'Ang Pagbabalik sa Biñan,' dokumentaryo ni Howie Severino (with English subtitles) | I-Witness

Summary

The documentary revisits Biñan, Laguna, where the historical Alberto Mansion, once on the brink of demolition, now stands as a cultural hub. The mansion, linked to Philippine hero Jose Rizal's mother, Teodora Alonso, faced a decade-long battle for preservation. Through community efforts and local government support, it was saved and transformed into a public space, symbolizing Biñan's growth without sacrificing its heritage.

Takeaways

• 🎥 The documentary revisits Biñan, Laguna, showcasing its transformation into a progressive city with an active community after more than a decade.
• 🏚️ The historical mansion in Biñan, once on the brink of demolition, has been restored and now serves as a public space for performances and rehearsals.
• 👋 The local government supports the mansion's restoration and use, a stark contrast to the previous 'Do not trespass' sign and the building's dilapidated state.
• 🏛️ The mansion, once the ancestral home of Teodora Alonso, has been turned into a gallery displaying artworks by local Biñan artists.
• 📚 The cultural mapping of Biñan identified historical treasures, including the ancestral homes and the connection to national hero Dr. Jose Rizal.
• 🔔 The Biñan Church's bell, mentioned in Rizal's 'Noli Me Tangere,' still exists and bears the mark of a lightning strike, adding to the town's historical significance.
• 🏡 The Alberto Mansion has a complex history tied to Rizal's family, with stories of family disputes and the imprisonment of Teodora Alonso.
• 🛠️ Despite opposition and challenges, the local government used eminent domain to save the mansion, demonstrating the power of people and policy in heritage conservation.
• 🏢 The restoration of the Alberto Mansion has sparked a broader interest in preserving Biñan's heritage, with other old houses being declared heritage sites and owners volunteering for restoration.
• 🏞️ The mansion's restoration is a testament to the coexistence of progress and heritage, as it stands proudly in the middle of the city, complementing the plaza and local businesses.
• 🕊️ The efforts to save the mansion were a victory for cultural preservation, showing that growth and modernity can occur without abandoning history and identity.

Q & A

What was the initial state of the historical mansion in Biñan when the documentary was first filmed in 2011?

The historical mansion in Biñan was in the process of demolition, with the roof gone, interior elements like the staircase and floor extracted, and even the foundation being dug up.

How did the local government support the transformation of the historical mansion?

The local government of Biñan supported the transformation by making the mansion open to the public for free, providing a performance space, and allowing it to be used for various activities such as rehearsals.

What is the significance of the ancestral house of Teodora Alonso to Philippine history?

The ancestral house of Teodora Alonso is significant because she is the mother of Dr. Jose Rizal, a national hero of the Philippines, and the house is tied to the country's historical and cultural heritage.

What was the role of Vicky Pacris in the preservation of the historical mansion?

Vicky Pacris, a Biñan LGU employee, was part of the cultural mapping conducted for Biñan, which helped identify the historical treasures of the town, including the ancestral home of Teodora Alonso.

What event during Rizal's childhood had a significant impact on his family's history?

When Rizal was 10 years old, his uncle Jose Alonso's wife, Teodora Formoso, accused Rizal's mother, Teodora Alonso, of attempted poisoning, leading to her imprisonment for two years.

Why was the Alberto Mansion almost demolished?

The Alberto Mansion was almost demolished due to a lack of recognition of its historical value and the property owner's intention to redevelop the land.

What efforts were made by the community to save the Alberto Mansion?

The community, led by figures like Doc Bimbo Sta. Maria, mounted a cultural protest, held musical and dramatic performances, and coordinated with the local government to save the mansion, eventually leading to its declaration as a local heritage site.

What is the significance of the bell in the Biñan Church mentioned in the script?

The bell in the Biñan Church is significant because it is said to be the same bell that Dr. Jose Rizal wrote about in his novel 'Noli Me Tangere,' and it still bears the crack from a lightning strike mentioned in the novel.

How did the local government use the power of eminent domain to save the Alberto Mansion?

The local government passed a city ordinance declaring the Alberto Mansion a local heritage site and used the power of eminent domain to expropriate the property, issuing a writ of possession to save it from demolition.

What is the current status of the Alberto Mansion after the restoration efforts?

After the restoration, the Alberto Mansion is now a heritage structure that is open to the public, with parts of it serving as a community space and a gallery for local artists, and it has become a symbol of Biñan's identity and history.

How did the restoration of the Alberto Mansion impact the surrounding community and other ancestral homes?

The restoration of the Alberto Mansion sparked interest in preserving other ancestral homes in the area, leading to some owners voluntarily restoring their properties and the declaration of additional heritage sites.