Lea Salonga, Dolly de Leon to star in Franz Xaver Kroetz's 'Request sa Radyo'

 

Jan Milo Severo - Philstar.com

June 25, 2024 | 10:03am

MANILA, Philippines — Lea Salonga and Dolly de Leon will star in the stage play "Request sa Radyo" by Franz Xaver Kroetz. 

The strictly limited engagement with 20 performances will begin on October 10 until October 20 in Samsung Performing Arts Theater. Lea and Dolly will perform the solo piece in scheduled alternating performances.

“Request sa Radyo” (Wunschkonzert / Request Program) is Franz's landmark theatrical piece that captures the poignant solitude of a woman through her meticulous evening routine. As she navigates her quiet, solitary life, her actions and her favorite radio program reveal the profound loneliness and yearning for connection that lie beneath. 

“I’m so looking forward to coming back to my first love, the theater after five long years and I am equally excited that it is in 'Request Sa Radyo' – a play that is relevant and timely,” Dolly said. 

“When I was asked by Clint and Bobby if I was interested at all in this project, an experience that told a probable and possible story that absolutely applies to our people, I said sure, even before knowing the details. It will be a challenge though, but hopefully will lend a figurative voice to those who are suffering,” Lea said.

This masterpiece of modern theater promises to transform the mundane into a powerful exploration of isolation and the human condition through silence, and leaves you contemplating the depths of solitude long after the curtain falls.

“Request Sa Radyo” is produced by Clint Ramos, Bobby Garcia, and Christopher Mohnani for Ayala Land and GMG Productions.

"We are thrilled to bring this groundbreaking piece of art to life in Manila. Blurring the line between theater and performance art, Franz Xaver Kroetz’s wordless play speaks to the silent struggles of isolation and the deep human need for connection. Through its minimalist approach and profound storytelling, grounded in a specific Filipino lived experience, this production invites audiences to find extraordinary meaning in the everyday. Featuring Tony and Olivier winner, Lea Salonga and Golden Globe and BAFTA Nominee, Dolly De Leon, two of the most internationally celebrated actors of their generation, 'Request Sa Radyo' is the can’t-miss event in international theatre in 2024,” the producers said in a joint statement. 

The play is the coming together of some of the country’s (and world’s) bests. All multi-awarded and all considered sources of Philippine pride, this project delves on their vision and dedication in bringing the powerful and compelling narrative to the Philippine audience. 

A visionary designer and advocate of diversity and representation in theatre and film, Ramos is a six-time Tony Award nominee and the recipient of a Tony Award for his designs for "Eclipsed" - making him the first designer of color to win in this category. 

In this special project, Ramos, the Creative Director and Producer expressed, “I have always been so moved by this play as a piece of modern theater. Its intimate package belies the vastness of exploration of the human condition. When we got the blessing to bring it to Manila at the Samsung Theatre and have it speak to a specific Filipino condition, we could only think of two of the Philippines’ premier actors, Lea Salonga and Dolly de Leon, to star in it. Together with director and pal, Bobby Garcia, I cannot think of a better piece for all of us to collaborate on and be of artistic service to the motherland and our people.”

A respected figure in the world of theatre, Garcia’s career is marked by numerous acclaimed productions, both in the Philippines and internationally. In his homecoming project, “Request sa Radyo’s” Director and Producer shared, “The last show I worked on in Manila was 'The Band’s Visit,' which sadly never got to open because of the pandemic. It was a poignant musical about loneliness, isolation and the need for human connection. It feels almost like fate that I now return to Manila after 4 years to direct 'Request Sa Radyo,' a chilling and haunting piece of theatre about those very same issues, but completely different in approach, form and style. I am thrilled to be working with two of the country’s finest performers, Lea Salonga and Dolly De Leon, who will alternate in performing this unique theatrical experience about our universal need for human contact and the global crisis that is loneliness. I am also thrilled to reconnect with Manila audiences after some time away and re-engage with them through the art of storytelling."

