G. P. Martin

       While browsing through old fiesta souvenir books of the Pasig Church, I stumbled upon a beautifully written article by Marcial Esguerra. Featured in the 1955 souvenir program for Pista ng Bayan in Pasig, this piece offers a fascinating glimpse into the town’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage.      Pasig, the town-turned-city where I grew up, feels vastly different from the Pasig my parents knew. This article takes me back to a time we can only wish to experience—a time when life revolved around simple joys, close-knit communities, and deeply rooted traditions. It paints a vivid picture of Pasig before it became the bustling, highly urbanized, and populous city we know today. So I share this beautiful article to look back into the past.      To the younger generations in particular, it would be interesting to know about Pasig at the turn of the century, for then Pasig was a far cry from what it is today. Then, we had no autos...

    In the heart of Pasig lies a poignant piece of forgotten heritage—the devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title Nuestra Señora de la Peña or Our Lady of the Rock. Once a cherished aspect of the town's spiritual and cultural life, this devotion has faded into the margins of collective memory. The title, evocative of strength and refuge, reflects the Virgin Mary's role as a steadfast intercessor for her devotees.      To shed light on this nearly forgotten devotion, I turn to an excerpt from La Virgen María: Venerada en sus Imagenes filipinas, a book published in 1904 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the proclamation of the Dogma of the Immaculate Conception. This historical piece offers a glimpse into how Nuestra Señora de la Peña was once venerated and the significance it held for the people of Pasig.      A translation of the original article that was published will follow to help understand its context and relevance. Nu...

This article examines the life, legacy, and veneration of Saint William the Hermit, known as San Guillermo de Maleval, with particular focus on his significance as the patron saint of Barangay Buting. San Guillermo, who was born in Poitiers, France, and lived in the 12th century, underwent a notable transformation from a life of youthful transgressions to one of deep penance. He eventually dedicated his life to prayer and asceticism as a hermit in Italy, where he became renowned for his spirituality and piety. This work further explores the stories and miracles attributed to his image in Buting, from accounts of divine intervention during wartime to instances of personal healings and blessings. Through these stories, we aim to understand the enduring impact of San Guillermo's life on local traditions, faith practices, and the cultural memory of the community. By analyzing these narratives, this article contributes to the broader discourse on the role of patron saints in local a...