Francis Durango Magalona

Francis Magalona's death is a great and absolute national loss for the Filipino nation.

A great artist, very much loved by all his friends and to numerous other artist, he had a huge number of  supporters from all walks of life.

Grandson of revered nationalist Senator, Enrique Magalona [author of RA No 709, "Instruction of Spanish in colleges and universities"], and son of famous parents, Pancho and Tita, a matinee tandem in the mid 1900's. The Magalona's were proud Ilonngos.

As a young man, he became an actor, following on the footsteps his parents, he's remembered by his days in the "bagets", he then ventured into rap music, were his career even more blossomed. He consistently advocated nationalism and unity in his songs.

The "Man from Manila" should be awarded a National Artist recognition for his inspiring music and his patriotic efforts. We owe this man a great deal.

He will be greatly missed.

Hidalgo's 'Assasination of Bustamante'

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="237" caption="The famous Hidalgo masterpiece is undergoing some preservation work"][/caption]

The masterpiece is currently undergoing some delicate repainting. Time has eroded some of the pigments out of the canvas and preservation is needed to prevent deterioration. I remember the exhibitions of Lopez Museum, they did impress me with their preservation technology. They hired top rate chemist and employed good artist to do the maintenance and repair for the damaged old paintings. They have a very technical systemized way that i thought was awesome, there was a visual presentation that showed how they were able to achieve it.

Are they exchanging technologies? is the private supporting the government run museums? I hope coordination is working well with this institutions for the benifit of the public.

In Museo Nacional, I'm quite unsure how the preservation is done. No one has entertained my questions, in fact, they were quite dismissive when they found out that I was just a nobody, the man on the site just stopped talking to me, that was my cue - I was on my own.

Unlike the private ones, the museum of course is a government institution - and we all know how government institution functions in our country. I put my trust on the skill of the artist who I'm certain volunteered to work for the museum to help, if their getting paid I'm certain that their not getting much. Its noble ambition of keeping the art alive, especially the work of our renowned patriots in Hidalgo and Luna. I was once invited to join the MVP (volunteers) but was unable to make it due to my partime work and college.

But let me say this, I am very satisfied with the improvements made on the museum. If only money can be poured for the museum I'm certain that our national museum would even become better. Kudos goes to the administrators.

Interestingly enough, when i was there in the Hidalgo painting - the students where asking 'who was being murdered' after trying to observe the painting behind the scaffolds. It looks like their teachers did not read materials related to the painting in advance, someone failed to do their homework - after all this two artwork ('assasination of Bustamante' & 'spolarium') are the centerpiece of the museum. To my shock, one of the student leader, while the group was viewing Hidalgo's work, said to his group 'this is how Spain tortured those who opposed them when we were under their kingdom'. I was about to call 'security' at that time but restrained myself.

That painting tells a great but tragic story, a man who tried to straightened out the government and rid it with grafters, who in the end was accused of being corrupt himself, accused of being a despot who was overthrown by the righteous majority. On top of his tough policy on collections, he locked horns with the powerful friars. Which was his undoing.

Martin de Zuniga's book 'Historical View of the Philippines' gives us this short account of what took place, and how 'El Marcial' got lynched by the mob friars.

'...He began by issuing some strong decrees, and others still more severe were expected. These were principally directed to teh recovery of the above two hundred thousand dollars. Which he found were due to the royal treasury by different people,both by those in office, and generally by the public. These parties finding he was determined on the measure, began to murmur at his proceedings. Without, however, allowing himself to be influenced by any consideration of this nature, he laid an embargo on all silver that came in the galleon from Acapulco, and required from all the public functionaries correct statements of their accounts with the royal treasury. By an examination of those names which appeared as owners of the silver, he found it an easy matter to cover all those debts, and by this dexterous management recovered about three hundred thousand dollars to the treasury. Many of those, however, then indebted to the government, having died, or being reduced to poverty, their securities of course became responsible and this extend the consequences of his measures to so many in Manila, that he became an object of general hatred..'

As can be read, he was a determined administrator who not only offended the evaders but also some of the more high ranking corrupt official with their ill gotten wealth. Confiscation and imprisonment is his way of bringing justice. He single handled swept out the biggest grafters of his time.

So why is it that Friars are the one depicted murdering 'El Marcial'?

The story continues with the Oidor Torralba trying to arrest a man who sought refuge in the cathedral.

'...the Archbishop, convinced that Senor Torralba was the principal instigator of these unhappy disputes, with less prudence than the circumstances of the times required, issued a process against this violator of ecclesiastical sanctuary, and excommunicated him. This is the grand error he committed, and from which melancholy consequence resulted; for having sent two clergy to intimate to him the sentence of excommunication, Torralba, on observing them approach, went to meet them, and snatched from them the paper containing it. Immediately afterwards appeared in publication from him accusing the clergy of an intention to take his life, and suborned witnesses: having confirmed this charges, the Governor was induced to commit to prison the Archbishop, and several of the clergy and religious orders, with such other persons as had taken refuge in the churches.

