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El Manton De Manila (The Manila Silk Shawl)

Giving wings to bailaoras

Silvia Calado Olivo

María Pagés

When a bailaora's swirling dance causes the layers of her skirt to rise as if she is about to take flight, a delicate piece of silk covered with floral embroidery takes the place of her wings. The women of Seville made the Manila silk shawl their own from the very moment this Chinese complement was first imported in the 16th century via the Phillipines, then a Spanish colony. And in the same way it was also adopted by the cantaora as an essential part of her costume as she stepped on stage to sing, and by the bailaora, taking on a key role in her performance, especially for dancers who formed part of the escuela sevillana. A true follower of Pastora Imperio, Matilde Coral has established herself as the principal proponent of this garment, the movement of which, while leaving room for creativity, requires a certain technique. There's a continuity in the use of the shawl across generations of dancers, from reputed veterans such as Blanca del Rey or Milagros Menjíbar, through to younger gems like María Pagés or Belén Maya.

Manila, capital of the Philippines, gave its name to one of the complements with which the women of Seville, and hence the escuela sevillana school of flamenco dance, identifies most. The island, colonised by Spain in the 16th century, was an obligatory port of call for galleons loaded with precious cargoes of oriental products, which came via Mexico to dock at Seville's port. The daintiness and bright embroidery of the Chinese-made shawls captivated the imagination of Sevillians from all walks of life, to the point where the Manila silk shawl gave protection from the cold to both workers at the tobacco factory (the legendary Carmen among them) and ladies of the aristocracy alike.

The original Chinese shawl swapped its pagodas and dragons for flowers and birds, adapting to Andalusian tastes, and at the same time creating different styles: traditional, Isabelino, de cigarreras (tobacco workers), adorned with birds, with roses... There's even a corner of the province of Seville, the village of Villamanrique de la Condesa, which became famous for the making of these shawls, a now traditional activity which together with harness-making characterises the small town, tucked away in the Doñana National Park. Although the tradition is kept up in the area, some of the Seville companies specialised in producing the most prestigious brands of shawls boast age-old collections of designs which have survived to the present day on shawls which they commission from China. Today, though, they aren't sent to Seville by sea, and they certainly don't make a stopover in Manila and Acapulco...

Take a glance at any photo or any print from that era, and you'll soon realise that the Manila silk shawl has been intrinsically linked with flamenco for as far back as we can trace the history of the artform. Bailaoras and cantaoras like La Macarrona, La Malena, La Argentina, Pastora Imperio, La Niña de los Peines... all of them appear in portraits wrapped in lavishly embroidered silk shawls. But this garment really came into its own in flamenco dance, associated especially with the escuela sevillana - ask Matilde Coral, for example, who considers the silk shawl "one of the most beautiful components of flamenco dance, an essential complement used by the greats, like Pastora". The dancer, instructress and choreographer affirms that "it's worthwhile embellishing those movements with a mantón, it's really beautiful, even if it does need training and a certain knack," although it leaves room for personal creativity: "I have a really simple, plain one, but the shawl never misses a beat - it dances in time, and I never move it off beat. It dances with you. I don't like to throw it down, it's lending me its prestige on stage, and I see it as an insult to throw it. I always lay it carefully over a chair." And keeping with this tradition, some dancers are famous today for their skilful control of this garment, bailaoras like Milagros Menjíbar or Blanca del Rey, who have made the soleá del mantón their trademark... It's no surprise either to see the shawl in shows by the Compañía Andaluza de Danza, Belén Maya or María Pagés.

Flamenco dance fans and professionals alike can find all they need at Flamenco-world.com to help them with this artform. The website's commercial department has carefully selected a range of Manila silk shawls, all embroidered by hand - an essential complement used by legendary dancers from the escuela sevillana like Matilde Coral. Soleá, Bulería and Debla are the names of the three models selected, each one hand-crafted from silk following the traditional methods borrowed from China by the Seville craftsmen. This new line adds to our existing range of hand-crafted shoes, castanets, ladies' fans, dance skirts and Lina top-of-the-range accessories. Flamenco-world.com seeks to find a balance between quality and price to ensure that these fine dance products are accessible to bailaores and bailaoras all over the world.

"Manton De Manila" by Mariachi Mexico de Pepe Villa

Show performed by the Orchestra and soloists from the Opera Workshop Julián Aguirre Conservatory at the Teatro Coliseo de Lomas de Zamora, Argentina, on September 13, 2007.

