Opening of National Heritage Month (Angono, Rizal)

 

Opening of National Heritage Month (photo: George Buid)

Last Sunday, May 10, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) through the Subcommission on Cultural Heritage and the National Committee on Art Galleries, kicked off the celebration of National Heritage Month at the 7-hectare Loyola Retreat House - Spirituality and Art Center in Angono, Rizal, the “Art Capital of the Philippines.” This year's theme is “Roots and Horizons: Our Shared Heritage, Our Collective Future." 

Torch lighting ceremony (photo: George Buid)

The festivities opened with a torch-lighting ceremony at the monumental Kaagapay Monument, a massive representation of the ancient Angono-Binangonan Petroglyphs, created in 2025 by renown Mindanawon artist Kublai Millan.  This was followed by a parade, showcasing Angono’s iconic 10 to 12-foot high papier-mache puppets (higantes), a Sayaw sa Patio at the Chapel of the Risen Lord and the Petros Group Art Exhibit (which showcases artwork from the Petros Group and local art galleries) opening at the Pedro Calungsod Hall.  The program proper started at Holy Trinity Garden. 

Angono street dancers (photo: George Buid)

After a message from Philpost Postmaster-General Maximo C. Sta. Maria III, the commemorative stamps of National Heritage Month were unveiled. Keynote speaker was NCCA Chairman and Executive Director Eric B. Zerrudo, Phd. He said that “it is vital to celebrate National Heritage Month as it highlights the resilience deeply embedded in Filipino heritage and gives people a sense of hope.”

 

Unveiling of commemorative stamps (photo: George Buid)

Welcome remarks were delivered by Angono Mayor Gerardo V. Calderon, opening remarks by Mr. Ivan Anthony S. Henares (Commissioner, Subcommission on Cultural Heritage) and special messages were given by Rizal Governor Nina Ricci A. Ynares, Fr. Rene Pio Javellana, SJ (Vice-President, Loyola Retreat House - Spirituality and Art Center Angono) and Most Rev. Ruperto C. Santos, DD, Bishop of Antipolo (delivered by Fr. Peter Ymari C. Balatbat, Executive Director, Diocesan Commission for Cultural Heritage of the Church, Diocese of Antipolo). A message, from Pres. Ferdinand “Bongbong" R. Marcos, was delivered by former NCCA chairman and Angono native Victorino “Ino” Mapa Manalo.

 

Opening of Petros Art Group Exhibit (photo: George Buid)

Entertainment was provided by the choral singing of the Angono Chorale Ensemble and a band performance by Angono National Symphonic Band.  Both also rendered “Mahal Kong Bayan,” a song, by the late Lucio San Pedro (Angono native and National Artist for Music, 1991), that celebrates the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Philippines.

 

Kenote speaker Eric B. Zerrudo of NCCA (photo: George Buid)

A highlight of the evening was the Sayaw ng Bati. Also called Sayaw ng Pagbabati (Dance of Greeting), it is a traditional Philippine Easter Sunday dance to commemorate the Resurrection of Christ.  It is usually led by two main dancers – the tenyenta (lieutenant, Ms. Daphne F. Pundamiera) and a kapitana (captain, Ms. Marie Immacon “Icon” C. Reyes).  These two ladies, wearing grand Filipiniana gowns with full skirts, bent their torsos to the side as they spun and turned to the waltzing tune played by the aforementioned band.

 

Angono Chorale Ensemble and Angono National Symphonic Band (photo: George Buid)

After this entertainment, the acknowledgment and awarding of certificates was done by Ms. Sabina Joy V. Cruz (Executive Council Member, National Committee on Art Galleries) while the closing remarks were delivered by Ms. Maria Teresa B. Rayos del Sol (Vice-Head, Subcommission on Cultural Heritage).  The proceedings culminated with dinner at the LRH Main Dining Hall. 

Sayaw ng Bati (photo: George Buid)

National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA): NCCA Bldg., 633 General Luna St., Intramuros, Manila, 1002. Tel: (632) 8527-2192. E-mail: info@ncca.gov.ph. Website: www.ncca.gov.ph. 

Loyola Retreat House - Spirituality and Art Center Angono: Carnation St., Nieves Hills, Brgy. San Isidro, Angono, Rizal. Tel: +63 8651-0191.  Mobile number: (0962) 472-2175. E-mail: loyolaretreathouseinc@gmail.com.