Pakil Laguna

 Adonay is the eldest of the 11 children born to farmers Mariano Adonay and Prudencia Quiteria in the town of Pakil, Laguna in the Philippines, then under the colonial rule of the Spanish Empire. The exact date of his birth is unknown but official documents indicated his baptismal date to be on February 6, 1848, and has been recognized as his de facto birth date. However, researchers suggested that baptism in the town at that time was generally performed within a day after birth, making February 5, 1848 as his probable date of birth.  His father, aside from being a farmer, also played wind and brass instruments as a member of one of the town bands. Adonay in his early childhood showed enthusiasm for his father's musical instruments. As was the custom for boys during the Spanish colonial times, he was then involved in the ecclesiastical music tradition of his town. In 1856, poverty led his parents to entrust him to the care of Augustinian priests in Intramuros, Manila who disco...

What changes are noticed when you look at evey corner of the town? Those changes are surely notice by those people who have witness the transformation of the town and the people living here for several years. The town Pakil have been the life of every folks even if they leave it for jobs, schooling or family matter. Every Pakilenos have in mind Pakil as their real hometown. Those years of 1970s, the town's rivers and nearby bay have clear water in which waterplants like digman was obviously living under this waters. You can look at fishes with your bare eyes while you're just standing beside the river. Mostly surrounded by trees and flowering plants, walking through roads and street was fun and calm. Others might remember the bright moon during nights that any children can play taguan or tumbang preso. While elders are talking with their friends and neighbors without thinking of televisions and gadgets. Those years of 80s, the town followed the changes of every Philip...

Photo by silent daybreak Besides the mountain lies houses of Pakil folks from small houses to medium among them. Air is clean and people are simply enjoying their life with fresh fish and vegetables. Living in Pakil is simple. Celebrating their faith turn those folks into traditional way of life such as attending Sunday mass and the Turumba festival. Faith among people makes them united. The traditional event of May. This month maybe is the joyful days among the rest of the months. Photo Credit: Rutchie Rosal

Wynton Marsalis performed at the CCP in 1999. Jun is pictured here exhanging pleasantries with Wynton at said show. Few artists that form the long list of stars that he have backed through the years: Pilita Corrales, Nora Aunor, Gary Valenciano, Tadao Hayashi, Martin Nievera, Ryan Cayabyab, APO, Eddie Katindig, Sr.,  Zsa Zsa Padilla, The Lettermen, Sharon Cuneta, Matt Monroe, Basil Valdez, New Minstrels, Rico J. Puno, Morris Albert, Hajji Alejandro, Freddie Aguilar, Celeste Legaspi, Imelda Papin, Sandpipers, Florante, Jose Mari Chan, Ambivalent Crowd, Boy Katindig, Tirso Cruz, Eddie Munji, Tito, Vic, & Joey, Leah Navarro, Asin, Yoyoy Villame, and Pops Fernandez. He is the sole proprietor of J.R. Recording Studios. This is a 24-track, two-inch tape analog facility with a Sound Craft TS-12 mixing board. We have recorded various artists like Zsa Zsa Padilla, Nora Aunor, Eraserheads, and my son Niño’s Neocolors band. BMG, Viva, and Warner are just some of the record com...

Credit: Rodante Cadsawan Panoso Credit: Dae Doria How Pakilenos celebrate the Sto. Nino? In early years and as of now Pakil folks make a festive events of Sto. Nino like the other towns in the Philippines is having the day of the Child. They pour not only water to everybody but also little gifts and surprises were thrown and give to the folks as giveaways and a way to make the festive happier. Coins, candies and other surprises were thrown on the processions as people catch them then everybody cheers. From young to old people wear red shirts or paint their face with red paints. The celebrations last for hours. Salibanda as it is called, yearly then this became a part of Pakil's culture and events.