España Boulevard, Manila

España Boulevard is the main thoroughfare of Sampaloc district, Manila and the extreme western section of Quezon City. It is an 8-lane divided arterial road and is a component of one of the radial roads of Metro Manila — Radial Road 7 or R-7. España's name is taken after "España," Spanish for Spain, the Philippines' colonial power for 333 years. True to its name, several Spanish names abound the street.

España is an east-west artery of Manila. It connects Lerma and Nicanor Reyes (formerly Morayta) streets of Sampaloc district on the west end to Mabuhay (formerly Welcome) Rotonda, Quezon City on the east end. The entire street is straddled by a center island, which is only broken on major intersections and at the railroad crossing. Vehicles are not allowed to make a left-turn at the full length of the boulevard, with the exception of the intersection going to Nicanor Reyes Street at the western terminus. España is two kilometers long. España's north side is its west-bound (Manila-bound) side, while the south side is its east-bound (Quezon City-bound) side. Buses, taxis, jeepneys and cabriolets serve the commuters.

QuezonCity

At the east end is Mabuhay Rotonda, which connects España with Quezon Avenue (also known as Quezon Boulevard Extension), E. Rodriguez, Sr. Avenue (also known as España Extension) and Mayon Avenue. Quezon Avenue leads to EDSA and ultimately to the Quezon Memorial Circle. Eulogio Rodriguez, Sr. Avenue (España Ext.) leads to Cubao district of Quezon City, a popular shopping place. Mayon Avenue leads to the North Luzon Expressway (formerly North Diversion Road). Vehicles pass through the Mabuhay Rotonda on a counter-clockwise direction, although the west side of the rotonda is now closed to traffic.

At the south side of España at the front of the rotonda is South East Asian College, a medical and nursing school. At the north side of Macaraig Street are offices of telecommunications company PLDT. Macaraig marks the Manila-Quezon City boundary.

Manila

At Josefina Street's south side is a Meralco branch, a power distribution firm. The first major intersection is the one-way (north-south) Blumentritt Road. The street is named after Austrian professor Ferdinand Blumentritt, Jose Rizal's best friend. The next intersections are characters from Rizal's novel Noli Me Tangere: Ibarra, Sisa and Basilio. Crisostomo Ibarra is the hero of the novel, while Sisa was the mother who went mad when her two sons, Basilio and Crispin went missing.

From Welcome Rotonda to Blumentritt lies 2 Ministop Convenience Stores. One is the Macaraig, just beside PLDT and the one with wide parking slot is the Mini Stop Blumentritt-Ibarra branch, across Equitable bank.

The next major intersection is A. H. Maceda (formerly Washington Street), which is named after a prominent politician. Along Craig Street on España's south side is a Mercury Drug branch. Between Kundiman and E. Quintos, Sr. Streets is the only pedestrian traffic light along España. The yellow notice at the traffic light reads "Ped Xing," which means "pedestrian crossing." Between Antipolo and Algeciras streets is the Philippine National Railways tracks, on which trains stop at the España Station, on the south side.

Vicente G. Cruz (formerly Economia) and Manuel dela Fuente Streets (formerly Trabajo) each have traffic lights. This area is still referred to as "Trabajo" (Spanish for "hard work"). The surrounding streets are named after virtues in Spanish. For example, Economia (thrift), Pureza (purity), Sobriedad (sobriety), Verdad (truth), Honradez (honor), Alegria (joy), Constancia (constancy).

Along V. G. Cruz lies a Mini Stop convenience store, while on M. dela Fuente lies a 7-Eleven branch, and Wendy's (now closed) and Chowking food chains. Several meters from España on the south side of M. dela Fuente lies a Jollibee branch. V. G. Cruz can only be crossed on a north-south route while M. dela Fuente can only be crossed on a south-north route.

Between Don Quijote (named for Don Quixote) and Carola streets is Ramon Magsaysay High School, a reputable public high school. It can easily be distinguished from España's north side with its sky blue walls. The school is also the largest public high school in Manila. On the north side, from A. H. Lacson to Padre Noval Street is the 21.5-hectare Manila campus of the University of Santo Tomas (UST).

A. H. Lacson Avenue is named for Arsenio Lacson, a former Mayor of Manila. It was formerly named Governor Forbes Street after William Cameron Forbes, the American Governor-General. At the northwest corner of the España-Lacson intersection is UST's Roque Ruaño building, which houses UST's Faculty of Engineering. Between M. F. Jhocson (named after Mariano Fortunato Jhocson, founder of National University) and Centro Streets is another pedestrian overpass, which serves UST students.

