65. MINERALS NATIVE TO MAGALANG AND PAMPANGA

 

Magaleño Youth in an Unknown Cave

In the light of the current issue of cleaning and beautification of Buyuc ning Menila (Manila bay) including the dumping of crushed dolomite quarried from Cebu, there are several studies published by Philippine Journal of Science of the Bureau of Science (forerunner of the present Department of Science and Technology) tells about the minerals quarried and used in different infrastructure projects during those times. In Pampanga, we are lucky that we have different minerals sources thanks to the pre-historic eruption of Mt. Pinatubo. 

Way back to the Spanish period, various structures of the old buildings such as large and beautiful churches are made up wood, sand and stone which are quarried from Porac, Pampanga. The heritage church of San Bartolome Parish is one of the best examples, its stone buttresses are made up of large stones quarried from Porac. When the Americans established its presence in the Philippines, they launched various scientific studies in order to know of what are the natural resources that can be economically exploited for the benefit of their interests. One of them is the minerals found in the Philippines either precious or non precious minerals. 

According to a study published by Philippine Journal of Science in 1907, there is a presence of white siliceous clay in barrio San Agustin. This kind of clay is one of the examples of building materials. Possibly, this clay is found in Sapa Masalibusud known today as Dapa Creek. Sand is also abundant in Quitangil riverb and it is made up of volcanic material. It was used as one of the building materials in the construction of Magalang Municipal Building in 1923. Gravel was also abundant in Paitan riverbank and it is classified as Seoriacious basalt, used also as one of the building materials in the construction of the municipal hall. 

Aside from Magalang, there is abundant sources of sand in other parts in Pampanga. In Angeles, there is a abundance of sand in Abacan river. In Mexico, there is also a significant presence of sand in barrio Sto Rosario and town of Sta Ana particularly in barrio San Agustin. Floridablanca has also recorded significant source of sand in Valdez river. 

When Mt. Pinatubo erupted in 1991, the towns of Porac and Bacolor are the most affected towns during the eruption. However after the unforgettable tragedy, these towns emerged as one of the source of construction sand, and it is one of their income generators not only to their municipality but also to the province also. Magalang's last known quarry operation was located in barrio La Paz formerly owned by the late Cecilio T. Manalili. It was totally ceased operations around 2000s. 

Pampanga is still one of the preferred sources of construction sand and gravel. Despite of traumatic experience caused by the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in 1991, it also gave a thriving and income generating industry which will uplift the lives of Kapampangans. 

Photo Credits:

Angeles University Foundation- Institute of Kapampangan Studies

Sources:

Aguilar, R.H. (1927) Concrete Value of Philippine Sand, Gravel and Crushed Stone, The Philippine Journal of Science, Bureau of Science, Manila 

Cox, Alvin J. (1907) The Occurrence, Composition and Radioactivity of the Clays from Luzon, Philippine Islands, The Philippine Journal of Science, Bureau of Science, Manila

64. SAN BARTOLOME PARISH CHURCH OF MAGALANG

 

San Bartolome Parish Church, 1963

If you are going to the town proper of Magalang, this structure is one of the revered heritage structures that you aren't must be missed. San Bartolome Parish Church or locally known as pisamban maragul is one of the heritage churches has the Baroque design and architecture. Before this magnificent church was built, the parish itself was established in April 30, 1605 by the Augustinian friars in Macapsa. The town proper was eventually transferred to San Bartolome (now part of Concepcion, Tarlac) in 1734. Due to difficult conditions of the parish brought by natural calamities and underdevelopment, in 1740, the priors of Bacolor and Mexico were asked to pay 20 pesos each while the priors of Candaba and Guagua were also asked to pay 10 pesos for the support of the convent of Magalang. This support was lasted until 1762. 

The new church was built during the administrations of Fr. Martin Mendiguren, OSA (1735), Fr. Manuel Obregon, OSA (1744) and Fr. Agustin Galceran, OSA (1745). In a report by the pastoral visit of  Archbishop Jose Segui, OSA to Magalang in 1831, the structure of the church was made up of wood with a roofing made up of anahaw leaves. In 1858, a large flood swept the whole town due to overflowing of Parua River which brought by the continuous torrential rain. In 1860, a Royal Decree was promulgated, creating the new town of Concepcion composed of barrios of Magalang located on the northern bank of Parua River. Until 1863, the forced evacuation was enforced and Magalang was transferred to the present site. The new town of Concepcion was still spiritually dependent to Magalang until 1866. 

