell he is. Good thing Nick has Fr. Regent’s number, and apparently, Dean Aligada was watching the Christmas Concert at the Chapel. Well, I would have loved to watched the symphony orchestra and the world-renowned UST Singers, with all the high and mighty people, the student body and the members of high society, plus the air conditioning itself inside the Chapel gives a Christmasey air… I’d rather watch the broadcast on ABC 5 on the 23rd of December in the comfort of my sala.
I went out to join my friends for 4A at Sprout, this photocopier place-cum-sari-sari store, where the drinking began… We at 4B had plans of our own, but the hell, I like to start drinking as soon as possible, in the company of beautiful women.
This section of Law School used to be an all exclusive section for girls, until my ‘Dad’ (Dean Benipayo) opened up the section to lesser beings… with the typical stature, complexion, facial symmetry and the stand… In short, lahat ng magagandang nilalang nandun. Not all of them are snobs, in fact, the group I’m with are the coolest among them all. Irreverent (in our standard), fun, playful, smokers, drinkers… girls, you’d love to have for a barkada.
Until nabitin kame sa apat na grandeng red horse, we had to transfer to Tapsi… I was officially adopted by them… and yes, sabik sila sa boys. (Not in the instinctual manner) They do have boys in their class now, but they ain’t cool enough, or rather, they haven’t socialized with them yet.
Then came the barrage of text messages from my classmates. I had a hearty laugh since they thought I abandoned them. Well, technically yes, kasi naman, I hate mora and pontification. They have no right to pontificate. Only I have such right. I ain’t even a president for God’s sake, I’m a crisis manager. I’m entitled to fun once in a while with the people of my preference. Besides, it’s diplomacy in action. Theses people ain’t just friends… they are Colleagues, and in the future, who else are we to turn to? Thomasians aid Thomasians, Lawyers aid lawyers.
Lot somehow told me na nagselos daw sila sa Four A. Hehehe. Would a gentleman decline the invitation of beautiful ladies? I think not… Besides, as de facto emperor of the class I commanded them to follow us at Tapsi.
I just had to leave early (around 10pm) ‘cause Chanelle was really drunk. FYI, she’s a graduate of La Salle and St. James… and we have common friends from La Salle and St. James, and we both hail from Malabon. So, as a gentleman’s and a kababayan’s duty, I must assist a damsel in distress. Besides, I was loaded already and ready to retire for the night. I had to leave my minions there… Anyhow, our alpha male JV was to proceed there after his basketball try outs. He’s in control in my absence.
And speaking of Malabon, there’s much to talk about home-grown pride.
There is something unique in this ancient fishing village that happens every December 8 to 10. Fiesta Concepcion, we traditionally refer to it… In honor of the Immaculate Conception.
How unique is it, since other places like Manila and Pasig celebrates the same, if not the whole world?
Well, let the historian in me speak…
The image of La Inmaculada Concepcion is estimated to be 300 years old. Was Canonically crowned, by authority of Pope John Paul II on December 7, 1986. This icon which is venerated for the past three hundred years is something which you do not see in most western art, nor in popular Filipino iconography. Among the popular images in the Philippines are mostly in the representation of De Guia, De Los Remedios, La Naval, Penafrancia, Manaoag, Caysasay, Piat et al. They are fully dressed in beaded regalia, and usually carry the Child Jesus.
However, this image in Malabon, was, according to legend, was left in a kariton by a Chinese merchant. Another legend tells that it was carved from the driftwood, from which came the images too of St. Bartholomew of Malabon, and St. Joseph of Navotas.
I’d rather go with the Chinese Kariton story.
The icon is carved as if she is wearing a white robe, wit a sash for a belt, and a, how should I say this, alampay, which is blue on the foreground and red on the rear. Another unique thing about this image is that she wears shoes… golden shoes for that matter. Plus, her hair is tied pony hair style, with the long golden lace flowing downwards. She does not hold the child Jesus… instead… her hands are semi-clasped in a prayerful position… more likely as if she was clapping. The image has a very beautiful face, mestisahin, but the color, having been repainted, gives her the appearance of a mullata.
Compared with the icons of St. Bartholomew and St. Joseph, which are very Filipino-Western, this image is very Oriental. Similar to that of the Icon of Kwan-Yin, the Goddess of Mercy. This my dear friends, is my learned opinion.