At the front of UST is a Shakey's Pizza parlor, branches of Bank of the Philippine Islands and Metrobank, a Victory Liner bus terminal, Mayric's Bar, several review centers and dormitories. Viewable from España is the Arch of the Centuries, which is a vestige of UST's connections with Intramuros district.

At UST's west side is Padre Noval Street, named after one of the first priests to arrive in the country who served as rector for UST. At the street corner is the Beato Angelico building, which houses the Fine Arts and Design, and Architecture colleges of UST. The street is peculiar because the southbound vehicles are allowed to cross the street, while northbound vehicles are only allowed to make a left or right-turn along España.

At Padre Campa Street are branches of McDonald's and KFC, both on the north side. At KFC's pedestrian side is another pedestrian overpass. Facing McDonald's on the south side is Saint Thomas Square, a shopping center.

España ends when it splits into Nicanor Reyes (formerly Morayta) and Lerma Streets. Nicanor Reyes, named after the founder of Far Eastern University, which straddles its north side, leads to Claro M. Recto Avenue (formerly Azcarraga). Lerma, on the other hand, leads to Quezon Boulevard (a different street from Quezon Avenue), named after the President Manuel L. Quezon, who also studied at UST.

Intersections

List of intersections from east to west. Bolded names are road crossings with traffic lights. Names in parentheses indicate former names, some of which are still in wide use. Designations in square brackets indicate official Metro Manila national roads.

Mabuhay Rotonda (Welcome Rotonda) — Mayon Avenue / Quezon Avenue [R-7] (Quezon Boulevard Extension) / E. Rodriguez, Sr. Avenue (España Extension)
Macaraig Street (North side only)
Josefina Street (South side only)
Blumentritt Road / Ibarra Street
Sisa Street
Instruccion StreetBasilio Street
A.H. Maceda Street (Washington Street)
Metrica Street
Craig Street
Kundiman Street
E. Quintos, Sr. Street {Pedestrian Crossing}
San Diego Street
Antipolo Street
Algeciras Street
Prudencio Street
R.S. Cristobal Street (Constancia)
Miguelin Street
V.G. Cruz Street (Economia)
J. Marzan Street
M. dela Fuente Street (Trabajo)
Maria Cristina Street
Don Quijote Street
Carola Street
Dos Castillas Street
M. Earnshaw Street (North side only)
A.H. Lacson Avenue (Gov. Forbes Street) [C-2]
Valencia Street (South side only)
Ruaño Drive (North side only, inside UST)
Extremadura Street (South side only)
P. Cayco Street (South side only)
Quezon Drive (North side only, inside UST)
M.F. Jhocson (South side only)
Centro Street (South side only)
Osmeña Drive (North side only, inside UST)
Moret Street (South side only)
Galicia Street (South side only)
Tamayo Drive (North side only, inside UST)
Padre Noval Street
Eloisa Street (North side only)
G.M. Tolentino Street (Cataluña)
Adelina Street (North side only)
Padre Campa Street
Paquita Street (North side only)
Lerma [R-7] / Nicanor Reyes Street (Morayta)

Source: Wikipedia

Instituto Cervantes Of Manila

The Instituto Cervantes was created in Spain in 1991 to promote the Spanish language and cultures of Spanish-speaking countries. Our Head Office is in Madrid and Alcalá de Henares (Madrid), the birthplace of the writer Miguel de Cervantes. The Instituto Cervantes has over forty centres in four continents.

Objectives :

•Organizes the Diplomas of Spanish as a Foreign Language (DELE), as well as issuing the official certificates and diplomas to the participants in our courses.
•Organizes Spanish courses.
•Organizes Spanish teacher training.
•Supports Hispanists in their work.
•Organizes cultural events in conjunction with other organizations.

The work of the Instituto Cervantes is directed by representatives from the worlds of the academe, culture and literature from Spain and Latin America.

The Instituto Cervantes in Manila

In 1994, the Spanish Princess Dona Elena officially inaugurated the Instituto Cervantes in Manila. Today, with the opening of the new headquarters in Madrid, it confirms Spain's mission to strengthen its cultural presence in Southeast Asia.

In 2006, the Secretary of State for International Cooperation, Ms.Leire Pajín, presided the presentation of the new office that houses the Instituto Cervantes in Manila, a newly constructed building with a modern architectural design of 1,800 square metres with nine classrooms, a library, an auditorium and exhibition hall. The center can be found at 855 Kalaw street in the historic district of Ermita.

