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Bakás Pilipinas has
the following objectives: |
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To raise awareness of and cultivate appreciation for Philippine historic architecture and sites among Filipino-Americans and the greater U.S. public
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To provide technical assistance in terms of research and documentation, preservation planning, conservation and management of Philippine-built heritage
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To promote an exchange of ideas between Filipino and American preservation professionals and crafts persons |
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To promote historic preservation and conservation as tools for economic development and cultural heritage tourism
in the Philippines |
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Bakas Pilipinas is comprised of a diverse group of professionals committed to preserving and conserving the architectural, landscape and cultural heritage of the Philippines.
Our members include architects, conservators, architectural historians, artists, photographers, planners, and many others. |
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Buildings and sites are among the most vivid of humankind's legacy.
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| Buildings and sites express humanity's perception of beauty and harmony, and help to provide a sense of identity and constancy in a world marked by rapid change.
The spectrum is wide and can range from the spiritual architecture of churches to the daily act of living expressed in homes, villages and towns. Unfortunately, historic buildings and sites
are frequently at risk in the Philippines, sometimes due to unsympathetic renovations and modernizations, by abandonment and neglect,
and by demolition and inappropriate development. |
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Many historic churches built up to 500 years ago often undergo renovation, where their original interiors are stripped and sold piecemeal to antique dealers.
The historic interiors are replaced with new materials. |
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The Jai Lai Building in Manila, a premier Art-Deco showcase, was razed despite protests from concerned citizens.
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The ruins of Corregidor, a historic military site, are in dire need of stabilization. |
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The San Sebastian Church in Manila, built 1886-1891 in the Gothic Revival style, is threatened by severe water penetration and corrosion.
It is the only all-metal church in the Philippines and one of a handful of such engineering marvels which were ever constructed in Asia. |
| Knowing one's past is enriching to any person or family. Buildings and sites are the most tangible representation of our collective past and are legacies we leave for future generations.
They serve as landmarks in time for individuals and communities. They are sources of local, regional and national pride, and represent architectural, artistic, engineering, and cultural achievement.
They nurture and revive traditional building arts and crafts, thus contributing to a community's sustainable economy.
They also instruct viewers in how to harmonize a built environment with nature. |
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San Sebastian
Church
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Through the combined efforts
of Bakas Pilipinas members and concerned citizens in the
Philippines, we propose the following: |
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To sponsor talks, exhibits and public
education events about Filipino built heritage |
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To provide research and documentation of Filipino
historic buildings and sites |
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To launch an "Adopt a Site" program for Filipino
historic buildings and sites |
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To organize support of historic preservation
societies in the Filipino-American and Philippine communities |
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To help campaign for legislation which will seek
to preserve and protect Filipino historic buildings and sites
for future generations. |
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How Can We Support Historic Preservation in the Philippines?
By supporting activities such as the following:
Join us
at the Philippine Consulate in NYC for our Fundraiser event for San Sebastian Church
on May 13, 2010
Please visit our blog to preview the Silent Art Auction, featuring the works of Filipino and American artists:www.bakaspilipinas.wordpress.com
Bakás Pilipinas is a qualifying tax-exempt organization according to the IRS 501(c)3 code.
I Want to Join!
Or to request more information about our activities and events
Contact Information
BAKÁS PILIPINAS
Philippine Historic Preservation Society
PO Box 2706,Church Street Station, NY, NY 10008
T: 212.677.9842
Email: info@bakaspilipinas.org
www.bakaspilipinas.org
Blog: bakaspilipinas.wordpress.com
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