Romanticizing Ruins: An Exploration of Filipino Nostalgia
for Deteriorating heritage structures Over Restoration
This note examines the cultural phenomenon in the Philippines where old, deteriorating structures are often romanticized rather than restored. This tendency reflects a complex interplay of socio-cultural, economic, and historical factors that influence the perception of heritage sites. By analyzing the significance of ruins within the framework of Filipino identity and collective memory, the article highlights the implications of prioritizing the aesthetics of decay over preservation efforts. Ultimately, the study argues for a balanced approach to heritage conservation that honors historical significance while ensuring the structural integrity of these cultural landmarks.
For this peculiar trend has still been discussed in the Philippines concerning the treatment of historical structures. Instead of restoring these decaying edifices to their former glory, many Filipinos have chosen to romanticize them as powerful symbols of history and identity. The visible wear and tear of these ruins serve as poignant reminders of the nation’s rich and tumultuous past, embodying narratives of endurance, survival, and resilience. This article aims to explore the socio-cultural underpinnings of this romanticization and its implications for heritage conservation.
The Socio-Cultural Context of Ruins
The romanticization of ruins in the Philippines is intricately tied to the Filipino concept of "kapwa," which underscores the significance of shared identity and collective memory within communities. This cultural framework fosters a sense of interconnectedness, where individuals see themselves not as isolated beings but as part of a larger social fabric that includes past generations. Ruins, therefore, are not merely remnants of the past; they embody the collective experiences and narratives of the Filipino people, allowing contemporary individuals to engage with their historical and cultural heritage in a meaningful way.
These structures serve as tangible connections to a multifaceted history marked by colonization, war, and natural calamities. For many Filipinos, the decay of these edifices is not perceived as mere neglect or deterioration; rather, it is viewed as a testament to the resilience and endurance of the nation. Each crack, each weathered facade, tells a story of survival against formidable odds—narratives that resonate deeply with the collective consciousness of the Filipino people. This perspective imbues the ruins with a sense of authenticity, as they visually and physically represent the struggles and triumphs of the past.
Historical landmarks like "Intramuros" and the Spanish-era churches in "Ilocos" and "Pampanga" serve as powerful symbols of this enduring spirit. Intramuros, the walled city of Manila, is a prime example, embodying the complex interplay of colonial history and the resilience of Filipino identity. The scars left by colonialism and subsequent conflicts are not only preserved; they are celebrated as irreplaceable imprints of history. For many, these landmarks become sites of reflection, where the past is actively engaged with the present.
However, despite the potential benefits of restoration—such as enhancing the structural integrity and longevity of these heritage sites—many community members express hesitance toward such interventions. This reluctance stems from a belief that restoration could disrupt the historical integrity of the ruins. The idea of preserving the "authentic" state of these structures resonates with the desire to honor the past as it is, rather than imposing a sanitized or idealized version of history. In this light, the visible decay of ruins is cherished, as it reflects an unfiltered connection to the trials and tribulations that shaped Filipino identity.
Furthermore, this romanticized view of decay aligns with broader cultural narratives that prioritize emotional and historical resonance over practical concerns. The fear of losing the raw, historical essence of these sites often leads to a preference for maintaining their dilapidated state, viewed as a more genuine representation of the Filipino experience. This perspective underscores a complex relationship with heritage, where the emotional weight of the past is given precedence over the physical needs of preservation.
In summary, the romanticization of ruins in the Philippines is deeply rooted in cultural identity and collective memory, allowing contemporary Filipinos to engage with their rich historical tapestry. While this perspective fosters a profound appreciation for the stories these structures tell, it also presents challenges for preservation efforts. Striking a balance between honoring the past and ensuring the longevity of these cultural landmarks remains a critical conversation within the context of Filipino heritage conservation.