In the past academic year, 6,148 enrollees were registered to Instituto Cervantes in 263 courses to learn the Spanish language in Manila. Aside from our academic courses, Instituto Cervantes also promotes the dissemination of the Spanish and Latin American cultures through numerous activities and events.

Address:

855 T.M. Kalaw St.

1000 Ermita, Manila

Filipinas

Tel.: (632) 526-1482

Fax.: (632) 526-1449

cenmni@cervantes.es

Website: Instituto Cervantes of Manila

Colegio de Santa Rosa (Intramuros, Manila)

Colegio de Santa Rosa was initially known as Beaterio y Casa de Enseñanza, and was established for the education of orphaned girls by Madre Paula de Santissima Trinidad in 1750. The college occupied a lot in front of the Santo Tomas University. In 1739, this lot was occupied by a small residence, which had to be demolished to make way for the school building.

Madre Paula had come from Lerida, Spain to Manila with the expressed purpose of establishing a school. Beside the school a beaterio was built. In 1774, the school was granted royal patronage on condition that it be opened to women of all classes. The institution was taken over by the Daughters of Charity in 1886 and had its name changed to COLEGIO DE SANTA ROSA.

Although damaged in 1863 by an earthquake and by another one in 1880, a new and bigger structure was built in place of the ruins. By the turn of the century the college was one of the more important institutions of learning for women. The building was destroyed by the initial bombing of Manila in 1941 forcing the sisters to transfer the school to Sta. Mesa.

In 1949, a new school was opened at the old site in Intramuros. The administration of Colegio de Santa Rosa was handed over to the sisters of the Siervas de San Jose (Servants of Saint Joseph ) that same year.

In 1981, it was transferred to the Augustinian Recollect nuns who run the school today. Although the post-war school buildings followed the modern style. Recently, the buildings have undergone a facelift and the turn of the century facade of Sta. Rosa has been recreated, in concrete rather than in wood used in the original.

Colegio de Sta. Rosa is located at Solana St., Intramuros, Manila.

Telephone no.:Tel # 527-37-97 and 301-05-06

Source: Intramuros Administration

" Filipinas " by Trio Los Panchos

Los Panchos were first formed in 1944 in New York City by Alfredo Gil (Mexican), Chucho Navarro (Mexican) and Hernando Aviles (from Puerto Rico). Each member of Los Panchos played a guitar and sang with unequalled harmony.

Los Panchos reached fame internationally with their romantic songs, especially in Latin America, where they are still regarded as one of the top trios of all time. They sold millions of album copies within a few years of being founded.They also appeared in around 50 movies, mostly during the 'Golden Age' of Mexican cinema.

Between 1946 to 1948, Los Panchos performed in the United States, including a performance at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Los Panchos first began touring internationally in 1946. Later that year, Los Panchos moved to Mexico, considered the capital of Spanish-language music where many Latin and Iberian artists have jumped to international fame. They were welcomed with open arms and XEW-AM, the most popular radio station in Mexico City, reserved a time slot for their music. In 1951, Los Panchos launched another international tour across Latin America.

Julito Rodriguez joined the group in 1952; he was replaced by Johnny Albino in 1958. Johnny Albino & Chucho Navarro, (Miguel Poventud and Yomo Toro were studio musicians for CBS) famously worked with singer Eydie Gorme on a series of bestselling albums in the 1960's. The Albino era was one of the most prosperous ones for Los Panchos whose classic albums are very popular among Los Panchos fans still. His departure in 1968 was a tumultuous one, as he did not leave on good terms with the group's management.

In 1971, Ovidio Hernández joined the band as lead vocalist, a part he would fulfill until his untimely passing of complications of meningitis in 1976. Following him, Rafael Basurto Lara joined as lead singer, he is today the last living member of the original Trio Los Panchos.Alfredo Gil played with Los Panchos until his retirement in 1981 (he passed away in 1999) and Chucho Navarro played with the group until his death in 1993.

A characteristic instrument of Los Panchos and many more bolero trios after them is the Requinto guitar, which is smaller and tuned higher than a standard guitar, and was invented by Alfredo Gil, founding member of Los Panchos. Requinto soli are typically part of a bolero song.

Today, there are several trios claiming to be the rightful successors to the original trio, with Rafael Basurto Lara, lead singer of the original Trio Los Panchos since 1976 still being the lead voice of one of them. [3] Another Trio Los Panchos is currently under the musical direction of Gabriel Vargas Aguilar, the adopted son of co-founder Gil. This band, now based in Veracruz, Mexico, still continues to perform concerts across Mexico, Latin America, and the United States, with a newer cast of singers.

