Historical Exhibit
The College of Education, in support of its Project RACE (Revitalizing Appreciation of Culture through Education) partnered with the UST Museum in training Elementary Education students in the art of making or cutting pastillas wrappers called pabalat or Borlas de Pastillas. Second year special education and third year pre-school education classes were tapped in line with their course in instructional materials preparation. After all, the pabalat can be used as a tool in teaching and storytelling. The training sessions were held on March 12 and April 2, 2016 at the Special Education Room, Albertus Magnus Building, and facilitated by Assoc. Prof. Anna Marie Bautista, the Assistant Director of the UST Museum. Bautista is also a faculty member of the College of Fine Arts and Design.
The pabalat originated in Bulacan and were traditionally used as ornaments or table centerpieces in ancestral homes in Bulacan especially during fiestas. With the passing away of the master pabalat maker, Mrs. Luz Villaseñor Mendoza-Ocampo, or known as Nanay Luz, many became concerned that this beautiful art may soon disappear. Regrettably, this art form is not taught in schools or practised by pastillas makers anymore. For this reason, Education Dean Allan B. de Guzman, thought of the exhibit “Ibang Klase, Likhang Bayan” in partnership with the College of Fine Arts and Design. Now on its 6th year, the palabat exhibit is a celebration of Filipino culture. It formed part of the College of Education’s 90th foundation anniversary celebrations.
The opening of the exhibit was attended by UST Museum Director Fr. Isidro Abaño, O.P. who delivered the welcome remarks; Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs Dr. Clarita Carillo; Education Dean Dr. Allan de Guzman; Education Regent Fr. Jesus Miranda, Jr., O.P.; and UST Museum Asst. Director Assoc. Prof. Anna Marie Bautista. Education faculty members and elementary education students witnessed the event.
The exhibition ran from April 18-20, 2016 at the UST Main Building lobby. More than 65 designs were displayed. Each design conveys a message. Categorized into themes, the pabalat patterns illustrate Filipino values and cultural practices. Themes include Paskong Pinoy, Bayanihan, Philippine fiestas, Christianity, among others.
The college anniversary celebrations commenced with an exhibit and culminated in yet another. A historical exhibit entitled, “Silip-Tanaw sa Daan at Pinagdaanan: Our History of Making Meaning Together” was set up highlighting people, places and events in the 90-year history of the College of Education. This project was headed by Library and Information Science program coordinator Asst. Prof. Ma. Pri-ann Tinipunan and Assoc. Prof. Mary Ann Venturina-Bulanadi of the College of Fine Arts and Design. The exhibit was conceptualized together with Dr. de Guzman and Assoc. Prof. Adamos. The exhibit showcased old photos of buildings occupied by the college from Intramuros to the Sampaloc campus; scanned photos of eminent trailblazers; names of the first group student enrollees and teaching staff; plus memorabilia items and mementos that describe the culture and practices of the College of Education over the years. The weeklong exhibit was formally opened on May 11, 2016. Administrators, faculty members and alumni viewed the display which was followed by an oral history where they enthusiastically shared stories of their experiences and fond memories when they were enrolled or affiliated with the College of Education. Education faculty club president Assoc. Prof. Marie Mercedes Buendia and Internationalization coordinator Mr. Alvin Ringgo Reyes facilitated the program.
The exhibitions were tied to the community development activities of the college. Some framed pabalat wrappers were sold to raise scholarship funds for deserving students of the college’s partner communities. While viewing of the historical exhibit was free, donations of school supplies were sought which shall be distributed to pre-school children in Pamasawata, Navotas and Sitio Mabilog in Bamban, Tarlac before the start of the next school year.