It should not be amiss that this is not the first time that a Chinese or a pagan Deity has been transformed into a Catholic Saint… The icon of Nuestra Senora de Guia in Ermita is also alleged to be an image of KwanYin, though crudely made. Legend has it that is was found washed ashore in Manila even before the Spaniards came. Hence, it is possible that the image is indeed of Chinese origin, since the Chinese were trading with us long before our alleged ‘discovery. Another example is the Virgin of Caysasay in Taal, which is revered by Taoist as A-Mah… the Goddess of the Sea.
What about the image of Guadalupe? Some say it is a fraud… a hoax planted by the Catholic missionaries in order to convert the Mexicans… but when we look at it at a cultural and historical perspective, it is indeed unique to Mexico… it represents not just Mary, but the Earth Goddess of the Incas, Aztecs and Tolmecs… Pacha Mama.
We have this rite every time we open a bottle of wine or gin or whatever alcoholic drink… we pour the first shot to the earth, and we say, it is for the devil. However, it is a misconceived idea. In other wine-cultivating cultures, (also in Rome and Greece) the first shot is offered to the Gods… In the Inca Culture, it is offered to the Earth Goddess, from whom the grapes from which the wine came from.
It should not be amiss that in Renaissance Japan, after the conversion of some people to Christianity by Francis Xavier, the people were worshipping the Female Buddha with a Child as the Mother of God, that they recognize this image more that Christ himself.
And, if you yourself were a reader of The Da Vinci Code, and other related books, there are certain things which our religion has inculcated from the ancient faiths… such as Isis, the Virgin Mother, who is also identified as Sophia, the darkness, the source to wisdom… who in transformed into the Virgin Mary in the Christian cult.
Judaism wasn’t amiss of such concept of the goddess. Before, it became the Judaism of today, the ancient Canaanite religion worshipped Ashera, the consort of Yahweh.
Also, Islam, the youngest of the Monotheistic faiths believed in Mary, called her Mariam, and the Christmas story of the Arabs is far more splendid that ours… since it details the miracles of Jesus through Mary during the exile in Egypt.
Some Hindus believe that Jesus and Buddha are the reincarnation of Shiva, the God of destruction and recreation…
In Fact, our Christmas, December 25, is originally the feast of Sol Invictus, the unconquerable sun… in honor of the Persian God Mithras… who is also a dying-rising God (another one is Horus, or so I recall), as much as Christ is also a dying and rising God.
So, what’s my point?
Religion propitiates the soul… there is never an absolute truth… inasmuch as ourselves are continually evolving, so is religion… but one thing is common in them all…
The belief in a higher being and a higher existence.
Now, let us go back to the popular beliefs in my hometown…
I live in Concepcion, Malabon, where two Churches are domiciled, the Catholic Church and the Aglipayan church… both venerate the La Purisima Concepcion. (I should know, ‘cause half of the family is Aglipay) They have their own icon, we have our own icon… but according to hearsay, about a hundred years ago, after the establishment of the Aglipayan Church, a meeting at the plaza took place, wherein the Catholic Church and the Aglipayan Church tried to resolve the issue on whether what image is the original. Apparently, what they did is cover up the two images, and being detached from the Oro (globe) they chose which would belong to whom. Allegedly, the Catholics got the original globe, while the Aglipayans got the original statue. This is what I heard from the not so ‘elderly’ of the local church. Due to the lack of historical records, this constitutes hearsay, and is inadmissible as evidence. But symbolically, it only shows that the two faiths are one in belief, despite the lack of unity.
Secondly, every procession, whenever the Catholic procession passes by the Aglipayan Church, the bells toll, and vice versa. That is how I remember it. I do not know if it is still performed, since the Catholic priest here is somehow more of a renegade than most Dominicans in UST.
Thirdly, while the Catholic Church holds the pagoda every December 9th, the Aglipayan Church holds the Caracol, or street dancing.
Fourthly, the image of St. Joseph of Navotas comes to Malabon to fetch the Virgin Mary and parades around Malabon and Navotas until it reaches the Church of San Jose in Navotas where the Salve is performed.
In conclusion, without any partisanship, what we have here in Malabon is a very unique expression of faith, of different belief systems, with a common goal…
Beat that…
This is something worth a thesis… if not for the lack of historical documentation.