Siete Notas de Amor (Album)

A Collection of beautiful Filipino-Spanish folksongs and boleros recorded by the world renowned Trio Los Panchos during their visit to Manila, Philippines circa 1958.

During their memorable visit to the Philippines, the world renowned Trio Los Panchos was enthralled by the sentiment and beauty of the islands and the people. As honored guests of Villar Records, the Trio Los Panchos was invited to record this album to blend their warm rhythmic vocal harmonies with original Philippine music compositions.

The result are simply magical. The Trio Los Panchos expressive vocal styling together with their spirited guitars and requintos truly captivate the Spanish influence of Philippine music.

The selection of music on this album were written by some of the most celebrated and accomplished Philippine composers. Some of these songs are taught in school as folk songs.We hope you enjoy listening to this album as much as weâve enjoyed bringing it back to life.The Trio Los Panchos are truly a legendary group and we are honored to be part of this production.

To listen to the tracks & to buy 'Siete Notas De Amor' Album, Click HERE!

Source: Wikipedia &Tradebit

Universidad De Manila

Universidad De Manila

The Universidad de Manila (formerly known as City College of Manila) is a public university in the Manila, Philippines. It is one of the two city-funded universities of the City of Manila.

The main campus of Universidad de Manila, which houses the Administration Building of the Division of City Schools-Manila, is located at the heart of the Mehan Garden adjacent to the Liwasang Bonifacio, Manila City Library and the Light Rail Transit Central Terminal. Apart from its main campus, the university maintains several satellite centers in many parts of the City of Manila such as Escolta, Recto, Del Pan, San Andres, Dapitan and Tayuman.

The university's original name is City College of Manila (CCM), but when Lito Atienza took office as Mayor the name was changed to Universidad de Manila (UDM). In 2007, when Lim was re-elected as Mayor, he reverted UDM to its original name; however, a few months into office, he renamed it Gat Andrés Bonifacio University.

The founder of the university, Mayor Alfredo Lim, said that the "egalitarian UDM complements the elite PLM. For its part, the City College delivers practical education to average student.

History

Universidad de Manila, formerly known as the City College of Manila (CCM) or Dalubhasaan ng Lungsod ng Maynila,was founded in 1995 during the term of Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim. It was then located at the old 12-storey high Philippine National Bank Building within the district of Santa Cruz.

In its early years, and before it acquired its current name and status, many controversies haunted the CCM. Among these issues were the low passing rates that it had received in the past, and its proposed transformation into a district college of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila. Both the PLM and the CCM students opposed the plan; thus, it never materialized.

In early 2005, many environmental groups resisted the construction of the new building at the Mehan Garden, but there are also various organizations that backed up the move. Later on, the City Council unanimously voted in favor of transferring the CCM's main building at the site, and the construction of a five-storey edifice ensued. In that same year, the CCM integrated sports in its school curriculum in line with the plan of establishing the Manila Sports Academy, which is tasked to provide free college education to deserving athletes and outstanding performers and develop future sports educators. Additionally, the college also took part in the enforcement of English as a the medium of instruction.

A year later, Manila City officials, including Mayor Lito Atienza, also initiated the elevation of CCM to a university to promote higher learning and provide more opportunities to Manila youth for a quality education. By virtue of the amendments of Ordinance No. 7885, which was authored by Majority Floor Leader Ernesto Dionisio and some members of the majority bloc, the CCM acquired the name Universidad de Manila (UDM). During the same year, UDM hosted the International Youth Expo, with the theme, "Showcasing an Ideal World through Visuals".

In 2007, the Commission on Higher Education allowed the UDM to confer postgraduate studies. In November 30 of the same year, during the commemoration of the 144th birth anniversary of Andrés Bonifacio, Mayor Lim renamed the school in honor of Bonifacio, who despite of financial difficulties pursued knowledge through self-education.

Website: Universidad De Manila

Source: Wikipedia / Related: I'm Officially a Photo Thief

University of Santo Tomas [Universidad de Santo Tomas]

The Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas, The Catholic University of the Philippines (or simply UST or affectionately, "Ustê"), is a private Roman Catholic university run by the Order of Preachers in Manila. Founded on April 28, 1611 by the Spanish Reverend Miguel de Benavides, it has the oldest extant university charter in the Philippines and in Asia and is one of the world's largest Catholic universities in terms of enrollment found in one campus. UST is also the largest university in the city of Manila. Having the distinction as the only Pontifical University in Asia, UST is the only university, Catholic or not, to have been visited by two popes three times: once by Pope Paul VI on Nov. 28, 1970, and twice by Pope John Paul II on Feb. 18, 1981 and January 13, 1995.

