The Unintentional Spiritual Significance of the Bataan Chapel

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Filipinos have always been a spiritual people, guided by their devotion to God and a constant desire to integrate wholeness and integrity into their lives. While more than 86% of the population of the Philippines is Roman Catholic, non-conforming spirituality has become a big influence in modern day life in the Philippines. An increasing number of people are turning to spirituality in a bid to reach self-actualization that will lead them to live the best life possible. There are countless places of spiritual significance situated across the country such as the Kamay ni Hesus Shrine, the Regina Rica Queen of the Holy Rosary and the recently-completed Bataan Chapel that is attracting spiritual dwellers from across the world to the grasslands of the Philippines.

Built with a purpose

In April 1942 approximately 76,000 Filipino and US POW soldiers were ordered by a victorious Japanese army to commence a 100km walk towards Camp O’Donnell, an event that would eventually become known as the Bataan Death March. Barely 54,000 soldiers were fortunate enough to survive this terrible ordeal. It is near this spot that Swiss artist Not Vital chose to build a chapel that has become a refuge of spiritual serenity. 

Situated in the immense grasslands of Bataan, the 141 square-meter tall concrete chapel makes for a striking figure as it towers over the surrounding prairies.

Despite the historical significance of the chapel’s location, Vital has been exceptionally careful not to brand it as a memorial in honor of the massacre. The chapel is also not meant to be sacrosanct only to the Christian faith, despite the clear references to Christianity being depicted in a mural inside. 

Vital had infact, carefully countered this notion by the inclusion of a wooden statue of the rice goddess Bulol that hangs on one of the interior walls of the chapel. The real purpose of the chapel? To house Vital’s interpretation of the Da Vinci’s The Last Supper. Where art is usually commissioned to fit a space, in this instance, the space was created to house a piece of art, and unintentionally create a haven for spiritual well-being.

Walking on water

As you enter the chapel through a door that is only big enough to allow one person to enter at a time, you will notice that the whole chapel is filled with water, giving the impression of walking on water as you head towards a mural of The Last Supper. 

According to Vital, the water also pays homage to the countless rice fields of the Philippines, starting at a depth of 20cm at the entrance and slowly decreasing as you continue up the slope towards the far wall. The light that streams into the chapel during the day creates striking patterns on the water and wall surfaces, generating an ambiance that is indubitably surreal.

Spiritual significance in abundance

The Bataan Chapel is not easy to reach where it stands on a hill in the rural region of Bagac, a wind-battered town with less than 30,000 residents. The installation’s remote location contributes greatly to its spiritual significance, making the journey there a pilgrimage of sorts. The Bataan Chapel is proof that art, even in its most abstract form, can be used as a way to express spirituality. Diana Campbell Betancourt, an American curator working in the Philippines is in awe of the structure and was quoted as saying: 

‘Bataan is a place with a very charged history - and the chapel is a beautiful attempt to heal scars from a painful past and contemplate space for a more peaceful future’.

Whether you plan to visit the Bataan Chapel for spiritual enlightening or merely out of curiosity, the trip is guaranteed to be well worth the effort. Being able to experience one of Vital’s masterpieces firsthand is bound to stir some emotion in everyone faced with its unapologetic presence. There are some pieces of architecture in the world that simply exudes spirituality, whether intentionally or not - the Bataan Chapel is undoubtedly one of them.

Filipino and EU Experts Present Strategies for Small Islands Energization

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The European Union (EU) and the Philippine Department of Energy (DOE) are committed to cut greenhouse gas emissions, while addressing the issue of climate change and facilitating the provision of sustainable and resilient energy services and facilities in the country.

Through the concept of hybridization, energy access to remote, unviable and underserved communities is sustained. The operation of diesel power plants is improved through energy efficiency and renewable energy utilization, ensuring energy security in small islands nationwide.

Renewable energy and energy efficiency experts for the EU-supported Access to Sustainable Energy Programme (ASEP) will present strategies to improve the operational efficiency of diesel power plants and techniques for hybridization with solar PV in the Experts Symposium on Renewable Energy and Climate Change on Friday, 22 June 2018 in Makati City.

Said strategies are based on the findings of two technical studies on diesel power plants now widely used in rural electrification in the Philippines.

They will also explain the decision-making process that determines the proper role of diesel power and renewable energy options in off-grid electrification.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Senior Research Scientist Emeritus Dr. Josefino Comiso will keynote the event with a presentation on the impact of energy use on global climate.

EU Ambassador Franz Jessen and DOE Undersecretary Felix William B. Fuentebella will deliver the opening remarks.

Ambassador Jessen said that for the EU countries and its Member States, the long-term goal is to cut its emissions by 80-95% compared to 1990 levels. The short term target of 20% is aimed for in 2020.

He explained that this would be achieved by two key approaches: a shift to renewable energy, such as solar, wind and biomass for electricity generation; and an increase in the energy efficiency in buildings, industries and transport. Said actions will boost the economy, create jobs and strengthen Europe's competitiveness.

"I am pleased that the Government of the Philippines, by its policies and programs, is committed to promoting the utilization of renewable energy and to substantially increasing energy efficiency. While these actions contribute to reduction of global GHG emissions, they benefit the country itself by enabling energization of its rural populations in innovative manner, and in improving the economy as a whole," Jessen said.

Navotas HS Students Compete in 3rd NFF

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Nine short films made by junior high school students from Navotas City will battle it out in the 3rd Navoteño Film Festival to be held on June 23, Saturday, at the NC Sports Complex.

Kaunlaran High School‘s “Love @ First Vlog,” La Naval Academy‘s “Mea Patria” (My Homeland), Navotas National High School‘s “1485,” Navotas National Science High School‘s “Sukbit,” San Jose Academy‘s “Iris,” San Roque National High School‘s “Aninag,” San Rafael Technological and Vocational High School‘s “Draw Lots,” Tangos National High School‘s “Pantagrace” and Tanza National High School‘s “Padyak” will vie for the top three films, audience choice award and other special prizes.

The entries will be judged according to the following criteria: 50% for originality and execution and 50% for adherence to this year’s theme, which is Navotas tourism.

The Best Picture winner will receive 20,000 pesos and plaque of recognition. The 2nd Best Picture will get 15,000 pesos and a plaque while the 3rd Best Picture will bring home 10,000 pesos and a plaque. Consolation prizes of 5,000 pesos and a plaque will be awarded to the other finalists.

Special awards, which come with a cash prize of 1,500 pesos and a plaque, will also be given to the Best Poster Design, Best Original Song, Best Performance by an Actress, Best Performance by an Actor, Best Sound Design, Best Production Design, Best Editing, Best Cinematography, Best Screenplay and Best Direction.

The official film entries will be shown on the same day as the awarding ceremonies, with two screening schedules, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 10 a.m. to 12 noon, at the same venue. Viewers will be given one ticket each to vote for their chosen entry. The film which gets the most number of votes from the audience will win the Box Office Hit (People’s Choice) award with a cash prize of 10,000 pesos and a plaque of recognition.

The participating schools submitted their scripts for critique last May 21. A review and mentoring session with workshop facilitator Seymour Sanchez was held last June 9 at the Pangisdaan Hall, 4th Floor, Navotas City Hall before the final submission of entries.

Sanchez, who conducted a seminar-workshop on digital filmmaking last May 10 and 11, teaches film at the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde School of Design and Arts, and cinema and journalism at the Far Eastern University Department of Communication.

The film festival, an annual activity of the Navotas City government, serves as a platform for the city’s future filmmakers to develop and harness their craft and showcase their works, as well as a means to discover young and talented Navoteños.