BI now shares with PRA data for issuance to foreigners of resident retirees visa

BY JEFFREY DAMICOG

Jun 24, 2024 05:22 PM

  

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The Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) can now check if foreigners applying for Special Resident Retirees Visa (SRRV) have derogatory records, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said on Monday, June 24.

In a statement, the BI said it signed a data sharing agreement with PRA last June 21. 

Commissioner Norman Tansingco said: “This electronic data exchange system would allow for better monitoring, assisting the PRA in the implementation of their mandate, as well as allowing the BI to intercept foreign nationals with derogatory records attempting to reside in the country."

The PRA is mandated to process applications for SRRV to be issued to foreigners who are eyeing to retire or permanently reside in the Philippines.

“The Data Sharing Agreement introduces an advanced online/electronic system designed to facilitate the seamless exchange of information between the BI and PRA,” Tansingco said.  

“This allows the PRA to access travel histories and facilitate the verification of any derogatory records,” he also said.  

At the same time, Tansingco said the agreement bolsters the implementation of  Republic Act No. 11032, also known as the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018.

The agreement will  be valid and effective for five years and, afterwards, subject to renewal after every two years, he added.

8,000 LGBTs join Duaw Dabaw Festival Pride Parade

BY IVY TEJANO

Jun 24, 2024 10:41 PM

  

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DAVAO CITY – Almost 8,000 members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) community here marched during the Pride Parade of the first-ever Duaw Dabaw Festival from Roxas Ave. to Rizal Park at San Pedro Square here on Sunday, June 23.

Harold Quibete, Pride Parade organizer, said that the event featured 111 LGBTQIA+ groups, seven bands, and seven floats and witnessed by 15,000 to 20,000 people. 

Quibete thanked the participants, the people, the city government, for supporting the event.

He thanked the city councilors and Vice President Sara Z. Duterte for gracing the event.

“We are happy that they were present, and it is a nice way of showing that the government is opening its doors, that the LGBTQIA+ community is accepted and valued here in Davao City," Quibete said.

Duterte said that Pride Month serves as a reminder of the power of love against hatred, discrimination, and the lack of respect for the LGBT community, which historically has been subjected to ridicule, oppression, and unequal life opportunities. 

Quibete said the overall security during the pride event was generally peaceful.

He added that people enjoyed the performance of the drag performers in the Hugyaw Davao: Night of Fun and Colors at Rizal Park.

What are the fruits that will cleanse your kidneys fast?

 

Nasim Ullah

Food Science and Nutrition.

Former Managing Director. at Hayat Sweet.1993–2024

What are the fruits that will cleanse your kidneys fast?

Fruits That Will Cleanse Your Kidneys Fast: A Natural Approach to Kidney Health

Maintaining kidney health is crucial for overall well-being, as these vital organs filter waste and excess substances from the blood. Incorporating certain fruits into your diet can help cleanse your kidneys and promote their optimal function. Here are some fruits known for their kidney-cleansing properties:

1. Cranberries

Cranberries are well-known for their ability to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) by inhibiting bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract walls. This property also makes them beneficial for kidney health, as they help reduce the risk of infection and inflammation in the kidneys. Cranberries are rich in antioxidants, which support the kidneys in filtering out toxins more efficiently.

2. Blueberries

Blueberries are another antioxidant powerhouse. They contain compounds that reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which can help protect kidney cells from damage. The high vitamin C content in blueberries also supports the immune system, aiding in overall kidney health.

3. Apples

Apples are rich in fiber and antioxidants, which can help detoxify the kidneys. The high pectin content in apples binds to toxins in the intestines, facilitating their elimination and reducing the burden on the kidneys. Additionally, apples have anti-inflammatory properties that support kidney function.