The University is composed of several autonomous faculties, colleges, schools and institutes, each conferring undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate degrees, and the basic education units. Several degrees have been accredited by the Commission on Higher Education as Centers of Excellence and Centers of Development. The Patron of the University is St. Thomas Aquinas, while St. Catherine of Alexandria is the Patroness. Prominent Thomasians include saints, Philippine presidents, heroes, artists, scientists, professionals and religious figures, who have figured well in the history of the Philippines. The athletic teams are the Growling Tigers, members of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines and are consistent winners of the Overall Championship.

History

The foundation of the University is ascribed to the Most Reverend Miguel de Benavides , O.P., the third Archbishop of Manila. He came to the Philippines with the first Dominican mission in 1587. He went on to become bishop of Nueva Segovia, and was promoted archbishop of Manila in 1601. Upon Benavides’ death in July 1605, he bequeathed his library and personal property worth 1,500 pesos to be used as the seed fund for the establishment of an institution of higher learning. Fr. Bernardo de Santa Catalina carried out Benavides’ wishes and was able to secure a building near the Dominican church and convent in Intramuros for the College.

In 1609, permission to open the College was requested from King Philip III, which only reached Manila in 1611. On April 28, 1611, notary Juan Illian witnessed the signing of the act of foundation by Frs. Baltazar Fort, OP, Bernardo Navarro, OP, and Francisco Minayo, OP. Fr. Fort, appointed that year to the post of Father Provincial, was its first Rector. The Colegio de Nuestra Señora del Santísimo Rosario was established on April 28, 1611, from the library of the late Fray Miguel de Benavídes, O.P., then Archbishop of Manila. Later renamed Colegio de Santo Tomas, it was elevated by Pope Innocent X to a university on November 20, 1645 in his brief, In Supreminenti. This made the university the second royal and pontifical institution in the Philippines, after the Jesuit's Universidad Máximo de San Ignacio which was founded in 1590 but closed in the 1768 following the expulsion of the Society of Jesus from the Philippines.

Its complete name is the The Royal and Pontifical University of Santo Tomas, The Catholic University of the Philippines (Spanish: A La Real Y Pontificia Universidad de Santo Tomas de Aquino Universidad Catolica de Filipinas). It was given the title "Royal" by King Charles III of Spain on 1785; "Pontifical" by Pope Leo XIII on 1902 in his constitution, Quae Mari Sinico, and the appellative "The Catholic University of the Philippines" by Pope Pius XII on 1947.

The university was located within the walled city of Intramuros in Manila. It was started by the Spanish Archbishop of Manila in the early 17th century as a seminary for aspiring young priests, taking its name and inspiration from Saint Thomas Aquinas, a Dominican theologian. The first courses offered by the Colegio de Santo Tomas were canon law, theology, philosophy, logic, grammar, the arts, and civil law. In 1871, it began offering degrees in Medicine and Pharmacy, the first in colonized Asia.

At the beginning of the 20th century, with the growing student population, the Dominican fathers bought land at the Sulucan Hills in Sampaloc, Manila and built its 215,000 square meter campus there in 1927 with the inauguration of its Main Building (the first earthquake-proof building in the Philippines). Also that year, it began accepting female enrollees. In the last four decades, the university grew into a full-fledged institution of higher learning, conferring degrees in law, medicine and various academic letters. The university has graduated Philippine national heroes, presidents, and even saints.

During World War II, the Japanese converted the campus into a concentration camp for civilians, foreigners and POWs. Some of the most brutal war crimes against American soldiers (Filipino soldiers were granted amnesty) and civilians living abroad occurred in Santo Tomas.

Since its establishment in 1611, the University's academic life was interrupted only twice: from 1898 to 1899, during the Philippine Revolution against Spain, and from 1942 to 1945, during the Japanese occupation of the country. In its long history, the university has been under the leadership of more than 90 Rectors. UST's first Filipino rector was Fr. Leonardo Legaspi, O.P. who served UST from 1971-1977. Its current rector is Fr. Rolando V. de la Rosa, O.P.

