the year was 1581. It was the early years of the Spanish conquest. The glleons or goverment-owned ship wer then the only boats that carried out trade between Manila and Acapuco, Mexic. THis is the story of an Archbishop who was the son of a conquistador. A piece of land at the upper portion of thePasig Rierwas give to his father as a reward for his services. It was called "Bat's Land" because ther were thousands of bats coming from its cave and nestling in its trees. The place was a forest alng the banks of the Pasig River.
The place did not improve. HIs father, an unhappy old soldier, hated farming. he tried digging mines but in vain. He got to drinking wine until one day, he was found dead by the river bank still smelling of wine.
The son, left alone, became desperate. His only happiness was his young love. When he learned that the king got "Bat's Land," he left the place.He tried his luck in the city. After many years of hardship, he decidedto become a priest. To be an archbishop was his ambition. This, he was able to realize. His power was so great that even the governor-general could' not disagree with him. The priest of the other orders could not go against him He was then at the height of his ambition and power.
(In the Cathedral after the Mass)
Geronima : (The nymph of Pasig walks across the hall of the foot of the Archbishop throne.) My Lord Bishop, I have a complaint.
Archbishop : What is it the you seek form hy high office?
Geronima : Ayoung man once promised to love me forever. This young man saild away to look for better fortune with a vow to return. Many years passed and I waited in vain. Then one day, I saw this man betrothed to another. Do have the right to claim this man?
Archbishop : Yes, Indeed, and htis young man should be punished.
Geronima : Then, let it be done.
Archbishop : Who is this young man that I may punis him?
Geronima : Have you forgotten so easily, my Lord? (she unveils her face) This ring! (showing the ring) From whose finger was it removed and given to me as a taken of love?
Archbishop : (surprised) Ge - ge - ronima!
(shaking, he lifts his hands to wipe his eyes, but can not) Geronima! (he cries out louder)
Geronima : (smiling grimly) Yes, it is I, Geronima. All these years I have kept my promise waiting for your return. I have waited and waited with no word from you. Not knowing where you were, whether dead or alive. Until one day I saw your picture and her I have come to claim you.
Archbishop : (wetting his lips) But I'm not h! I'm a different man now.
Can' you see I'm an apostle of God? How can l return to your love when l am wedded to the holy Church?
Geronima : Then you shall be punished for not fulfilling your promise.
(With this she throws the ring into the Pasig River and leaves the catheral.)
Archbishop : (shouting) Don't, Geronima! What have you don, Geronima! (He cries aas he slowly sinks.) Oh Geronima, what have you done!
The sacristan found him prostrate on the floor. When he lifted his face he was dead. Then, stories spread in the town that a beautiful woman used to come out of Geronima's cave. A young man used to pass by riding in a boat. The two would go boating up and down the Pasig River. Whenever the fishermen heard the flapping of bats wings, or sensed a banca passing by even if they could not see one, they were sure of a good catch of fish. If they saw shining dishes under the Pasig River they believed Geronima was dining with her loved on, the Aechbishop. Since then, fishermen passing by salute the cave of Dona Geronima, who became known as "Diwat."
Rizal Province then and Now (1967)
Things to remember
1. The nymph by the Pasig River was Gregorio C. Coching's inspiration when the designed the Rizal Provinceal seal.
2. Jose Rizal also wrote a poem about the nymph by the Pasig River.
3. What are given as given as rewards to Spanish soldiers? What is an encomienda?
4. Betrothed means promised or wedded to a person.
nice dude! galing :D
ReplyDelete