In 1866, Fr. Ramon Sarrionandia, OSA laid the foundations of the new church on the land donated by Don Cristobal Lacson. In 1875, Fr. Baltasar Gamarra, OSA finished the facade and the bell tower. Fr. Fernando Vasquez, OSA laid the finishing touches and installed two large bells casted by Hilario Sunico which they have beautiful tones. In 1892, Fr. Toribio Fanjul, OSA renovated the flooring and the church sacristy. During the revolutionary years, the church particularly the convent was converted into a prison by the revolutionaries. It was there that Spanish prisoners including Fr. Antonio Redondo, OSA the last Augustinian parish priest of San Fernando were incarcerated. In November 5, 1899, the Americans led by Major General Arthur MacArthur (father of Gen. Douglas MacArthur) and Col. Jacob H. Smith (who later implicated in the infamous Balangiga Massacre) captured the town. A brief battle was held within the vicinity of the church which led to its eventual occupation. The 25th Infantry and 41st Infantry of US Army established quarters in the convent until 1901. During Japanese period, the bell tower was made into an observational post by the Japanese and later by the Americans. 

In 1950, the retablo menores were renovated and large images of Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary, donated by Dr. Andres J. Luciano were installed. In 1952, major renovations of the church were implemented during the administration of Rev. Fr. Pedro N. Magtoto. In 1978, the old convent and the bell tower were renovated during the administration of Rev. Fr. Odon T. Santos. He also installed wooden stations of the cross within the church premises. In 1998, the parish with the generous assistance from Tancungco family initiated the installation of galvanized iron dome on the bell tower. In 2002, Rev. Fr. Raul de los Santos reconstructed the old altar and he initiated renovations on the convent, sacristy and baptistery. In 2007, Rev. Fr. Venancio D. Viray constructed a new covered court and repainted the church. During the incumbency of Rev. Fr. Mario Sol M. Gabriel, he initiated the reconstruction of the old retablo in 2014. He also constructed steel fences around the church, mechanized the old church bells constructed a columbarium and renovated the existing gazebo. He also renovated the Old Catholic Cemetery after decades of neglect and damage. He also initiated the enshrinement of a first class relic of San Bartolome Apostol, the first parish in the Philippines under the patronage of the apostle who received its sacred relic. In 2015, the National Museum of the Philippines bestowed the church as one of the Important Cultural Properties in the Philippines. In 2019, an earthquake struck in Central Luzon resulted in major damages. The bell tower had cracks and the parish decided to suspend indefinitely the ringing of the bells to preserve its structural integrity. 

Photo Credits:

Capagmausuian Qng Aldo Pangasilang ning Magalang, Diciembre 28-29, 1963.  

Sources:

Bartolo, Louie Aldrin L. and Dizon, Lino L., The Magalang Book: The Historical Life and Culture of a Kapampangan Town (1605-2015), Manila (2016), National Commission for Culture and the Arts

Dizon Lino L., 2008, Alaya, Kapampangan Research Journal; Juan D. Nepomuceno Center of Kapampangan Studies, Holy Angel University, Angeles City

63. MAGALANG: MATRIZ DEL PUEBLO OF UPPER PAMPANGA

Map of Magalang with Neighboring Towns c. 1883

When the Augustinians erected the new town of Magalang in April 30, 1605, it comprises the nearly what is composed now the northern towns of Pampanga and southern towns of Tarlac. This geographical feature is known as Upper Pampanga. This area is composed of flat and mountainous terrains and it was snaked by mighty rivers particularly Parua River. Interestingly, due to its huge territory, several towns were established and separated or spiritually aggregated to Magalang. Culled from old documents and journals, here are some towns that are formerly part of Magalang:

MABALACAT- according to La Visita Diocesana de Fr. Jose Segui a los pueblos de Pampanga y Nueva Ecija published in 1831, Mabalacat was mentioned as pueblo anejo de Magalang. It was initially established by the Augustinians in 1680, and later, it was ceded to the Augustinian Recollects in 1712 probably due to lack of development of the mission. Mabalacat was one of the mission centers of the Recollects; and their missions reached to the towns of Bamban, Capas and to the former towns of O'Donnell and Moriones, now part of Tarlac province. In 2012, the town of Mabalacat was converted into a component city of Pampanga. 

