Another facet of Calatagan unveiled
Excavated treasures now on exhibit
By BLOOEY SINGSON
Unknown to most, one of Asia’s major archaeological discoveries lies right in the heart of the once sleepy town of Calatagan, Batangas.
Once a bustling trading port in pre-colonial Philippines, Calatagan was home to early settlers who lived and survived by hunting, fishing, farming, textile weaving, and trade.
But in the 1950s, the whole town went agog when the National Museum conducted its very first systematic excavation. Unearthed were numerous grave sites which yielded artifacts that proved Calatagan was a busy trading port in the 14th century.
Archaeologists from the National Museum started excavating the area, with the cooperation of the landowners J.R. McMicking and the Zobel de Ayalas – Alfonso, Enrique, and Fernando.
In 1957, the land was subdivided and sold to tenants Marcelino and Paulino Perado who likewise supported the diggings.
Decades of excavations brought about discoveries of artifacts, mostly ceramics of various forms and sizes like jars, plates, saucers, pitchers, jarlets, bowls, and figurines. Some artifacts were locally-made pottery, while others were clearly brought in from China, Thailand, Vietnam, and other countries.
"Archaeologists believe that the excavated objects were proof of maritime trade before the coming of the Spanish colonizers to the Philippines," explains Wilfredo Ronquillo, chief of the Archaeology Division of the National Museum. "The existence of local and imported ceramics is proof of the extensive and vibrant trade between the early settlers of Calatagan and foreign traders."
Also among the dug treasures are 15th century Calatagan pottery, such as earthenware plates, basins, pots, and other vessels with different patterns made by incisions and impressions.
There were also the 14th and 15th century ceramics, such as glass bracelets, bowls, and vessels from the Ming Dynasty (China), Celadon and Sawankhalok vessels (Thailand and Indo-China), as well as Annamese vessels (Vietnam).
CALATAGAN
TODAY
The excavation sites were identified as Kay Tomas and Pulong Bakaw. Kay Tomas used to be part of the former Hacienda de Calatagan, acquired by the Zobel de Ayala family in 1829.
Today, Kay Tomas has been developed into another cultural haven called the Golden Sunset Resort and Spa, a sprawling eight-hectare resort combining all the elements of a vacation destination to create a tranquil place for rest and relaxation.
As a tribute to the land’s rich history, Golden Sunset Resort has built an outdoor museum gallery – the first of its kind in the Philippines – that allows viewers to appreciate the cultural treasures of Calatagan’s early inhabitants.
"The museum was built to bring back the excavated artifacts to its roots," says resort owner, hairstylist and beauty guru Ricky Reyes. "Each artifact is a piece of evidence of our ancestors that leads us back to their way of life, and with this exhibit, we can discover that we Filipinos are a people with a rich cultural past."
The museum also traces the cultural history of the Philippines through the exhibition of replicas of artifacts such as stone tools, potteries, shell and glass ornaments, jars, plates, and images that date back to 10,000 years ago until the middle of the 15th century A.D. The artifacts also connect the Philippines with the prehistory of Southeast Asia and the Pacific, showcasing the advanced and unique life of early Filipino settlers.
"The previous owners of the land – the Zobel y Ayalas, and the Perados after them – have always embraced the history of Calatagan, by supporting the various excavations and research done on the land," notes Reyes. "By building the outdoor museum, I’d like to continue that tradition of respect for the history of the land, by allowing the resort’s visitors to appreciate the artifacts and learn about the site’s rich, cultural past."
Calatagan Mayor Oliver Palacio welcomes the auspicious opening of the Outdoor Gallery Museum at the Golden Sunset Resort.
"The Golden Sunset Resort has done much for the municipality of Calatagan, by invigorating our tourism and generating employment for our locals," Palacio states. "We are honored, and grateful that Mother Ricky has found another way to help the municipality by creating a proper venue to venerate the history of Calatagan and instill pride in our people."
"It is indeed the start of a renewed appreciation for history," agrees Corazon Alvina, director of the National Museum. "By bringing history closer to the hearts and minds of its patrons and visitors, the Golden Sunset Resort is imparting the valuable lessons of the past, and an exhilarating experience of culture to a new generation of Filipinos."
Aside from the Outdoor Museum Gallery, Golden Sunset boasts of its facilities include four huge swimming pools, volleyball court, a fish pond, a butterfly farm, a bike lane, billiard tables, videoke facilities, three restaurants, and many more. Golden Sunset has in its stead 75 rooms, which could accommodate 140 people, plus a dormitory which could house 42 heads.
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