JBLCF: Bringing history back to life
Our past defines our future. History tells us the way of life of our ancestors. It links us to the era of evolution and revolution. By scanning through the pages of our existence, we've discovered thousands of things that liberated our curiosity. We begin asking ourselves question that never seemed to end. Fortunately, archaeologists exist. It was because of them that we were able to uncover the secrets of the past. Luckily, Ilonggos don't need to spend 24-hours-a-day and seven-days-a-week of our busy life excavating pieces of the ancient times to reveal history.
Behind the huge edifice of the John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation (JBLCF), formerly known as Iloilo Maritime Academy, lies a modern-day time capsule. The Library of Cultural Heritage and Maritime Artifacts holds the rare collections of the old world. It is also a home for the regal history of the educational mecca for the marine professionals. It brings back the memories of the man and his family who breathe life into half-a-century old school.
The door on the right wing of the library opened revealing numerous pieces of art that occupied the room. Framed paintings in different sizes were everywhere. It was as if the great Louvre was condensed into a small space. Names like Mario Malang, Amorsolo, Lina Llaguno Ciari, and Vitalis, a Filipino painter who was recognized first in France, aesthetically decorated the wall. The oil paintings "Tree in the Moonlight" and "Guimaras" by Dr. Mary Lou Arcelo along with the masterpieces of local Ilonggo brush geniuses and portraits of Juan and Asuncion Lacson, Mary Lou Arcelo, and Teresa Sarabia were placed on a dozen of stands that occupied the room. The Mestiza, an undated sculpture by Antonio Raymundo and the works-of-art from a defunct railway by Fernando Basan were humbly placed next to Pablo Mahinay's marble sculpture and some of Al Soriano's captivating masterpieces.
The stairs on the left wing of the library ended on an archaic door. Along the way, an antiquated image of St. Joseph carrying the baby Jesus was rested adjacent to a round wooden image of Sto. Niño. As the door opened, the history began to unfold. Laterally on the right, an 1891-Bradbury piano was placed near to the old wooden mirror. On the left, two mannequins, male and female, dressed in the traditional Filipino costumes portrayed the conventional courtship. The eye-catching Sto. Niño de Soldado, made out of Ivory, led the amazing assembly of the different kinds of Sto. Nino that were gathered at the center.
Further on, the Ah-Tay Bed of Asuncion Jocson-Lacson where she gave birth to her children including Juan was rested on the middle of the parquet floor. The bed that was made during the 19th century by a Chinese furniture-maker in Binondo to whom the bed was named after. The Tres Marias Dresser beside the bed was equally old. A porcelain basin and granite pots and a medium-sized mirror served as the washing area for the people in the past. The breath-taking gowns worn by Dr. Mary Lou Lacson-Arcelo on several significant occasions were glamorously displayed while the elegant fabrics like hablon, jusi, and sinamay na piña were arranged on an antique drawer.
Age-old charcoal irons will greet the visitors prior to entering the Pantao area. The long dining table carries the family's precious utensils. Old pictures of the family with a family tree covered the wall that divides the dining area and the marine artifacts room.
A transparent door served as an entrance to the most expensive part of the museum. The room was full of sparkling jewelries and timeless porcelains. Three masses of box-like glass that secures the valuable pieces of history filled the navel of the room. In the red velvety cloth rest the Pomara, a floral stud with gem stones from Mindoro, that was dated back to 1000 to 1300 AD. The Panika Tube Hoops (1300 to 1500 AD) from Samara was settled together with the parts of the dangling earrings that were as old as 1200 to 1400 AD and the Kamagi Necklace of 800 to 1000 AD.
The exquisite Topaz and Emerald Sets, the dateless pair of earrings of Maria Montealegre, the first wife of Captain Lacson, the Rositas Set, The Amethysts Set from India, the Chinese Jade Ring and the luxurious Heirloom jewelries from the grandparents of Jose and Asuncion were humbly laid inside the glass boxes.
The beauteous Carnelian Beads and glass bracelets were undeniably striking. A gold coin that was given as a gift by one of the 60 granddaughters of Datu Piang overlooked the Camphor Jewelry Chest. The Muslim collection including a portable cannon, brass shield and a Muslim Kris regally adorned the floor. The red wall was full of multitudes of amulets . The glass cabinet on the borders of the room served as an abode to the ageless Blue and White porcelain from the Ming and Sung Dynasties. The Orna de Bohol, an aged tabernacle made out of molave, was a head-turner. The sunken treasures of the Sung Dynasty, two Japanese helmet etched with the figures 574, and 14th century potteries completed the one-of-a-kind collection.
Deep into the spacious hall, the air of maritime history was evident. The Dragon Jar, a sunken treasure, leads the enormous number of maritime artifacts. The pottery and earthen wares of the 15th century Ming Dynasty that was recovered from Jolo, Sulu was an attraction. Old cameras and gadgets of Frank J. Lacson, the pilot and photographer brother of Juan narrates the evolution of science though time.
All of the firsts in the history of IMA -- cabinet, books, office table, computer, dictionary, adding machine, European radio, etc. were on display. The sound of the past echoed as the still functioning old phonograph played the classic "Moon River".
The history of JBLCF, traced back from the Aduana in 1948, Rizal and Rotary Park in 1949, La Paz in 1950, Muelle in 1954, Arevalo in 1972 , Bacolod in 1974, and Molo in 1976, was told by the illustrations on the walls.
Old navy knives, ash trays, creamer, saucers and cups, pin and collar insignia of the late Juan Lacson were well-preserved. The brass barometers, field artilleries, binoculars, sextant and telescopes were eternal.
Fossilized shell, preserved piranha, shark teeth and jaw were astonishing. Original alligator heads artistically adorned the floor near the entrance to the Archives. The Archives stores the files and other pertinent data related to JBLCF including the Less Than Noble Intentions, a book written by Dr. Mary Lou Lacson-Arcelo regarding the gallant history of the Lacson Family.
Old instruments from the first IMA Band were seated next to the huge glittering crystal trophy that was given to Dr. Arcelo as the President Emeritus Award.
Library of Cultural Heritage and Maritime Artifacts is indeed an invisible bridge to our almost-forgotten history and a living testimony to the story behind the unprecedented success of JBLCF. The museum is open every Thursdays and on weekdays (by appointment). Take part in discovering the past now.