Arts and Culture – CITY OF NAGA

Naga declares Spanish-era buildings as Important Cultural Properties

CEPPIO Naga — Thu, 27 Jun 2024 02:07:26 +0000

The Sanggunian Resolution declaring as important cultural properties (ICP) the two Spanish-era stone buildings located in Barangay San Francisco in downtown Naga has finally been approved after it was signed by City Mayor Nelson S. Legacion and formally transmitted to the Sangguniang Panlungsod during its regular session last Tuesday, June 25.

Resolution No. 2024-264 is actually a repassed resolution with amendments after satisfying the mayor’s earlier request to bolster the original Resolution No. 2024-054 with more proof and evidentiary documents to declare the ancient structures as important landmarks.

The two stone buildings are situated in a property along Penafrancia Avenue that once belonged to the provincial government of Camarines Sur and sold to then PhilAm Life Insurance Company sometime in early 1990s under then Gov. Luis Villafuerte. For over 30 years now, the property was left idle until it was resold about two years ago to Nagaland Development Corporation (NDC) owned by the family of Atty. William Enrile. The private company has been known to have bought several prime properties in the city’s old business district and elsewhere and turned them into a mall, hotel or leased to other commercial establishments.

On November 16, 2022, the National Historical Commission (NHCP) issued a cease-and-desist order to NDC chairman Atty. William Enrile “suspending all activities involving the demolition of built-heritage (referring to the two remnant Spanish-era stone buildings located in Barangay San Francisco along Penafrancia Avenue)”.

On October 10, 2023 Mayor Legacion wrote Atty. Enrile a letter reminding him of the city government’s commitment to preserve its rich history and culture and suggested the adoption of “adaptive reuse” to conserve the site while utilizing the structures for whatever purpose the Enriles, as private owners, may intend to do.

But on the 20th of the same month, Atty. Enrile wrote Mayor Legacion to request “for non-inclusion of said colonial structures from the Naga City Ordinance No. 2003-003 listing (of) certain cultural and heritage buildings, inasmuch as the property has not been proven to have any cultural or historical significance/importance other than being old buildings.”

When Mayor Legacion requested for a technical team from NHCP to come to Naga City to settle whether or not to lift the presumption as important cultural property of the old Spanish-era buildings, Dr. Emmanuel Franco Calairo, the new NHCP chairman, responded that “only the NHCP Board of Commissioners has the authority to approve or disapprove the lifting of presumption as ICP thru an NHCP board resolution.”

Calairo instead requested the Naga City government “to submit a resolution stating that the said structures … either hold or do not possess any local historical, socio-cultural, and architectural significance as requisite for the lifting of presumption process”.

Thereupon, the Sangguniang Panlungsod Commission on Culture and the Arts chaired by Councilor Joe Perez, called for a series of hearings and consultations inviting all stakeholders in the arts and culture sector and the Nagaland Development Corporation to exhaustively discuss the matter. The ensuing consultations and deliberations lasted for over a year which included research, document retrievals, and constant travels to the national library, museums, and the National Archives, books and journals, surviving witness’s accounts, ocular inspection, and even correspondence from the Spanish Archives in Madrid. The local architects even presented proposed designs for “adaptive reuse” which are similar to or patterned from Manila’s surviving historical landmarks and those from abroad.

The first resolution by the Sangguniang Panlungsod was unanimously passed in early 2004 declaring the contested site as an important cultural property because they hold local historical, socio-cultural, and architectural significance and should therefore be part of Naga’s heritage and history.

But the request of the mayor for more reference materials – not only position papers, letters, or arguments – as factual basis for him to finally act on the matter led Councilor Perez and his SP committee members to go back to work and asked the parties concerned – Nagaland Development Corp on one hand and at least 7 groups/organizations belonging to the arts and culture sector including the local chapter of the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) on the other to submit their final positions backed up by more factual materials within a period.

In the repassed Resolution No. 2024-264, more annexes were attached bolstering the cultural and historical, as well as architectural significance of the Spanish-era landmarks.

In one of the annexes, the building ruins themselves were presented, especially the inscription with “1826” on the right hand building and the discernable Spanish-era stone material and architecture of the two buildings similar to other 19th century Spanish buildings in the Philippines.

