Ti Pakasaritaan ken Kultura iti Ili a San Vicente

History is one of the world's greatest stories, it could be fascinating, exciting and most of all, important. History of a place can lead us as to why that one place is what it is today. History unravels the culture and tradition of its own, making one place memorable and important. 

On Community Based Research for the 3rd Quarter, me and my groupmates were assigned to unravel the history and culture of San Vicente, home of one of the finest woodmakers in Ilocos Sur. During our Research, the experience was quite overwhelming and exciting at the same time, we had trouble on finding a reliable source for our research.

We soon turned to Dr. Abrecio Rotor PhD for help as he toured as around his ancestral home and told us stories on the olden times. Inside his home were decorated a lot of paintings and he even has its own basi cellar were he makes his own basi. We later learned that the art of making basi made its way to San Vicente through the infamous Basi Revolt that occured on Bantaoay Bridge.

Upon exploring his house, we stumbled upon one of his creations made out of wood and nails. This creation is symbolic to Jesus Christ as it pertains his suffering as he was nailed to the cross.

Dr. Rotor also showed us the kites which was use for La Naval once. La Naval is a festival in which occurs around september or october which when the weather is quite windy. Many of the citizens especially children participate in this kite flying and also kite making.

It has been said by Dr. Rotor that San Vicente was known as "Little Florence" in its earlier times, due to the magnificent handiwork of the people in making and sculpting muebles or even statues.

As a citizen of San Vicente, learning more about my town's history and culture meant alot, since it helped me connect more and learn more about it. It also made me realize the beauty of San Vicente which will forever be deeply embeded in my soul.

 

References

maryjhilario@blogspot.com