R. Pagdanganan praises revival of our customs

Secretary of Tourism Roberto M. Pagdanganan went to the heart of the matter: "We must preserve our customs and traditions and take pride in them, and in so doing, be united as a people." This he said Sunday afternoon at the ongoing Filipino Heritage Festival, with the particular celebration held at Clamshell I in Intramuros.

In reviving certain customs and traditions at the Festival, foreign guests – among them ambassadors and their wives – had the experience of their lives riding on native horse-drawn carriages (Italian Ambassador Umberto Colesanti drove one himself), and being crowned with flower wreaths at a putungan welcome ceremony which, in fact, is still prevalent in the provinces.

Typical Filipino hospitality at its warmest included a Merienda del Convento, the traditional food of the friars during the Spanish colonial era. Painstaking research on the menu was undertaken by Milagros Enriquez and Benjamin Bautista.

Speeches were delivered by NCCA Chairman Evelyn Pantig and Filipino Heritage Festival President Mita Rufino. While relishing the merienda, guests took a peek at an image of the Virgin enshrined in a magnificent, towering altar.

The Philippine Ballet Theatre climaxed the program with Vinta and Fiesta, both choreographed by Gener Caringal who earned warm applause for the colorful, imaginative dances. Earlier, Koro Bulakenya under choral master Glen de Jesus rendered native songs.

Saturday morning, guests had gone to the Mehan Gardens – Manila’s only shaded area – for the Parian. The term "parian" signifies the Chinese community which dates back to the Spanish colonial period and even earlier. In general, exceptions granted, the Chinese have not integrated themselves into the mainstream of Filipino society. Nevertheless, they have become very much a part of Philippine life.

For instance, we were delighted by the lion and dragon dances, and enjoyed the Chinese cuisine while buying food and other items displayed at the recreated Parian, fine embroidery among them. A calligraphy expert wrote "Phil-Chinese Friendship Is Forever" on a scroll, appending the name of guest Alejandro Roces to his work, then graciously gifting Mr. Roces with it.

John K. Tan and Alfredo Yao of the Fil-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry cut the ceremonial ribbon. Cynthia Ongpin Valdes, Vinit Regina Paterno, both of Winner Foundation, and Mita Rufino delivered remarks; so did Josephine Yap of Metrobank and Emilie Tiongco of NCCA.

Among those present was Anton Juan, artistic director. One of the organizers, the highly nationalistic historian-columnist Bambi Harper conceptualized the National Heritage Month, now on its second year.

Sunday afternoon, the Parian celebration had Feng Shui expert Joseph Chau giving a talk. The lion dance was repeated and a martial arts demonstration added. A concert by a Chinese traditional orchestra capped the lively and illuminating event.

The Festival continues in high gear with forthcoming surprises.