CONCEPCION- this town located on southeastern part of Tarlac province, traced back its establishment to 1860. Prior to its creation, a huge flood engulfed the whole town of Magalang due to torrential rains which resulted to the overflowing of Parua River in 1858. Two years later, a Royal Decree was issued ordering the creation of the new town of Concepcion. The new town is composed of barrios of Magalang located in the northern banks of Parua River. The formal creation of the town was only realized in 1863, when the colonial government ordered the transfer of Magalang to the present site known as sitio Talimunduc, part of San Pedro de Malelag or Malele. While the newly created town of Concepcion was transferred to a sitio part of large barrio of Matondo. After the creation and transfer of Concepcion, it was spiritually dependent to Magalang; as evidenced on canonical records of Magalang mentioned as Parroquia de Magalang y la Concepcion. In 1866, Archdiocese of Manila created the parish of Concepcion and appointed Fr. Juan Limonco as first secular parish priest of the town. 

The town of Tarlac (now city) was also mentioned as one of the visitas of Magalang in some time. The parish priest of Magalang, Fray Pedro de Flores, OSA was mentioned as prior both of Magalang and Tarlac in 1686. Another is Fray Martin Fuentes, OSA was also mentioned as prior of the two towns in 1692.

According to the book, The Province of Pampanga and its Towns wrote by Mariano A. Henson, it was mentioned that Magalang had 35 barrios listed in 1853. Several of them are now part of the town of Magalang  like Tinabang, San Ildefonso, and Paligi; while the former barrios of Cabayung Sarul and Malabug are now merely large sitios part of barrio San Ildefonso. Bical was listed as one of the barrios of Magalang according to the 1853 list. It is possible that Bical was ceded to Mabalacat after the transfer of Magalang to the present site around 1860s. In 1888, the people of barrio Buensuceso of  neighboring town of Arayat petitioned the Governor General to separate the barrio from Arayat, and aggregate to nearby town of Magalang. However, the petition was dismissed and instead, the parish priest of Arayat assigned its coadjutor to Buensuceso to administer the spiritual and sacramental needs of the barrio. 

What if, the separation of the towns and barrios from Magalang didn't took place; or some of the nearby barrios allowed to join the town, what is the total land area and population of the town at present?

Photo Credits: 

Mapa de Luzon, Biblioteca Nacional de España; www.bne.es; Retrieved: April 28, 2020. 

Sources:

Bartolo, Louie Aldrin L. and Dizon, Lino L., The Magalang Book: The Historical Life and Culture of a Kapampangan Town (1605-2015), Manila (2016), National Commission for Culture and the Arts

Dizon Lino L., 2008, Alaya, Kapampangan Research Journal; Juan D. Nepomuceno Center of Kapampangan Studies, Holy Angel University, Angeles City

Henson, Mariano A. The Province of Pampanga and its Towns, Angeles City, 1964.

Rodriguez, Isacio and Alvarez, Fernandez; La Visita Diocesana de Fr. Jose Segui a los pueblos de Pampanga y Nueva Ecija, Archivo Agustiano, 2008.

62. SAMPLES OF FLORA AND FAUNA FOUND IN MT. ARAYAT II

Mt. Arayat facing Cabayung Sarul, San Ildefonso, Magalang, Pampanga

As I mention earlier in my past article in this blog, Mt. Arayat is very rich in diversity, in terms of Flora and Fauna. However, how can we protect this majestic mountain? How we can show our awareness in terms of preservation, protection and restoration of its ailing rain forests? In this article, I will show some interesting treasures whether plants and animals, found in this majestic mountain. And you will realize, that we have the responsibility to restore and preserve its ecological heritage so that, we have a sustainable and balanced ecology; as well as the way to promote Mt. Arayat as one of the ecotourism destinations in Pampanga. 

