1. EARLY BEGINNINGS AT BIGA (St. Clements Parish Angono)

    Before, Angono was a visita. It was more popularly known then as Hacienda y Esatncia de Angono. From 1575 to 1751 sucessively under Pasig, Taguig, Morong and Binangonan, it was not known what kind of church Angono had for a “visita”. Speculations prevalent about the church were that it was just a private chapel or maybe a bodega - later improvised by the Hacienda owners and the Clergy into a house of worship in order to help evangelize the people in the growing community of Angono.

    It was possible too, that the church at Biga was made purposely in satisfaction of the requirements for the approval of a Capellania for Angono at the expense of the Hacendero which was Alferez Don Andres Blanco Bermudez.

    On August 9, 1951, a Capellania was approved by the Superior Government of Spain in the Philippines for the Hacienda de Angono and the “citio” of Lagundi in Laguna de Bay. On October 19, 1751, Bacheller Don Valentin Flores became the pioneer chaplain of Angono assigned to initiate the minds of the people of Angono into an understanding and acceptance of the mysteries of the Catholic faith.

    In September 4, 1752, Padre Valentin Flores was given Bartolome Quimio (a Christian Chinese) and Francisco Andaya to assist him as “Fiscal Colador” – the former to the “Sangley”  (Chinese) in Angono: and latter, to the natives and mestizos.

        In 1818 Padre Gabriel Ponce reported the population of Angono to be 875 Almas (souls). That was when Don Pascual de Sta. Ana of Pasig bought the Hacienda y Estacia de Angono.

        The church at Biga had its trusses fully aged and chopped mulawin lumber. The roof coverings were of bricks (tisa) and the sidewalls were of hard adobe plastered together with lime (apog). The portada was an imposing neat little work of masonry made of formed adobe.
        In 1784, a big copper church bell was brought to Angono by the Hacendero Josep Blanco Bermudez. That bell is still in use at the belfry of the present church in Angono. In 1853 Doña Dominga de Sta. Ana and Captain Francisco Guido of the Spanish Army in the Philippines (married in 1852) brought to the church at Biga another big bell which was dedicated to San Isidro Labrador – patron saint of the farmers and the livestock of Angono.

    Written by: Deya Cruz



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  2. One weekend, me and my blockmates visited a very notable Art House in Angono, Rizal  named Nemiranda Art House. In my first look of the place, I was truly astonished in seeing the environment-friendly and impressive  structure of the place displaying artifacts  from indigenous materials and translated into outstanding features.   Initially surprising us is the gate displaying an image of our Lord Jesus Christ.  What a moving and inspiring image to start the tour.  As we excitingly continue  the tour, the fences made out of artistic wires, folkloric arts and display look truly wonderful and all these were made through the use of recycled and scrap materials like bamboo, nipa, sawali, abacca, collection of old wood that can be found in Angono all made for its artistic function. As the journey continues, excitement and curiosity filled the place. I have learned numerous things. The Nemiranda ArtHouse also known as ‘The House of Myths and Legends’ was made by the famous artist named Nemesio B. Miranda or popularly known as Nemiranda. He is known for introducing “Imaginative Figurism” in art. His artworks were made through capturing scenes depicting Angono’s mystic charm. We saw the impressive awards attained locally and internationally, proof of his countless unparalleled excellence and achievements. The artworks are truly outstanding. There are random subjects but Imaginative Figurism is vividly seen in almost every artwork that you see around.  There was this one section which displayed wood carvings of the ‘Stations of the Cross’ which was made in favour of the Pope. What a superb move! A reflection of the artist’s heart and soul was also clearly shown through the numerous paintings masterfully implying figurative realism. An amazing “Mother and Child – themed paintings and drawings out of oil and charcoal captivated our hearts as well. Viewing a wide collection made us  really feel so touched. Most of the people who visited the art house got stunned by the display of astounding sculptured myths and legends. Immortalized Philippine images can be seen such as “ (si) Malakas” at “ (si) Maganda”. Definitely a great reminder of the Filipino roots and culture.  We couldn’t help but reminisce the lessons in Filipino back in elementary which vividly illustrates the additional sculptured images of Bernardo Carpio, Amihan, known as the “Dyosa ng Hangin”, Habagat also known as the Bathala ng Hangin and that astounding and marvellously carved Mermaid of Angono. All these were unbelievably made from organic, original woods from an old church in Angono.  All from the remains of an old church and that’s truly amazing. As our tour was about to end I was shocked yet overwhelmed to meet the artist himself — Nemi R. Miranda Jr., popularly known as “Nemiranda”.  We got a fortunate chance to have a dialogue with him and know him more as an artist. We learned of his being an internationally recognized painter and sculptor compounded by his life’s trials and successes. What a delight as he ended with  very touching stories about family, love and environment. So there you go… You too should spare your most precious time visiting a very capturing place depicting a different kind of mystique and charm that will forever tickle your incessant imagination. If you want to see amazing artworks that will undeniably uplift your spirit and bring you back to the legends and a whole lot of fun, why not visit the place yourself?  The address to go is No. 10 Doña Elena St., Doña Justa Village I, Angono. Written by: Caela Castro