4. Lemons

Lemons are well-known for their ability to prevent kidney stones due to their high citric acid content. Citric acid binds to calcium, preventing the formation of calcium oxalate stones. Drinking lemon water regularly can help flush out toxins and reduce the risk of kidney stones.

5. Watermelon

Watermelon is a natural diuretic, meaning it helps increase urine production, which can aid in flushing out toxins from the kidneys. It is also hydrating and rich in antioxidants like lycopene, which protect kidney cells from damage.

6. Grapes

Grapes, especially red and purple varieties, are rich in antioxidants, including resveratrol, which helps reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the kidneys. Consuming grapes can support kidney health by promoting the elimination of waste products and reducing the risk of kidney disease.

7. Strawberries

Strawberries are high in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, all of which contribute to kidney health. Their anti-inflammatory properties help protect the kidneys from damage, while their high water content aids in detoxification.

8. Pomegranate

Pomegranate juice is known for its high antioxidant content, which can help protect the kidneys from oxidative stress and inflammation. Pomegranate also has diuretic properties that promote the elimination of toxins through urine.

9. Oranges

Oranges are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which support immune function and help reduce inflammation in the kidneys. Their high water content also aids in keeping the kidneys hydrated and functioning optimally.

10. Cherries

Cherries have potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can benefit kidney health. They help reduce the risk of gout and kidney stones by lowering uric acid levels in the blood, which can otherwise crystallize and form stones in the kidneys.

In summary

Incorporating these fruits into your diet can provide a natural and effective way to cleanse your kidneys and promote overall kidney health. Remember to consume these fruits in their natural form or as fresh juices without added sugars to maximize their benefits. Along with a balanced diet, staying hydrated and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are key factors in supporting kidney function and overall wellness.

BINI eyes global stage

The girls of Bini are launched as the new endorsers of fast food giant Jollibee during the event, ‘Cheesy Yumburger Best Fest,’ at Trinoma. The eight-member group — composed of Jhoanna, Aiah, Colet, Gwen, Maloi, Mikha, Sheena, and Stacey — have also expressed their heartfelt gratitude to their fans, also called Blooms, whose strong support has been instrumental in their three-year journey to becoming the leading P-pop girl group.

Photos by Anthony Abad

Lyka Nicart - The Philippine Star 

June 24, 2024 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — BINI is more proud than pressured to represent Original Pilipino Music (OPM) on a global stage.

The eight-member girl group — composed of Jhoanna, Aiah, Colet, Gwen, Maloi, Mikha, Sheena, and Stacey — recently expressed their heartfelt gratitude to their fans, also called Blooms, whose strong support has been instrumental in their three-year journey to becoming the leading P-pop girl group.

Debuting in June 2021 after two years of training under ABS-CBN’s Star Hunt Academy, they have since been dubbed by fans as the “Nation’s Girl Group.” They would become a nationwide success after releasing Pantropiko in November 2023. The song went viral and launched a dance craze on TikTok and other social media platforms.  

By March this year, they were recognized as the first Filipino pop group with the most monthly listeners on Spotfiy and the first to top the Billboard Philippine Songs chart.

Early this month, they scored a more impressive Spotify record after becoming the first Filipino act to break into the Global Top Artist chart at the 193rd spot. They currently enjoy 6.8 million monthly listeners. 

Besides Pantropiko, their other hits are Karera, Salamin, Salamin and Lagi.

“We just want to say thank you so much to our Blooms and to everyone supporting our songs. We couldn’t have gotten here if it weren’t for you guys,” said Mikha. “And to be representing OPM, it’s such an honor. We promise we will not disappoint and we will continue to take OPM into the international scene.”

Mikha also said that they intend to handle the pressure positively, using it to get better. “We make sure that the pressure doesn’t get to us, but we use it in a way where in we’re able to improve,” she added. 

Gwen, another member, stressed that they’ve always tried to incorporate Pinoy culture into their music and performances. To recall, their pre-debut song was their dance version of the Smokey Mountain hit Da Coconut Nut.  

