(HERITAGE ART. Alex Castro (center) of Mabalacat Elementary School Batch 69 leads the distribution of Bale Matua coloring book at the Gabaldon Hall of MES. He is joined by Dodjie Aguinaldo, book illustrator. Contributed photo)
MABALACAT CITY — Helping today’s schoolchildren learn more about the rich heritage of this town, a group of golden jubilarians took to art as its contribution to create awareness on some of its structural treasures.
Batch 1969 of Mabalacat Elementary School (MES) on Friday launched “BALE MATUA: The Old Houses and Buildings of Mabalacat City” coloring book at the Gabaldon Hall of the famed school that has produced leaders in business, politics and various industries.
Alex Castro, MES Batch ‘69 alumni, said the coloring book features not only drawings of old residences but also structures like the old municipal hall, railroad station and cemetery.
The coloring book was conceived by Castro, a member of the city’s Arts, Culture and Tourism Council, to raise awareness and appreciation for the historic material heritage of the city, now quickly vanishing.
Castro is known for his book “Views from the Pampang” which has been serving as a major reference on Pampanga’s history through its photos and essays.
Dodjie Aguinaldo, illustrator of the book, said the project also hoped to contribute to the consciousness of today’s youth the need to stir interests not just on arts but also on traditional houses and buildings that form part of the history of Mabalacat.
Aguinaldo is originally from Ilocos Norte but has lived in the town since his childhood days. He also founded Kalalangan Mabalacat (formerly Sining Mabalacat) together with this writer.
During the launching, the coloring books were distributed free to Grade 3 and 4 students of MES highlighted by a coloring contest judged by local artists from Kalalangan Mabalacat, which included Dan Manalo, Anthony Canlas, Jonathan dela Cruz, Rod and Rommel Siron.
Dr. Norberto Yumul, Board of Director of MES 1969, delivered the class message to the audience. The event was also graced by Dep Ed officials led by Mabalacat City Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Ma. Irelyn P. Tamayo, EPS Araling Panlipunan Dr. Alma G. Pineda, MES Principal Diane Hernandez, teachers-in-charge for Grade 3 and 4 students, former M.E.S. teacher and M.E.S. Alumni Association President, Dr. Angelita Dayrit-Romero, Class Valedictorian Elvie Almazar-Tanchuco, and about 15 alumni from Class 1969.
The18 -page book features the Angeles House in Sta. Ines, the Gutierrez-Morales Residence, the Gomez-Romualdez Tubigan House, the Dela Cruz Tower House, the Garcia-Perez House, the Pedro Morales Residence, the Morales Mansion and the Mariano Dela Cruz House.
Among the non-residential structures that were featured are the Kamikaze Shrine and the Our Lady of Grace Parish Church.
Members of MES Batch 69 plan to distribute copies to more schools in this city.
