2014 Pasko marks the Quiapense’s heart

2014 Pasko marks the Quiapense’s heart

Written by Abigail Ko, Edited by Charmaine Yves Chong (volunteers) and Photos by Axl Guinto

Facade of Kasa Boix with the Parol | (c) Jericho Carillo

At the dusk of December 13, 2014, on the scarcely lighted and quiet, concrete street of A. Bautista in the heart of the Quiapo district of Manila, an unusual scene unfolds. People gathered together, looking up in the direction of a parol hanging from an open-panelled sliding window of one of the quaint heritage houses that lined the street. The parol is Filipino, a holiday decoration made from yellow sheets of translucent paper and thin wooden sticks, crafted into a lantern in the shape of a star, enclosed in a circular frame wrapped with white paper crinkles. From the star’s two lower points hang frills of the same white paper. Facing the Philippine flag of red, white, yellow, and blue hung in front of the parol, ladies and gentlemen, young and old stood side by side, with their open palms on their chest, singing the National Anthem led by Ms. Justine Danielle Cabigting, who was clad in Filipiniana attire. Passersby who recognized the tune paid their respect by pausing and standing still until the music ended. The singing was followed by lighting of small sticks of fireworks called lusis as the crowd stood in a circle, attracting curious children from neighboring residences

 lighting of small sticks of fireworks

A man then walked into the circle and asked everyone to distance themselves as he lit a chain of firecrackers which soon burst into loud pops, soliciting awe and enjoyment of the children through their clapping, and cheerful hoorays. Guests were then invited to enter a seemingly secret passage at the lower side opening of Kasa Boix to the second floor where the much awaited Christmas event was held.

The stairs led to the “caida”, an anteroom or waiting area with dark wooden flooring, meant to entertain and welcome house guests. The caida was furnished simply with a bookcase and a wooden desk which served as the registration area where participants could sign up to receive updates regarding future activities, and could also give donations to Paskong Quiapense. To the right of the caida was another open-panelled window overlooking the courtyard, while on the opposite side was a wide opening that led to an end room where the façade window from which the parol was hung could be seen from the inside. A brightly lit Christmas tree stood near the window, greeting the guests with holiday cheer. The room was furnished with wooden sala pieces, and the walls were lined with old faded photographs of the house and a framed picture with baybayin lettering. Opposite of the sala pieces
was a banquet table, with a flower arrangement as centerpiece. Here, refreshments, which were generously donated by corporate and private sponsors, were served.

Dr. Tessie Obusan

President of KKB Dr. Tessie Obusan, who is more commonly known to the younger generation as “Tita Tess” or just “Tita,” welcomed the guests and shared a brief introduction as to the reason behind the celebration. In this run-down but charming house, more popularly known as Kasa Boix, or Boix House, a group of enthusiastic individuals, known as Kapitbahayan sa Kalye Bautista atbp. Lugar, Inc. or KKB, joined together to celebrate and relive the old Quiapense’s tradition of celebrating Christmas through “PASKONG QUIAPENSE: An Old Manila-themed Charity Ball and Mini Concert,” where attendees were encouraged to don Filipiniana attire. In their efforts to restore the Boix house and raise awareness on cultural heritage, KKB made the house their headquarters and the main venue for all kinds of events as long as it can be accommodated despite the house’s current condition. Because the house does not have a proper electrical connection, the problem was granted an initial solution by the College of Architecture at Adamson University, who donated two solar panels, the installation of which was also marked by the celebration. The solar panels generated enough electricity for the pendant light bulb hanging from the ceiling of the two rooms, and the light emitted by the parol, that casted a warm yellow glow throughout the house.

Mr. Nicanor “Nick” Legaspi talks of Quiapense

Guest and KKB’s honorary consultant, Mr. Nicanor “Nick” Legaspi talks of Quiapense, a term referring to a resident of Quiapo District, and shared Christmas practices and experiences from Manila’s glory days, when Quiapo was less densely populated. “Noong araw, tuwing Pasko kami naglilinis ng bahay (Back then, it was during Christmas that we cleaned the house),” explained Mr. Legaspi, “Hindi regalo ang exchange gift noong araw, kundi mga kakainin (Exchanging of gifts then was not through the giving of gift items, but of food),” he added.

Dr. Obusan also talked about KKBALI and the current status of the organization and their headquarters. “Isang araw, pumunta si Stephen sa bahay na may dala dalang malaking parol (One day, Stephen (a KKBALI member) walked In the house bringing a large parol),” shared Tita Tess. “Sabi ko, Stephen, ano gagawin mo diyan, saan natin lalagay iyan? (I said, Stephen, what do you plan to do with that, where will we put it?)

“Basta para sa pasko sa Boix, ngiti ni Stephen (It’s for Christmas at Boix, smiled Stephen),” recalled Tita Tess, “and that was what started this celebration idea.”

Mark Honrado talks about projects of KKB

Mark Honrado, the KKBALI coordinator from Adamson University’s College of Architecture also shared the wish of their school’s dean, Ar. Peter Villanueva, that projects between them and KKBALI will continue, appreciating the passion and sincerity of KKBALI for their cause.

                                The onde onde 

photo by Allan Martinez

The guests enjoyed the simple Christmas feast of onde onde (glutinous rice balls with desiccated coconut), tuna sandwiches, mini ensaymadas (sweet cheese bread), oatmeal cookies, butter cookies, ponkan mandarins, lemonade, and puto (steamed rice cake), all of which was collectively sponsored by KKB members and guests.

KKB Troubadours 

As they partook in the refreshments, the KKB Troubadours serenaded the guests with Filipino folk songs such as “Payapang Daigdig (Peaceful World)” composed by Felipe de Leon, and “Aking Bituin (My Star)” composed by Levi Celerio. The Troubadours consist of Justine Danielle Cabigting (vocals), John Gorme (vocals), Robert Tomas (electric piano), Jose “Maki” Macachor (cello) and Philip Reyes (mandolin).

KKB would like to thank the sponsors and guests for gracing the event, including major sponsors Adamson University - College of Architecture, The Aristocrat Restaurant, Style Isle, Twinkle Ferraren, Binondo Fireworks and Firecrackers Lovers Organization, and official media partner When In Manila.

The constituents, friends, and partners of KKB wish to invite everyone to become supporters of the Boix House, and would also like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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