“From the beginning, we always try to show Philippine culture in our songs, performances, and style,” Gwen said.

She is happy that their efforts are being noticed, which helps Filipino talent get more recognition.

“We’re very happy na ngayon nare-recognize na siya. And if naka-contribute na po kami ‘dun, we’re thankful kasi mas lumalawak na po ‘yung naabot ng Filipino talent.”

BINI got to share their thoughts on OPM representation internationally when they were launched as the latest brand ambassadors of the homegrown but global fast food chain Jollibee.

They were officially introduced as the new faces of the brand’s Double Cheesy Yumburger last June 17 at the TriNoma Mall Activity Center in Quezon City. During the event dubbed as “Cheesy Yumburger Best Fest,” attendees and guests got a first look at BINI’s 47-second music video commercial for the fast food brand, which reworked and featured the group’s viral hit Pantropiko.

“It’s about feeling good, having fun, and enjoying the moment, which is what our music is all about, too,” said Jhoanna of their new endorsement project. 

For BINI, teaming up with a proudly Filipino brand feels like a dream.

“It’s a brand that’s just as much fun and as vibrant as we are. Also, being a proud Filipina group, we’re so happy that we get to be part of the Jollibee fam,” Jhoanna also said.

Meanwhile, BINI enthralled fans with live performances of Salamin, Salamin and Karera during the Best Fest event hosted by Robi Domingo.

The girls, sans Aiah, also interacted with fans in a mini dance-off on stage, highlighting the key choreography from BINI’s TV commercial.

Blooms are in for exciting treats as the latest collaboration — a fusion of food, fun, and fandom — is set to bring “plenty of surprises” such as special appearances and exclusive content.

BINI is set to hold their first solo three-day concert, titled “BINIVerse,” at the New Frontier in Quezon City on June 28, 29, and 30. Tickets are already sold out.

I am speechless

PEOPLE use speechless in these cases to show how stunned or moved they were, even though they were probably still capable of speech. “I’m speechless” often really means “I’m shocked!”

If you are speechless, you are temporarily unable to speak, usually because something has shocked you.

Is speechless positive or negative? Oftentimes, “speechless” has a negative connotation, because of its connection to anger, jealousy, etc. For example, “My mom was speechless when she heard me cuss out my grandmother.” In such a sentence, “tongue-tied” wouldn’t be appropriate.

Anyway, sometimes there is no sense in crying, but we feel paralyzed. A good friend of mine told me that a couple of days ago. Words cannot describe it and words fail me, but I wouldn’t be a writer, if I couldn’t express the right words at the right moment.

After the long talk with my friend, I must confess that, many times, I also felt speechless and paralyzed.

Look at this: follow ups seem to become the new national character. Indifferent people in our surroundings let us feel like that every day. Indifference seems to become one of the vagaries in today’s new society.

We try to get an appointment, but the other side seems to be very busy – every day of the week! Of course, we don’t want to encroach on other people’s time. Let’s try again tomorrow! How do you feel, if you observe certain employees, who should be in service of the people, instead of reading a magazine, doing private telephone calls, doing (important!) text messages and getting down-right cheeky, if we started uncounted follow ups. Then, suddenly, we have to learn that “the boss is out of town” or so… GRABE!

Yes, I might fall out of favor with some readers with today’s column, but guys, what’s the difference between being busy, making a good deal of money out of something and just being indifferent or “not in the mood” to entertain people.

I can tell you frankly: Many people feel paralyzed and experience a terrible loss of power of movement or sensation while dealing with uselessness, if indifference, arrogance and ignorance determine the different situations in our daily life.

If the promise has been given to help or support someone, it shouldn’t be broken by endless excuses and terrible stalling tactics. A “YES” is a “YES” and a “NO” should be a “NO” and not “MAYBE”, if a promise can’t be held understandable and comprehensive.