In recognition of its achievements, a number of important dignitaries have officially visited the university, among them, during the last three decades: His Holiness Pope Paul VI on November 28, 1970; His Majesty King Juan Carlos I of Spain in 1974 and 1995; Mother Teresa of Calcutta in January 1977 and again in November 1984; Pope John Paul II on February 18, 1981 and January 13, 1995 (as part of the World Youth Day 1995). Today UST has a total enrollment of approximately 38,000 students, 33,000 undergraduates and 5,000 students in Medicine, Law and the Graduate School. The University admits about 10,000 new students out of 50,000 applicants per year, roughly 20%.

Website: University of Santo Tomas

Source: Wikipedia

Binondo, Manila [Chinatown]

Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz and Binondo church

Binondo is an enclave in Manila primarily populated by Chinese immigrants living in the Philippines. Historically, the place called Parían near Intramuros was where the unconverted Chinese immigrants (called Sangley by the Spaniards) lived while Binondo was the place where the converted sangleys and their descendants, the mestizos de sangley or Chinese mestizos resided. The Parian was sited by the Spaniards within the range of Intramuros cannons, to prevent any uprising coming from the Chinese.

Binondo is located across the Pasig River from Intramuros and the home of Chinatown (said to be the oldest in the world) in Manila. The district is the center of commerce and trade for all types of businesses run by Chinese merchants. It is said that this district was already a hub of Chinese commerce even before the Spaniards came in 1571.

Founded in 1594, Binondo was created by Spanish Governor Luis Pérez Dasmariñas as a permanent settlement for converted Chinese immigrants across the river from the walled city of Intramuros where the Spaniards resided. It was originally intended to replace the Parian near Intramuros where the Chinese were confined. The land grant was given to a group of Chinese merchants and artisans in perpetuity, tax-free and with limited self-governing privileges.

The Spanish Dominican fathers made Binondo their parish and succeeded in converting a great many of the Chinese residents to Catholicism. Binondo soon became the place where Chinese immigrants converted to Catholicism, intermarried with indigenous Filipino women and procreated to produce a nascent Chinese mestizo community. Over the years, the Chinese mestizo population of Binondo grew rapidly. This was caused by two factors: the lack of Chinese immigrant females and the policies of the Spanish authorities in expelling and massacring pure-blooded Chinese immigrants who refused to convert. Luis Pérez Dasmariñas played a prominent role in the massacre of 20,000 Chinese after a Chinese revolt in 1603.

Binondo is the historic birthplace of a new race called mestizo de sangley. It was also the birthplace of St. Lorenzo Ruiz, a mestizo de sangley who would later become the First Filipino Saint and also Mother Ignacia del Espiritu Santo, who is also a mestiza de sangley and was the foundress of the Congregation of the Religious of the Virgin Mary. Plaza Lorenzo Ruiz and the Binondo Church (formal name: Minor Basilica of St. Lorenzo Ruiz) are named after him. And the Chapel of Our Lady of China now in Binondo Church.

ChinaTown, Binondo, Manila

Links: Chinatown, Chinatown Adventure, Binondo, Revisited

The Feast Of The Black Nazarene And The Quiapo Church

No Comment [Euronews] from 2008 Feast of the Black Nazarene

Quiapo’s Black Nazarene
Now A National Patron

Today is the grand fiesta of the Quiapo district of the City of Manila. It marks the end of the novena to Jesus the Black Nazarene that always starts on New Year’s Day. But unlike previous years—but like 2006, when the nation celebrated the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the life-size Black Nazarene sculpture in wood of Jesus Christ in the costume of a royal personage bearing the cross of Calvary and wearing a crown of thorns—the procession in honor of Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno (Our Father Jesus Nazarene) starts at the Luneta. It leaves the Luneta right after the 8 a.m. High Mass celebrated by Archbishop of Manila Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales.

Public safety drove Manila’s Church and police authorities to change the venue of the High Mass and procession from Quiapo church itself to the Luneta. The average participation has grown in the past decade to 80,000, which according to news reports quoting police officials, poses extraordinary hazards to the public.

A Most Spectacular Religious Event

The feast of the Black Nazarene is viewed by Manilans—and now people of many other cities that have also mounted High Masses and the Black Nazarene procession on January 9, making it a national feast day—as one of the most spectacular and deeply pious religious events in our country.

Here is the late National Artist for Literature Nick Joaquin’s description of the procession, written in 1979 for Mr. and Ms. Publications’ Almanac for Manileños:

“To Quiapo’s fiesta procession speed wave on wave and horde upon horde of all Manila’s maledom: kanto boy and matón, jeep driver and stevedore, the siga and the sikat—all in the classic get-up of the Quiapo panata: towel round the neck, rolled-up trousers, bare feet, and white T-shirt printed with the face of Christ and the text Hijos del Nazareno*.

