UST, UnionBank launch massive multivolume catalogue of rare books and documents

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UnionBank of the Philippines together with University of Santo Tomas (UST) thru Miguel de Benavides Library and Archives of UST launch Semper Lumina (Always the Light),  massive multivolume catalouge of rare books and documents at the Garden Ballroom of the Edsa Shangri-La in Ortigas. UST Rector Fr. Herminio V. Dagohoy, O.P. and UnionBank CEO and chair Dr. Justo A. Ortiz lead the launch  on May 5, 2017.

In an effort to share to a wider world the priceless collections that have “nourished the minds of countless generations of Filipino students" Semper Lumina launched a six-volume catalogue of rare publications, a two volume catalogue of the UST Archives, and the Heritage digital library.

The Herculean project titled “Semper Lumina” (Always the Light) features the vast treasures found at the UST Miguel de Benavides Library and the Archivo de Santo Tomas. It is a follow through of “Lumina Pandit” (Spreading the Light), an international exhibit of the rich collection of Asia’s oldest university with accompanying two-volume catalogues showing such holdings.

Fr. Angel Aparicio, O.P.

“The collection of rare books of the UST Library is an eloquent witness to the role of this institution in nurturing the values that have contributed to the birth and growth of this nation,” wrote UST prefect of libraries Fr. Angel Aparicio, O.P., in the Volume 1 prologue. He served as the catalogues’ general editor.

Volumes 1 to 3 feature catalogues of rare books housed at the UST Heritage Library section dated 1492 to 1900, while Volume 4 covers rare Filipiniana periodicals up to 1945.

Among the 466 books printed between 1492 and 1600 included in Volume 1 are Josephus Flavius’ “De Bello Judaico” (The Jewish War, 1492), Nicolaus Copernicus’ “De Revolutionis Orbium Coelestium Libri VI” (1542), and the Biblia Regia Plantin or Polyglot Bible (between 1569 and 1573), among others.

Totaling to 5,861 entries and presented in three parts, Volume 2 focuses on the collections of UST acquired in three centuries (17th to 19th centuries) and used as textbooks by the University. Among the books in the collection is Pope Leo the Great’s “Opera Omnia” (1614). This volume is one of the catalogues of Lumina Pandit II.

Volume 3 showcases the UST Filipiniana rare collection, which is considered one of the richest of its kind in the Philippines. Publications included are the first edition of José Rizal’s “Noli Me Tangere,” one of the three original copies preserved by UST.

Rare Filipiniana periodicals like “La Solidaridad” and “La Independencia,” are shown in Volume 4

Meanwhile, a separate catalogue in two volumes for the collection of the UST Archives (becerros, folletos, and libros) will also be released with archivist and respected Philippine church art and architecture historian Prof. Regalado Trota José as editor.

Documents included in the catalogue are the Foundation Act of 1611, Apolinario Mabini’s 1898 Decalogo, copy of Rizal’s “Ultimo Adiős,” and documents in baybayin (1623), recently declared National Historical Treasures by the National Archives.

Digitized versions of books and periodicals from the UST library (834,000 pages) may be accessed through the UST Digital Library (digilib.ust.edu.ph). As of date, a total of 1.5 million pages has been scanned, which will also be uploaded on the website.

UST Rector Fr. Herminio V. Dagohoy, O.P

UnionBank CEO and chair Dr. Justo A. Ortiz

Asia’s only Pontifical University finds its roots to the donation by Msgr. Miguel de Benavides, O.P., second Archbishop of Manila and founder of UST, of his personal library collections.

#MMFF2014: Bonifacio Ang Unang Pangulo

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This is a film that truly capture our patriotism, a story of a noble hero - Andres Bonifacio.

The true story of Andres Bonifacio, a man who rose as a leader in the fight against the Spanish oppressors, and would gain the enmity of even those fighting for the same cause. 

Andrés Bonifacio y de Castro (November 30, 1863 – May 10, 1897) was a Filipino nationalist and revolutionary leader. He is often called "the Father of the Philippine Revolution". He was a founder and later Supremo ("supreme leader") of the Kataas-taasan, Kagalang-galangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan or simply and more popularly called Katipunan, a movement which sought the independence of the Philippines from Spanish colonial rule and started the Philippine Revolution. He is considered a de facto national hero of the Philippines, and is also considered by some Filipino historians to be the first President of the Philippines (through the revolutionary government he established), but officially he is not recognized as such. --- From Wikipedia

Directed by Enzo Williams and stars Robin Padilla, Vina Morales, Daniel Padilla, Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Eddie Garcia, Jericho Rosales, Rommel Padilla, RJ Padilla, Isabel Oli, Ping Medina, Joem Bascon, Cholo Barretto, Jun-Jun Quintana and Isko Moreno.

Actor Robin Padilla, who portrays the titular character Andres Bonifacio, says he hopes to show, through the film, that there was more to the revolutionary hero than being brave and brash, qualities that most people associate with the beloved historical figure.

Vina Morales plays as Andres Bonifacio's second wife, Gregoria de Jesus. Jericho Rosales portrays Jose Rizal. 