    One weekend, me and my blockmates visited a very notable Art House in Angono, Rizal  named Nemiranda Art House. In my first look of the place, I was truly astonished in seeing the environment-friendly and impressive  structure of the place displaying artifacts  from indigenous materials and translated into outstanding features.   Initially surprising us is the gate displaying an image of our Lord Jesus Christ.  What a moving and inspiring image to start the tour.  As we excitingly continue  the tour, the fences made out of artistic wires, folkloric arts and display look truly wonderful and all these were made through the use of recycled and scrap materials like bamboo, nipa, sawali, abacca, collection of old wood that can be found in Angono all made for its artistic function.

    As the journey continues, excitement and curiosity filled the place. I have learned numerous things. The Nemiranda ArtHouse also known as ‘The House of Myths and Legends’ was made by the famous artist named Nemesio B. Miranda or popularly known as Nemiranda. He is known for introducing “Imaginative Figurism” in art. His artworks were made through capturing scenes depicting Angono’s mystic charm. We saw the impressive awards attained locally and internationally, proof of his countless unparalleled excellence and achievements.

    The artworks are truly outstanding. There are random subjects but Imaginative Figurism is vividly seen in almost every artwork that you see around.  There was this one section which displayed wood carvings of the ‘Stations of the Cross’ which was made in favour of the Pope. What a superb move!

    A reflection of the artist’s heart and soul was also clearly shown through the numerous paintings masterfully implying figurative realism. An amazing “Mother and Child – themed paintings and drawings out of oil and charcoal captivated our hearts as well. Viewing a wide collection made us  really feel so touched.

    Most of the people who visited the art house got stunned by the display of astounding sculptured myths and legends. Immortalized Philippine images can be seen such as “ (si) Malakas” at “ (si) Maganda”. Definitely a great reminder of the Filipino roots and culture.  We couldn’t help but reminisce the lessons in Filipino back in elementary which vividly illustrates the additional sculptured images of Bernardo Carpio, Amihan, known as the “Dyosa ng Hangin”, Habagat also known as the Bathala ng Hangin and that astounding and marvellously carved Mermaid of Angono. All these were unbelievably made from organic, original woods from an old church in Angono.  All from the remains of an old church and that’s truly amazing.

    As our tour was about to end I was shocked yet overwhelmed to meet the artist himself — Nemi R. Miranda Jr., popularly known as “Nemiranda”.  We got a fortunate chance to have a dialogue with him and know him more as an artist. We learned of his being an internationally recognized painter and sculptor compounded by his life’s trials and successes. What a delight as he ended with  very touching stories about family, love and environment.

    So there you go… You too should spare your most precious time visiting a very capturing place depicting a different kind of mystique and charm that will forever tickle your incessant imagination. If you want to see amazing artworks that will undeniably uplift your spirit and bring you back to the legends and a whole lot of fun, why not visit the place yourself?  The address to go is No. 10 Doña Elena St., Doña Justa Village I, Angono.

