Trixie Cruz-Angeles: The Manunggul Jar

By Rose Beatrix C. Angeles (Trixie Cruz-Angeles)

Sylvia Morningstar says that we, the Filipino people, are older than our conquerors. I believe it. My favorite artifact -- emphasis on the ART -- is the Manunggul Jar. Its a Neolithic Age, nearly complete burial jar found in the Tabon Cave Complex in Palawan back in 1964.

Robert Fox describes it as follows:

"The burial jar with a cover featuring a ship-of-the-dead is perhaps unrivalled in Southeast Asia; the work of an artist and master potter. This vessel provides a clear example of a cultural link between the archaeological past and the ethnographic present. The boatman is steering rather than padding the "ship." The mast of the boat was not recovered. Both figures appear to be wearing a band tied over the crown of the head and under the jaw; a pattern still encountered in burial practices among the indigenous peoples in Southern Philippines. The manner in which the hands of the front figure are folded across the chest is also a widespread practice in the Islands when arranging the corpse.

Trixie Cruz-Angeles: Assassination and Change

All changes, even the most longed for, have

their melancholy; for what we leave behind

us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one

life before we can enter another.

--Anatole France

"Assassination of Governor Bustamante" by Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo

originally "The Church and the State" (National Museum) 

In August 1717, Fernando Manuel de Bustillo Bustamante y Rueda was appointed governor general of these islands, by King Philip of Spain. He was chosen for his probity and efficiency after reports of the bankruptcy of the treasury in Intramuros reached the court.

An efficient administrator, Bustamante threw himself into work. The treasury was in a deficit and collections were down due to excessive graft and tax evasion allegedly abetted by Church officials (no separation of Church and State then). As Bustamante pressed for tax payments, prominent citizens sought Church assistance in continuing to evade collections, seeking traditional sanctuary.

Things came to a head when a notary public sought sanctuary, taking with him the protocols of 1717-1719 reportedly to assist some citizens in evading further taxes by secreting their property - a practice that continues to this date, unfortunately. Bustamante demanded the return of the protocols. Initially, Archbishop de la Cuesta agreed, but later changed his mind saying that the documents were subject to Church sanctuary and could not be reached by the civil authorities. Perhaps because such an act outrageously abused the privilege of sanctuary - which applies only to people (not documents) who have just cause to avoid the authorities - Bustamante ordered de la Cuesta's arrest and confinement in Fort Santiago on October 11, 1719.

See the full article by Trixie Cruz-Angeles on:

http://www.pilipino.org.ph/col_angeles.php

To know more about Trixie Cruz Angeles, check out: I AM TRIXIE CRUZ

Trixie Cruz-Angeles: Music and Rebellion in Sta. Ana

by Rose Beatrix C. Angeles

INQUIRER.net

First Posted 15:59:00 05/12/2008

History is the witness that testifies to the passing of time; it illumines reality, vitalizes memory, provides guidance in daily life and brings us tidings of antiquity.

- Cicero, Pro Publio Sestio

Heritage Month is celebrated in May because it coincides with many of our fiestas, the latter being an example of intangible heritage. And there is much to celebrate, although we tend to overlook them. Much of our heritage, though compromised or randomly destroyed, still remains, although it requires increasingly talented people to see and help others appreciate them.

Fortunately, there is the Filipino Heritage Festival, Inc. funded by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), an entire month of activities in various regions in the country.