I don’t like to let somebody wait for an answer or during an appointment. I try to look after it or take care of it. If I have been informed that somebody tried to contact me, but missed me, I really do everything to find him or her. What’s bad about it? Sorry, I really don’t like being late or “remaining silent”.

How many good ideas and highly appreciated business deals had gone with the wind because of uncomprehending, unsympathetic and unappreciated everyday deals between fellow creatures? Can you get the hang of it?

Yes, sometimes I also feel uncomfortable while observing lost chances. Remember; we don’t get anything for nothing in the whole word – sure! But first, we should learn how to keep promises, to help each other, to be honest and to be one of the leaders of national stabilization and consolidation.

What are some things you should never do in Germany as a tourist?

 

Thomas L. Johnson

Former Top Writer (2015-18) & Top Question Writer (2016-18)

I sometimes feel like I have answered this question 100 times, but maybe that is because I have discovered so many ways of screwing up as a tourist in Germany.

• If you are one of those jerks who typically hogs the left lane to force faster cars to pass you on the right, don’t. No left lane lollygagging in Germany.
• If you are one of those people who think it is the height of manners to hide your left hand on your lap when you eat, don’t. Two fisted eating is the norm in Germany. Switching fork and knife from hand to hand as you cut meat or veggies is something that will get you looks.
• If you have been paying attention at all, you know that you will be shamed and even fined if you put your shod feet up on a train seat or other piece of furniture. You also know that crossing on anything but a green light outside of certain neighborhoods of Berlin is considered akin to child abuse. You are to be an example to the children.
• You should never use the hotel sauna or steam room if you will be offended when the beefy couple you saw at breakfast fully clothed is sweating away fully unclothed. Just don‘t stare.
• You should never order a bottomless cup of coffee or expect a glass of free ice water with your meal. You should order your beer or bottled water and just enjoy the privilege of keeping the restaurant from going bankrupt.
• You should not think the waitstaff is rude if they do not come by every ten minutes to ask if everything is okay. When you want to pay, you need to make eye contact and tell that person you want to pay. And be prepared to pay with cash.
• Finally, as a tourist, you should relax and enjoy the best Germany has to offer. No country puts more effort into being more tourist friendly. Even the small towns will have a competent tourist office.

Fete de la Musique begins 30th year in the Philippines on high note

 

Fete de la Musique begins 30th year in the Philippines on high note

Kristofer Purnell - Philstar.com

June 22, 2024 | 12:12pm

MANILA, Philippines — Fluctuating weather did not stop Filipinos from enjoying the kick-off of Fete de la Musique Philippines 2024 on Friday, the event's 30th anniversary of marking World Music Day.

Fete de la Musique first began in France in 1982, and it eventually found its way to Philippine shores 12 years later.

In its early years in the Philippines, the event was held in Remedios Circle with just three bands and around 40 attendees. Over the years, it moved to Malate and then grew in popularity when it was held in El Pueblo in Ortigas. 

The event has found a home at the iconic Greenbelt 3 Park, where the main stage returned yesterday, June 21, the exact date when World Music Day is celebrated globally.

Following a 30-minute delay because of a sudden downpour — a canopy was set after a similar mishap occured last year — the main stage began with performances by Shanni and Jason Dhakal, the latter backed by Lustbass.

Band Sinosikat supported jazz singer Jose Miguel for three of his songs before completing a set on their own, then they were followed by Bicolana singer-songwriter Dwta.

Deputy Chief of Mission of the French Embassy to the Philippines Rémy Tirouttouvarayane and Fete de la Musique 2024 project managers Sana Schifferer, Noe Fuentes and Ziera de Veyra thanked the crowd for their attendance to this year's event. 

After a quick photo op and an invitation to more than 40 free nationwide pocket stages on June 28, the Jewelmer Jazz Band — composed of student musicians — took over the stage.