    Written by: Caela Castro

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  3. Are you looking for something out of the ordinary to eat? Something like frogs cooked in nilasing(marinated in wine), fertilized ducks cooked like bulalo, butt and balls of cow and larva of beetles found in fallen coconut trees? These are just some exotic, delectable and easy on the pocket foods you can enjoy at Balaw-Balaw Restaurant. Balaw-Balaw is the most famous restaurant in Angono because it mostly serves exotic foods like what I just mentioned above, and they still serve familiar and ordinary delicacies. You will also like their simple table setting like what real Filipinos have. In Balaw-Balaw Restaurant, it’s not just the delightful foods that you’ll enjoy and visit because it has Art Gallery inside. You’ll surely be amazed by, I think, almost hundreds of remarkable artworks made by different local artists displayed in the restaurant. Balaw-Balaw Restaurant and Art Gallery will surely complete your visit in Angono.So find time to visit and take pleasure at Balaw-Balaw Restaurant and Art Gallery. Written by Liza Satsatin

    Are you looking for something out of the ordinary to eat? Something like frogs cooked in nilasing(marinated in wine), fertilized ducks cooked like bulalo, butt and balls of cow and larva of beetles found in fallen coconut trees? These are just some exotic, delectable and easy on the pocket foods you can enjoy at Balaw-Balaw Restaurant.

    Balaw-Balaw is the most famous restaurant in Angono because it mostly serves exotic foods like what I just mentioned above, and they still serve familiar and ordinary delicacies. You will also like their simple table setting like what real Filipinos have. In Balaw-Balaw Restaurant, it’s not just the delightful foods that you’ll enjoy and visit because it has Art Gallery inside. You’ll surely be amazed by, I think, almost hundreds of remarkable artworks made by different local artists displayed in the restaurant.

    Balaw-Balaw Restaurant and Art Gallery will surely complete your visit in Angono.So find time to visit and take pleasure at Balaw-Balaw Restaurant and Art Gallery.

    Written by Liza Satsatin

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  4. The Angono Statue of Liberty is considered a major attraction in Angono because it is a replica of the Statue of Liberty found in New York City which stands at 305 ft is made by Architect Auguste Bartholdi. The Angono statue, which is estimated 25 feet is found at a residence in Angono owned by a wealthy family and is made by the Yab Designs, whom are famous in Angono and the whole Philippines for creating most of the beautiful statues such as the dinosaurs in The Fort and also the fun and quirky statues in the Rio Grande Rapids in Enchanted Kingdom. visit yabdesigninc.com for their clients and works. Written by: Erica Yasay

    The Angono Statue of Liberty is considered a major attraction in Angono because it is a replica of the Statue of Liberty found in New York City which stands at 305 ft is made by Architect Auguste Bartholdi. The Angono statue, which is estimated 25 feet is found at a residence in Angono owned by a wealthy family and is made by the Yab Designs, whom are famous in Angono and the whole Philippines for creating most of the beautiful statues such as the dinosaurs in The Fort and also the fun and quirky statues in the Rio Grande Rapids in Enchanted Kingdom.

    visit yabdesigninc.com for their clients and works.