Fr. Francis A. Tordilla, himself a historian and rector of the ancient Seminario Conciliar de Caceres (otherwise known now as the Holy Rosary Minor Seminary), shared with the committee an 11-page “Summary of Manuscripts found in the Archivo Historico Nacional de Madrid” listing manuscripts and photographs of some of the sketches of the two old building’s locations and designs.

In a note, he wrote that “(h)istoricity is not limited to a single event like that most claimed that Alias Angeles and Felix Plazo were imprisoned in these calabozos (jails). A building or a house may be historically valuable if it can be an example of a style of architecture or an industrial process that’s no longer used, or simply for its age…”

He further stressed that “(e)ncouraging historical thinking using buildings offers the opportunity to model historical expertise that grounds historical inquiry in places and media that are accessible and meaningful to students at every level of historical interest, ability, and understanding.”

Formally acknowledging receipt of the copy of the approved Resolution during last Tuesday’s session of the Sanggunian, Councilor Perez expressed his gratitude to Mayor Nelson Legacion, SP Presiding Officer Vice Mayor Nene de Asis, his fellow councilors, and the various stakeholders, including the Nueva Caceres Heritage Movement, the UAP Naga chapter, Sumaro, and the Naga City Arts and Culture Coalition, for firmly playing their roles that eventually resulted to the declaration of the Spanish-era structures in Naga City as important cultural properties.

Perez said the Resolution’s approval was a triumph for Naga, its rich history and culture.

Written by Jason Neola (CEPPIO)

City streets named after Roco, Felipe Jr

CEPPIO Naga — Thu, 16 May 2024 03:38:37 +0000

TWO busy unnamed streets in the city Central Business District 2 will be named after two distinguished Nagueño political leaders and statesmen

Based on two separate proposed ordinances authored by Councilor Joe Perez, the street from the corner of Panganiban Avenue passing through the west side of St. Joseph School up to the corner of Boning Sia Sr. Street shall be named Ramon H. Felipe Jr. Street.

The street from the corner of Boning Sia Sr. Street leading to Roxas Avenue (Naga Diversion Road), on the other hand, will be named Raul S. Roco Street.

Ramon Felipe

Ramon H. Felipe, Jr. was a former City Mayor of Naga under whose watch the Naga City Public Market (now Naga City People’s Mall) was built in the 1960s to become the biggest single-roofed public market in Southeast Asia.

In 1945, the young Felipe placed 3^rd in the Philippine Bar exams, even before formally graduating from law school. Running as an independent LP candidate, Ramon became the mayor of Naga City in 1963 and served until 1965.

Before he could finish his term, he was drafted by his party to run for Congressman of the first district of Camarines Sur (the province then was divided into only two districts, with Naga City belonging to the first district). In 1969, he was elected House Minority Floor Leader.

When martial law was declared in 1972, Ramon returned to his private law practice.

President Ferdinand Marcos, under pressure to assign an opposition member to the Commission on Elections, appointed Ramon in time to oversee the 1984 Batasang Pambansa elections. He continued to assume the same post under President Cory Aquino until he retired on February 3, 1988.

Ramon Jr. passed away on June 15, 2017, and was buried at the Sto. Nino Memorial Park.

Raul Roco

Raul Sagarbarria Roco was a prominent lawyer whose political career started when he ran and won as the youngest member of the Constitutional Convention in the early 70s. After Martial Law, he won as congressman of the 2^nd now 3^rd district of Camarines Sur in 1987.

As a senator from 1992-2000, he authored bills that reformed the central banking system, liberalized the local banking industry, strengthened thrift banks, protected intellectual property rights, and created the new securities regulation code.

He was the standard-bearer of Aksyon Demokratiko, which he founded in 1997 as a vehicle for his presidential bids in 1998 and 2004. He was Secretary of the Department of Education under the presidency of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

He died on August 5, 2005 due to prostate cancer.

