Encouraging public awareness on some aspects of Cavite’s culture, Cavite Studies Center hosted the 7th Annual Seminar on Local History and Culture on September 21 at the Luis Aguado Viewing Room, Aklatang Emilio Aguinaldo (AEA), De La Salle University-Dasmariñas (DLSU-D).
With the theme Anting-Anting sa Kabite: Paniniwala, Simbolismo at Mistisismo, the seminar had participants from private schools in Cavite. They were informed on some Philippine indigenous practices and facts – the prevalence of anting-anting during the Spanish period, how it is viewed by an anthropologist, and some notable Caviteños believed to possess amulets. The relevance of forming “mag-aanting” groups was also tackled.
Paper presenters for this seminar included National Historical Institute (NHI) Historical Education Division Chief Dr. Regino Paular, Greenhills Christian Fellowship-Alabang Pastor Narry Santos, CSC Researcher Michael Francisco, CSC Events Coordinator Jeffrey Lubang, DLSU-D Academic Linkages Office Director Aquino Garcia, DLSU-D University Faculty Research Office Events Coordinator Dr. Carmelo Buenaventura and Social Sciences Department faculty Mr. Gilbert Macarandang and Mr. Palmo Iya.

CSC worked with the NHI, the Cavite Historical Society and the AEA of DLSU-D in carrying out this activity. The seminar was part of the varied activities integrated in the Anting-Anting Festival slated in September and October. Documentary films on anting-anting culture were shown from September 19-29. Likewise, sample amulets loaned from the Herrera family, a well-known mag-aanting from Noveleta, Cavite, were displayed at the AEA gallery on September 30.

De La Salle University-Dasmariñas goes university wide in promoting its arts literacy program. Instead of having art appreciation as the sole concern of the Cultural Heritage Complex Council (CHCC), it is to be integrated in the university’s curriculum for every Lasallian student to have a basic knowledge on the seven arts namely: literature, architecture, dance, theater, music, film, and visual arts. This was announced by Dr. Estrellita Gruenberg, DLSU-D executive vice president, during the launching of the Arts Literacy Campaign at the Zaguan, Museo De La Salle, September 7.
On same occasion, as proof of CHCC’s support to the arts, a tribute was