Economic and Political Factors
Beyond cultural factors, economic and political elements significantly contribute to the neglect of heritage conservation in the Philippines. Restoration projects often face challenges related to limited funding and bureaucratic inertia. Local governments and cultural institutions frequently lack the resources or political will to prioritize conservation efforts, leaving many heritage sites to deteriorate further. Ironically, this neglect is sometimes justified as a means of preserving “authentic” history, suggesting that physical deterioration holds intrinsic historical value.
During the Marcos era, efforts to expose the “authentic” appearance of historical structures intensified, leading to controversial restoration practices. The removal of the lime plaster or "paletada", which traditionally protected many heritage buildings, exemplifies this trend. This thought of "showing scars of history" reinforces the mainline thought of stripping away protective layers, as if from these restoration efforts aimed to reveal the underlying materials as "historic", only to neglect the practical purposes of the plaster and resulting in increased deterioration over time.
Case Study: Saint Pancratius Chapel
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| At left: San Pancratius before restoration Right: after restoration by Escuela Taller |
The case of the Saint Pancratius Chapel in Manila North Cemetery poignantly illustrates the tension between romanticism and preservation within the context of Filipino heritage conservation. During its rehabilitation, efforts to restore the chapel to its original color and structure encountered significant resistance from community members. Many expressed a strong preference for its weathered state, perceiving the peeling paint and crumbling facade as valuable markers of time. This perspective suggests that the chapel’s dilapidation conveys a deeper historical significance than any restored version could ever achieve.
This resistance highlights a broader cultural issue where the aesthetics of decay often overshadow the practical necessity for structural integrity. The chapel, while partially restored and ongoing in its rehabilitation, remains a site of contention. Some individuals cling to their interpretation of history, advocating for what they refer to as a “glorified ruin.” This term captures the sentiment that the chapel's current state is imbued with historical narratives and emotional resonance that a restored appearance might obscure.
Proponents of maintaining the chapel’s weathered look argue that it reflects the realities of time, serving as a testament to the struggles and triumphs of the past. They see the chapel not just as a building, but as a living archive of history—one that embodies the collective memory of the community. For them, the decay is a crucial part of the chapel’s identity, emphasizing the stories it holds within its walls.
Conversely, the church’s insistence on restoring the chapel to its original appearance—backed by historical photographs and architectural and conservationist plans—underscores a commitment to preserving its intended purpose and aesthetic integrity. This perspective argues that restoration is essential not only for the building's longevity but also for ensuring that future generations can appreciate its historical significance as it was originally conceived.
The ongoing debate surrounding the Saint Pancratius Chapel encapsulates a critical dilemma in heritage conservation: how to honor the past while safeguarding the structural and historical integrity of cultural landmarks. While the romanticization of decay may resonate with community members seeking to preserve a certain narrative, it risks undermining the practical needs of the structure. This tension raises important questions about the nature of historical authenticity, the role of emotional attachment in heritage conservation, and the potential consequences of prioritizing aesthetics over preservation.
Ultimately, the case of the Saint Pancratius Chapel also serves as an example of a series of larger conversations surrounding Filipino heritage sites. It illustrates the challenges faced by preservationists and community members alike in navigating the complex interplay between romanticism and restoration, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that honors both the historical narratives embedded in decay and the practical necessities of conservation.
The Consequences of Romanticization-
another case of veneration without understanding?
The preference for deteriorating structures can be seen as a form of “veneration without understanding,” as articulated by Renato Constantino. This phenomenon highlights a superficial admiration for historical symbols, where the complexities of preservation are overlooked. The glorification of ruins often stems from emotional attachment rather than a comprehensive understanding of heritage conservation. While these romanticized structures serve as cultural symbols, the deeper architectural and historical contexts frequently remain unexplored.