I. BIRDS OF PREY (Balaue)

Upper Left: Philippine Serpent Eagle (endemic)

Upper Right: Brahminy Kite, known also as Lawin

Lower Left: Honey Crested Buzzard

Lower Right: Besra

II. SPECTACULAR BIRDS

Upper Left: Luzon Hornbill, known as Calao or Kalaw

Upper Right: Philippine Scops Owl, known as Culayo 

Lower Left: Peregrine Falcon, known also as Alibasbas 

Lower Right: Luzon Bleeding Heart 

III. MAMMALS

Upper Left: Asian Palm Civet, known as Musang 

Upper Right: Philippine Warty Pig, known as Babing Dicut

Lower: Asian Water Monitor, known as Barag 

IV. PLANTS AND TREES

Upper Left: Semecarpus cuneiformis, known as Ligas 

Upper Center: Parkia timoriana, known as Cupang 

Upper Right: Lunasia amara, known as Lunas 

Lower Left: Pterocarpus indicus, known as Narra 

Lower Right: Tectona grandis, known as Teca 

Note: To preserve and protect the remaining forests and animals in Mt. Arayat, strict enforcement of environmental laws shall be implemented. Locals must provide them education and information drive about the protecting and preserving the forests of Mt. Arayat. Alternative income generating livelihood must be likewise to introduce to the locals so that, they will reduce their reliance and exploitation to the ailing forests of the majestic mountain. Folks, be responsible and we must aware the side effects of our continuous exploitation of the forests. We all aware, that we are the stewards of the mother nature, and not as destroyers. 

More to come...

Photo Credits:

Philippine Serpent Eagle: pininterest.ph/pin/423338433716094955

Brahminy Kite: pininterest.ph, created by: Lee Talbott

Honey Crested Buzzard: commons.wikimedia.org

Besra: wikipedia.org

Luzon Hornbill: treknature.com/galery/photo90026.htm

Philippine Scops Owl: orientalbirdimages.org; provided by David Bishop/David Bishop Tours

Peregrine Falcon: wantedinrome.com/news/peregrine-falcons-return-to-italian-skies.html

Luzon Bleeding Heart: wikipedia.org

Asian Palm Civet: pininterest.ph; provided by animalspot.net 

Philippine Warty Pig: alchetron.com/Philippine-warty-pig

Asian Water Monitor: wikipedia.com

Ligas: drfarrahcancercenter.com/portfolio/ligas

Cupang: alchetron.com/Parkia-javanica

Lunas: earth.com/earthpedia/plant/nl/lunasia-amara

Narra: pininterest.ph; provided by Rendell Sibal 

Teca: commons.wikimedia.org

Sources:

Mt. Arayat National Park bird checklist: avibase.bsc-eoc.org/checklist.jsp?region=PHlumm01 retrieved: January 20, 2020. 

Suba, Marlon DL., Arriola, Axel H., and Alejandro, Grecebio Jonathan D.; (2019) A Checklist and Conservation Status of the Medicinal Plants of Mount Arayat National Park, Pampanga, Philippines, Biodiversitas. 

Personal interviews from the residents near Mt. Arayat in Pampanga State Agricultural University. 

61. SAMPLES OF FLORA AND FAUNA FOUND IN MT. ARAYAT

Mt. Arayat scenery in barrio Gatiawin, Arayat, Pampanga

Mt. Arayat is a extinct volcano located on the plains of Pampanga. The majestic mountain is subject to different folklore tales and other stories. Even historical events of the Philippine and local history is where Mt. Arayat had its part and role. Mt. Arayat is very rich in flora and fauna, but it is sad to say, it is gradually degrading due to illegal activities of the settlers around the mountain. That's why in this post, I will dedicate this to the beautiful and rich flora and fauna located in the majestic mountain. 

Arayat Pitogo Cycas riuminiana

Arayat pitogo is one of the endemic plant species of  Mt. Arayat. Arayat Pitogo was placed as one of the endangered species of plants by the IUCN due to deforestation and poaching. Conservation efforts are put in place to save this endangered plant. A joint project between Department of Environment and Natural Resources and Pampanga State Agricultural University was launched to propagate and save this beautiful plant. 

