By April Sevilla, Sun.Star Publishing
www.sunstar.com.ph
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/08/20/life/folklife.museum.html

“DIAMONDS are forever.” In celebration of its 75 years of academic excellence, St. Theresa’s College Cebu (STC) has crystallized this classic statement by the opening of the STC Folklife Museum.

It is a treasure box for all Cebuanos, preserving real life stories and memories, and underscoring the fact that no matter where Theresians may be, something of significance is always waiting for them at their alma mater. The museum embraces four areas.

The main museum features the vintage paintings that were collected in the Visayas. Those were made by Cebuanos of 200 and 300 years ago.

“The paintings are not only for the elite. It is to popularize culture. Even students can have access to these paintings,” says Tonette Pañares, the museum curator.

The rare collection of religious icons and ethnographic artifacts from Mindanao are also on display. The artworks of self-taught artisans, wooden Sto. Niños, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and all the saints that one sees in typical family-owned chapels, are exhibited as well.

The original showcase of Sr. Delia Coronel, ICM, Ph. D., the founder of the folk life museum, is displayed to show that from the chest comes out everything that she has worked for.

There is the translation of the original Maranao epic Darangen which is said to be the Illiad of the Philippines. The rare print of the 10 commandments by different American print makers are also put up in the museum. These original and limited edition paintings were donated by Theresian Jenara “Cookie” Newman, a writer who has collected extensively original American paintings.

“These (museum artifacts) are not just symbols of our culture and heritage but rather symbols also of love from Theresians all over the world.” shares Pañares.

Because of the contagious selflessness of STC alumni, even non-Theresians have been inspired to give out their artifacts. According to curator assistant Emma Gunhuran, Val Sandiego, the moving spirit of the Sandiego Dance Company, donated primitive knives and swords to the museum.

The project that began as a history assignment now composes the treasures of the museum that can tell the heritage and the culture of the Cebuanos and the history of the Filipino people, adds Pañares.

Another area holds the print collection displaying, the issues of The Catalyst (STC’s official publication) since its maiden release, and the memorabilia of ICM sisters.

Then there’s the fine arts gallery housed in the college lounge where the works of Paulina Constancia Lee, artist, poet, sculptor, and quilt maker are exhibited. Paulina’s art depict the simple joys of life.

“A lot of our real life stories are too grand to be real,” shares this woman who has remained grounded despite her art successes in many places around the globe.

The final area is the garden which has a koi pond/Zen meditation center. Joel Lee, an expert in permaculture, helped with the campus’ Garden of Eden. It will be a sustainable one with the cultivation of aquaculture. Tilapia will be cultured in the deep pond and students can practice the art of cooking tilapia in their cooking classes.

STC Cebu is not just focused on the past but also on the future. It has encouraged Theresians of all ages to “go where there is no path, go lead the way, and go leave a trail” so that the legacy of Theresian excellence may be eternally remembered and treasured forever.

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The STC Folklife Museum was formally relaunched the day before the St. Theresa’s Alumni Association (STAA) homecoming. Pañares made sure that each of its component would have its own special launching. This was preceded by a parade of colors from high school students. Then there was the ritual dance of thanksgiving to the Santo Niño, the Sinulog.

Then the entrance to the museum was blessed by Fr. Raul Go with Irene Yusingco and Lydia Ibañez presiding at the ribbon cutting ceremony.

The unveiling of God’s Miracle Garden and Wellness Pond paid tribute to Milagros Urgello, aunt of Lucy Urgello Miller, who supported the garden initiative of the museum complex.

From the garden, the group was led to the Fine Arts gallery with Canada-based Paulina Constancia’s exhibit, “Simple Joys.”

Then the STC memorabilia was formally opened, followed by the opening of the museum room on the history of the Filipino people. An exhibit of prints and rare maps from the Conception Luspo Constantino collection was also formally opened.

The finale of this series of events was the launching of the book “A Diamond Jubilation,” a collection of memories of Theresians through the years with pictures to go with them, edited by Newman.