The Kapampangan Ceneter of Holy angel University has 3 -storey building at the heart of the university campus, the Center does its business, encouraging everyone who enters to
"Be a good Kapampangan to be a better Filipino".
The silver-panelled and gilded centerpiece was carved by local craftsmen and completed in 2002. It features carved minitaure santos representing the patrons of the province's 21 towns, as well as the images of Santo Cristo del Perdon and Virgen de los Remedios, the patroness of Pampanga.
All around, one can see informative picture panels like this one, which shows vintage photo reproductions of old Pampanga Churches from the Augustinian archives.
Thematic posters carry write-ups about local culture and traditions--from Pampanga's culinary arts to interesting footnotes to history.
Also here, one can find a glass-encased diorama that replicates a typical Kapampangan nipa house made by a local artisan.
By the entrance door, we also see brass laurel leaves used to crown poeta laureados of the province, an august group that includes J. Crisostomo Soto, Vedasto Ocampo, Amado Yuzon and Jose Gallardo.
For those wanting to buy souvenir, the modest Reception cum Gift Shop sells the Center's publications--books (Abe, Views from the Pampang, Gloria, various Kapampangan grammar books, etc), research journals (Ayala) and the popular Singsing, the center's newsletter-magazine. Those interested to hear Kapampangan songs and music can either choose Mon David's jazz albums, ArtiSta. Rita's traditional and acoustic compilations, Cris Cadiang's Kapampangan hymns or go with the more current RocKapampangan. Shirts, postcards, bone santos, key holders are also on sale here.
A door to the right leads the visitor to the Center Museum, which has, on display, archaelogical finds and artifacts from Porac, giving us a glimpse of Pampanga's pre-colonial past.
In here, one also can read up on the story of the enigmatic Macabebes and their true roles in the Philippine Revolution.
Part of the museum's permanent exhibit is the Kapampangan Timeline, a photographic mural of landmarks and landscapes in the Kapampangan Region.
Upstairs, the walls feature the 100 Faces of Kapampangans born each year of the 20th century, as well as photo collage of famous Kapampangan personalities.
Greeting you upstairs is a die-cut standee of 1926 Carnival Queen Socorro Henson of Angeles. This corner pays tribute to legendary Kapampangan beauty titlists. Note the shadow box that displays an assortment of vintage Manila Carnival medals and a real rhinestone crown from the 1920s.
Against the wall, one can see the death masks of Benigno Aquino Jr. and Fernando Poe Jr. as cast by National Artist Napoleon Abueva. Fernando Poe's Kapampangan roots can be traced from the Kelleys of Lubao.
On a more festive note, an authentic San Fernando Lantern hangs year-round at the Center.
The entrance to the Library is prefaced by a miniature working "parol", that is connected to an electric armature, which, when wound, gives the lantern its characteristic brilliant play of lights.
Upstairs, books galore--anything and everything Kapampangan is housed here. Rare books include the Philippine Encyclopedia (written by Kapampangan Zoilo Galang), the complete Blair and Robertson volumes, out-of-print reference books, books by local authors, souvenir programs and commemoratives.
Aside from books about Pampanga, the Center Library has also purchased and collected every known Kapampangan material from the National Library---including Erecciones (history of the town foundations), the Luther Parker Collection and Historical Data Papers. The jewel of the collection are the microfilm copies of Pampanga's canonical books from the Family History of the Church of the Latter Day Saints. These include available Baptismal, Marriage and Death Records from every Pampanga town--some as early as the 18th century. Those interested in constructing their family tree and genealogy will find these microfilms helpful, indeed.
To the Second Level we go. Take a few moments to appreciate the works of Kapampangan craftsmen: the old-fashioned etched glass and metal frames, boxes and ramilletes made in the traditional "pukpok" (repousse) style were created by artisans from Apalit.
One level up, on the Third Floor, we take a sneak peek at the Archive Section (aka Stockroom). Collections and artifacts not meant/not ready for display are stored here. This is where we also keep the donated Dr. Raymund Feliciano Albums. the peripatetic doctor-photographer who has been visually documenting the country's Semana Santa processions for nearly 20 years. The result of that undertaking are over 80 albums featuring images of santos, carrozas, churches, sacred art and related subjects from all parts of the country. The microfilms are also stored here in a temperature-control room.
Leading to the Theater, we see more "pukpok" frames containing pictures of important Kapampangan personages hanging on the wall..
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