“Bonifacio was also smart, loving and prayerful. Before he became leader, he was a follower,” Robin shares.

Here's a significant epic movie that we should not miss this season, recommended especially to the students. 

Discovery Channel marks first anniversary of Super Typhoon with HAIYAN: AFTER THE MEGASTORM

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Typhoon Haiyan – locally known as Typhoon Yolanda and one of the strongest tropical cyclones in history – hit the Philippines last year, leaving thousands dead, infrastructure destroyed and livelihood sources disrupted. Seven months after the megastorm, Discovery Channel and Filipino-British TV star Trey Farley returns to the typhoon-ravaged city of Tacloban to share the Filipinos’ resiliency to the world.

- The 60-minute special which premieres on Saturday, November 8 at 8 PM revisits Tacloban months after it is pummelled by one of history’s most intense storms -

On the first anniversary of typhoon Haiyan, Discovery Channel – in partnership with Filipino documentary makers, Caelestis Productions Inc. – returns to Tacloban to uncover and honor the heroic human effort undertaken to rebuild the storm-ravaged city and the surrounding islands in an exclusive 60-minute documentary. 

HAIYAN: AFTER THE MEGASTORM, hosted by Filipino-British television presenter and actor Trey Farley, will premiere in the Philippines and across Southeast Asia on Saturday, November 8 at 8:00 p.m. on Discovery Channel.

In the early morning of November 8, 2013, mega-typhoon Haiyan tore through central Philippines, wreaking havoc across the country and causing widespread devastation. The sheer magnitude of the super storm was unprecedented, and the scale of damage it left in its wake was shocking. Haiyan left thousands dead, cities flattened, crops ruined and a clean-up operation that will last for years. 

HAIYAN: AFTER THE MEGASTORM picks up seven months after Haiyan’s deadly wrath, with Trey returning to his native country to examine the typhoon’s impact on Tacloban, the worst-hit city, what is being done to pick up the pieces and how fellow Filipinos are coping with the aftermath. Tacloban still bears the indelible scars of Haiyan’s destructive path with evidence of it everywhere; the Daniel Z. Romualdez airport has only been partially rebuilt, and much of the city is still on the road to recovery. HAIYAN: AFTER THE MEGASTORM goes behind the scenes to gain unique insight into the current situation. 

In HAIYAN: AFTER THE MEGASTORM, the Mayor of Tacloban, Alfred S. Romualdez takes host Trey on an up-close inspection of the incredible destruction. They board a grounded cargo ship that remains manned by the stranded crew to this day, and visit a temporary burial site where thousands of bodies had to be identified before being exhumed for placement in permanent graves later. Trey also stops at a school that remains eerily frozen in time after being completely gutted by the typhoon’s storm surge, which was fuelled by winds that reached an average of 195 mph (310 kmph). The program also visits a healing camp where affected children are being taught to forget what they have experienced, and to begin to trust the ocean again.

Tacloban’s recovery has been arduous and reconstruction is still underway, but it is beginning to move forward. HAIYAN: AFTER THE MEGASTORM uncovers everything that is being done – from the ongoing harrowing aspect of corpse management, to keeping the local airport open as a lifeline in conjunction with the U.S. military, to reconnecting power, helping survivors cope with the emotional trauma of the disaster and the pain of loss, clearing the countless number of downed coconut trees and logging the remaining dead trees to prevent infestation, and preparing for the next possible megastorm.

HAIYAN: AFTER THE MEGASTORM encores on Sunday, November 9 at 10:00 a.m., 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.

HAIYAN: AFTER THE MEGASTORM was executive produced by Emile Guertin for Discovery Channel, and Sally Jo Bellosillo and Renato Romero for Caelestis Productions Inc.

Watch out for HAIYAN: AFTER THE MEGASTORM, airing one year after the tragedy on Saturday, November 8 at 8:00 p.m. on Discovery Channel. Catch it as it encores on Sunday, November 9 at 10:00 a.m., 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.

About Discovery Channel

Discovery Channel, the flagship network of Discovery Communications, is devoted to creating the highest quality non-fiction programming in the world and remains one of the most dynamic networks on television. First launched in 1985, Discovery Channel now reaches 196 million subscribers in Asia-Pacific. Globally, Discovery Channel is one of the world’s most widely distributed television brands, reaching 441 million subscribers in more than 220 countries in 45 languages. It offers viewers an engaging line-up of high-quality non-fiction entertainment from blue-chip nature, science and technology, ancient and contemporary history, adventure, cultural and topical documentaries. For more information, visit www.discoverychannelasia.com.

About Discovery Communications

Discovery Communications (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) is the world’s #1 nonfiction media company reaching 2.5 billion cumulative subscribers in more than 220 countries and territories. Discovery is dedicated to satisfying curiosity through more than 190 worldwide television networks, led by Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Science and Investigation Discovery, as well as U.S. joint venture networks OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network and the Hub Network. Across the Nordic region, Discovery owns and operates SBS Discovery Media, a top-three portfolio of television brands that feature leading nonfiction content, as well as locally produced entertainment programs, sports and the best scripted series and movies from major studios. Discovery also is a leading provider of educational products and services to schools, including an award-winning series of K-12 digital textbooks, and a digital leader with a diversified online portfolio, including Discovery Digital Networks. In Asia-Pacific, Discovery brands reach 624 million cumulative subscribers in 37 countries with programming customised in 15 languages and dialects.