Written by Jason Neola (CEPPIO)

Executive Order for the upcoming Peñafrancia Festival 2024, signed by Mayor Legacion

CEPPIO Naga — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 04:48:56 +0000

In preparation for the upcoming Centenary Celebration of the Canonical Coronation of Our Lady of Peñafrancia this September, Mayor Nelson Legacion formally signed Executive Order No. 2024-007 yesterday, March 7, 2024. The Executive Order mandates the establishment of committees and support groups, along with the appointment of dedicated chairpersons, to ensure the seamless execution of the Peñafrancia Festival. This directive comes at a pivotal time as the Pilgrim City prepares for the grand celebration of the Canonical Coronation of our Beloved Ina.

As per the usual Executive Orders of the past, two main groups are being created under Executive Order 2024-007: the Event Committees and the Support Services. According to Section 3 of the order, “the Event Committee shall be responsible for organizing, coordinating, and ensuring the successful execution of the festival events.” The respective chairpersons for these committees are as follows:

Miss Bicolandia Beauty Pageant Committee – Hon. Jose Rañola, M. D.
Inter High School CAT/DRRM Marching Competition Committee – Hon. Salvador Del Castillo
Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts Parade and DXMC and Inter-School Mass Dance Competition Committee – Hon. Joselito del Rosario
Civic and Float Parade Committee – City Administrator Elmer Baldemoro
Peñafrancia Voyadores Festival Committee – Hon. Jose Perez
Bicol Regional Military Parade Committee – Hon. Ramon Melvin Buenafe
Tagboan Arts, Music and Gastronomy Festival – CEPPIO Department Head, Allen Reondanga

The Support Services group will be tasked with providing technical support before, during, and after the Peñafrancia Festival. These tasks include, but are not limited to, the maintenance of the cleanliness of the city, creation and fortification of festival structures, public information dissemination, marketing, and promotions, management of trade events and vending services, management of health and safety protocols, security, and many more. For a complete and comprehensive list of the standing committees, you may refer to the copy of the Executive Order attached below. Due to the nature of the upcoming celebration, the Executive Order mandates all heads of departments and offices within the City Government to be included in the various committees and ensure that all hands are on deck for this momentous occasion.

It has been almost 100 years since the Canonical Coronation of Our Lady of Peñafrancia as Queen and Patroness of Bicolandia. In 1924, Ina was crowned by the Apostolic Delegate, Most Rev. Guiglelmo Piani, DD, at the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral. And now, as we approach the Centenary Celebration, we look back on those 100 years and the more than 300 years of devotion to Our Ina, under the theme of Se Siempre La Reina – Pamanang Banal: Atamanon, Padanayon, Palakupon.

Written by Agnete Jonathan Noble (CEPPIO).

Boning Sia Sr. Street: Honoring the legend behind the iconic business

CEPPIO Naga — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 03:49:16 +0000

AS a gesture honoring a local legend, the city government of Naga, thru an ordinance, named the street that stretches from the corner of Bicol Access Health Centrum up to the opposite end at Zone 4 of Barangay Triangulo as Boning Sia, Sr. Street.

The designation recognizes the contributions of the man whose humble store, Boning’s Trading, which began its operation 74 years ago, has grown over time and hard work to become the city’s single biggest supplier of office and school supplies, as well as other basic merchandise.

The street’s name was established through Ordinance No. 2024-012, which City Councilor Jose B. Perez authored. The ordinance was enacted on February 6, 2024, and subsequently approved by Mayor Nelson S. Legacion on February 8, 2024.

Through unwavering dedication and hard work, Boning Sia Sr. transformed his small business into a cultural institution—one that has witnessed the ebb and flow of economic tides, technological advancements, and societal transformations.

The continuity of Boning’s Trading stands as proof of resilience and adaptability. Over the years, it has not only contributed significantly to the local economy but has also provided employment opportunities for countless individuals. The memories, traditions, and shared experiences associated with this establishment have been woven into the fabric of Naga City.

The family-owned enterprise, set up in 1949, has been in continuous operation with about 30 employees and personnel despite the challenges posed by bigger department stores and malls from Manila and Cebu.

At the unveiling ceremony of the street sign on March 15, 2024, Mayor Nelson Legacion emphasized that the gathering was not only a celebration of the street’s naming but also a fitting tribute to one of Naga’s local business industry icons whose words played a significant role in shaping the economic development of Naga during his time.

