BULAWAN: Gold Jewelry from Camarines Norte

One event that I always look forward to yearly is Bulawan, the exhibition of handcrafted gold jewelry from Camarines Norte, Bicol, primarily because I am half Bicolana (my dad is from Daet, Camarines Norte) and secondly, I love handcrafted jewelry.

Going to Bulawan always reminds me of the jewelry collection of my grandmother and her sisters and the pieces that were handed down to me. As young as 7 years old, I was already familiar with the Bicol gold (24k and 18k) and trademark hadcrafted designs such as the alupihan (centipede), pinalay (rice grains), and tambourine and filigree (spanish-influenced designs).

I was reintroduced to these gold jewelry back in 2009 when the Provincial Government of Camarines Norte, through the Camarines Norte Investment Incentive Board (CNIIB) headed by then Honorable Governor Jesus O. Typoco, Jr., requested internationally-renowned sculptor and artist-designer Dr. Joaquin Gasgonia Palencia, a native of Daet, Camarines Norte, to design a series of elegant, one-of-a-kind jewellery that were executed by members of the CNJPAI for their national and international clientele.

Thus, the exhibition “Bulawan: the Gold of Camarines Norte” was born -- a showcase of 18k gold jewelry in natural motifs and unique cultural heritage of Camarines Norte, rendered through elegant and daring designs, and executed with high precision and faithfulness to the concept by their respective jewellers. The exhibit was held at the Ayala Museum from November 5 to 9 and was unveiled with a fashion show and a simple cocktail party.

The exhibit at the Ayala Museum paved the way for the invitation and participation of the Camarines Norte jewelry Producers Association, Inc. (CNJPAI) in the Hongkong International Jewellery Show last March 5-9, 2010 wherein the intricate and handcrafted jewelry products of the province were promoted not only at the Philippines but also in the international market.

In 2010, under the leadership of Governor Edgardo A. Tallado, the Bulawan returned and was on exhibit at the Yuchengco Museum from November 15 to December 4, showcasing a variety of jewelry collection classified from vintage, antique, traditional and modern designs thereby evoking "The Evolution of Camarines Norte Jewelry" and highlighting the gradual development in the design, craftmanship and quality of the jewelry items in Camarines Norte.

Long known for its rich deposits of gold, the province of Camarines Norte is becoming a major player in the Philippine jewelry industry through the efforts of the Provincial Government of Camarines Norte, and the Department of Trade and Industry-Camarines Norte Provincial Office (DTI-CNPO), who have been supporting the initiatives of local jewellers.

This time around, the Camarines Norte gold exhibit returns to Manila with "Bulawan: The Renaissance." The exhibit boasts of innovative designs that were culled from the recently concluded 2011 Jewelry Design Competition, as inspired by nature and other things the Bicol region is known for. It was formally opened last November 13 by Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno and the First Lady of Camarines Norte Josie Tallado (wife of Governor Edgardo Tallado), together with project chairman DTI-Camarines Norte Provincial Office Director Ernesto Pardo.

Also launch during the event is the official website of Bulawan at bulawanjewelry.com. You may also "like" their Facebook page and follow them on Twitter soon.

"Bulawan: The Renaissance" is on view at the Metropolitan Museum from November 13 to Dec. 13. Catch a glimpse of the breathtaking precious creations and while you are at it, buy a piece or two for your own collection.

Filed under EVENTS

Rizal @150: RIZALizing the Future

This June 19 marks Jose Rizal's 150 birthday and as the Philippines' national hero, it is but fitting that tributes be done for him. One such tribute is the Yuchengco Museum's RIZALizing the Future exhibition which aims to make Rizal "young" and relevant to the new generation.

This can be found inside the elevator.

Most of us may know of Jose Rizal through the social studies and history classes in school; have seen him in monuments, stamps and currency; and have read his books Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo but having gone through the Rizal exhibit made me realize that I still have a lot to learn about him and his life.

Me with a Team Manila graphic art of our national hero in the background.

Yuchengco Museum Curator Jeannie Javelosa gathered bloggers and people from media for a guided tour to preview the exhibit the night before it officially opened. She shared with us the dynamics of being a curator -- how she and her group would think of what to showcase next in the museum, how and where to gather the items for exhibit (artifacts and paintings), and how to market it to attract audience.

Curator Jeannie Javelosa dishes out about the exhibit story-telling style.

A special guided tour pre-opening night.

Ms. Javelosa excitedly told us that Rizal family members have collaborated with the museum to bring to the public Rizaliana memorabilia never exhibited before while some paintings and sculptures were from famous Filipino artists. Notable objects on display include sketches by Jose Rizal, jewelry worn by Rizal's childhood sweetheart Leonor Rivera, art by Team Manila, and banknotes and coins bearing Rizal's image.

Rizal on old Philippine money.

An old photo of the Rizal (back row, second from left) among family and friends.

Leonor Rivera's locket necklace.

Team Manila merchandise depicting the modern Rizal.

Visitors are encouraged to walk and meditate around a floating garden (and even lie on the abaca rug under it) and ponder on excerpts from Rizal's letters, novels, and poems reflecting his values.

Ponder on Rizal's works and values.

Lie beneath the floating garden while listening and meditating.

The special exhibit also coincides with the 100th anniversary of the Yuchengco Group of Companies, highlighting YGC's root of inspiration: Rizal the Great Malayan, as seen through the naming of Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) and the Malayan Insurance. Yuchengco patriach Alfonso Yuchengco, is a great fan of Jose Rizal.

I wanted to post more photos from the exhibit but I'm afraid it would be a spoiler to what could be your wonderful learning experience. Curious much? Go and visit soon.

RIZALizing the Future is on view until October 29 at the Yuchengco Museum at the ground floor of RCBC Plaza, Ayala corner Sen. Gil Puyat Avenues, Makati City. Museum hours are Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm. For more information on the exhibit and to know about the schedule of other Rizal-related events, call (632) 889-1234 or visit www.yuchengcomuseum.org.