That is why it is called Tradition… which in law, means DELIVERY. Something which is passed on from generation to generation, and is held as truth, despite the accuracy of the source…
As much as we believe in everything else… all are true.
I went out to join my friends for 4A at Sprout, this photocopier place-cum-sari-sari store, where the drinking began… We at 4B had plans of our own, but the hell, I like to start drinking as soon as possible, in the company of beautiful women.
This section of Law School used to be an all exclusive section for girls, until my ‘Dad’ (Dean Benipayo) opened up the section to lesser beings… with the typical stature, complexion, facial symmetry and the stand… In short, lahat ng magagandang nilalang nandun. Not all of them are snobs, in fact, the group I’m with are the coolest among them all. Irreverent (in our standard), fun, playful, smokers, drinkers… girls, you’d love to have for a barkada.
Until nabitin kame sa apat na grandeng red horse, we had to transfer to Tapsi… I was officially adopted by them… and yes, sabik sila sa boys. (Not in the instinctual manner) They do have boys in their class now, but they ain’t cool enough, or rather, they haven’t socialized with them yet.
Then came the barrage of text messages from my classmates. I had a hearty laugh since they thought I abandoned them. Well, technically yes, kasi naman, I hate mora and pontification. They have no right to pontificate. Only I have such right. I ain’t even a president for God’s sake, I’m a crisis manager. I’m entitled to fun once in a while with the people of my preference. Besides, it’s diplomacy in action. Theses people ain’t just friends… they are Colleagues, and in the future, who else are we to turn to? Thomasians aid Thomasians, Lawyers aid lawyers.
Lot somehow told me na nagselos daw sila sa Four A. Hehehe. Would a gentleman decline the invitation of beautiful ladies? I think not… Besides, as de facto emperor of the class I commanded them to follow us at Tapsi.
I just had to leave early (around 10pm) ‘cause Chanelle was really drunk. FYI, she’s a graduate of La Salle and St. James… and we have common friends from La Salle and St. James, and we both hail from Malabon. So, as a gentleman’s and a kababayan’s duty, I must assist a damsel in distress. Besides, I was loaded already and ready to retire for the night. I had to leave my minions there… Anyhow, our alpha male JV was to proceed there after his basketball try outs. He’s in control in my absence.
And speaking of Malabon, there’s much to talk about home-grown pride.
There is something unique in this ancient fishing village that happens every December 8 to 10. Fiesta Concepcion, we traditionally refer to it… In honor of the Immaculate Conception.
How unique is it, since other places like Manila and Pasig celebrates the same, if not the whole world?
Well, let the historian in me speak…
The image of La Inmaculada Concepcion is estimated to be 300 years old. Was Canonically crowned, by authority of Pope John Paul II on December 7, 1986. This icon which is venerated for the past three hundred years is something which you do not see in most western art, nor in popular Filipino iconography. Among the popular images in the Philippines are mostly in the representation of De Guia, De Los Remedios, La Naval, Penafrancia, Manaoag, Caysasay, Piat et al. They are fully dressed in beaded regalia, and usually carry the Child Jesus.
However, this image in Malabon, was, according to legend, was left in a kariton by a Chinese merchant. Another legend tells that it was carved from the driftwood, from which came the images too of St. Bartholomew of Malabon, and St. Joseph of Navotas.
I’d rather go with the Chinese Kariton story.
The icon is carved as if she is wearing a white robe, wit a sash for a belt, and a, how should I say this, alampay, which is blue on the foreground and red on the rear. Another unique thing about this image is that she wears shoes… golden shoes for that matter. Plus, her hair is tied pony hair style, with the long golden lace flowing downwards. She does not hold the child Jesus… instead… her hands are semi-clasped in a prayerful position… more likely as if she was clapping. The image has a very beautiful face, mestisahin, but the color, having been repainted, gives her the appearance of a mullata.
Compared with the icons of St. Bartholomew and St. Joseph, which are very Filipino-Western, this image is very Oriental. Similar to that of the Icon of Kwan-Yin, the Goddess of Mercy. This my dear friends, is my learned opinion.