It was recounted in the ordinance that in the year 1924, 9-year-old Boning (Bonifacio Sia Sr.) was tagged along by her older sister in Bicol from Amoy, China. They settled in Barangay Ratay in Calabanga, Camarines Sur and stayed there for four years to pay for his fare working as a young household cook and helper. He then ventured alone in the nearby town of Naga where he worked as a rice and copra trader as a growing young man. When war broke out in 1941, he fled to Canaman town.

In the year 1946 when peace finally came, Boning married Dominga Villafranca Sy, a young lady from Daet, Camarines Norte, who was introduced to him by a friend. The couple started a “chucheria” along downtown General Luna Street where the present Naga City People’s Mall is located.

The Sia couple bore five children who are now all professionals and businessmen/women by themselves. One of three sons became a board topnotcher in civil engineering, an achievement for which his proud University of Nueva Caceres honored him in a victory parade throughout the major streets of the city. The engineer son, Ruben, upon the encouragement of then City Mayor Jesse M. Robredo, laid the groundwork for the development of what is now known as Naga City’s Business District II which heretofore became the core of the city’s continually expanding business development plan.

In June 2016, during the Mayoral Awards as part of the city’s celebration of its 68th Charter Anniversary, the Sia family’s Boning’s Trading was bestowed the Leon SA Aureus Award. The citation reads: “It is looked up to as a major player in the local commercial and trading scene, earning along the way the people’s approval because it conducts business the old fashioned way: It offers various kinds of goods and supplies at affordable prices, shares generous donations in community projects and pays taxes honestly and religiously, consistently making it one of the top taxpayers in the city.

The elder Bonifacio Sia Sr., fondly called by his friends and customers as “Boning” peacefully joined his Creator last September 27, 1980.

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Written by: Jason B. Neola (CEPPIO)

Photo Contributions by: Ramil Herrera Jr. (CEPPIO) and Emman Cleofe (CEPPIO)

Empowering Naga: Cultivating Culture, Inspiring Change

CEPPIO Naga — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 06:14:52 +0000

SEVERAL months ago, Mayor Nelson Legacion entrusted the City Events, Protocol, and Public Information Office (CEPPIO) with the pivotal task of overseeing programs and projects that would propel Naga’s Arts and Culture to the forefront of the city’s identity.

Under the guidance of CEPPIO Chief Allen Reondanga, one of the primary initiatives implemented was the Local Historical Markers Program. This involved the installation of historical markers at revered institutions such as the University of Nueva Caceres, the Universidad de Sta. Isabel, the Naga Parochial School, and the Naga College Foundation.

Moreover, the office successfully standardized stipends for local artists and performers, a significant accomplishment notably unveiled during the captivating series of concerts titled “Sulog.”

A highlight in the city’s charter day anniversary celebration, “Siram,” a vibrant Charter Food Fest on June 18, this year, delighted both Nagueños and visitors alike, showcasing the city’s culinary prowess.

During the Peñafrancia festival, the Tagboan Banchetto, held from the traslacion procession to the fluvial procession, drew in thousands of pilgrims, devotees, and guests, amplifying the cultural experience.

Presently, the Office is dedicated to the city’s cultural mapping project, aimed at documenting the city’s history, heritage, culture, and culinary traditions, including a detailed inventory of the historic buildings and structures especially in the Central Business District I.

In addition, the Local Creative Economic Empowerment Program encourages local talents to create artworks that can be utilized as tokens for various events, while the Tagboan Art Fair proudly exhibits products from local art groups like Salingoy and Kintab.

The city government has also fostered partnerships with organizations like Nueva Caceres Heritage Movement, Ateneo Social Science Department, and Adhika to further heritage promotion.

Cultural events such as the Peñafrancia Voyadores Festival and NagaLakaw, in collaboration with the Universidad de Sta. Isabel, are being actively promoted.

Future endeavors include the completion of significant structures next year, including the Naga City Cultural Center at People’s Park and Recreational Center. This multifaceted facility, as per the blueprints, will encompass a theatre, gallery, co-working space, dance and music studio, and an open concert ground.

Simultaneously, the development of the Naga City Governance Museum at Plaza Quezon, Naga City High School for the Arts, and the Naga City Artists Registry are envisioned to fortify the city’s cultural landscape. Plans for an edifice dedicated to managing and promoting art competitions, as well as spaces for training local artists, are also in the pipeline.

