Sharing mementos

by Nickky Faustine De Guzman
September 9, 2013

An enduring Filipino tradition always includes the passing on of family mementos for posterity. From a piece of land, a vintage ancestral home, or a simple trinket, this heritage aims to withstand the test of time and remind families, the grandchildren especially, of anecdotes, fond memories, and vast history embodied on an heirloom.

In the hopes of keeping this tradition is a one-night exhibit in Ayala Museum dubbed, “Luminous: Legacy in the Limelight”, which celebrated the heritage, heirlooms, and generations past of some prominent Filipino families like the Jacintos, Calmas, and Soongs.

One of the exhibited heirlooms included a 1960 Fernando Amorsolo painting of Fernando Jacinto and family.  Beside it being an artwork of a National Artist, the life-sized canvas captured the Jacinto parents and brood, including musician Ramon “RJ” Jacinto, posing with their favorite things and hobbies. The family portrait embodies and brings back fond memories, whenever they look at it.

“The painting will eventually be passed on to us and we in return will pass it to the next generation,” RJ’s daughter Natalia says. With this, a piece of history passes on relentlessly.

Some of the memorabilia on exhibit also included the surrealist painter Salvador Dali’s “Melting Clock” sculpture, carefully sheltered by the Calmas, the owners of Multi Development and Construction Corporation. The vintage cars (1965 Alpine two-seater Cabriolet and a 1971 Jaguar E-type) of Wellington Soong also graced the event. The Soong family owns the Autostrada Motor Inc, a luxury vehicle distributor. The suave cars have maintained their swag and style through time.

But perhaps, the most pragmatic inheritance to this day is a piece of land because it can endure a lifetime. Also, its value increases as time goes by.

With these, Ayala Land Premier thoughtfully created Luscara, a 50-hectare residential community that aims to uphold and nurture a family of generations.  Head of Ayala Land Premier Jose Juan Jugo says Luscara is “built to outlive generations and designed for families to be together.”

Luscara embraces the natural gardens with 36 pocket neighborhoods. Each home is provided with its own courtyard. The amenities include a gym, pool, social hall, and multi-purpose court, among others.

Luscara is located near NUVALI in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, which is accessible via the South Luzon Expressway.