This Weeks Feature: San Isidros Hall of (Eternal) Fame Nueva Ecija may not readily ring a bell when it comes to heritage architecture, but there are actually historical gems scattered throughout the province, like the church of Gapan and ancestral houses in several towns. Officially founded in 1843, San Isidro was for a time the provincial capital. In 1899, a fleeing General Emilio Aguinaldo resided briefly in the grand Sideco family mansion; he proclaimed the town as capital of the First Philippine Republic, with the house as the seat of government. The house still stands and is a local landmark. San Isidro has a Spanish colonial cemetery that is in one way possibly unique. Upon entering the classical arched entrance, one is greeted by long flanking rows of niche-type tombs, like a sort of hall of fame for the dead. The visitor is immediately confronted with the distinguished names of the towns dear departed as he or she looks from left to right, right to left. Its as if the dead, in those pre-Facebook times, are shouting out their identities in perpetuam. In other old cemeteries, the niches do ring the walls, but they are usually not built like a narrow passageway, like here. The state of the archs facade is lamentable, despite some hasty attempts in concrete to shore up damaged or eroding parts. Despite the haphazard look, the beauty of the structures shines through. Other parts of the cemetery have notable tombs and mausoleums dating from the early 20th century, including one interesting grave of a young girl which may date from 1899. San Isidro can be developed as a cultural-historical attraction, given its legacy. And the old cemetery can be part of any tour itinerary--so thoughtful restoration should be considered.
Posted on: Mon, 15 Dec 2014 07:17:25 +0000