Cultural mapping, as a methodological tool, endeavors to illuminate the ways in which local stories, traditions, relationships, memories, and rituals define and enrich the significance of various locations within the city.

Furthermore, the unwavering support of the constituents has been an invaluable source of inspiration for the administration of Mayor Nelson Legacion and Vice Mayor Cecilia de Asis. Their steadfast support serves as a driving force, inspiring the city officials to continuously strive for the betterment of Nagueños. Their dedication to service is amplified by the resounding encouragement and trust bestowed upon them by the people they serve.

Jason B. Neola, CEPPIO.

Peñafrancia Festival 2023 Executive Order signed today

CEPPIO Naga — Wed, 14 Jun 2023 10:30:17 +0000

Mayor Nelson Legacion signed Executive Order No. 2023-025 today on June 14, 2023. The Executive Order wills the creation of committees, service groups, and the appointment of dedicated chairpersons and heads for the successful implementation of the Peñafrancia Festival as part of Naga City’s heritage and culture.

Two groups are created under this executive order: the Event Committees and the Support Services.

The Event Committees are responsible for organizing events, developing budget, coordination, and overseeing. They are composed of committees assigned to every secular event including their respective chairpersons such as:

Miss Bicolandia Beauty Pageant Committee – Hon. Jose Rañola
Inter High School CAT/DRRM Marching Competition Committee headed – Hon. Salvador Del Castillo
Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts Parade and DXMC Committee – Hon. Joselito del Rosario
Civic and Float Parade Committee – City Administrator Elmer Baldemoro
Peñafrancia Voyadores Festival Committee – Hon. Jose Perez
Bicol Regional Military Parade Committee – Hon. Ramon Buenafe
Tagboan Arts Festival – CEPPIO Department Head Allen Reondanga

Tagboan Arts Festival is the latest addition to the lineup of secular events this Peñafrancia Festival dedicated to the celebration of arts.

The Festival Support Services are tasked with providing services before, during, and after the festival and are headed by City Administrator Elmer Baldemoro such as:

Physical Arrangement and Festival Structures Services
• General Services Department
• City Engineer’s Office
• Building Maintenance Office
• City Parks and Recreation Facilities Management Office
Sponsorship, Public Information, Scheduling, Marketing, and Promotions Services
• City Events Protocol and Public Information Office
Trade Events and Vending Services
• Market Enterprise and Promotions Office
• City Treasurer’s Office
• Metro PESO
Peace and Order Services
• Public Safety Office
• Naga City Police Office
• City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office
Health and Emergency Services
• City Health Office
• City Health Office II
• Our Lady of Lourdes Infirmary
Cleanliness and Solid Waste Management
• Solid Waste Management Office
• City Environment and Natural Resources Office

The Peñafrancia Festival is the biggest Marian festival in Asia and has been practiced in Naga City for more than 300 years. This has led to the city being named the Pilgrimage Capital of the Bicol Region in Proclamation No. 33, series of 2010.

(Alexa Cariño, CEPPIO)

Year of the Water Rabbit celebration in Naga City

CEPPIO Naga — Tue, 24 Jan 2023 09:00:25 +0000

It was a successful Chinese New Year celebration that just happened last Sunday, January 22, 2023, they all witnessed an astonishing event. It has been two years since we celebrated this festivity due to the pandemic. And now that it has subsided, we have been given a chance to finally celebrate and light a beacon of hope to gather without fear.

In this year of the water rabbit, the Plaza Quezon was filled with numerous people of all ages, and the Chinese New Year celebration they’ve all been waiting for has come once again, shaking the bad and the old with the Chinese-Filipino communities. And there, the celebration of Chinese New Year had started. It began with a mobile and foot parade led by the amazingly talented students of Saint Joseph School. They are a Chinese-Filipino school and have been promoting Chinese culture, and with them is their traditional Lion and Dragon dance which are dances considered to be deeply rooted in Chinese culture, especially during the Lunar New Year. It is their way of driving away evil spirits and attracting good fortune. Professional performers of different ages can be seen from children, teens, and young adults were able to showcase their talents on stage. Their talent and effort didn’t go in vain, since the excitement and joy of the crowd can be seen throughout the plaza and with that energy, may we attract positivity in our lives. And even though the weather these past few days was challenging for them, the Nagueños were still able to celebrate the Chinese New Year successfully.