The Greenbelt 3 Park crowd grew with an upbeat hour-long set by French DJ duo Pfel & Greem of C2C, who have done Fete de la Musique in their home country.

The energy of the crowd was sustained as Autotelic, Morobeats, and Dilaw performed in succession.

The crowd sang along to Autotelic hits like "Languyin" and "Laro," then participated in Morobeats' many hip-hop tracks that further hyped the entire area.

Dilaw was the clear highlight for many in attendance with its energetic vocalist, Leonard "Dilaw" Obrero, dancing onstage, wading into the audience, and endlessly quipping throughout the band's set.

Capping off the performances was Any Name’s Okay, the band's first time on the Fete de la Musique main stage after doing numerous pocket stages the past seven years.

Most of the pocket stages are in Makati's Poblacion area and will coincide with the district's fiesta celebrations.

This year, there are also 70 destination stages, the most in Fete de la Musique to date, across Luzon (El Nido, Naga, Baguio, Pampanga, Puerto Galera, Baler, Los Banos, Albay, Zambales, Laguna, Masbate, Cavite); Visayas (Cebu, Siquijor) and Mindanao (Siargao, South Cotobato, Davao, Cagayan de Oro).

October 30 is now the Philippines' National Day of Charity

 A homeless woman sleeps inside her two-wheel push cart serving as her house on wheels, as she and other homeless wait for food distribution at a catholic missionary feeding center in Manila on September 22, 2022.

AFP / Ted Aljibe

Kristine Daguno-Bersamina - Philstar.com

June 22, 2024 | 11:02am

The Presidential Communications Office on Saturday announced that October 30 will be commemorated every year as the National Day of Charity as part of the government's commitment to promoting and uplifting the lives of Filipinos under a “Bagong Pilipinas.”

“Bagong Pilipinas, as the overarching theme of the Administration’s brand of governance and leadership, calls for deep and fundamental transformations in all sectors of society and government, and visions to emphasize compassion, solidarity and social responsibility among Filipinos,” the proclamation reads.

Proclamation No. 598, a two-page document signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on June 13, directs the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) to lead, coordinate and supervise the commemoration.

According to the PCO, the PCSO “has shown its dedication to fulfil its mandate through the provision of medical services, the conduct of free medical and dental services, the establishment of an out-patient clinic, and its partnerships with qualified government and non-government welfare institutions/agencies that promote the well-being of the marginalized sectors of society.”

The proclamation calls on all government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned or controlled corporations, state universities and colleges, to observe National Day of Charity. 

Local government units, non-government organizations and the private sector are also encouraged to participate.

In issuing the proclamation, Marcos cited Section 9, Article II of the Constitution, which mandates the promotion of a just and dynamic social order to ensure national prosperity and independence. 

Did Spain demand that Filipinos adopt Spanish surnames when the Philippines became a colony?

Norman Owen

Honorary Professor at The University of Hong Kong

There’s a lot of misinformation about this topic, to judge by other answers, so let me clear up what I can.

First, Spain did not require anyone to take Spanish (or any other) surnames when they acquired the Philippines in the 16th century. It was almost three centuries later when they first required surnames (see below), and even then most of the names on offer were Filipino, not Spanish.

So how did many Filipinos get their Spanish surnames? For centuries, the primary process would have been through baptism in the Roman Catholic Church, at which time those baptized (or their parents) would often choose (Spanish) Christian names: Cruz, Reyes, Santos, Santo Tomas, Santa Maria, etc. These might or might not be passed down from generation to generation; some families, or perhaps some parishes, were pretty consistent with “family” names, while others seem to have allowed each individual to have a “surname” of his or her own, which might or might not be the same as his/her parents or siblings. Some Filipinos held on to local (Filipino) names, especially if they reflected pre-Hispanic “nobility,” such as Lacandola, but again this was inconsistent.

