MANILA -- The government has prepared various activities for the official launch on December 21 of the Philippine Quincentennial Commemorations of the Victory at Mactan, introduction of Christianity, and Circumnavigation of the world in 2021.
The event will take place at the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NCHP) building on T. M. Kalaw St., in Ermita, Manila.
The highlight of the event is the launching of the official website of the National Quincentennial Committee (NQC), along with the unveiling of the commemorative logo and the presentation of the plans for the quincentennial.
The Secretariat Office of the NQC is located at the Serafin D. Quiason Resource Center of NCHP.
Also featured during of the launching event is the display of the national costume worn by newly-crowned Miss Universe Catriona Gray, which was shipped back at the NHCP in time for the launching.
The NQC signified its interest in the National Costume days before Gray was named the new Miss Universe. It features the motifs of the tattoos of the 16th-century Visayan warriors documented by the Magellan-Elcano expedition and of the so-called Boxer Codex.
The item created a massive awareness about the early Philippine history, which is among the thrusts of the Philippine Quincentennial Commemorations.
The Philippine history-inspired ensemble costume is a collaboration of the following: Jearson Demavivas (16th-century Pintado warrior body suit, T'boli accessories, parol pattern design); Eric Quiwa (parol/Christmas lantern maker); Rhyann Andrade (LED lighting designer and installer); Kim Fababair, Marina Ceriola, Renee Avila (Carlos "Botong" Francisco mural-inspired painting artists); Tomas Ramirez (Philippine baroque church design-inspired border design (made and designed from Apalit, Pampanga- coordinated by Mak Tumang); Jojo Bragais ( knee-high boots with Mindanaoan textile patterns design assisted by Ardel Presentacion); Justine Aliman (overall styling); Jojo Luarca (videographer); Prof. Xiao Chua(historical/cultural consultants); Carlos Buendia Jr. (creative consultant); and Miss Catriona Gray (concept and vision).
The NQC, created on May 8, 2018 by President Rodrigo R. Duterte through Executive Order No. 55, was tasked to lead government preparations for the commemoration of the Philippine Quincentennial.
Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea was appointed chairman of NQC while Dr. Rene Escalante, Chairman of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, is the vice chair.
Since its inaugural meeting on June 29, 2018 in Baler, Aurora, NQC has been convening every month and touched base with various local government units and concerned institutions, particularly in the Visayas.
A comprehensive plan of the government in celebrating the 500th anniversary of the Victory at Mactan, the achievement of mankind in circumnavigating the world, and the introduction of Christianity is expected to be submitted to the President by the end of the year. (PIA-PR)