It should not be amiss that this is not the first time that a Chinese or a pagan Deity has been transformed into a Catholic Saint… The icon of Nuestra Senora de Guia in Ermita is also alleged to be an image of KwanYin, though crudely made. Legend has it that is was found washed ashore in Manila even before the Spaniards came. Hence, it is possible that the image is indeed of Chinese origin, since the Chinese were trading with us long before our alleged ‘discovery. Another example is the Virgin of Caysasay in Taal, which is revered by Taoist as A-Mah… the Goddess of the Sea.
What about the image of Guadalupe? Some say it is a fraud… a hoax planted by the Catholic missionaries in order to convert the Mexicans… but when we look at it at a cultural and historical perspective, it is indeed unique to Mexico… it represents not just Mary, but the Earth Goddess of the Incas, Aztecs and Tolmecs… Pacha Mama.
We have this rite every time we open a bottle of wine or gin or whatever alcoholic drink… we pour the first shot to the earth, and we say, it is for the devil. However, it is a misconceived idea. In other wine-cultivating cultures, (also in Rome and Greece) the first shot is offered to the Gods… In the Inca Culture, it is offered to the Earth Goddess, from whom the grapes from which the wine came from.
It should not be amiss that in Renaissance Japan, after the conversion of some people to Christianity by Francis Xavier, the people were worshipping the Female Buddha with a Child as the Mother of God, that they recognize this image more that Christ himself.
And, if you yourself were a reader of The Da Vinci Code, and other related books, there are certain things which our religion has inculcated from the ancient faiths… such as Isis, the Virgin Mother, who is also identified as Sophia, the darkness, the source to wisdom… who in transformed into the Virgin Mary in the Christian cult.
Judaism wasn’t amiss of such concept of the goddess. Before, it became the Judaism of today, the ancient Canaanite religion worshipped Ashera, the consort of Yahweh.
Also, Islam, the youngest of the Monotheistic faiths believed in Mary, called her Mariam, and the Christmas story of the Arabs is far more splendid that ours… since it details the miracles of Jesus through Mary during the exile in Egypt.
Some Hindus believe that Jesus and Buddha are the reincarnation of Shiva, the God of destruction and recreation…
In Fact, our Christmas, December 25, is originally the feast of Sol Invictus, the unconquerable sun… in honor of the Persian God Mithras… who is also a dying-rising God (another one is Horus, or so I recall), as much as Christ is also a dying and rising God.
So, what’s my point?
Religion propitiates the soul… there is never an absolute truth… inasmuch as ourselves are continually evolving, so is religion… but one thing is common in them all…
The belief in a higher being and a higher existence.
Now, let us go back to the popular beliefs in my hometown…
I live in Concepcion, Malabon, where two Churches are domiciled, the Catholic Church and the Aglipayan church… both venerate the La Purisima Concepcion. (I should know, ‘cause half of the family is Aglipay) They have their own icon, we have our own icon… but according to hearsay, about a hundred years ago, after the establishment of the Aglipayan Church, a meeting at the plaza took place, wherein the Catholic Church and the Aglipayan Church tried to resolve the issue on whether what image is the original. Apparently, what they did is cover up the two images, and being detached from the Oro (globe) they chose which would belong to whom. Allegedly, the Catholics got the original globe, while the Aglipayans got the original statue. This is what I heard from the not so ‘elderly’ of the local church. Due to the lack of historical records, this constitutes hearsay, and is inadmissible as evidence. But symbolically, it only shows that the two faiths are one in belief, despite the lack of unity.
Secondly, every procession, whenever the Catholic procession passes by the Aglipayan Church, the bells toll, and vice versa. That is how I remember it. I do not know if it is still performed, since the Catholic priest here is somehow more of a renegade than most Dominicans in UST.
Thirdly, while the Catholic Church holds the pagoda every December 9th, the Aglipayan Church holds the Caracol, or street dancing.
Fourthly, the image of St. Joseph of Navotas comes to Malabon to fetch the Virgin Mary and parades around Malabon and Navotas until it reaches the Church of San Jose in Navotas where the Salve is performed.
In conclusion, without any partisanship, what we have here in Malabon is a very unique expression of faith, of different belief systems, with a common goal…
Beat that…
This is something worth a thesis… if not for the lack of historical documentation.
That is why it is called Tradition… which in law, means DELIVERY. Something which is passed on from generation to generation, and is held as truth, despite the accuracy of the source…
As much as we believe in everything else… all are true.
posted by ohme at 2:04 AM
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