Thus, we would like to express our gratitude to the following: LGU Naga, Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc., Saint Joseph School Alumni Association, Public Safety Office, PNP Naga, Bureau of Fire, Naga White Fire Volunteers, and PEPSI. And for the never-ending support and guidance of their parents, friends, faculty members, and staff.

(Angela Cano, CEPPIO.)

Tourism industries on track to full recovery by year-end

CEPPIO Naga — Thu, 29 Dec 2022 09:23:59 +0000

Tourist arrivals to Naga City are expected to break pre-pandemic levels this 2022, says Alec Santos, the city’s tourism officer.

According to Santos, Naga has logged 1,319,870 foreign and domestic tourists from January to September this year. For comparison, Naga saw 1.5 million tourists visit in 2019. Arrivals plummeted by 76% in 2020 at the height of the pandemic before recovering slightly in 2021.

The Arts, Culture and Tourism Office (ACTO) of Naga estimates that total tourist arrivals in Naga may reach 1.7 million by the end of December, boosted by balikbayan visitors and an uptick in social gatherings. ACTO also noted a sharp increase in the number of conventions and conferences held in Naga this year.

At the height of the pandemic in 2020, two-thirds of the accommodation establishments in Naga closed shop, leading to massive layoffs of tourism workers, according to Santos. In response, ACTO spearheaded efforts to equip tourism businesses with the knowledge and tools to implement health protocols to help them recover quickly.

Santos also shared that they conducted extensive campaigns to encourage tourism workers to get vaccinated in 2021 to prevent COVID-19 outbreaks. He credits these efforts as part of the reason for the tourism sector’s eventual recovery this year.

For next year, ACTO will be focusing on training new tourism workers, including first aid and basic life support training, water safety and rescue for lifeguards, and tourist safety and security for Naga’s 49 tourist police. Given severe budget limitations, he said that the ACTO has already reached out to the Department of Tourism to achieve its targets for 2023.

Santos also bared plans to revive the Metro Naga Tourism Circuit, which was developed several years ago with assistance from the Canadian International Development Agency. The tourism circuit was developed to give tourists the chance to explore the emerging tourism products of Metro Naga.

(Jason B. Neola, CEPPIO.)

Commission assesses 150-year-old image of ‘Divino Rostro,’ centuries-old icon of ‘Ina’

CEPPIO Naga — Fri, 02 Dec 2022 03:30:55 +0000

THE National Shrine of the Our Lady of Peñafrancia and the Arts Culture and Tourism Office (ACTO) of the LGU Naga await the final results of the assessment conducted by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) on the original images of El Divino Rostro and Nuestra Sra. de Peñafrancia.

On Monsignor Rodel Cajot’s request the NHCP visited the shrine and assessed the 150 year old painting of El Divino Rostro last October 27, this year. The priest is the rector of Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Peñafrancia in Barangay Balatas, here.

In an interview, Rev Fr. Juan Pablo Carpio, vice rector, told Bicol Mail that the results will serve as very important guide in the conduct of the restoration process.

Carpio said, sometime in 2018 and 2019, Monsignor Cajot, expressed his request to restore the original image of El Divino Rostro (The Holy Face) due to deteriorating molds seen in the image.

He added that for years, before the Covid-19 pandemic, the original image of El Divino Rostro was paraded during Traslacion and Fluvial processions and was exposed in natural elements, causing deterioration of the image which is highly revered by the Catholic believers for around 150 years.

The pandemic slow down made the priests to decide to formally inform the NHCP about what they observed on the images and asked the commission for assistance. The Basilica’s vice rector was confident that their request will be granted because NHCP Chairman Renne Escalante, is a native of Sorsogon province and a devotee of Ina and El Divino Rostro.

“We are lucky enough because the present NHCP chairman is a Bicolano from Sorsogon and also a devotee of Ina and El Divino Rostro,” he said.

Carpio elaborated that the team have found salt deposits in the original image of El Divino Rostro. They also found white stains embossed from the image’s surface which was, hypothetically caused by high humidity at the Basilica’s camarin where the image was displayed.

