Pagdalaw sa nalimot nang Cemeterio de Tampus, Boac 2018

Dati-rati noong panahon ng mga lolo ng mga lolo natin, tanaw ng deretsong tingin, may kalayuan mula sa pintuan ng Simbahan ng Boac,ang lumang Campo Santo ng Tampus. Iyon ang naging huling himlayan sa matagal na panahon ng ating mga ninunong Kristiyano.

Ang pinto ng Simbahan ay nakaharap sa entrada ng Campo Santo

Itinuring nila na napaka-sagrado ng lugar dahil sinadya ng mga naunang prayle na doon talaga itayo ang sementeryo. Para mula sa pinto raw ng simbahan na nakaharap sa Silangan ay diretso ang lalakaran ng mga mananampalataya patungo sa Campo Santo. Mula naman doon ay pinaniwalaang direktang aangat papuntang langit kasama ng mga anghel ang kaluluwa ng mga nangamatay. 

Iyon ang kanilang konsepto at paniniwala kung bakit naroon ang Cemeterio de Tampus.

Paglipas ng matagal panahon, nagkaroon ng unti-unting mga pagbabago. Kinailangang gumawa ng daan sa bahaging malapit sa sementeryo para makarating ng mas mabilis sa kabayanan ng Boac. Nahati ang bundok, lumalim ang daanan hanggang maging patag na sa bahaging iyon ng Tampus papuntang kabayanan. Hanggang naging may kahirapan nang akyatin ang sementeryo.

Bahagi ng Tampus paakyat sa Mataas-na-Bayan. Malapit sa Libingan

Ang buong sementeryo ay nakukulungan ng mga malalaki, mabibigat na adobe na kung saang malalayong lugar pa ang pinanggalingan. Ang entrada nito ay gawa naman sa mataas at makakapal na bakal na may disenyo. Sa kaliwang bahagi nito ay nakatayo ang isang balete na tila permanenteng bantay sa libingan.

Kinain na ng punong-balete ang bahagi ng pintuangdaan na gawa sa bakal at posteng adobe.
Ayon sa kasaysayan ng Boac, dito inilibing ang mga rebolusyonaryong minasaker noong 10 de Octubre at 1 de Noviembre 1897.

Sa may gitnang bahagi ng sementeryo ay dating nakatayo naman ang isang malaking tila-musuleo o marahil ay lugar ng huling paalaman at ritwal na mayroon ding ilang mga silid.

Sa ngayon, tila nabura na sa isipan ng mga taga-Boac at lalo na sa taga iba pang bayan ng Marinduque ang libingang ito.

“Walang sementeryo dun!”, giit ng isang tricycle driver ng minabuti kong dalawin kasama ang dalawang kabataan. 'Sementeryo' kasi ang sagot ng kasama ko ng tinanong kung pasaan kami.

Nakisagot na lamang ako na doon kami bababa sa may daan sa Tampus paakyat ng Mataas-na-Bayan. Tulad ng inaasahan, magubat ang maiksing daanan papunta sa lumang libingan. 

Pintuangdaan. May mga malalalim na hukay na sa paligid

Nandun pa rin ang puno ng balete na naging mas malaki na ang katawan ngayon at kinain na ang natitira pang bahagi ng napakataas na poste ng adobe sa kaliwang bahagi ng naglaho nang gate.

Noong bata pa ako ay isinama ako ng nanay ko sa libingang ito para magtirik ng kandila man lamang sa mga nakalibing dito. Kasama raw kasi sa mga nakalibing dito ang ama ng aking lolo at natatandaan pa niya kung saan bagamat wala ng natitirang dating mas maliwanag na palatandaan.

Karamihan sa mga libingan ay nabuksan na at wala nang laman

Naglaho na ang lahat ng mga adobe na dating nagsisilbing protektor sa buong sementeryo. Hindi naging hadlang marahil ang matinding kahirapan ng pagkuha, paghukay, at paghakot sa mga ito ng mga looters. 

