The Archivist

14/05/2025

In the loving Memory of Daphne Jean Bagalay 🕊

Today, we mourn the passing of our beloved friend, sister, niece, family, classmate, artist, and our leader behind The Archivist.

Daphne even though not a resident of Sta Ana, Saw the beauty and importance of our past, history and our hometown. She was behind the illustrations, posters, artcards, writings and even the logo of this page — a woman of pure talent, power and unwavering dedication.

She was more than a teammate; she was an inspiration and a great fighter. Her passion and wisdom guided our team through challenges, she put us all together. Her joyful radiance was contagious and she makes everyone feels that they belong. The Archivist will never become an Archivist without her in it. A group of three who's passionate about learning new things, history and art. Trio who started their thesis before the semester even began, surveying and interviewing people even it's raining and the sky is already dark. With sleepless nights, budgeted projects and random chikas. Awarded as Best Thesis in class and our whole course. Daphne is part of all of that along with her eccentric teammates.

Thank you, Daphne for everything. Your legacy will forever stay with us and in the hearts of those who were blessed to know you.

You fought bravely. You loved deeply. You will never be forgotten.

With love and gratitude,
Regie and Lian — your friends and teammates,
The Archivist

01/03/2025

Let's rekindle our heritage by reviewing this documentary produced in 2023 entitled: 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚 𝐀𝐧𝐚: 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐛 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐥𝐚.

23/12/2023

Here's an approximately 600-to-900-year-old Philippine dog excavated by the National Museum of the Philippines in 1967 in an ancient gravesite of Namayan, Sta. Ana, Manila. What made it even more special was that beside the remains of the dog was that of a child with pabaon (grave goods) around. National Museum archaeologist Tito Taj Vitales revisited the dog remains of Sta. Ana in 2018 and found out that there were actually five ancient dogs unearthed in the area, whose sizes resemble the build of our modern Aspin. There are no butchery marks, unlike the two prehistoric dog remains discovered in Savidug and Anaro in Batanes and Nagsabaran, Lal-lo, Cagayan with apparent “butchery marks suggesting that dogs were most likely consumed,” said archaeologists and anthropologists Noel Amano, Greg Bankoff, David Max Findley, Grace Barretto-Tesoro, and Patrick Roberts.

Nonetheless, at Nagsabaran, too, a burial site for a dog was discovered. Dated to 2,500 years ago, the Nagsabaran dog was “buried within the same general area as people” according to another study by Amano, together with Philip Piper, Hsiao-chun Hung, and Peter Bellwood. They further observed that the said dog was interred “in a similar fashion to the adult human burials on the site.”

Dogs were central in the life of our ancestors, being their companions in providing the community with sources of protein like baboy damo (wild boar) and usa (deer) through panganga*o or hunting (literally means 'to be with a*o or dogs'). They were respected and exalted in ancient Philippine society even in indigenous literature and religious beliefs as loyal companions of epic heroes and of the holy. No wonder several ancient dogs discovered across the country were buried with dignity like humans by our ancestors. As Amano et al. said, “The deliberate burial of a dog demonstrates emotional ties between it, and one or more people."

📷 Archaeological Records Section, National Museum of the Philippines

21/11/2023

𝙎𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙖 𝘼𝙣𝙖: 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙒𝙤𝙢𝙗 𝙤𝙛 𝙈𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙡𝙖 unfolds many stories behind the birth of a beautiful district. How it flourished throughout the years, facing challenges but still carrying the memories of the past that left a significant mark in Philippine history. We hope that the flow of water will reach the hearts of the people, especially the younger generations, to keep the legacy of the district alive.

Through interviews, footage of cultural events, and visits to significant landmarks and sites, the film showcases the various cultural practices and traditions important to Santa Ana Manila's people. It also highlights the challenges they face in preserving their cultural heritage in the face of rapid urbanization.

With a focus on promoting cultural understanding and diversity, the film highlights the various influences that have shaped the heritage of Santa Ana, including traditional practices, the influence of colonization, and modernization. By rekindling their cultural identity, The Archivist hopes to inspire pride and appreciation for the community's rich history and traditions.

𝙈𝙖𝙗𝙪𝙝𝙖𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙜 𝙥𝙖𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙖, 𝙈𝙖𝙗𝙪𝙝𝙖𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙜 𝙎𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙖 𝘼𝙣𝙖! ✨

Don't forget to visit our website more information!
sites.google.com/view/thearchivistinfo

21/11/2023

Official release tonight at 8PM (Ph Standard Time).

20/11/2023

Join us on a journey through time as we uncover the stories that shaped 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮 𝗔𝗻𝗮: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗯 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗹𝗮.

We hope that this film will serve as a beacon of inspiration, reminding us of the power of collective action, the importance of preserving our heritage, and the boundless potential that lies within each of us. It is a story that deserves to be told, a story that will resonate with audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

Mark your calendars for the film's release tomorrow evening, 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟭 𝗮𝘁 𝟴𝗣𝗠 here in 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐭 FB Page!

🎥 https://fb.watch/osmW1IP8J_/?mibextid=5k5fEy

17/09/2023

https://www.rappler.com/nation/metro-manila/paintings-under-threat-suntrust-condominium-construction-continues-sta-ana/?fbclid=IwAR0ePFGZ90ywVmMNFr84lAh8mfHlRIt6KlIZrrgQGbSFgtn2skstAbrlUFg

Heritage advocates and church workers say the centuries-old ceiling artwork is chipping off due to heavy pounding and drilling in the condo project

17/09/2023

Heritage is a part of us, Handed by our ancestors. It gives us identity as part of the community; As Filipinos.

Please Protect Our Heritage, Save Sta Ana!