And all, from 13 years and up, have come to prove themselves macho in the roughest, rowdiest, ruggedest procession in the city’s year. And what a spectacle it is: that rumbling sea of heads in the midst of which, now sinking and now rising, now tottering and now falling, now rushing and now lagging, suddenly appears uplifted over the tumult, dark and dazzling, terrible and triumphant: the Lord of Downtown.”

Continue reading, The Manila Times Internet Edition article on feast of the Black Nazarene.

Listen to the official Song of Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno

Quiapo Church

Quiapo Church, officially known as Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, is a Roman Catholic church located in the District of Quiapo, Manila, in the Philippines. The church is one of the most popular churches in the country. It is home to the Black Nazarene, a much venerated statue of Jesus Christ which many people believe has miraculous attributes. The church was painted cream after the original Mexican Baroque edifice was burned down in 1928. It is expanded to its current form in 1984 for accommodation of thousands of devotees. Also known as St. John the Baptist Parish, the church at present belongs to the Archdiocese of Manila. The current rector is Rev. Msgr. Jose Clemente Ignacio, who succeeded Msgr. Josefino Ramirez (the Vicar General of the archdiocese) upon the latter's appointment as rector of the Archdiocesan Shrine of the Divine Mercy in Maysilo, Mandaluyong City. Assisting Msgr. Clem are his vice-rector Fr. Fernando Carpio and parochial vicar Fr. Alvin Fullon.

When Governor General Santiago de Vera founded the District of Quiapo on August 29, 1586, the Franciscan Missionaries built the first church of Quiapo with Bamboo and Nipa. San Pedro Bautista, a Franciscan missionary at that time was one of the founders of the Quiapo church, thus his image is located at one of the side niches of the church. San Pedro Bautista founded many churches in Metro Manila and Laguna. The famous of them all is the one at San Francisco Del Monte, the parish that is named after him and houses the Holy Cave for missionaries that went to China and Japan during those days. Unfortunately, this church was burned in 1639. Rebuilding and repairs at intervals gave the parish a stronger edifice which the earthquake of 1863 partially destroyed. Under the supervision of Fathers Eusebio de Leon and Manuel Roxas, the third church was completed in 1899, with Fr. Roxas raising PhP. 40,000.00 from contributions. In the fire of October 30, 1928, the church was left in ruins leaving its scarred walls and belfry. Dona Encarnacion Nakpil de Orense, head of the Parish Committee, raised funds for the reconstruction of the church and National Artist for Architecture Juan Nakpil was made responsible for the church's rebuilding. Miraculously, the church survived the ravages of the Second World War, despite its surrounding buildings being completely destroyed.

Church Murder

In 1975 Bishop Hernando Antiporda was appointed parish priest. He was just beginning to make improvements in the parish when he was brutally murdered, together with assistant parish priest, Rev. Fr. Raymundo Costales in the early morning of December 13, 1975. Robbery was believed to be the motive. The culprits strangled the bishop with a cord, and they stabbed the co-adjutor on the neck with a broken bottle.

Expansion

To meet the needs of an ever-increasing number of churchgoers, Msgr. Jose Abriol, together with Architect Jose Ma. Zaragoza and Engr. Eduardo Santiago, worked hard in 1984 to have the parish church and national shrine remolded. Thus this sacred edifice has doubled in holding capacity and has acquired a most sturdy columnless structure and modern architectural beauty. Cardinal Sin blessed it on September 28, 1987. The year after, Quiapo Church was declared the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene. The Papal Nuncio, Most Rev. Bruno Torpigliani, blessed the altar of San Lorenzo Ruiz on February 1, 1988.

The Black Nazarene

The Augustinian Recollect Friars brought the image of the Black Nazarene to the Church of San Juan Bautista in Bagumbayan, now part of Luneta/Rizal Park on May 31, 1606. The image was transferred to the bigger Recollect church of San Nicolas de Tolentino in 1608. In 1787, Basilio Sancho de Santas Junta y Rufina, S.P., then Archbishop of Manila, ordered the transfer of the image to the Church of Quiapo.

The Quiapo Church holds a weekly novena every Friday and a procession every year on January 9 devoted to the Black Nazarene. Both are attended by thousands of devotees. Many sick people come to see the Black Nazarene, hoping that getting a chance to pray in front of its miraculous image would heal their sicknesses.

*Los Hijos de Nazareno are the men on top of the Carroza with the Black Nazarene during the procession. *Carroza is the mechanized platform where the Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno is on during the procession.