The HCS General Assembly Affair

 The HCS (Heritage Conservation Society of the Philippines) kicked off 2012 with a pitch for specific activities slated for the year. A general assembly was held by its officers at Gota de Leche building in Sampaloc last February 4. The event attracted a crowd of more than 30 heritage advocates who filled up the set chairs and even the stair steps in the Gota lobby. Apart from the HCS regulars, the other guests included representatives from other vested groups that deal in heritage work (heritage warriors, restoration specialists, archeologists, and NGOs),

The session started with the introduction of the guest speakers. Butch Zialcita, who is a director and pillar of the HCS, was the first speaker. He cited perceptions that need to be addressed if the country’s heritage effort is to further gain ground. The perceptions about heritage were practical ones and which were presented in question / statement form to the audience as follows:

              • Nakakain ba ito?

              • Ang bagay Kastila ba ay Pinoy?

              • Kapag luma, pangit

The above clearly touches on the root of the problem. Hence, it is one of the reasons why the thrust of the HCS today is to educate the public for the making of a truly sustainable heritage effort.

The second speaker was energetic and pragmatic Matek Villanueva (Dinky’s friend who gave up her Saturday golf to support HCS). Matek is the Chair and CEO of the Publicis, an advertising firm with a track record of successful advertising campaigns. Matek took the view of an outsider looking in and offered advise on how HCS might promote itself best. Matec stressed the need to define the market of the HCS when it embarks on its programs. Ever current in outlook due to the nature of her work, Matek ended by sharing her view on the importance of meaningfully involving the young in the HCS setup.

After the interesting talks, the floor was offered to others. Derik Manas introduced to the body the Diwa ng Batangan. The Diwa is a newly formed heritage group that he initiated together with other Batanguenos. This group is a pioneering endeavor (which can be a chapter under the HCS organization) and is meant to concentrate on heritage affairs in Batangas province. Afterwards, HCS President Dinky Einsiedel took on the main purpose of the assembly and laid out the proposed activities of HCS for the year. Outside the hall, ever industrious Dori Soriano of HCS effectively managed the registration table that included available merienda and products for sale.

See slide show for more photos.