Balacat Tree Ziziphus Talanai

Balacat tree is one of kind of trees found in Mt. Arayat. It was declared as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation for Nature due to extensive deforestation inside the forest of Mt. Arayat. In other places, the bark of this tree is used as medicinal source. Historically, the city of Mabalacat got its name from this tree. At present, Pampanga State Agricultural University together with DENR are leading the conservation efforts of this tree.  

Omoea philippinensis

This beautiful kind of orchid is found inside the forests of Mt. Arayat. It is very suitable to basaltic lava kind of soil which is abundant in Mt. Arayat. 

Blue Naped Parrot Tanygnatus lucionensis

Blue Naped Parrot is one of the species of birds found in Mt. Arayat; according to a report published by Department of Environment and Natural Resources dated 2003. And according to IUCN, it was classified as Near Threatened due to extensive poaching of this birds.  

Philippine Long Tailed Macaque Macaca fascicularis philippensis

The Philippine Long Tailed Macaque is one of the primates found in Mt. Arayat. It is popularly known also as crab-eating macaque, or matsing by the locals. It is endemic to Philippine forests and woodlands especially in the forests of Mt. Arayat. 

Note:

According to Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Mt. Arayat is home to 49 species of trees and plants, 86 species of birds, 14 species of mammals, and 11 species of reptiles. There are also numerous of species of flowers and insects including butterflies that don't have any documentation and studies. 

We are so lucky that our majestic mountain is only an extinct volcano. Half a million years ago, when Mt. Arayat last erupted. Due to the collision of Philippine and Eurasian plates, which led to the formation of Luzon Volcanic Arc. This volcanic arc was formed in the western side of Luzon. One of the most active volcanoes located within this arc is Mt. Pinatubo. When the new arc was formed, the magma chamber of Mt. Arayat was permanently closed, effectively become an extinct volcano up to the present. The only evidence of the Arayat's past volcanic activity, is the White Rock or Piedra Blanca. This rock formation is made up of lava dome, which spits out of the old crater of Arayat half a million years ago. 

Friends, Magaleños and fellow Kapampangans, we must take care of this majestic mountain. Most of the Kapampangans are not aware of its rich biodiversity. We must very thankful, that this land form and its species are all precious creatures, gave by our mother nature and especially by our creator. We must educate our children and the next generation about the protecting of this beautiful mountain, including rich biodiversity and its historicity of this beautiful mountain. More to follow about this majestic mountain. 

Photo Credits:

Arayat pitogo; De Hortus, www.dehosrtus.gardenexplorer.org/taxon-23749.aspx retrieved on January 26, 2020. 

Omoea philippinensis; Hortus Orchids, horthusorchids.org/en/botanical-orchids/120-o/2350-omoea-philippinensis.html retrieved on January 26, 2020. 

Blue Naped Parrot; Wikipedia, en.wikipedia.org /wiki/Blue-naped_parrot retrieved on January 26, 2020.

Philippine Long Tailed Macaque; flickr.com/photos/opolaviary/5056396586 retrieved on January 26, 2020. 

Sources:

De Hortus, www.dehosrtus.gardenexplorer.org/taxon-23749.aspx retrieved on January 26, 2020. 

Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Region III; www.r3.denr.gov.ph retrieved on January 26, 2020. 

Hortus Orchids, horthusorchids.org/en/botanical-orchids/120-o/2350-omoea-philippinensis.html retrieved on January 26, 2020. 

2003 Statistics on Philippine Protected Areas and Wildlife, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, North Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City. 

Pinoy Mountaineer www.pinoymountaineer.com /2007/08/mt-arayat-1030_09.html

Wikipedia, www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippine_long_tailed_macaque

Note: Pictures of Mt. Arayat and Balacat Trees are came from the author, notes of Balacat tree is came from the notes taken by the author. 

60. HERITAGE TOMBSTONES OF MAGALANG

Old Stone Arc of Cementerio Catolico de Magalang 

This coming November 1, we will celebrate the lives of our love ones. By offering them fresh flowers, candles and off course, prayers for their souls. In Magalang, its first Catholic Cemetery was established in 1866 along with the San Bartolome Parish Church. The said first cemetery was located in the present Acejo property in barrio San Pedro I. In 1895, Fray Faustino Diez, OSA obtained permission from the Archdiocese of Manila to transfer the cemetery to the present site in barrio San Pedro II. He utilized parish funds for the construction of the wall enclosure measuring one meter and fifty centimeters. The stones used in the construction of the walls was quarried inside the new site. In 1896, the new cemetery was finished and the new parish priest Fray Jose Rodriguez Prada, OSA requested Archbishop Bernardino Nozaleda, OP to bless the new cemetery. 