My sense from much research in the archives is that at the local level most Filipinos didn’t even bother with surnames, because everyone knew who everyone was, and identified them by their given name or nickname. Only when it came to baptism, marriage, burial, or (rare) dealings with official bureaucracy would a surname even be asked for, and I suspect some people could barely remember theirs, in the same way that some of us can barely remember the ID or passwords we’re supposed to use on various computer applications. (I was able to identify one Filipina who was known by 14 different names in around twenty years!)

In the 19th century, the Spanish, trying to rationalize the administration of the Philippines (once the tail-end of their empire; now, with the loss of the Americas, the jewel in the Spanish crown), got tired of this chaos. In 1849, Governor General Narciso Claveria issued a decree that everyone should get a proper surname, selected from a Catalogo Alfabetico de Apellidos [Alphabetical Catalogue of Surnames] sent out to each province. These surnames were to be given to the entire family, so that fathers and children would all have the same names all the time, and proper records would be kept by churches, schools, and local officials, etc.

The ostensible purpose of this decree was to avoid “confusion,” including the hypothetical possibility of people marrying others to whom they were too closely related (because they lacked surnames to tell them this!). Clearly the main reason was to sort out and simplify tax collection and other administrative tasks.

Contrary to the belief of many Filipinos, the Catalogo was NOT a list of exclusively Spanish names. In 1973 the National Archives published a phostatic copy of the Catalogo, unfortunately with a poor quality of reproduction. I was the ghostwriter for the Introduction (by Domingo Abella) to this reprint and have a copy of it in my possession. Those who claim it was a directory of Spanish names have clearly not looked into it, e.g., on p33 we find, among many others, the names coppocopy, copcop, copang, copit, copcopin, copag, copari, copada, etc. (These are randomly selected from literally hundreds more on the same page; there are tens of thousands in the whole volume.) In fact the decree specifically says that Filipinos ought not to choose names like “de la Cruz, de los Santos, and some others which are so numerous that they would continue producing confusion.”

But although the decree itself is clear, and the background to it fairly evident, we know very little about its implementation. It clearly varied from province to province, presumably according to the (Spanish) governors’ choices. In Albay, for example, there is a remarkable clustering of surnames by first letter, so that in the coast from Tabaco to Tiwi most names begin with the letters B & C; in Sorsogon, from E to L; in the Iraya valley M to S, etc. The town of Oas, dominated by last names beginning with the letter “R,” was said later (jokingly) to have claimed everyone with such last names, including Rizal and Roosevelt! Yet in the neighboring province of Ambos Camarines, no such clustering occurs; the new surnames for each parish come from anywhere in the alphabet. One guess as to this discrepancy - and it is only a guess - is that in Camarines someone took the whole Catalogo around from parish to parish, whereas in Albay they tore out the pages and sent different pages to different towns.

What is obvious is that there was enormous inconsistency in the implementation of this decree. Some Filipinos managed to retain old “family” names, although they were only supposed to be able to do this if they could prove that they had used them for four generations (and even then, not “de la Cruz, de los Santos,” etc.) Some Filipinos clearly chose Hispanic names; others apparently chose from the Filipino terms included in the Catalogo. We have no idea how much the parish priests (whether Spanish or Filipino) or even parish clerks (Filipinos) influenced these choices; it is entirely possible that they, rather than the families themselves, assigned surnames to many people. It is likely that a substantial number of people just missed out on the decree entirely - colonial administration was extremely haphazard in those days - though over time, as the colonial state grew and expanded its reach, it would have become harder and harder not to have a “proper” surname.

In the end, it is likely that most Spanish surnames in the Philippines today proceed from this 1849 decree and its (imperfect) implementation. We might guess that most Filipinos (or whoever made the decisions on their behalf) thought Spanish names were better than the Filipino alternatives offered in the Catalogo, but that, again, is just a guess. But we also know that many of these surnames antedate the 1849 decree, and presumably arose from earlier baptismal choices.