Having thus made his dispositions, the Governor ordered the Archbishop, with all the ecclesiastical Cabildo, the Commisarry of the Inquisition, the heads of the religious orders, and various other clergy, to be seized...'

Of course the event that follows is obvious - its the scene that Hidalgo made immortal in his canvas. Bustamante's display of power backfired and the offended party fought back, ironically the people who returned his violence were the men of clothe.

'Leave me Father, unless you wish to murder me!' he cries, when the friars where already on his doorsteps. He broke his arm defending the attacks, his head severely wounded, he fell dead. His son tried to help him, with saber in his hand he gallantly defended his small space, but the mob was too much for his young body. He died with his father that day. The son cried, 'Father, do not abandon me until the last moment of my life...' a Jesuit priest was said to have given him his last confession. He was still alive, this time fighting to survive, being carried out in a hammock when a man came stabbed him twice.

The Archbishop was persuaded to take the governorship, he declined after his released from the Fort Santiago. He later assumed the post as an administrator but not as the governor, similar to that of an OIC, he then threaded cautiously in his administration, for he was well aware of the danger of his post. He then ordered the proper burial for the murdered governor, with all the honors accorded to the highest post in the land. The Archbishop ruled for two years, in those years he was technically the Governor of the islands minus the uniform.

Now, how is that for a Coup de Etat! we are accustomed seeing this venture being undertaken by an adventurist military and collaborating politicians. A great piece of our history - just an example how people at high places can be dislodged by the potent combination of  power grabbing forces, the church, and the masses.

History does repeat itself.

I just hope those students would continue their studies in history even if they pursue courses in college not related to it, books are always available. What is rare this days are open minds.

Rizal in polka dots

I was on my way to the archives in Kalaw when I noticed this statue, almost hidden, close to the Tourism building.

I can't help but smile when I saw this one, a man who look like Rizal riding a carabao wearing a polka dotted polo with red pants, carrying a plow, sleeves rolled up ready for days work in the rice fields!

I'm sure that even Rizal would laugh at this one, he has always projected himself well, he dress like that of a European man -a ‘vanedoso', very sophisticated and refined in his choices of clothing, and now this - a depiction of the fashionable Rizal on top of a carabao, in colorful polka dots!

Rizal monuments always catches my attention, for one, they are a common site in our country, they are everywhere. This one is not Rizal - but was molded in his likeness.

I read about a comment of one of Rizal relatives, even this man believes that we 'over do' monuments with Pepe as a theme, 'kulang na lang pati mga lugar na inihian ni Rizal tayuan ng monumento!' - I for one believe that we should, as a people try to pay homage to other significant contributors in our culture and history. Most monuments are either revolutionaries, propagandist or presidents, Its about time we look at our past, not confined by the revolutionaries and politicians.

This farmer statue reminds me of anatomical drawings I saw that dates back in the early 1900's, the male model had striking resemblance with the national hero; He was the perfect model of Filipino manhood during that time! so if one is to picture a Filipino, the Americans would want you to see Rizal.

The Americans was successful in their drive to make Pepe the national hero, he was the moderate one, the other revolutionaries were, well, a bit too radical.

So even though we are taught in our history books of the brave Bonifacio (contrary to popular belief, not a plebeian but an illustrado) and the Generalisimmo's campaign against mother Spain (Boni and his siblings killed in Maragondon by Aguinaldos men, it was a bloody revolution!) - we were given a propagandist for a national hero. When the other nation's national heroes were all fighters, we got for ourselves a writer.

As a young man I thought it was a simple case of the ‘Pen is mightier than the sword' situation, but as I later found out, his election to the stature of national hero has something to do with his reputation - a reformist and a pacifist. Even in this type of selection, political convenience plays a major role.

Metmuseum in July

I love museums! It's cheap but they are gold mines of historical knowledge. Truly a bargain if you can call it that.

I visited Metropolitan Museum last week (Met Museum), located in the compound of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. The last time I was here was in college, the place reminds me of an old bahay na bato's basement. I was excited to see that improvements and additions made.



There was an exhibit by portraitist Romulo Galicano. Life size paintings of rich and the famous, portraits of the countryside folks, which was very Amorsolo-que . The exhibition was called "postura" - the appreciation of this form of painting has diminished considerably, artist like Galicano has been reviving it for the public to appreciate again.

I then swiftly went straight to the permanent displays, to look at the creations of our great heroes, Hidalgo and Luna. I've seen these paintings before but it would feel different each time, it's like seeing it for the first time. My fascination with Filipino painters started way back in high school, when I would read about them and see them in display with the help of my Nanay funding this unusual hobby, I took up painting but unfortunately, my hands were not made for it.


Also in display were the works of the 1^st batch of UP's fine art department, which produced the likes of Amorsolo and de la Rosa. Much of this great group's work has been lost and destroyed during the war.

I also enjoy seeing the painting of lesser-known artist in the collection, this artist kept the craft alive even with the presence of war and the difficult decades that followed when appreciation for framed art declined.

