Two remarkable books / UP, Lyceum: What’s news

To my profound regret, I set aside for too long the coffeetable book “Philippines” which contains essays by Marlene Aguilar and watercolor paintings by Nik Masangcay.

A passionate writer of courage, candor and audacity, Aguilar abjures any benefit derived by our country, from 330 years of Spanish colonialization and 46 years of  American rule. She takes deep pride in being Filipino and despises her fellowmen who don’t. Her fiercely nationalistic and patriotic views make her a modern-day Gregoria de Jesus and Gabriela Silang rolled into one. Her brief history of the Philippines and of the Filipino people ignites an indescribable spark of nationalism in the reader which he has never felt or experienced before. Aguilar anxiously and earnestly yearns for the time Filipinos will assert themselves with dignity, pride and self-respect as they take their rightful place among the nations of the world.

Artist Masangcay has chosen a most challenging medium, water color. His landscapes, seascapes, still life, portraits, fiestas, everyday scenes of farm or city life, in their totality, encapsulates Philippine culture and traditions. Masangcay’s view is described by art critic Cid Reyes as “poetic”; indeed, the paintings are exquisite.

Angela Blardony Ureta writes an appreciative portrait of Nik.

The essays in “Philippines” must be read and its paintings, seen. Rarely will one come across a book that will have such an impact on one’s sense and sensibilities and, above all, ignite a feeling of pride in one’s being a Filipino.

Another coffeetable book, “Aliwan Fiesta, Celebrating Life in These 7107 Islands”, brings to mind the much earlier, precedent-setting book on Philippine fiestas by National Artist for Literature Alejandro R. Roces.

“Aliwan Fiesta” consists mainly of eye-catching, colorful photographs taken by Joey de Leon, Rico Gonzales and Josaias de la Cruz. The saying, “A picture is worth a thousand words” holds true for the book. Although there are written explanations, the pictures on their own capture the sparkle and essence of the fiestas, revealing our culture, beliefs, traditions, folklore, and our character: we are gregarious, cheerful, ostentatious, eccentric, resourceful, optimistic and possessed of an admirably unsinkable, indestructible spirit.

“Aliwan Fiesta”, edited by Susan Isorena Arcega, and commissioned by the Manila Broadcasting Company, has a foreword by Fred J. Elizalde, chairman; a preface by Nestor O. Jardin, CCP president, and an introduction by Ruperto S. Nicdao Jr., MBC president.

Out of over 2,000 UP Golden Jubilarians — 1958 graduates — around 30 have formed the Inter-College ’58 Foundation, Inc. (UP ICCFI). Headed by Atty. Ed Tumangan, it has raised funds for deprived UP students, donated equipment and musical instruments to the Colleges of Music and Fine Arts, and helped to rehabilitate the UP Carillon.

In preparation for the UP Centennial, the Foundation since last year has continued to raise funds for various events and solicit donations. The core group is publishing a special coffeetable book as memento for the 50 years gone by.

Spearheaded by Class ’58, 100 motorcycles and other vehicles will parade on June 19 from the UP Quadrangle to the QC Hall and back. Also on June 19, it will hold a gala dinner at the Manila Hotel for UP ’58 graduates from Diliman, Los Baños and other campuses, and Balik-bayan. On June 21 at the General Homecoming in the Araneta Coliseum, Class ’58, will stage a presentation depicting the UP’s 100 years of existence. For details, call Ed Tumangan, tel. 5361768, Essem Perez, 8439798.

With Senate President  Manuel B. Villar as guest of honor, the Lyceum U., founded by Jose P. Laurel, will hold on June 10 the inauguration and blessing of its Cavite Campus and unveil the Jose P. Laurel monument.