BLANCO MUSEUM

  In this painting, the artist would like to depict the work of those unfortunate Filipinos who earn their living by collecting things in the garbage which can be sold. It reflects somehow the difficult lives of these people but despite, they have the will to survive. They do not mind the risks they are going into and do not see lives miserably.    

   In the town of Angono in the province of Rizal, during the old times, fishing was the  the major source of income of people.  The town lies along Laguna Lake which was before very rich in aquatic resources.   In the painting shows children putting some ayungin fish in a plastic container. Life then was so easy, people never got hungry. There was abundance of fish.  Nowadays, ayungin is one of the most expensive fish, costs much more than meat.  Poor families may not be able to buy this now rare species.
                     Also, in this town, the males usually the older ones, find time to relax.  Most of them have cocks which they bring in sabong or cockfight to win bet or taya in the form of money while also enjoying watching.  They are called sabungero. 

   Every 23rd of November, the town of Angono celebrate its feast of Saint Clement.  As part of the celebration they conduct the Pagoda.  They construct huge bancas months before the feast.  People ride on these with the statue of their patron saint and cross portion of the lake.  Whatever fish is first caught, they hang it on the hands of the statue of the saint.  They believe that, throughout the year there will be an abundance of catch of this kind.

   One of the most colorful celebration of the Holy Week in the whole country can be observed in Angono.  This is highlighted by a very heartwarming Senakulo, depicting the life of Christ.  Artists are young stage actors and actresses who are true blooded Angono folks.  This celebration is highlighted by theVia Dolorosa, or the way of the Cross.  The cross is carried by a devotee who passes the streets of the town.   

    The Via Dolorosa is acted by the senakulistas (actors and actresses of the senakulo).  The ones acting as Roman soldiers really hit in pain the actor Jesus Christ.  This is their way of offering sacrifice for the Lord and they believe that they will be receiving blessings for this or their sins will be forgiven in return.

  One month before the celebration of the town fiesta, Angono becomes a colorful town.  People decorate their houses in preparation for the feast.  They are very creative using materials which will display the occupation of the people living in the house.  Visitors, both local and foreign get so amused by the different kinds of display.  

 During the early years, people from Angono lived so simple.  The fathers earn a living while the mothers just took care of the children.  It was a common scene at that time, mothers breastfeeding their babies while sitting in a paragus, a cart that carries the harvest of a farmer.

   People from Angono loves their life in the lake.  So most of the time they are there to spend their days.  They also developed their unity and camaraderie while doing their activities.  Children at very young age were taught to swim and enjoy the rivers and the lake which when they grow will also be their lives.               

   The Higantes (giants) of the town of Angono is very popular.  They display this during the colorful parade with people inside carrying it.  They have developed it already as part of their feast culture.  Children are always waiting for the feast to see these giants parade in the town.

Created By: Hazelle Anne M. Estrabo