    Written by: Erica Yasay

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  5. Barangay Poblacion Itaas is an ordinary barangay in the municipality of Angono. For most people, It may  sound unknown but one should brace themselves once they get to know and visit  this place because it  is where a very marvelous street named Dona Aurora is situated.    When I had the great opportunity to visit the place, the startling concrete murals immediately caught my attention. It was the first time for me to chance upon a street that is fully and beautifully adorned and embellished with amazing mural paintings.  As I gracefully focused on the details of the extraordinary works of art, as I may say, the next big thing that came into my mind are the creative persons behind these unparalleled works of art.   I have learned that Charlie Anorico, Gerry Bantang and Ebong Pinpino are the creative artists depicting the different paintings of Botong Francisco. Not being able to resist how amazed I was, I did not let the chance pass for me to take pictures just for keeps and for remembrance of a different kind of experience. Taking one picture after the other became very inevitable. Lots of pictures, not just for me to keep but to boast about it, brag about it and most especially share with people who have not seen or heard of the place called Dona Aurora.  The one artwork which I adored the most is the mural of one of the famous compositions of Botong Francisco, “Sa Ugoy ng Duyan”.  It was designed like a music sheet inscribed with the notes and lyrics of the song. It was so funny that after that instant glance of the mural, I found myself initially humming the song, then I realized singing the song with the full lyrics. I know it’s an old song, but I wonder why it is a familiar one for me. I could have heard it over the radio playing old but Filipino great songs. That’s amazing! One unfortunate thing I noticed though, was, part of the lyrics made out of metal was distorted maybe due to some people who do not value a work of art.  Along the street, we saw a gallery called ‘The Second Gallery’. It displayed artworks which were “masterpieced” by the grandson of Botong Francisco — Carlos “Totong” Francisco II – he was the one who named the gallery. The artworks are varied in style and form…you can find abstract, portraits, murals and what strikes the most is Botong’s medal obtained for being one of the national artists. For you guys who would want to have an experience of a great work of art, come and visit Dona Aurora street, a proof of Filipino’s artistic genius! Written by Caela Castro

    Barangay Poblacion Itaas is an ordinary barangay in the municipality of Angono. For most people, It may  sound unknown but one should brace themselves once they get to know and visit  this place because it  is where a very marvelous street named Dona Aurora is situated.   

    When I had the great opportunity to visit the place, the startling concrete murals immediately caught my attention. It was the first time for me to chance upon a street that is fully and beautifully adorned and embellished with amazing mural paintings.  As I gracefully focused on the details of the extraordinary works of art, as I may say, the next big thing that came into my mind are the creative persons behind these unparalleled works of art.   I have learned that Charlie Anorico, Gerry Bantang and Ebong Pinpino are the creative artists depicting the different paintings of Botong Francisco. Not being able to resist how amazed I was, I did not let the chance pass for me to take pictures just for keeps and for remembrance of a different kind of experience. Taking one picture after the other became very inevitable. Lots of pictures, not just for me to keep but to boast about it, brag about it and most especially share with people who have not seen or heard of the place called Dona Aurora.

     The one artwork which I adored the most is the mural of one of the famous compositions of Botong Francisco, “Sa Ugoy ng Duyan”.  It was designed like a music sheet inscribed with the notes and lyrics of the song. It was so funny that after that instant glance of the mural, I found myself initially humming the song, then I realized singing the song with the full lyrics. I know it’s an old song, but I wonder why it is a familiar one for me. I could have heard it over the radio playing old but Filipino great songs. That’s amazing! One unfortunate thing I noticed though, was, part of the lyrics made out of metal was distorted maybe due to some people who do not value a work of art. 

    Along the street, we saw a gallery called ‘The Second Gallery’. It displayed artworks which were “masterpieced” by the grandson of Botong Francisco — Carlos “Totong” Francisco II – he was the one who named the gallery. The artworks are varied in style and form…you can find abstract, portraits, murals and what strikes the most is Botong’s medal obtained for being one of the national artists.

    For you guys who would want to have an experience of a great work of art, come and visit Dona Aurora street, a proof of Filipino’s artistic genius!

    Written by Caela Castro

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  6. Hear the warm voices of Calasiao Children’s Choir

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  7. Angono petroglyphics is considered as one of the oldest art forms in the Philippines. It was located at the boundary of Binangonan and Angono but decided to be named as Angono Petroglyphics because person who found it way back 5000 years ago reside in Angono. In 1965, National artist Carlo “Botong” Francisco discovered it and as of that, it was considered as our National cultural treasure.

    Angono petroglyphics is considered as one of the oldest art forms in the Philippines. It was located at the boundary of Binangonan and Angono but decided to be named as Angono Petroglyphics because person who found it way back 5000 years ago reside in Angono. In 1965, National artist Carlo “Botong” Francisco discovered it and as of that, it was considered as our National cultural treasure.

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  8. tumblrbot asked: WHERE WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO VISIT ON YOUR PLANET?

    Angono, Rizal of course.



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  10. Nemiranda Art House

    Nemiranda Art House

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