MANILA, Philippines - A new coffee-table book aptly called Tiaong: Coming Into Its Own, was launched recently at the Filipinas Heritage Library, Nielson Tower in Ayala Avenue, Makati City.
Published by the Tiaong Lubid-Lubid Foundation Inc. under the helm of its president Cris Aquino, the book is written by former journalist Abe Florendo. Archival research was done by Dulce Festin-Baybay and Dr. Luis Camara Dery, with images by Donald Tapan and Ramon Jeffrey Florendo, and book design by Teody Hidalgo.
Tiaong is a small but dynamic town in Quezon province, 96 kilometers south from Alabang, that has been coming into its own and positioning itself among the many steadily modernizing towns in the country.
Tiaong is the quintessential “old hometown” that holds bittersweet memories for its natives who have left its hills and lakes and the watchful presence of Mt. Banahaw and Mt. Cristobal for the big cities here and abroad. Author Abe Florendo calls Tiaong “a place in the heart.”
The book also revives Tiaong’s illustrious place in history since its establishment as a visita then as encomienda of Nayum in the early 1600s: its important role in the coconut economy and political expansion during the Spanish colonial times, its contributions to the independence efforts during the war, the inspiring heroism and nationalism of its sons and daughters, among them, Claro M. Recto and the “Anak ng Tiaong” who was sent by his father to study in China and went on to become the distinguished commander of Mao Tse Tung’s People’s Liberation Army, Gen. Ye Fei.
The book captures in photographs the changing skyline and landscapes of Tiaong that are positive indications of Tiaong’s determined thrust toward progress and modernity.
Through these photographs, readers will also be acquainted with the beauty and bounties of Tiaong’s placid coconut plantations and rice fields, the majesty of Lake Tikub, the allures of its hot water springs and resorts.
Tiaong: Coming Into Its Own is a book essentially of Tiaongins, who belong to the old families: the Rectos, Umalis, Castillos, Robleses, Punzalans, Escuetas. Here also are the prominent people that define what Tiaong is today: the entrepreneurs, businessmen, artists, forward-looking politicians, and many other other notable personalities
Cris Aquino founded the Lubid-Lubid Festival that set the pattern and direction for a more meaningful celebration of Tiaong’s fiesta and was the mind and muscle behind this book.
People who may not be from Tiaong will find the book interesting and compelling to read as well, with its insights into the nature, character and vision of this Little Town that Could.
This book is not meant to be an “annual report” of sorts of the present administration, although some people may think it is so. The latter chapters provide a straightforward description of Tiaong’s “real-time” infrastructures and urbanization, tourism attractions and business thrusts, while making out a case for increased developments in these and other areas.
Tiaong: Coming Into Its Own will be available soon at popular bookstores nationwide.