DIORAMAS
The Diorama of the Battle of Mactan is a project to illustrate the real events of the battle in the educational format of what happened between the forces of Magellan and Lapu-Lapu on April 27, 1521. Both antagonists in this 16th-century drama have been long misunderstood by our fellow countrymen because of the long-standing biases, sometimes disinterest in historical narratives and mostly from lack of true, historically accurate books.
This diorama commemorates the legacy of Colonel Pedro Monteclaro. A soldier, poet, judge, and author of the legendary Maragtas, and the pivotal event that preserved his hometown. By recreating the scene from the collective memories of the Monteclaro descendants, the display captures the tension and hope of that day. It serves as a tribute to a man often remembered as Miag-ao’s “Renaissance Man” and the resilience of a community striving for peace during one of the most turbulent eras in Philippine history.
The Battle of Miag-ao (1754) marks a peak in the violent conflict between Spanish forces and the Sultanate of Sulu in the earlier years of Visayan history. Triggered by a religious and political rift pitting the Jesuit-baptized Sultan Azim ud-Din against his brother, the usurper Raja Muda Maharajah Adinda Batu Bantilan, the region became the site of a brutal jihad (holy war). As part of a widespread invasion, over 2,000 Moro warriors arrived on formidable warships (totaling 21 ships) like the Lanong and modified karakoa, targeting the settlement’s vital waterways and burning its churches.
HERITAGE AND CULTURE
HERITAGE LIBRARY
This document provides a comprehensive record of a 1968 symposium held at the National Library of the Philippines, bringing together scholars to examine the historical and folkloric significance of the Maragtas. Through a series of lectures, the publication explores the origins, validity, and impact of the Maragtas account, which details the legendary settlement of Panay by ten Bornean datus and serves as a foundational element of Filipino cultural identity.
The 1952 Miagao Community Carnival captures a vibrant moment in the history of Miagao, Iloilo, highlighting its role as a hub for agricultural and industrial development. Featuring messages from prominent officials like President Elpidio Quirino and Vice President Fernando Lopez, the document reflects the town’s spirit of progress and its deep-seated pride in its local traditions and economic potential.
Dedicated to the preservation of Ilonggo heritage, this work by Sebastian Sta. Cruz Serag offers a scholarly defense of historical narratives concerning Western Visayas, particularly the migration of the ten Bornean datus. The book aims to combat efforts to undermine the region’s history by providing a well-researched account that bridges the gap between the Ilonggo nation’s glorious past and its contemporary present.
This biographical overview chronicles the life and contributions of Pedro Monteclaro, a pivotal figure in Iloilo history best known for popularizing the Maragtas. The text details his leadership in Miagao during a transformative era, including his roles as a municipal president and a mediator during the American occupation, cementing his legacy in the region’s historical narrative.
This document pays tribute to the influential figures who shaped Ilonggo literature, focusing on the literary achievements of Governor Conrado Norada and the nationalistic dedication of Rosendo Mejica. It highlights their significant impact as writers, publishers, and public servants whose works helped preserve and promote the culture and language of the Ilonggo people
Presented by Salvador M. Acsay, Jr., this term paper offers an insightful look at the Miagao Church, exploring its historical, architectural, and cultural importance as a designated national shrine. The study examines the church’s unique baroque-romanesque design and the rich history embedded within its stone walls, providing readers with a deeper understanding of this iconic Philippine landmark.
This scholarly publication by the National Historical Institute provides a detailed investigation into the historico-cultural significance of the Miagao Church, documenting its nomination for the UNESCO World Heritage List. The book serves as a comprehensive resource, covering the church’s architectural history, its role in the Spanish colonial period, and the extensive efforts undertaken to preserve it as a testament to Filipino nationalism and heritage.
MARITIME COLLECTION
Coming Soon…
Saltmaking
Mountain and coastal villages develop unique ways to cope with the adversities and needs over the centuries. We are documenting methods and processes that are still in use today before it becomes entirely lost from the memories as the elders pass away. We have documented the unique salt farming technology dating back centuries that fisher folks still used today. However, with the influx of cheaper
