In short…we are still in the midst of celebrating Filipino Heritage Month. With this in mind, I cannot think of a better way to revel in our own Filipino culture and history than to view the very engaging and nostalgic vlog of a fellow Filipino on YT – Scenario by Ka You Tubero.
Scenario features ancestral houses and heritage houses around the Philippines I find it refreshing as it is quite casual but respectful. It is not academic nor stodgy in its presentation. He looks at these houses and their accoutrements like an ordinary person would. You can see through his comportment though that he does find antiques (houses, furniture, architecture, and the like) interesting. In fact, I would venture on to say that I detect that he has a growing affection for them already. I say, welcome to the club, Ka You Tubero, because…I love antiques! Especially antiques in the Philippines.
I am sure I am not alone in this. Despite the fact that I had a relatively small place in the Philippines, I had quite a collection of antiques. I am so thankful that I found a good home and new loving owners for all my antiques in Manila when I finally had to move to Canada. That was one of my major concerns before moving here to join the rest of the family. I was not about to part with my beloved antiques unless I found someone who I know would care for them as I did.
Good fortune was indeed with me. I did find deserving new masters who purchased them. I had no qualms in turning them over to their new antique-loving owners. History and antiques are some of my weaknesses (or rather, my strengths) in the same way as potato chips and French fries and chicharon are my Waterloo. “Yan and tunay na weaknesses!”Ha ha!
Enough about me and back to Scenario and his wonderful vlog….
You may want to get a feel of life in the Philippines in the 19th century, and even as late as the early 20th century through the ancestral houses featured. Check out his vlog. I still have to view many of his episodes but what I have seen so far has been a relaxing and unwinding experience. He features heritage and ancestral houses from north to south. Many of them belong (or once belonged) to prominent families. I found several familiar names, which opened floodgates of memories from school. Classmates who were dormers in the school I went to. They would be off to their respective provinces come Christmas holidays and summer vacation. I eagerly awaited their return as they would let me sneak in the dorm and share the contents of their cans of delicious goodies with me. Think in terms of piaya and many others. Heavenly tasting biscuits. Their names escape me now.
I must remind myself to search for these “long-lost” goodies on my next trip to the Philippines.
JUNE 19, 2024 – 163RD BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF JOSE RIZAL
In a few days, we also celebrate the birth anniversary of Jose Rizal, the Philippine’s National Hero. The Knights of Rizal Central Canada will have several wreath-laying events at the Rizal monuments in Earl Bales Park, Brampton and Markham. It will be timely and a fitting way to celebrate Filipino Heritage Month while reflecting on the values and vision that Jose Rizal espoused.
I just wish that the Knights of Rizal would have more youth-centered or youth-relevant projects since Rizal had always encouraged the youth in his time to be the hope of the future.
IS SPRING REALLY HERE? OR IS IT JUST ME?
The weather has been sort of crazy. I have stored all my winter stuff but I keep retrieving some of them out these days. As somebody wrote recently, ”I can’t really tell if we’re in it or not. Right now my favorite season is spring and I’m still waiting for it to get here.”
He took the words right out of my mouth.
What about you guys?
Till then… or till the next Balita, keep warm or cool, whichever the case may be.
Tessie O. Taylor