Sa mahabang panahon. Malaki raw kasi ang halaga nito sa mercado at napakadaling ibenta sa mga maykaya.

Tombstone. Matatagpuan ito sa ibabaw ng isang puntod.
Sinong ilustrado o bayani kaya ang inilibing dito?

Ang iba raw naman ay pinahakot na lamang sa Simbahan ng Boac para magamit na lamang diumano sa mga karagdagang gusaling itinayo doon noong mga nakalipas na panahon. Di pa gaanong katagal.

Ano na lamang kaya ang makikita sa Cemeterio de Tampus ngayon? Na ayon sa pagkakaalam ng matatanda ay itinayo kasabay ng pagpapatayo sa Simbahan noong ika-18 siglo? Sacred ground ito ha.

Taong 2009 ko huli itong nabisita. Para magtirik din ng kandila sa Araw ng mga Patay. Noon ay may mga nakatayong bahay mismo sa loob ng sementeryo na mga hindi taga-rito. Ang buong libingan ay tinaniman nila ng mais at nakunan ko pa noon ng larawan.

Sa malayong silangang bahagi ng sementeryo ay marami pang chambers na tulad nito.
Tatlong bahagdan.

Bumalik nga ako kahapon para tingnan kung ano ang mga pagbabago kung mayroon man.

Wala nang nakatira dito ngayon. Napansin kong may mangilan-ngilang nakatirik na mga munting bahay sa di kalayuan, sa gilid ng burol na kinatatayuan ng libingan. May mga bagong punong niyog na may kataasan na ngayon sa bandang gitna nito. Masukal ang lugar lalo na sa tagiliran pero may mga bahaging mahawan, kung saan nakaguwardiya ang isang baka na nanginginain.

Isang baka ang nag-iisang buhay na nakabantay.

Di tulad ng dati, mas may laya na ako na tingnan ng malapitan ang iba pang bahagi ng libingan, habang kinukunan namin ng larawan ang paligid, at may labis na pagsasaalang-alang at paggalang sa mga alaala ng ating mga ninunong tila napaglimutan na. Nasa pahinang ito ang ilang mga larawan.

Bahagi ng aking naisulat noong 2009, ng ginawa itong taniman ng mais, The Forgotten Graveyard:

Here lies the remains of some of Boac’s most noble gentry who helped found the great town, celebrate it, shed blood, sweat, tears to build a God-empowered people therein, and defended it in the name of freedom in the days of old. The sacred ancient graveyard and all associated with it have all been sadly forgotten. 

Perhaps the quest for the good life for some, the focus on things considered more important than memorials and remembrances of things past, has led to its complete deletion from our collective memory.

Cemeterio de Tampus, as it was called then, has been converted into a cornfield with informal settlers from elsewhere now calling it their home. No candles burn on All Saints Day. One who lived there offered to light a taper we took out.

A few stones and empty chambers built above ground still stand here, eaten up by the elements and balete vines twining around wherever they could, to remind us what happens when mortals forget. 

An old film, "Siberiade", tells of a Russian village whose history throughout most of the 1900s mirrors that of the greater country. The first generation focused itself with building a road so they could travel to the rest of the world; the second generation worked on perfecting its own political principles; and the third became obsessed with newfound oil on the land. The quest for oil led to the destruction of an ancient cemetery, symbolizing the loss of old Russian culture and tradition for the sake of financial gain and temporal power.

Could this type of forgetfulness be symbolic of a town’s continuing loss of culture and tradition creeping through its soul without relent?

Araw ng Buenavista Centennial Celebration Activities

The municipality of Buenavista is fully engaged in preparations for the celebration of its Centennial. The line of activities from July until the approach of the Christmas holiday season is geared towards a festive and memorable occasion.

What was Buenavista before it became a fully recognized town?

Part of Sabang River. Photo: Ian Sotto

‘Sabang’ was the old name of today’s municipality of Buenavista in Marinduque, after the name of one of two rivers that run through this beautiful quiet town.