Suntrust Ascentia once again continues its construction in Santa Ana, Manila.

According to the Sept. 12, 2023 Press Release of the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Abandoned:
The gigantic mixed-used development in Santa Ana Heritage Zone “is causing damage to nearby homes, havoc on the residents peace of mind, and most importantly, causing damage to the National Cultural Treasure.”

“Barangay 885-97 has a blotter full of complaints, photos and videos from irate seniors, PWD, workers, students and others suffering from incessant heavy pounding and frightening earth shaking night and day.”

Ten years ago, even before Suntrust acquired the site, the Parish and local community were actively against any massive project so close to the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Abandoned and National Cultural Treasure: the Camarin de la Virgen that dates back to 1700s.

Since 2014, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) stated that there is a 200-meter buffer zone of Santa Ana Church wherein all developments “shall conform to the prescribed building character, height, and setback with reference” to the church. Suntrust is only 120 meters close to the church.

Santa Ana Church expresses its strong objection to the construction given the threat mentioned above: to the neighborhood and to the long history of Santa Ana Church housing a National Cultural Treasure.

We call on our national cultural agencies & government leaders to PLEASE TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION in assessing these damages in the Camarin and around the homes of Santa Ana community, as well as stopping Suntrust Ascentia from further affecting more lives and priceless heritage.

PROTECT SANTA ANA HERITAGE ZONE!
STOP MEGAWORLD'S "SUNTRUST ASCENTIA" PROJECT!
SAVE SANTA ANA!

Renew. Rebuild. Rejuvenate.

30/06/2023

Last Day of Our Booth ✨!
Visit us at TUP CAFA Room 110~

You can buy our Handmade Sinta Letters, Postage Stamps, Artwork Stickers and Waterproof Stickers and Decals in collaboration with StickyBvin Printing Services

Don't missed out!

12/06/2023

It’s 𝐏𝐀𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐀 𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐕𝐈𝐀 time!

𝗕𝗔𝗡𝗞𝗦 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗣𝗔𝗦𝗜𝗚 or 𝘽𝙤𝙧𝙙𝙨 𝙙𝙪 𝙋𝙖𝙨𝙞𝙜

A view of Santa Ana from across the Pasig River, 1886. A young woman lounges on a roofed banca moving downstream with three boatmen, two with paddles and one with a pole. On the smaller boat are a young man, his rooster, and a load of zacale (grass for horse fodder). Stone stairs lead down to the water from the terrace of a large house. In the distance is Santa Ana Church with its pointed bell tower. (Reference from Santa Ana Church: A Historical Guide by Jaime C. Laya)

The illustration from Le Tour du Monde in Alfred Marchce, Luçon et Palaouan, Paris: Libraire Hachette & Cie, 1887. (Collection of Jaime C. Laya)

To know more about the interesting history of Santa Ana, you may also book a tour via: https://www.facebook.com/santaanatour

12/06/2023

It’s 𝐏𝐀𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐀 𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐕𝐈𝐀 time!

𝗣𝗔𝗦𝗜𝗚 𝗥𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗥 or 𝙍𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙋𝙖𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙜

In the early 19th century, There’s a French traveler that went to the Pasig River and saw a rich landscape with nipa huts nestled among bamboo trees. In the river, There’s “Cascos”, a large flat-bottomed boat with a roof that is mainly used for transportation. The countryside scene has remained unchanged since old Namayan, A center that later on was renamed by the Spaniards as Santa Ana de Sapa.

In 1571, When Spanish Conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi sailed into Manila Bay. There was a thriving settlement along the Pasig River called Namayan which literally means "where people lived". The ruler was Lacantagcan or Lakan Tagkan which had a wife named Bouan. Namayan was rich from agriculture, fishery, pottery, and iron works. It's also a strategic location on the Pasig for trading with towns along the river, Laguna de Bay, and other lands. When Colonization and conversion to the Catholic faith came together, The native aristocracy became gobernadorcillos and cabezas de barangay. (Reference from Santa Ana Church: A Historical Guide by Jaime C. Laya)

The old “Cascos” might be gone but “Bangka or Bangkaan” is still in Santa Ana. It is daily used by people as transportation to go back and forth from the “Main” Santa Ana and Punta, Santa Ana. It has a low fee and it’s a faster transportation than jeepneys if you like to go to Punta or vice versa.

There’s also a Ferry Station in Santa Ana that is located behind Santa Ana Market or Xentro Mall like the “Bangkaan”. It’s 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘, you just need to bring your ID and at least be there as early as 30 mins. before the scheduled time to register and secure your spot in the Ferry. If you want to experience going around Manila though the River and find out why Santa Ana was a Strategic location in the past, You cannot miss this ride!

If you want to know the schedule in Santa Ana Ferry Station you can walk in or check at:
- https://mmda.gov.ph/home/2-uncategorised/5086-pasig-river-ferry-service.html
To know more about the interesting history of Santa Ana, you may also book a tour via: https://www.facebook.com/santaanatour

10/06/2023

The '𝐎, 𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐀' Letters 📝

❞…𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘩𝘪𝘯 𝘱𝘢 𝘳𝘪𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘬𝘸𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘵 𝘭𝘢𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘢𝘪𝘱𝘢𝘨𝘮𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘢𝘺𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘚𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘢 𝘈𝘯𝘢.❞
- anonymous

During our 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗮, 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮 𝗔𝗻𝗮 campaign event last May 14th, the audience shared their thoughtful wishes, aspirations and messages to their beloved town Santa Ana and our team through hand-written letters on hand-made papers.

It is such a joy to have read these from you. Thank you for being partakers of our cultural heritage & treasures.
More to come!

𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑨𝒓𝒄𝒉𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒔𝒕
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: The Archivist
Instagram: instagram.com/thearchivist.info