Capiz State University Roxas City Campus: 105 or 115 years?

 This month, Capiz State University Roxas City Campus celebrates its founding anniversary as it reaches its 105th year. But CAPSU Roxas could actually be older than 105 years. In 2017, it held a festive centennial celebration. I initially started researching on its history as early as 2006 when, as a school paper editor, I was tasked to write the campus history. Through the years and with help from historian-friends, I  gained  access to several sources that may point out that the school may have actually been founded earlier than 1917.

Here are some facts, for now.

- The school shared the same building with Capiz Provincial (later High) School, which was founded in 1902, not 1912 as earlier claimed. 

- These schools were located in the building that formerly housed the municipal prison (carcel), which is the present location of the Roxas City Hall. 

- The original structure burned down in 1918. 

- The provincial government looked for a new school site. The family of a certain Fortunato Fuentes donated several hectares of the land, on hilly portions. Capiz Provincial School was established on one hill, Capiz Trade school on another. 

- The school closed at the height of World War II, 1942-45. It was heavily damaged. When it reopened, the teachers had to teach literally under the mango tree.

- 1953, Capiz Trade School was converted from being a provincial school into a national vocational school.

- 1957, CTS was renamed Capiz School of Arts and Trades and merged with Capiz High School (until 1960).

- 1969, RA 5711 merged CASAT with Capiz School of Fisheries, thereby, the birth of Capiz Institute of Technology.

- 1999 CIT merged with Panay State Polytechnic College, with the former CIT as the Roxas City Campus.

- 2004  RA 9273 converted PSPC into Capiz State University, with the former CTS-CASAT-CIT as the seat of the administration of the entire University.

Here’s a longer article I wrote about the history of my beloved alma mater via Christian's Chronicles: The Early Years of Capiz State University Main Campus (christiangeorgeacevedo.blogspot.com)

105 or 115 years old, CAPSU Roxas Campus has done this nation a great service!




Today on my garden

I left my plants untouched for a while now, letting nature take its course. Let's see to what extent they could ramble. 

Enjoy the photos. Happy Sunday! 🌿🌱☘️πŸͺ΄






Gardening and beautiful memories


Sharing with you a long post of FB that I wrote  on September 11, 2021:

I have been mulching the earth, watering plants and pulling the weeds way before I learned how to read and write. I remember, my seven-year-old self would raise my own collection of "plants" on old tins and wasted rubber pots. Guess what they were? A bunch of tawa-tawa, amorsecos, and all the weeds around. For as long as they were blooming, i would pull it from the ground and transplant them on my own makeshift pots. I then arranged them at the back of my grandparents' house, tended them it's as if they were as valuable as my grandmother's orchids and annuals. My parents and grandparents would laugh at me, but they just let me be. But, hey, I felt satisfied with being my own "gardener." 

Thinking about this childhood memory now,  25 years passed by, I am still pulling weeds, mulching the earth, feeding my soil and watering the plants.  I still have some tawa-tawa around for medicinal purposes. But my choices of what to grow have also expanded as I aged. My garden is now a mix and match of vines, annuals, aroids, fruit trees, herbs and edibles, and so on, whatever that my eyes find delight. Whatever feeds my soul i take it. But i also know my limits. 

With this, I've learned this lesson. For as long as you are happy with it, plant it. You can buy it, if it makes you happy. You can ask for it and be happier if the owner gives you a shoot or cutting. I know at a glance if i like the plant. But i never let the fad take on my preferences. If it is a gift,  no matter how common, i give my attention to make that plant thrive and propagate. it's the story that goes with the plant that i remember and my memory of that person. I still have my grandparents plants with me and i try to keep them alive and thriving. So as the plants my friends and colleagues have given me. There's a story that goes with each plant.    If the plant - anything really - sparks joy within you, then keep planting. and keep thinking of that beautiful memory. 

Happy weekend! 🌱☘️🌿🌻🌻🌻🌻

Last Night's Dream, a Memory

 I wrote this on Sept. 7, 2021 - a memory of a dream I've had. It was those long weeks between August and September that i was sick in my body, followed by some emotional troubles that lingered until December 2021. Thankfully, prayers, friends, family and gardening worked wonders. 




I haven't dreamed like this in ages.  I have not even slept this sound for weeks! I usually sleep with my mind awake, so I'd also wake up feeling tired. Tonight though was different. I fell  deep in my slumber that my subconsious brought me somewhere else....