Photo: Roque Sapungan

Buenavista meaning “good view” was formerly a part of Gasan, one of the oldest ‘visitas’ established during the Spanish colonization of the island.

During the early American period the sulphuric spring located in Malbog gained some renown for its therapeutic and healing qualities. It did not escape the attention of a US Army surgeon who wrote that “it is said that drinking of this water would stop diarrhea of any kind and possible even now to buy water from this spring in any drugstore in Manila”.

Article in Philadelphia Medical Journal, 1903 

In 1904, water from this spring labeled Agua de Boac was part of the Philippine Exposition in the first St. Louis World's Fair.

Back in 1900 US soldiers including Captain Shields of the Battle of Pulang Lupa narrative were turned over by Filipino soldiers in Buenavista. The American prisoners were brought to the former Spanish Ship “Venus” and the US’ Bennington, both moored along the Buenavista coast.

Yook, Buenavista clams. Photo: Dann Quijano

Centennial activities

3-Term Buenavista Mayor Russel Sarmiento Madrigal

Buenavista’s Schedule of Activities follows:

July 6    Logo/Theme Competition (Open to secondary schools)

July 30  Kick Off Activities - Motorcade and Kick-Off Program

Oct 5      Pagpupugay sa mga Guro sa Sentenaryong Pagdiriwang ng Araw ng                             Buenavista

Oct 30    Business Summit and Agro Trade Fair, Buenavista Coastal Park

               Gala Night, Honoring Liga ng mga Barangay, 7:00 pm Municipal Compound

Nov 2     Vistans Got Talent, 6:30 pm Buenavista Coastal Park

Nov 3     Color Fun Run, 5:00 am Buenavista Coastal Park

Nov 4     Cheerdance Competition, (Secondary Schools), 1:00 pm Buenavista Central                 School

               Mutya at Lakan ng Buenavista (Pre-Pageant), 7:00 pm Coastal Park

Nov 5    Drum and Lyre Competition (Elementary Schools), Coastal Park

              March for Jesus at 8:00 am, Municipal Compound

              Blood Letting at 8:00 am Buenavista Health Center

              Grand Cultural Night (Secondary Schools) at 6:30 pm Buenavista

              Coastal Park

Nov 6    Concelebrated Solemn Pontifical Thanksgiving Eucharist, 7:00 am Municipal                Compound

              Grand Parade, 8:00 am

              Grand Program, 9:00 am Municipal Compound

              Grand Centennial Ball, 6:30 pm Municipal Compound

View of Buenavista. Photo by Mary N.

Nov 7    Mutya at Lakan ng Buenavista (Talent Night), 7:00 pm Buenavista Coastal                      Park

Nov 8    Mutya at Lakan ng Buenavista (Grand Coronation Night), 7:00 pm Coastal  

              Park

Nov 9    Municipal Employees Night, 7:00 pm Mayor Recaredo Sarmiento Freedom

              Park

Dec 15  Parol Making Contest (Liga ng mga Barangay), 9:00 am, Municipal

              Compound

Dec 16  Christmas Tree Lighting, 6:30 pm, Municipal Compound

Buenavista photo by Dann Quijano

With Polo Island fully powered, the popular Maniwaya to also enjoy uninterrupted power supply.

The second of a 3-phase submarine cable in the Sta. Cruz islands begins. Photo shows Cong. Lord Allan Velasco (Marinduque) with officials of the National Electrification Administration, Marinduque Electric Cooperative and AsiaPhil.

Yesterday, Oct. 25 the Ground-Breaking Ceremony for the construction of a 3-phase submarine cable connecting the islands of Polo and Maniwaya in Sta. Cruz took place in the barangay island of Maniwaya. 

Cong. Lord Allan Velasco graced the occasion together with officials of NEA, Marelco and AsiaPhil. This is a project of the National Electrification Administration (NEA) that was funded through its Barangay Line Enhancement Program (BLEP).

In summer tourists pitch tents near the beaches.

