Cultural Events in Pagsanjan (1972-1975)

      As a town of cultured people, the municipality during the martial law regime gave emphasis to cultural development and progress. In conformity with the biblical injunction that "man does not live on bread alone," Mayor Zaide, himself a scholar and lover of culture, pursued a cultural policy to keep aglow the glory that is Pagsanjan.
      Among the important cultural events in town during the martial law were the following:

1. Public concert of the world-renowned Pangkat Kawayan (Singing Bamboos) at the town plaza on the summer twilight of May 26, 1972. These unique musical ensemble of 50 boys and girls, ranging in age from 7 to 13, played their bamboo musical instruments with exquisite artistry. They are pupils of the Aurora A. Quezon Elementary School in Quezon City. Under the baton of its gifted director, Mr. Victor Toledo, the bamboo band gave lilting renditions of Filipino and Western music that fascinated the huge crowd. The credit for bringing this Pangkat Kawayan belongs to Professor Corazon Maceda, a distinguished Pagsanjeña music professor and pianist. It is said that this famous bamboo band was founded on September 6, 1966 by Miss Laura R. Gorospe, principal of the Aurora A. Quezon Elementary School.

2. Visit of the Delegates of the Second World Congress of International Volunteerism to Pagsanjan on December 7, 1972. A welcome party consisting of the members of Pagsanjan Women's Club and prominent citizens welcomed them at the town gate. Mayor Zaide presented the symbolic key of the town to Mrs. Ripley, president of the World Congress of Volunteerism. At the reception given in honor of the visiting delegates held at Pagsanjan Rapids Hotel, Dr. Zaide gave the welcome address and Governor Felicisimo T. San Luis introduced Madame President Ripley, who delivered a delightful speech on the humanitarian objectives of International Volunteerism. The delegates came from Australia, Brazil, Costa Rica, United States, and other countries.

3. Asean Agricultural Extension Seminar held at Rio Vista Resort, Pagsanjan, on April 7-8, 1973. Attended by delegates from Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, and Singapore. Main speakers were Director Jose Saguitsit of the Bureau of Agricultural Extension and Governor San Luis of Laguna.

4. Literary and Musical Program for the visiting Madame Olive Farquharson of England, President of the Associated Country Women of the World, at Rio Vista Resort, on March 19, 1973. Attended by the community development workers of Laguna, Governor San Luis, and mayor Zaide. The eloquent speech of President Farquharson was enthusiastically applauded.

5. Public Performance of the High School Band and Choir of the Clark Air base High School, consisting of 250 American students (boys and girls). Held at the campus of Francisco Benitez Memorial Elementary School on the evening of May 19, 1973. Mayor Zaide gave a brief speech, welcoming the visitors to the town.

6. The rare event called Ugnayan, a "cultural inter-linking through music." Sponsored by Mrs. Imelda Romualdez Marcos, it was a gala performance at the Cultural Center in Manila of the unique compositions of Professor Jose Maceda, based on various tribal chants played on native musical instruments. The people of Pagsanjan and other towns in our archipelago gathered at their respective town plazas on the night of January 1, 1974 to hear the radio broadcasts of this Ugnayan.

7. Visit of the Magistrates of the Supreme Court and the Secretary of Justice on May 18, 1974. This visit was masterminded by Associate Justice Estanislao A. Fernandez, first Lagunense to become member of the Supreme Court and a son of Pagsanjeño father. It was the first time in history that Pagsanjan played host to the illustrious jurists of our nation. Those who came not only to visit the town, but also to see the famous Pagsanjan Falls and shoot the exciting rapids were:

Chief Justice Querube C. Makalintal and wife
Associate Justice Calixto O. Zaldivar and wife
Associate Justice Enrique M. Fernando and wife
Associate Justice Claudio Teehankee and wife
Associate Justice Antonio P. Barredo and wife
Associate Justice Felix V. Makasiar and wife
Associate Justice Antonio V. Esguerra and wife
Associate Justice Cecilia Muñoz-Palma
Associate Justice Ramon Aquino and wife
Associate Justice Estanislao A. Fernandez and wife
Secretary of Justice Jose Abad Santos and wife

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