He narrated that during the assessment, the team discovered the base that support the entire frame of the image was made of lawanit thus they suggested to change it with hardwood. They added, that the transparent mirror used to the image as protective screen should have placed few inches away from it few.

Meanwhile, Alec Francis Santos, head of the Arts Culture and Tourism Office said that based from the initial result of the assessment to El Divino Rostro, the paint was made of natural ingredients.

Santos assured that experts from the commission possess the knowledge to recreate the materials which was used in painting the Divino Rostro. He added, the NHCP was able to determine the specific composition of the paint without compromising the image’s original colors.

Asked about how much funds are needed for the restoration, Santos said that once the evaluation’s final result is released, his office will request the National Commission for Culture and the Arts for the funding since the agency is mandated to provide assistance for the restoration of cultural artifacts such as El Divino Rostro and Our Lady of Peñafrancia.

The restoration team, on the same day, also assessed the original image of Ina by removing her manto.

Santos said, the restoration of the original image of Ina was also considered in time for her tercentenary anniversary of canonical coronation as the Queen and Patroness of Bicol in 2024.

The city’s tourism officer disclosed that the image’s restoration will take place depending on the NHCP’s final recommendation. It was sculpted more than 322 years ago.

With regards to what kind of wood will be used in restoring Ina’s image, Carpio said that they have already consulted the Forest and Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources on the matter and that they are waiting for the government agency’s response.

It is believed that her original image was carved in santol wood, he said.

The historic and original home of Ina | Peñafrancia Shrine

CEPPIO Naga — Fri, 12 Aug 2022 07:00:34 +0000

The Peñafrancia festivities are right around the corner. The hustle and bustle of the city is kind of nostalgic in a way. The energy and excitement is palpable. You have to understand, it has been a while since we got to celebrate Ina in all her glory ever since the pandemic started. Though the celebrations have waned, the Pilgrims of Ina haven’t, and they still frequent notable and significant sites during the Peñafrancia season. One of these sites is where it all starts for the Peñafrancia festival: the Peñafrancia Shrine, the original home of Ina.

The Our Lady of Peñafrancia Shrine, or just Peñafrancia Shrine to the locals, is one historic site for the devotees of Ina. The church was constructed in 1711, as a gift by Rev. Miguel Robles de Covarrubias, the man that brought the devotion of Ina to the Bicol Region. Through this historic connection and significance, it is no wonder that the shrine is considered to be the original home of Ina.

The shrine also marks the starting point of the Traslacion, or the transfer of the Image of Ina from the Peñafrancia Shrine to the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral. The event is truly monumental and you really have to be there to experience it. It is definitely one of the main highlights of the festivities, as you would see the sea of people coming together to escort the image of Ina and the Divino Rostro along the streets of Naga. An Incredible sight to behold.

So, as part of your tour in the city, be sure to visit this historic location. Relive the memories of the past Peñafrancia celebrations and prepare. For surely, the streets will come alive again with the chants, “Viva La Virgen!” For it will all start here, at the Peñafrancia Shrine.

(Words by Agnete Jonathan Noble, Photos by Vic Villaflor. CEPPIO)

A trip down memory lane with Ina | Peñafrancia Museum

CEPPIO Naga — Tue, 26 Jul 2022 09:40:17 +0000

If you are a tourist in the city, you are spoiled for choice on places to go. Especially if you are a neophyte in the pilgrimage to our Blessed Ina, it can be a daunting task to think about where to start. Where can you learn more about the Patroness of the region? Where else, but at the Our Lady of Peñafrancia Museum!

The Our Lady of Peñafrancia Museum houses various regalia, dioramas, and souvenirs of all things related to Ina. It even houses the pagoda that is used during the Fluvial processions. It really is the place to go to when you need to learn about the history and intricacies of how Ina came to Bicol; From Simon Vella, to the spread of the devotion of Ina in Bicol, up to the present day. You can even look through the many mantos or capes that has been used with the image of Ina through the years. It really brings you to a whole new time period in a way whenever you get to read about the stories behind the different mantos.

All this, for an entrance fee of only PHP 15.00! Honestly, that’s an incredible way to spend a few hours at that price. The chance to just be able to learn more about Our Lady of Peñafrancia is truly a priceless experience if we’re being real here.

