Christian's Chronicles: April 2021

By virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 439, the month of May in the Philippines is declared as National Heritage Month. The celebration aims to create among the Filipino people a consciousness, respect, and love for the legacies of the nation’s cultural history. This year’s theme, “Victory and Humanity: Upholding Filipino Heritage and Identity” comes in solidarity with the commemorations of the 500th anniversary of the Victory at Mactan (27 April 2021) and the 500th anniversary of the Philippine part in the first circumnavigation of the world (16 March – 28 October 2021).

The theme presses on the significance of strengthening public awareness and exploring initiatives on advocating for the conservation and promotion of Philippine cultural heritage and the Filipino identity in this time of crisis.

In line with this, Ang Panublion Museum of Roxas City, together with Center for Heritage and Indigenous Cultures of the University of San Agustin, Iloilo City, will be joining forces, in partnership with Capiz State University, to spread awareness on cultural appropriation. There is a need to protect indigenous knowledge and culture from misrepresentation.

A three-day webinar series, titled, “ADVOCATING HERITAGE: Cultural Appropriation and Appreciation in the Arts” will be held on May 3 – 5, 2021, 2:00PM via Zoom. The webinars will feature distinguished Ilonggo scholars and artists in music, visual arts, literary, film, and history, who will speak about their work from the perspective of culturally sensitive artistic outputs. The resource speakers are:

May 3, 2021

Clement Camposano – Chancellor, University of the Philippines Visayas
Jose Taton, Jr. - Assistant Professor, University of the Philippines Visayas

May 4, 2021

Kevin Piamonte - Associate Professor / Filmmaker, University of the Philippines Visayas
Marika Constantino - Artist / Curator, Kantina Artist Space

May 5, 2021

Ma. Rosalie Zerrudo - Assistant Professor, University of San Agustin
Cristian Tablazon – Numina Nuda / PHSA

Palanca Award winning author and civil servant Dr. Bryan Mari Argos, environmentalist and cultural advocate Dr. Harold O. Buenvenida, and linguistics professor Dr. Hazel D. Joaquin will sit at the panel of reactors. Christian George F. Acevedo, librarian and heritage advocate will moderate the three-day webinar-series.

Students, teachers, cultural workers and advocates are invited to join in this webinar services. Registration is FREE. To register, click this link.

Sunset has always fascinate me. The burst of colors on the sky seems like an expansive canvas painted with life. Summer skyline is always the liveliest and for years, I've always been lured to the beach in this time of the year. One just can't miss it. Baybay Beach here in Roxas City is a long stretch of black sand that looks towards the Sibuyan Sea. When the weather is fine and the sky is clear, the tall mountains of Sibuyan Island of Romblon province, which is six hours by sea travel, is visible. Life always hustled and bustled with in this beach, especially on weekends. You could hear playful shouts and cheers, frolicking children, karaoke singers, sometimes out of tune, merry but drunk gentlepeople, and so on. The pandemic, however, silenced all that. Coronavirus restrictions banned swimming in public places, including the beaches. Today is one of those days where the shoreline is near empty, except for myself and some people taking their afternoon walk.

Oh, how breathtaking this afternoon sunset is! We live for sunsets in our lives because it keeps us hoping that sunrise brings us a better day.

The shoreline is empty - and clean and pristine! Since swimming in public places in banned due to COVID restrictions, our beach has ample time to rest and rejuvenate.

This stunning sunset and the refreshing sea breeze make up for my dose of vitamin sea. The solitary long walk is a recharge for my mind and this view is a fount of inspiration. Perhaps, you may even ponder and ask yourself, "When you have this view so beautiful, would you ever leave home?" Think over. Ciao bella!

Enjoying these sunset views.