In 1904,  the Municipal Cemetery was established next to the Catholic Cemetery. Interestingly, the Catholic Cemetery had so many tombstones, that the members of the Magalang elite owned and maintained in those times. However, due to overcrowding, the remains of their departed are transferred to more spacious Magalang Memorial Park or in other cemeteries. Recently, the Catholic Cemetery is rehabilitated, and some of the heritage tombstones are already demolished, to give way for the construction of modern columbarium. However, there are some heritage tombstones are retained, to give us the glimpse of the rich past not only of the cemetery, but also to the town itself. In my recent visit to the Catholic Cemetery, there are some remaining tombstones that have been retained or probably, waiting for their demolition anytime:

Mausoleum of Baluyut-Magdangal Family 

This chapel type mausoleum, where the spouses Atanacio M. Baluyut, a schoolteacher and municipal president of Magalang (1928-1931) and Esperanza Magdangal de Baluyut, also a schoolteacher buried. 

Tombstone of Bondoc-Indiongco Family

This tombstone where the remains of Teodora B. Vda de Indiongco are located. Alongside with her Guevarra family relatives. Teodora is one of the children of Prudencio Paras Bondoc, a former landowner and later, first station manager of pre-war, Dau-Magalang railway line. 

Tombstone of Cruz Spouses

This Black Nazarene inspired tombstone, was formerly owned by the Gueco-Liwanag family. It was Don Paulino Gueco, former gobernadorcillo (mayor) of Magalang and his wife, Doña Miguela Paras Liwanag initially buried in this tomb. Their daughter Angela and a niece, Angela Gueco Mercado also buried here before. When the Guecos transferred the remains of their forefathers, the tombstone was transferred to Cruz family; where the spouses, Venancio and Bonifacia Cruz are buried up to this day. 

Tombstone of Feliciano-Lansangan
family

This abandoned tombstone where the remains of spouses, Jose P. Feliciano and his first wife, Rosa Lansangan formerly located. Their remains are transferred to their family owned, Magalang Memorial Park. 

Tombstone of Punzalan family. 

This tombstone which I located behind of the cemetery was probably abandoned and full of trash. It  is owned by the Punzalan family. 

Tombstone of Don Andres Yutuc

This beautiful tombstone, is where the remains of Don Andres Yutuc, and his wife are located, on the eastern part of the Catholic Cemetery. 

Tombstone of Rosa Dalusung Luciano

This tombstone with a inscription of "Oseng", is where the remains of Rosa Dalusung de Luciano are formerly located. Oseng is the second wife of Don Antonio Y. Luciano, municipal president of Magalang (1923-1925). One of their granddaughter, Elizabeth Ann Jolene Luciano Winsett, better known as Liza Lorena, is one of the veteran actresses of Philippine cinema. Liza's son, Tonton Gutierrez is a well known matinee idol, and one of the prime actors of Philippine cinema.  

Tombstone of Doña Miguela Y. Luciano

This tombstone besides the tombstone of Rosa Dalusung Luciano, is where the remains of Doña Miguela Y. Luciano are located. Doña Miguela is a sister of Don Antonio Y. Luciano, husband of Rosa. She remained unmarried until she died in 1951. 

Tombstone of Agustin family

This tombstone is where the remains of certain Claudia Florentino and Juan M. Agustin are located. Interestingly, the inscription of Claudia Florentino is written in Kapampangan. Meanwhile, Juan M. Agustin is a known baker hailed from Angeles. He settled in Magalang, and he established one of the first bakeries in Magalang. 

Tombstone of Ordonez family

This tall tombstone is where the remains of Maria Ordonez is located. The Ordonezes are also well known in baking and pastries in Magalang. They also established one of the first bakeries in Magalang during pre-war. 