So don’t miss this opportunity. If you can, aside from visiting the churches and the Image of Ina itself, make it a point to visit the Our Lady of Peñafrancia Museum as well. It’ll be worth your time and if you feel so inclined, you might even snag a souvenir along the way!

The Our Lady of Peñafrancia Museum is open from Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

(Words by Agnete Jonathan Noble, Photos by Vic Villaflor. CEPPIO.)

One of a kind in the region, the home of Ina | Peñafrancia Basilica

CEPPIO Naga — Mon, 18 Jul 2022 09:30:04 +0000

It is no secret that Naga City’s roots in Catholicism run deep in every part of the metropolis. Whatever your orientation may be, you are aware of what makes the city tick, and what it stands for when it comes to one of the biggest Marian celebrations held in the city: the Peñafrancia Festival. And with the festivities starting to kick off once again, it’s always a good time to get reacquainted with one of the many Churches in the city. In particular, among locals, the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, or just the Basilica Minore.

This Basilica is unique for many reasons. For one, it is the only Basilica in the entirety of the Archdiocese of Caceres and of the Bicol Region. It also enshrines the image of the Virgin Mary that was sculpted in 1710 and commissioned by Miguel de Cobarrubias himself. Gaze up above the rafters and stained glass windows. Each stained glass fixture tell a story. Lots of history in one location alone!

Your trip to the city isn’t complete if you don’t get to visit at least one of the churches here in Naga. If you’re strapped for time, make it a point to visit the Basilica Minore and visit Ina. Get acquainted with that feeling when you visit Ina, because that’s key to enjoying the Peñafrancia festivities.

(Agnete Jonathan Noble, CEPPIO Naga. Photos by Vic Villaflor.)

RC Naga inaugurates monument for 500 years of Christianity

Jason Neola — Tue, 07 Jun 2022 08:22:54 +0000

By Zyra Ponce

The Rotary Club (RC) of Naga in partnership with the Archdiocese of Caceres inaugurated a commemorative monument of the Holy Cross of Jesus Christ on Thursday, May 5, 2022 at the Our Lady of Peñafrancia Parish Compound in Naga City.

Amazing Life Changing President (ALCP) Salvador “Nong” Aldecoa of RC Naga said the monument was erected to celebrate the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines and to give honor to “Ina,” Our Lady of Peñafrancia, whose Son “did not come to be served, but to serve “(Matthew 20:28), which is the inspiration of every Rotarian in the world: “Service Above Self.”

“We proportioned the total height of this monument to 15.21 meters signifying the year 1521. The image of “Ina” is at the center and on the right side is St. Joseph, and on the left, St. Peter the Baptist, the patron saint of Archdiocese of Caceres, and below is the logo of the archdiocese,” Aldecoa, who is the designer and structural engineer of the monument, said as he explained its concept and design.

“On the top of the Corinthian capital is a stainless cross of Jesus Christ, which is a replica of the Cross of Baldacchino in Saint Peter’s Basilica, fabricated by Boboy Mendoza of Mass Steel Fabricators,” Aldecoa said.

“I am honored to present to you this completed monument, our club’s legacy project that will last through a lifetime and will be visited by generations, immortalizing the seed of Christian Faith in our Motherland,” Aldecoa said in his speech during the inauguration rite.

He added that the cost of the monument is over P 1 million, which came from the voluntary contributions of the RC Naga members. The ground breaking for the same was held on May 1, 2021.

In his message during the inauguration ceremony, Caceres Archbishop Rolando Octavus Joven Tria Tirona, O.C.D., described the monument as “majestic and solemn.”

Bishop Tirona said “Rotarians are not to be lighthouses, lighthouses are fixed. Rotarians are meant to be torches, meaning to say, you go where the people are.”

He said the monument is fixed but what makes it dynamic are the Rotarians.

Aside from the Caceres archbishop, also present during the event were: Most Rev. Rex Andrew Alarcon; Peñafrancia Church parish priest Rev. Fr. Felipe Culvera; Rotary Club District Governor Angelita Sunio; ALCS Annabelle Lee; past presidents and members of the Rotary Club of Naga.