SAPNI (HEIRS) NANG CRISSOT LITERARY & CULTURAL FOUNDATION, INC.

There are not enough landmarks to remind one that the town of Bacolor once served as the capital of the Philippines. Only little is left standing to indicate that Bacolor was also once the Athens of Pampanga. Time and nature seem to have conspired to literally entomb Bacolor’s rich history and culture. 

Bacolor was the Seat of Spanish colonial power in the Philippines in the 16th century. It was in Bacolor where Governor General Simon de Anda retreated and held government during the British occupation of Manila from 1762 to 1763. 

One could also remember Bacolor as the “Seat of Literary Culture” in Pampanga. Bacolor was renowned for its philosophers, artists, and literary geniuses whose works transformed the town into the “Athens of Pampanga.” Bacolor was home to the great triumvirate of Pampanga’s literary golden age which flourished in the first quarter of the century and composed of Juan Crisostomo “Crissot” C.Soto, Mariano Proceso Pabalan Byron, and Felix Galura Napao. 

Sometime in 1996, descendants of Crissot, led by Efrain C.Soto, Hector P. Soto, Sonia P.Soto, and Joy L.Soto expressed their burning desire to rekindle the cultural spirit of Bacolor. Sharing the common belief that the present is illumined by an understanding of the past, the group made a modest attempt at opening the door and revisit the wealth of cultural experiences of a bygone era. 

Thus, in 1998, the Sapni (Heirs) Nang Crissot Literary & Cultural Foundation, Inc. was born. 

Sapni (Heirs) Nang Crissot Literary & Cultural Foundation, Inc. is a non-stock, non-profit foundation duly registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Its primary objective is to promote literary and cultural revival and reawakening in Pampanga. 

On July 18, 1998, in commemoration of the Centennial of Philippine Independence, the Foundation staged Ing Anac Ning Katipunan penned by Crissot. The zarzuela played to a pack audience at Clark Field, Pampanga.  

In commemoration of the 132nd birth anniversary of Crissot on January 27, 1999, the Foundation launched a provincewide essay writing contest in Capampangan. 

But the most meaningful and lasting project undertaken by the Foundation so far, and which is considered a historical feat is the compilation and recording of selected Capampangan songs in an album titled Pamalsinta Quetang Milabas (Romancing The Past) doubled with the soundtrack of Crissot’s immortal zarzuela “Alang Dios!” The double album, recorded in compact disc and cassette tape is the Philippines’ first and only album of Capampangan songs. Launched in June 2000, the album is an eloquent testimony of the rich musical heritage of the Capampangan region. 

Bacolor, the Athens of Pampanga, continues to stand proud and refuses to die. The true glory of culture and literature withstand the forces of decay and decline. Bacolor’s torch continues to burn, exuding light that will serve to guide the coming generation. 

                                                                                

Officers and Board of Directors of Sapni Nang Crissot

 Efrain C.Soto
Chairman of the Board

Hector P. Soto
President

Sonia P. Soto
Vice-President

Joy L. Soto
Secretary

Fe S. Pineda
Treasurer

Lerma S.Vergel de Dios
Auditor

Directors
Julia S. Cortez
Danilo S. Ferreras
Andre G. Soto
RJ L.Soto
Daniel Van Soto
Jaime M. Soto

Atty. Rodolfo S. Uyengco
Director/Legal Counsel

 

Secretariat : Casa Louis, MacArthur Highway, Dolores, San Fernando, Pampanga, Philippines

Tel. Nos. (045) 961-4362 * (045) 961-5895

 

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