I saw a dedication text on the wall commending Imelda Marcos for her contribution for injecting life to the Philippine art during her days. Nowadays, people just love to hate this woman, but her tenure in power had a very positive impact in Philippine art and cultural conservation. The former fist lady has been a staunch ally of the Filipino artist then. Let's give credit where it is due.

The addition in Met Museum was the great display of religious art, pre Spanish pots and jewelries. Amazing collection.

Truly worth a visit! Check their website here! for more information on their upcoming events and schedule.

One sunny saturday @ Pezseum

I dropped by the Lopez Museum recently where I saw a wide collection of paintings from the likes of Filipino greats, Hidalgo and Luna, and the other well known Filipino artist like Joya, Ayala and Amorsolo. Lopez Sr. according to what I read was an ardent collector, who would travel to Europe in search of invaluable Filipino paintings (he also collected books & old maps).

The museum also have an amazing library, with their oldest book dating back 1512 if my memory serves me right. Unbelievable, Filipiniana section. While I was there they had already begun digitizing their collection. They have old magazines and newspapers that are great aides if one is to study the events of the past. I’m planning to go back and research there soon. Theres currently an on going display of pictures and maps of places that once stood but now are gone, like the churches of Intramuros and some other landmarks from the past(the Jai Alai bldg for example) that already gave way to the modern structure we see now, they call the exhibit Efface.

The Lopezes’ are giants in different areas of business here in our nation, I would say it straight that I was not happy with them with the recent Meralco issue, news that has been dominating the media as of late, but let me say that I was really delighted to see the efforts taken by the Lopezes’ starting with Lopez Sr and now the great grandson who oversees the Museum operation in preserving the classic works of our home grown heroes. I appreciate their work on preserving our heritage. I was really moved. Lopez Sr has been very civic minded, his contributions were actually recognized by a marker outside the museum. ( I believe this one was originally placed on the old museum grounds in Nakpil)

I very much enjoyed my short visit here where I found some of the paintings I’ve been longing to see. I even saw a drawing by Rizal, a pencil sketch of Michaelangelo, it was a portrait of the artist head with his name written below. The hero probably idolized the creator of the Sistine Chapel, a true renaissance man. For me this drawing is to date, the best, the most detailed drawing of his that I have seen. If Rizal was not preoccupied by his other works I’m certain that he could rival if not surpass the best of our painters during his time, he was a painter when he was a young man. Painting, one of his first love. Of course this admiration was coming from me, a Rizalist by heart.I ‘ve been looking forward for this visit, for I have been longing for years to see one of Luna’s greatest creation, España y Filipinas. I was awed by its beauty and of course its message to the observer, to some its hidden symbolism. This was definitely Luna, so grand, so real. I really got excited when I first had a glimpse of this particular Luna for it seems that, light emanates from its canvas. It is as if your peeking out of your window, seeing sunshine and real people walking by. You get the feeling that its alive.

The tour guide told me that there are few academe's who have visited the museum and chatted with him about its meaning. Some has expressed that the commisioned Luna work, was un-nationalistic, that it was a depiction of submission and oppression by Spain, my question is how can it be, am I missing something here?

I plainly see it as two women walking up the ladder with the Spanish lady pointing to the source of the light while a Filipina willingly walking beside her. A scene of frienship were the one that knows the way, guides the one, unfamiliar with the path they were threading. Even on the same steps are the ladies, both wearing their traditional attires, they look awesome with their semi naked back! Luna really knows how to paint women. Anyway, this interpretations would depend on who’s observing. Beauty as they say is in the eye of the beholder.

This are creations representing its time. Hidalgo’s work in the collection, includes some of his study before finalizing his “Assasination of Govenor Bustamante”. it was awesome, I suggest viewing his collection of drafts before visiting his final masterpiece at the Museo Nacional, for one would appreciate it more. He separately drew the characters before composing them together. The "Un Guerrero" was of course beautiful too, it was dark and strong.

Hidalgo was very detailed and technical. I’m not much of art connoisseur but looking at his work I begun imagining how he conceptualize the his creations. Viewing his paintings made me proud that at that time, when so many people looked down on us, they made their homeland proud. They were among the best in their profession.The best Filipinos!

One other thing that really impressed me was that , the Lopez Museum had been investing a lot on preservation work. They have actually preserved some of the oldest painting in their collection. With the help of a team composed of chemist and artist, they had been meticulously working on a number of paintings. Such venture would surely benefit art pieces nationwide. I sure hope that they would share the technology and spread it. Preservation work is very important if we intend to make this masterpieces, our heritage, our pride, safe, for the future generation.

with Lopez Museum guide Tavy(?), very knowledgeable guy, he knows his turf!Visit Lopez Museum @ Benpres Building, Exchange Road corner Meralco Avenue, Pasig. Museum days and hours are Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., except Sundays and holidays. Entrance fee is P60 for elementary students, P80 for high school and college students, and P100 for adults. For more information call 631-241