Tombstone of Lacson-Laxamana family

This pillar inspired tombstone is where the remains of Don Leopoldo Pamintuan Lacson are formerly located. In this tomb also, where the remains of his two wives named Regina Laxamana de Lacson and Ana Tumang Vda. de Lacson are also formerly located. In 1970, my late grandfather, Bartolome Miranda Lacson was also buried here; until their remains are transferred to Magalang Memorial Park in 2015. 

Tombstone of Don Feliciano Calaguas

This old tombstone, located in the eastern part of the Catholic Cemetery is where the remains of Don Feliciano Calaguas and his wife are buried. 

Tombstone of Dayrit family

This tombstone is where the remains of the members of the illustrious Dayrit family of Magalang are located.

Source:

Bartolo, Louie Aldrin L. (2016) The Magalang Book: The Historical Life and Culture of a Kapampangan Town (1605-2015), National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Manila. 

Cementerios, (1805-1945) Magalang, Pampanga (Box34.B.4, Folder 3), Archdiocese of Manila Archives.  

59. SACRED FRANCISCAN RELICS OF MAGALANG

Original Image of San Francisco
Padre Pio Chapel

When I launched this blog in November 5, 2016, the articles in this blog are merely focused on historical events, places and persons of Magalang. However, due to the objectives of this blog, it is not only the historical background of Magalang will feature and posted, it will also includes the rich culture and interesting spots located in this agricultural town. 

In Magalang, there are several religious spots that have been frequently visited by the pilgrims. During Holy Week, pilgrims who are seeking serenity, they are climbing the foothills of Mt. Arayat to pray and visit large life statues of stations of the cross of Banal a Bunduk, Dalan ning Krus located in Orchard Village in barrio Ayala. During Fridays, Magaleños and outsiders are flocking to a small chapel of miraculous San Agustin. San Bartolome Parish Church is frequently visited not only on being a heritage church, but also to the relic of town's patron saint. And lastly, the devotees also visiting the Malugud farm, located in barrio San Nicolas; where the replicas of Our Lady of Peñafrancia and Divino Rostro are enshrined. 

In barrio San Francisco, located also in Magalang, we are not aware, that are also several miraculous relics are enshrined on its barrio chapels. Due to the efforts of former parish priest, Rev. Fr. Jowel Jomarsus P. Gatus, several relics of famous Franciscan saints are enshrined on its barrio chapels, and the devotees are starting flocking on its chapels to offer prayers and seeking their intercession. These are the lists of church and chapels where the Franciscan relics are located: 

RELIC OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI

Lord's Epiphany Parish, Angeles-Magalang Road, San Francisco, Magalang, Pampanga

The relic of barrio's patron saint, San Francisco de Assisi was formally enshrined in September 25, 2016 by Archbishop Florentino G. Lavarias, D.D. The sacred relic is a first class relic, containing pieces of bone and staff of San Francisco de Assisi. The visitation of the relic is open every Tuesday. A holy mass is also held on the same day every 6pm. The veneration of the relic is held every Tuesdays, after 6pm mass, tridum masses and the feast day of the saint every October 4. 

RELIC OF ST CLAIRE OF ASSISI 

Sta Clara ning Assisi Chapel, Sitio Tambacan, San Francisco, Magalang, Pampanga

This second class relic of St. Claire of Assisi is containing a small fragment of her veil. St. Claire is well known companion of St. Francis of Assisi and foundress of religious order, the Poor Clares. Alongside with the relic of St. Padre Pio, it was formally enshrined in July 21, 2017. Visitation of the relic is open every Thursday; and its veneration is held during its feast day, on August 11. 

RELIC OF ST. PADRE PIO OF PIETRELCINA

St. Padre Pio Chapel, Sitio Mabato Bato, San Francisco, Magalang, Pampanga

The first class relic of St. Padre Pio, alongside with the relic of St. Claire of Assisi was installed in July 21, 2017. The relic of well known stigmatist saint is containing of his hair fragments. Visitation of the relic is open during Thursday, 8:00am to 7:00pm. A holy mass and veneration of the relic is held during 3rd Thursday of every month in 6pm,; and during its tridum masses and feast day in September 23. 

Photo Credits:

Altar of Sta Clara ning Assisi chapel; Lord's Epiphany Parish Facebook page.

Altar of St. Padre Pio chapel; provided by Mr. Jener C. Lacson