Maniwaya is a popular tourist get-away island located at the northeastern coast of Marinduque. Positive social media feeds have greatly influenced travelers to experience this island that boasts of white sand beaches, a fascinating sand-bar, small inexpensive resorts and friendly people.

Ground-breaking with Cong. Velasco
Photo: Batuskie Reynes

It will be recalled that on February 9, 2018, a switch-on ceremony was held in the quiet white-sand barangay island of Polo, the Sta. Cruz island closest to the Marinduque mainland. That was for the first-ever installation of a submarine cable connecting Polo Island to the Marinduque main grid.

Currently Polo Island is enjoying an uninterrupted 24/7 power supply.

After Maniwaya has been fully powered, slowly but surely Mongpong Island comes next.

Front page of a Philippine Daily Inquirer issue with the Ungab Rock Formation in Mongpong Island, Sta. Cruz, Marinduque

...then they came!

Casa Narvas Heritage House in Boac, Marinduque: Distinct for historical and artistic values

“the house is distinct for its historical and artistic values and today is an example of architecture from the early years of the twentieth century in Boac, Marinduque”

Casa Narvas in Boac, Marinduque. Heritage House.

So what's the story behind Casa Narvas, the only 'Heritage House', so declared by the National Historical Institute in 2007, that has survived the devastating Boac Fire of July 2, 2018?

Volunteer firefighters saving Casa Narvas (in photo), located only a few meters away from the burning Don Piroco Mansion. Photo: Pongkoy Manrique

It was built in 1920, by Elias Narvas, a local coconut trader in those bygone years, and was called ‘bahay na bato’ also characterized by its massive red hardwood flooring, a balaustre and an azotea of Spanish and Chinese influence. It’s design included capiz-shelled sliding windows and stained glass walls.

Narvas’ wife was named Vicenta Miciano Narvas and the house is said to have been built in memory of Bartolome and Hilda Narvas, Elias’ parents.

During those years it became a hub for social and political gatherings being in the town center. Some dignitaries both foreign and local have dropped by this house to attend a ceremony or to be hosted for a while as house guests.

Among these eminent personalities were Leonard Wood who was Governor-General of the Philippines  from 1921-1927, former Philippine Presidents Manuel L. Quezon, Jose P. Laurel, Manuel A. Roxas and Elpidio Quirino.

Gov.-Gen. Leonard Wood

An entry in NHI records also stated that Manuel A. Roxas organized the nucleus of his Liberal Party in this house. Roxas was the fifth President of the Philippines who served from 1946 until his death in 1948. Quirino succeeded Roxas when the latter died while in office and was recorded as a house guest.

Pres. Elpidio Quirino

Jose P. Laurel, who became president during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines had been likewise, hosted by Casa Narvas.

Pres. Jose P. Laurel

In its declaration of Casa Narvas as a Heritage House, the NHI had stated that “as the venue of political meets and social balls, it stands as testimony to the cultural and political life of Boac, Marinduque”. 

It also cited that “the house is distinct for its historical and artistic values and today is an example of architecture from the early years of the twentieth century in Boac, Marinduque”.

NHI marker at Casa Narvas

Buenavista 'Nov. 6' Centennial: Or just Pre-Centennial to culminate on Jan 1, 1919, the day it became an independent municipality?

In some provinces centennial celebrations are marked with a year-long celebration, while others plan a month-long calendar of events to culminate on the anniversary date. Others are happy to conduct a weeklong anniversary commemoration.

The municipality of Buenavista, a very picturesque town in Marinduque is now gearing up for its centennial celebration this year. In the past this town's founding anniversary had been celebrated on November 9th.

This year however, in view of a 'newly researched information' purportedly discovered by one local official, the 'correct date' of the establishment of Buenavista into an independent municipality after being part of Gasan territory since time immemorial has now been changed to 'November 6, 1918'.

Consequently, plans were made to mark Buenavista's historic founding date this coming November 6th. 

However, I did my own research and came across an incontrovertible document that tells it all. The truth!

