SOMETHING ABOUT PAKIL Another interesting story I read about the town is that there was once an “arnis” like art that flourished in its communities. If true, this native self defense technique must have been lost in the 1900′s or even earlier. The only reference to this martial art that I found was written by a Presbyterian missionary in 1940. Jean Mallat, a French roaming the countryside, noted that this part of Laguna once had “prettiest native women…they rival those of Pampanga”. The Frenchman quite had keen eyes for the ladies. Was he prospecting for business or shopping for a wife? I love reading accounts from foreigners who had lived in the country in the past. They present a more direct depiction of the old country’s scene and character. Its interesting to note that there were several Europeans [my favorite is Jala-Jalas Paul dela Geroniere] who toured the countryside and wrote about their life here. If it were not for there written accounts, we would have fewer reference today. Reading them is like observing history from their perspective, they tend to be more candid about their views and feelings. Their works are still some of the finest reference about our old ways and landscape accessible to us today.
Posted on: Wed, 12 Mar 2014 07:34:11 +0000
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