Faith, art & life in Antipolo
A solemn space, an artsy spot, a happening place. That’s Antipolo in a nutshell.
To concretize it — using my recent Sunday experience of Antipolo City — that’s Antipolo Cathedral, Pinto Art Museum, and Emerald Events Place. The city has the capacity to excite the pious in you in one instance and the partyphile the next. In between, the intrepid spirit is treated to a smorgasbord of visual arts.
Antipolo is definitely more than just suman, mangga, kasuy and Hinulugang Taktak. It remains a sanctuary of faith. And fate — because the city’s development is vibrant, fast and frenetic.
Journey to faith
Still the centerpiece of the city is the Antipolo Cathedral, founded in 1591, and enshrined in it is the venerated Black Madonna image of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage. The church is also known as the International Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage. Nestled atop the lush hills, the shrine stands not only as a symbol of faith but a recognition of the old and the new. Progress is spelled here as impressive structures like a new prayer room, a museum of Marian icons and holy statues found in the shrine.
In my youth, a pilgrimage to Antipolo Cathedral was timed when a friendly neighbor in Gulod had a new jeepney that needed to be blessed by a priest in front of the church. As it was the tradition, when time came that my family could afford our own car, we also brought the vehicle to the church to have it blessed.
As I embarked on a recent pilgrimage to the Antipolo Shrine — my late mother was the first to introduce me to this devotion even before I went to school — I found myself basking in the peace and tranquility of this sanctuary. The Lady of Antipolo, to the faithful, is known as the provider of safe journeys.
There’s majesty in the simplicity of the façade of the shrine; its intricate details whisper tales of history and devotion. Walking through its hallowed grounds, profound peace ensues, embracing, inviting the devotees to cast their cares to the wind. Its architecture is a drama between classic charm and modern polish. The spires and archways inspire pilgrims to contemplate humanity and divinity.
Because the shrine is on a hill, its vantage point provides calming vistas of greens. The views are spiritual feasts. And a few steps from the shrine is a gustatory feast provided by the orderly market that sells cashew, mangoes and kalamay, among other flavors of Antipolo.
When a pilgrim lines up to touch the cloak of the Black Madonna after a Mass, it reminds him that amidst the chaos of the world, there exists peace.
The Antipolo Cathedral, reachable as it is, is a personal crusade, a journey of faith.
Door to Pinoy contemporary art
From a celebration of faith to a feast of colors, lines, styles and forms — that’s Pinto Art Museum. In the historic pilgrimage city of Antipolo is an enthralling exhibit of open spaces and contemporary art. It is a shelter for artists from all walks of life.
The doors of Pinto opened to accommodate the art collection of its owner, Dr. Joven Cuanang, a celebrated, no-nonsense neurologist. In the sprawling 1.2 hectares of open-air Mediterranean-style stucco structures are several art salons.
Always, always, Gallery 1 is my favorite destination. The art salon houses “Karnabal,” a mind-boggling acrylic on canvas, measuring 144 x 480 inches. This mural with eight big panels depicting socio-political scenes conveys images of a clown confessing to a priest, a futile Darna, a Superman in asando, a disloyal monster dog, a mechanical monster operated by a monkey. “Karnabal,” a 1992 masterpiece by the art group Salingpusa, is subversive in tone and meaning.
Salingpusa is composed of Rolly Acuna, Elmer Borlongan, Karen Flores, Emmanuel Garibay, Mark Justiniani, Antonio Leano, Erwin Leano, Joy Mallari, Neil Manalo, Andy Orencio, Jim Orencio, Vincent Paul Padilla, Anthony Palomo, Mikel Parial, Jose Santos III and Geronimo Tapales.
Pinto museum’s mission is to champion Philippine contemporary art and culture. The museum is a repository of how rich we are as Filipinos in terms of talent, voice and aspiration.
Haven on a hill
One of the best spots in Antipolo for opacarophiles or sunset lovers is the Emerald Events Place. By its pool area, a mesmerizing tug-o-war between night and day takes place. And when night drops its cloak, Emerald shines for precious celebrations. The experience is nothing short of magical.
Perched atop a hill overlooking Metro Manila, is a breathtaking haven that captivates the senses and ignites the imagination. Sprawling at 6,000 square meters, including the 3,000-sq.-m. glass-paneled events place, the venue can accommodate 80 cars in its lush parking lot.
Emerald Events Place is a hidden gem in Antipolo City where one’s most cherished milestones come to life amidst a backdrop of stunning natural beauty. From grand celebrations like weddings and debuts to intimate gatherings and family picnics, this enchanting paradise offers an unforgettable experience. (I was in the venue to attend a birthday party.)
As one enters the events place, with a three-room loft and outside cabanas, the first thing that will capture one’s attention is the panoramic view of Metro Manila. The city lights transform into a mesmerizing kaleidoscope of colors, illuminating the night sky. High above the urban chaos, one will find solace and tranquility in this oasis of serenity.
The events place derives its name from the lush greenery that envelops the property, symbolizing growth, vitality and abundance. Just as the precious emerald gemstone radiates with effervescence, this venue signals the start of a remarkable journey — where life’s most precious moments are celebrated in style.
Here, life’s precious moments shimmer like the radiant emerald, forever reminding us that life is indeed remarkable and meant to be celebrated.
Indeed, there’s always a celebration of life in Antipolo. *
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