Following is the full text of an Executive Order No. 40 issued by Governor-General Francis Burton Harrison on the organization of Buenavista into an independent municipality. (A separate Index to Official Gazette 1913-1928 simply described #40 as "Increasing number of municipalities in Tayabas").

The EO is dated "Manila, November 6, 1918", yes. The final paragraph of the said Executive Order states clearly however as follows:

"The organization herein made shall take effect on January first, nineteen hundred and nineteen." 

That is: January 1, 1919. New Year's date. A day that signifies New Life, New Hope, New Dreams!

(See copy below of the Executive Order which appeared in the Official Gazette on November 27, 1918, Vol. XVI, No. 48)

It's just about two months left before the New Year comes anyway. If the local authorities concerned are willing to consider it, they might want to call the current preparations a "Pre-Centennial Celebration" culminating on New Year's Day 2019, when the centennial commemoration should really take place?

If the truth must be told and heeded.

        OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL OF THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS.

                                                MANILA, November 6, 1918.

EXECUTIVE ORDER }

          NO. 40              }

       Whereas many of the inhabitants of the barrio of Buenavista have petitioned that the same be separated from the municipality of Gasan, Province of Tayabas, and organized into an independent municipality;

       Now, therefore, pursuant to the provisions of section sixty-eight of the Revised Administration Code, the thirty-three municipalities of the Province of Tayabas, as established by section thirty-eight of the said Administrative Code, are hereby increased to thirty-four by separating the barrio of Buenavista from the present municipality of Gasan, and organizing the same into an independent municipality, under the name of “Buenavista”.

       The municipality of Gasan shall consist of its present territory less the territory comprised in the barrio of Buenavista. The municipality of Buenavista shall consist of the territory comprised in the barrio of Buenavista.

       The organization herein made shall take effect on January first, nineteen hundred and nineteen.

                                                                                FRANCIS BURTON HARRISON,

                                                                                                Governor-General.

Picturesque Buenavista, south of Marinduque

Screencap. Index of Official Gazette (1913-1928)

Occidental Mindoro gearing up for Arawatan, MIMAROPA Festival 2018

The Province of Occidental Mindoro is about ready for the holding of its annual Arawatan Festival 2018 and the 4^th MIMAROPA Festival next month.

Arawatan Festival, organized in connection with Occidental Mindoro’s 68^th founding anniversary celebration features an exhibition of this province’s natural attractions through a photo-exhibit, an agro-tourism trade fair showcasing agricultural, coastal and marine products, street dancing, sports events and the Ginoong Agrikultura & Bb. Turismo 2018, among others.

Puerto Princesa dancers show the region's five provinces and two cities.

Arawatan is a Mangyan term for unity and cooperation. The weeklong Arawatan celebration will be from November 8-14.

MIMAROPA Festival immediately opens on November 15 with a parade, an investment forum and a photo exhibit. The following morning is set for the pre-pageant of Ginoo & Binibining MIMAROPA 2018, with its coronation night to be held in the evening.

On November 17 will be awaited the main attraction, the MIMAROPA grand street dance parade competition with large contingents from the provinces of Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan and the cities of Puerto Princesa and Calapan.

Occidental Mindoro had won the championship trophy for the second time last year in MIMAROPA Festival’s third year of existence.

Kasaysayan ng 1 de Noviembre St. sa Boac, Marinduque

Dahil parating na ang Undras ay maiging maibahagi ang naging madugong kasaysayan ng '1 de Noviembre St.' bago tuluyang maglaho sa memorya at mapalitan ng kung anong pangalan ang mahalagang kalyeng ito.

Iri ang hitsura ng Calle Rosario ng mga panahong iyon na isang bloke lamang ang layo mula sa Casa Real. Napalitan na sa kasalukuyang panahon ang pangalan nito.

1 de Noviembre 1897 

1896 pa lamang ay balita na ang rebolusyonaryong grupo mula sa Mogpog na pinangunahan ni Basilio Mendez. Ang grupo ay nasa ilalim pa rin ng mandamyento ni Hermenegildo Flores (Kapitan Bindoy/Kang Bindoy).