 I was in place different from home. Not anywhere where I have been to before. Tired, lost, sullen. I was greasy. I walked nonstop, for days and nights. I Smelled like the earth, my clothes worn out.  I grew my beard and moustache longer than i usually do. My hair was now dry, sticky and dishevelled. I was walking for days but i treaded empty highways that cut across verdant grasslands and led to vibrant golden ricefields, the grains dancing to the gentle caress of the gentle wind as harvest time near. The sky had always been cloudy, overcast. Nighttime only the crescent moon appeared. Never a half moon or full moon. And only the north star is visible. Not other sparkling cosmic creature brightens the nighttime desolation.  I have been away from home for so long i no longer knew how home looked like or if anyone else was still waiting for me.

 I waited for a vehicle to hitch along... Many passed me by, but they didnt let me in. D-Max, Hi-Lux, jeepney, truck, hooper, carabao-driven carts and wagons. Some are shimmering and almost new, sparkling clean. Neater than i was . Others are rusty, dusty, and outdated you knew it  because it coughs and emits heavy black smoke. It was one of those type that picked me up.  a jeepney, driven a wrinkled but kind farmer with her mild-tempered wife. they took me in at 4am, i just squeezed in the little space at the back. The jeepney was already stuffed with vegetables and they're bringing it to market in the city. Finally! I will be home. I knew it when i was nearing home when i already saw familiar streets and building. The trip ended in the market and I walked a little more until finally,  the doors swung open. It was empty, except for the spiders that lived on the cobwebs they made for themselves. i heard   a sound from the backyard, someone was sweeping the dried leaves on the ground. The sound of bamboo broom sticks scratching on the cement floor all gave me the familiar soun of home.  I hastened to the kitchen and opened  the door. Morning has dawned and a blinding light came in that I covered my eyes with my arms. it seems it was the first time that i have seen the daylight for ages! And when my eyes got accustomed to the morning light, I saw the plants i raised a long time ago before i left and got lost. They were thriving and are now full of life, greeting me... The philodendrons in earthen pots were oversized! The roses profuse with vibrant red and pink blooms, just like the bougainvilleas that burst with colour and trail on the fence.  

 "You're home!" I heard a voice I havent heard for a long time. I fell into tears, howled in happiness for I knew I was home...

And then i woke up with tears on my cheeks. i cried while i was sleeping, in my dreams. I woke up feeling better, like i have never slept this deep for weeks.

Christian's Cook Book: Stir Fry Luffa

Whenever i eat at Pizza Junction, a popular eatery here in Roxas City, the sauteed luffa in tomatoes is a favorite. Craving for this dish on a Sunday morning, i decided to prepare one for lunch. Here's my version. 

Ingredients:

Sliced luffa

chopped garlic, onion, and tomato

Long, green chili

For the steps:

1. Fry the chopped garlic then remove when golden brown. Set aside. 

2. Saute onion first, wait until the aroma comes out. Add garlic and stir. Wait until mixture caramelizes then add chopped tomatoes. Lots of them!  You can and stir shrimp, fowl, or meat if you like.  Mine is fine without it. 

3. Add chopped luffa and stir for 2-3 minutes.

 4. Add chopped chili. 

5. Add salt and/or pepper. 

6. Add water. The amount should vary to your liking. 

7. Let it simmer and wait until luffa softens. 

8. Sprinkle fried garlic. 

Enjoy!



Christian George Acevedo featured at Panagbo Exhibition

 


On Sept. 3, 2022 the Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art inaugurated  "Panagbo: Encounters with Tradition"

 This is a group exhibition that features artists and art groups based in Roxas City and Capiz using “uga” (dried fish) as motivation, inspiration and point of trajectory. The group exhibit is curated by Marika Constantino.

I was featured at the documentary about dried fishing, produced by Eyecan Creatives  Creawhich premiered at the exhibition this afternoon. I shared my insights about Capisnon fishing culture and tradition, origins of dried fishing, and delicacies from fish and dried fish. 

About the Exhibit 

"Panagbo: Encounters with Tradition", a group exhibition that features artists and art groups based in Roxas City and Capiz using uga (dried fish) as motivation, inspiration and point of trajectory for new works in various forms: paintings, mixed media, installation, video and sound works.

Participating artists are John Alaban, AnimΓ΄, Kim Raffy Astrolabio, Sheila Mae Bernaldez, Charline Bigbig, Rochel Calinao, Clinton Dellota, Lloyd Develos, Eyecan Creatives, Lorenzo Ignacio, Jonard Villarde.

Curated by Marika Constantino.

Come visit the exhibit at Hulot Gallery, ILOMOCA on September 4 to October 21, 2022 (every Tuesdays to Sundays only).

This exhibit is made possible by the Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Arts, EyeCan Creatives, and Roxas City Government. 






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