Hermano Pule and History of Lakbay Lakaran sa Quiapo

Hermano Pule and Lakbay Lakaran sa Quiapo

Written by Abigail Ko, Axl Guinto and Photos by Mark John Dañas

Hermano Pule, also known as Apolinario de la Cruz

It was a clear sunny Sunday afternoon on August 25, 2014, when, in celebration of the 119th anniversary of the old KasaBoix, members and guests of KKBALI joined together in the peaceful hall inside the St. John of God Polyclinic along Hidalgo Street, Quiapo, Manila. Among the guests were the Peacemakers Circle, who arelong-time partners of the group and its endeavours. KKB organizers prepared a meriendacena session and relive the background for the inspiration of Lakbay Lakaran sa Quiapo, one of the most popular events of the group (Lakbay, which means to travel, and lakaran, which means to journey on foot).
Meriendacena comes from the word merienda, aterm referring to the Filipino tradition where people partake in various finger foods and a chance for them to bond and acquaint with one another over stories and chitchat. Among the merienda served were pancit, puto, barbecue and lemonade.

Hosted by Robert “Bob” Thomas

As prelude, the KKB Troubadours sang the song “Sabihin Mong Ako ay Pilipino”. As soon as all expected attendees had arrived, the meriendacena started. Hosted by Robert “Bob” Thomas, a fellow member of KKB, the program was started by blessing of the food, followed by the introduction of two special guests.

Mr Ryan Palad from GSIS Museum introduced about Hermano Pule & the Philippine History. 

One of the special guests, Mr. Ryan Palad from the Government Social System (GSIS) Museum introduced the story of Apolinario de la Cruz, affectionately known as Hermano Pule (or Brother Pule, a shortened version of his name Apolinario), and the history of the Philippines.

It was followed by Brother Joseph of the Hospital Order of St. John of God, who shared thatHermano Pule was a Brother of the Order as well. We learned that Hermano Pule was the inspiration for Lakbay Lakaran sa Quiapo, which was started sometime in 1987 by Dr. Tessie “Tess” Obusan.Hermano Pule preached kaliwanagan (illumination), katipunan (brotherhood), and lakaran (journey). Their struggles were the core for later the Philippine Revolution. At age 27, Hermano Pule was brutally killed by the Spaniards.

Dr. Tessie “Tess” Obusan talks about how Lakbay Lakaran started.
Brother Joseph (left), Ryan Palad (middle).

A video was presented by KKB members showing records of previous activities. There were tours, gatherings and wearing of traditional Filipino costumes. An interview with Dr. Obusan about the Lakaran was in the video. “Heritage is people,” Obusan emphasized in the interview, “who are we doing this for?” The forum ended with an invitation by Brother Joseph to a tour of the paintings in the St. John of God Polyclinic. The painters were displayed in different floors to furnish the humble dwelling.

This was the first seminar / lecture organized by KKB and we would like to thank all attendees for their time and for making the talk possible.

More photos regarding this go on : Meriendacena 

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