26th Anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution

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We will commemorate the  26th Anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution tomorrow. To celebrate the very memorable day that hundreds of thousands of Filipinos flocked the streets to oust an abusive dictatorship and to fight for the freedom of our country. In February 1986, the People of the Philippines showed the world how to restore democracy peacefully and through democratic ways. The EDSA Revolution and the Philippine Revolution of 1986 was the series of popular demonstrations in the Philippines in 1983 to 1986.

The methods used amounted to a sustained campaign of civil resistance against regime violence and electoral fraud. This case of nonviolent revolution led to the departure of President Ferdinand Marcos and the restoration of the country's democracy. It is also referred to as the Yellow Revolution due to the presence of yellow ribbons during the demonstrations and the arrival of Benigno Aquino, Jr.

President Benigno Aquino III will lead the morning celebration of the Edsa People Power Revolution at the People Power Monument in Epifanio De Los Santos Avenue (Edsa) that will include flag-raising ceremony and Salubungan on Edsa. Expected to join him are Vice President Jejomar Binay, former President Fidel Ramos, Ochoa, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Francis Tolentino, Metro Manila mayors and EPPC commissioners.

In the afternoon, Mr. Aquino will be in Trece Martires to turn over 21,000 houses to soldiers. According to the EPPC, this event is symbolic of the partnership of the military and civilians during the Edsa Revolution.

The President is also scheduled to unveil the statue of Jaime Cardinal Sin in Manila, one of the major figures during the Edsa Revolution in February 1986. Activities will be spearheaded by the EDSA People Power Commission and Pilipinas Natin.

Its theme, “Edsa 26: Anong Taya Mo Para Sa Pilipinas Natin?” is a call to action for all Filipinos to participate in nation-building while the activities will highlight the spirit of volunteerism and bayanihan.

"Villancicos Ng Paskong Pilipino" , a concert at San Agustin Church in Intramuros

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I enjoyed watching  "Villancicos Ng Paskong Pilipino" , a concert featuring Spanish and Filipino villancicos, held at the historical San Agustin Church in Intramuros  last night, 
Dec. 6.

The “villancico” is an old music form from Spain and Portugal that has come to be associated with Christmas. This hopes to create awareness about the Filipino villancico heritage and to bring back memories of Christmas celebrations in the Spanish era. Aside from the traditional songs introduced into the country by the Spanish religious orders, Filipino composers have also tried their hand in writing villancicos. Among these are those discovered in Santa Clara Choir Books that date back to 1871-1874. Many of us heard this for the first time in the concert.

Novo Concertante Manila

Performing the villancicos were the Tiples de Santo Domingo and the Santo Domingo Male Chorale known as the oldest boys’ choir in the Philippines conducted by Eugene de los Santos and the Novo Concertante Manila with Arwin Tan as conductor.

Santo Domingo Male Chorale 

Also performed were Thea Perez, soprano and Cynthia Sy, soprano; and Alejandro D. Consolacion as the organist.

Tiples De Santo Domingo members continuing their tradition and celebrating musical supremacy since 1978.

The program  showed the traditional Nacio Nacio Pastores, a Villancico from Calahorra; Villancico A Pastores de Belen by Marcelo Adonay; Pastorale by Johann Sebastian Bach featuring Alejandro Consolacion II on the organ. Villancico Pilipino, La Virgen Lava Panales, Que Tranquilla esta la noche and Silencio pastores by Rosalina Abejo featuring soprano Thea Perez; Payapang Daigdig by Felipe de Leon; the traditional Noong Araw Ng Pasko and Noche Buena; Simbang Gabi by Lucio San Pedro; Pasko Na Naman by Felipe de Leon; and Ang Pasko ay Sumapit with Consolacion on the organ.

The finale song was Ang Pasko Ay Sumapit originally by Vicente Rubi in Cebuano and later given Tagalog lyrics by Levi Celerio is one example. So is Felipe de Leon’s Pasko Na Naman.

We were surprised by the great performances and feel Christmas carols , historical and Spanish traditional. I hear and sang inside my heart, the harmony and melody  thru the church and liturgical use of Christmas carols.

A little history of Villancicos: 

The first specifically Christmas hymns that we know of appear in fourth century Rome. Latin hymns such as Veni redemptor gentium, written by Ambrose, Archbishop of Milan, were austere statements of the theological doctrine of the Incarnation in opposition to Arianism. Corde natus ex Parentis (Of the Father's love begotten) by the Spanish poet Prudentius  is still sung in some churches today.

In the ninth and tenth centuries, the Christmas "Sequence" or "Prose" was introduced in North European monasteries, developing under Bernard of Clairvaux into a sequence of rhymed stanzas. In the twelfth century the Parisian monk Adam of St. Victor began to derive music from popular songs, introducing something closer to the traditional Christmas carol.