Napag-usapan ng husto ang gilas ng Mendez unit dahil nagkaroon ito ng encuentro sa Bundok Bintakay ng dalawang beses laban sa mga 'cazadores' ng Espana. Ang ikalawa rito ay sinalihan pa ng gunboat ng mga Kastila na may pangalang Elcano na mula sa Puerto Laylay kung saan ito nakadaong ay dinala pa sa Luawan (Mogpog), bilang panakot. Hindi naman nasindak ang Mendez unit at bagkus ay naging katawatawa ang sinapit ng mga Kastila at mga tauhan nila sa ginawang pagtaboy sa kanila ng grupo ni Mendez.

Isang lumang manuskrito ng lokal na kasaysayan.

Ayon sa tala, 25 lamang ang mga tauhan ni Mendez. Kasama rito ang kanyang kapatid na si Vicente at kapatid na babae na si Olympia. Kasama rin sina Baldomero Taingaso, Juan Manuba, Felix Lavega, si Fabian Medenilla (na napatay sa Casa Real ng Boac, 10 Oktubre 1897), at Dalmacio Lamac. Ang iba ay hindi na napangalanan.

Nang maganap ang trahedya sa Boac noong 10 Oktubre 1897, na kung saan napatay sina Medenilla, Flores at Medina, ay nanumpa ang mga rebolusyonaryo na magsagawa ng paghihiganti. 

Naganap ito noong 1 de Noviembre 1897, Undras. Sinalakay ng Mendez unit ang Casa Real ng Boac upang palayain ang ilan pang natitirang bilanggo.

Noong 2008, ipinalabas sa buong lalawigan para sa National Arts Month 
project ng NCCA ang 'Viva Marinduque'. Naging bahagi naman nito ang isang dula
handog ng DepEd Mogpog District tungkol sa pakikipagsapalaran noong 1897 ng Mendez Unit ng Mogpog.

Ito na ang pinakahuling marahas na pag-atake ng mga sundalong Marinduqueno sa mga Espanyol. Nagkaroon ng madugong pakikipaglaban sa kadiliman ng gabi sa Araw ng mga Patay, Todos los Santos.

Ang taong bayan na pawang mga putok ng Mauser guns ng mga Kastila at hiyawan ng mga tao ang naririnig ay walang magawa kundi manalangin na lamang.

Naitaboy sina Mendez at mga kasamahan. Ang mga natitira pang ilang bilanggo ay ipinag-utos ng Alferez na agad patayin lahat. Isang nakapangingilabot na kadiliman sa loob at labas ng gusali ang sumunod, at sa huli ay nakatutulig na katahimikan na lamang ang bumalot sa buong kabayanan.

Isa sa mga bilanggo na napagkamalang patay na ay naging masuwerte pa. Si Pedro Madrigal, isang parmasyutiko mula sa Boac ay pinag-utusan na suriin ang mga bangkay at sinabi niya kay Fresnede na ang isa ay gumagalaw pa. 

Ang bahagi ng '1 de Noviembre St.' na patungo sa Ilog ng Boac.
Larawan: Eli Obligacion

Ang may buhay pa palang bilanggo, nakilala bilang si Juan Manuba, ay disedidong ipaglaban ang kanyang sarili kayat nagawa niyang kumaripas ng takbo mula sa Casa Real patungo sa ilog ng Boac na malapit lamang. Naglaho siya sa makapal na damuhan at mababang mga punong-kahoy doon sa tabing-ilog. 

Nabuhay pa si Manuba ng maraming taon para ibahagi naman sa kanyang mga kababayan ang kanyang kalunos-lunos na sinapit.

Ang kalyeng nasa likuran ng Casa Real ng Boac ay pinangalanang '1 de Noviembre St.' bilang paggunita sa madugong kabanatang ito sa kasaysayan ng Marinduque.

Casa Real ng Boac ang gusaling nasa kanan. Ito ang kalye sa likuran ng Casa Real na pinangalanang '1 de Noviembre St.' Larawan: Eli Obligacion