During quiet moments before the launch of our book, Balaanong Bahandi: Sacred Treasures of the Archdiocese of Cebu, Ben and Caloy, book committe members, heritage advocates and contributors, called my attention for me to photograph them. When I turned my gaze, I just loved how the background frames the two.

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It was with much pride that finally, last 26 November, our book, borne out of hardwork and love, was finally launched! Balaanong Bahandi: Sacred Treasures of the Archdiocese of Cebu is big, at 9×12 inches in size and 308 pages, 48 more than the originally planned number and beautiful. And it is a steal at just P2,000 for new buyers. During the preselling period, it was even available at just P1,500. This indeed is a good deal considering the quality of the tome.

While the launching ceremony was short, I was more than happy and humbled to get positive comments from the speech I delivered in behalf of the photographers. Many even congratulated me after telling me how impressed they were. One woman was wide-eyed and told me that she really liked it when I said “…these photographs are indeed distillations of our being, our passion and our advocacy.” That other than being a photographer, I can “also write.” Another one said that “I’m philosophical.” One book committee member even told me that her sister remarked that “I’m a good find.” Hahaha… forgive me, I’m enjoying this too much!

Below is my speech that I prepared and will deliver during the launching ceremony in behalf of the photographers of the book, Balaanong Bahandi: Sacred Treasures of the Archdiocese of Cebu.

The first time I gazed up the façade of Bantayan Church, I was speechless, wide-eyed and unusually ecstatic. This beautiful edifice exuded vernacular beauty tempered to its current form through centuries of trial and error, conspiracy of the elements, and, under the guidance of the Spanish priest, executed and built by the hands, hardy spirit and religious fervor of our ancestors. The result, an exuberant expression of faith and artistry, one of the most beautiful churches in the country. And it is found here in the province of Cebu.

This book, Balaanong Bahandi, Sacred Treasures of the Archdiocese of Cebu has been a wonderful journey especially for us photographers. When you see the images in the book, please bear in mind three things:
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Finally, after a year of photographing the different parishes of Cebu with its heritage structures and architecture, priceless icons and treasures, our book, Balaanong Bahandi: Sacred Treasures of the Archdiocese of Cebu will be formally launched today, 26 November 09.

It has been a journey, a beautiful experience of knowing more about my home province through its religious heritage, visiting places and meeting new people as I covered the northeast and northwest part of Cebu including the islands of Camotes and Bantayan. The rest were covered by Mark Andrew Jorolan (southwest) and Lorens Gibb Lapinig (southeast).

I was also tasked to deliver a speech in behalf of the photographers and you can check the full text in this post.

From a short info:

Published by the Cathedral Museum of Cebu and the University of San Carlos Press and edited by Jose Eleazar “Jobers” Bersales. Written by Louella Eslao-Alix, TD Mansueto, Arnold Carl Sancover, Melva Rodriguez-Java and Fr. Brian Brigoli. Photos by (primary photographers) Lorens Gibb Lapinid, Estan Cabigas, Mark Andrew Jorolan, (contributing photographers) Fr. Jun Rebayla, SVD, Rudy Alix and Gil Maningo. Book design and layout by Lorens Gibb Lapinid.

Written, edited and photographed by Cebuanos and printed in Cebu.

More than 300 pages and full-color pictures.

The book will be available to the public starting 1 December and will cost P2,000. A signing event will also be held during Sinulog week (3rd week of January). Venue and actual dates to be announced.

Check the book

Balaanong Bahandi Book Press Info (182)

Every Friday, devotees to the Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno flock to Quiapo Church to hear mass, pray and venerate the said to be miraculous image. Originally brought by the Augustinian Recollects in 1606 from Mexico, the icon supposedly got it’s black color during a fire that raged in the boat while at sea. It was housed in the Recollect convent in Intramuros and in the 18th century, was transferred to the then church in Quiapo. This event, called the translacion, is commemorated every 9 January where hundreds of thousands, predominantly male devotees, converge.

Jesus Nazareno slideshow with free PDF