And this dynamic really shows the reverence for the past that's without fully comprehending its deeper significance leads to misinterpretation and idealization. Looking back at San Pancratius Chapel, those who glorify ruins cry "history" without understanding the true purpose of the structure and its need for preservation-even by using appropriate methods such as using Adobe, Lime Plaster, etc., in maintaining the structural integrity. Ironically, they glorify the restoration of the Aduana and the Ayuntamiento buildings in Intramuros, that also signifies reviving the historic district. But such cases wouldn't escape the fact that in the case of Filipino heritage sites, while there is admiration and attachment to the relics of history, the lack of informed effort to restore and preserve them as they were can be seen as a shallow appreciation of cultural heritage. Without proper restoration, these structures may eventually be lost, along with the detailed history they represent, turning veneration into a form of neglect.
In this case, the emphasis on the symbolic value of crumbling ruins or deteriorating structures tends to overshadow a critical understanding of the buildings’ original purposes, the historical contexts they represent, and the practical needs for their survival. For instance, the removal of protective lime paletada under the belief that revealing the underlying stone or brick reflects historical authenticity, disregards the practical function of the plaster in maintaining the structure’s longevity as its creators did centuries past. This shows how romanticizing the aesthetic of the ruins or the deterioriation of existing old structures can lead to a failure to recognize the complexities of historical conservation, and inadvertently cause further damage.
Neglecting proper restoration can lead to the eventual loss of these structures, undermining the very history they are meant to embody. Preservationists argue that restoring buildings to reflect their historical appearance is essential for ensuring their longevity and allowing future generations to experience these cultural landmarks as they were intended. The veneration of ruins is more about aesthetic and emotional attachment than a true understanding of heritage conservation. The romanticized ruins and deterioriating stuctures serve as symbols, but the deeper cultural, architectural, and historical context often remains unexplored. While the intention behind this veneration is rooted in a desire to honor the past, it risks losing the actual history these structures embody if their physical preservation is not prioritized.
Conclusion
This exploration of the romanticization of ruins in the Philippines highlights a critical tension between honoring the past and ensuring the preservation of cultural heritage. While the emotional attachment to deteriorating structures is understandable, it risks overshadowing the practical needs for their survival. A balanced approach to heritage conservation is essential, one that honors historical significance while safeguarding the structural integrity of these cultural landmarks.
Engaging with historical preservation as a dynamic and evolving practice—rather than an emotional attachment to deterioration—ensures that future generations can continue to experience these cultural landmarks in meaningful ways. As Constantino argues, true understanding requires critical engagement with history, not merely sentimental reverence. Without addressing the structural and historical realities of these ruins, Filipinos may risk venerating symbols that could ultimately be lost to time due to the very neglect that romanticization perpetuates.
References:
• Diokno, Maria Serena I. History and Nostalgia: The Significance of Ruins in Philippine Culture. Manila: UP Press, 2014.
• Bautista, Julius. “Decaying History: The Politics of Preserving Ruins in the Philippines.” Asian Studies Review, vol. 38, no. 4, 2014, pp. 601–618.
• Zerrudo, Eric. “Ruins as Historical Memory: The Filipino Perspective.” Journal of Philippine Local History and Heritage, vol. 12, no. 1, 2016, pp. 23–45.
• Santillan, Mario A. “Heritage and Memory: Preservation or Ruin in Filipino Historical Consciousness.” Southeast Asian Studies Journal, vol. 10, no. 2, 2018, pp. 112–125.
• Reyes, Rafael. “Resilience and Ruins: Historical Narratives of Survival in Filipino Heritage Sites.” Philippine Studies, vol. 62, no. 3, 2017, pp. 359–376.
• Guanzon, Crisanto. “Conservation and Resistance: The Dilemma of Heritage Preservation in Metro Manila.” Manila Heritage Journal, vol. 7, no. 1, 2015, pp. 45–58.
• Constantino, Renato. “Veneration Without Understanding.” 1972.
• Alcazaren, Paulo. “Heritage Conservation and Marcos-Era Restoration Policies.” Architecture Asia Journal, vol. 47, no. 1, 2019, pp. 22–35.