ASTROLOGY PHILIPPINES

By Imelda Morales Photos by Edel Santiago Last March 2, 2014, members of Astrology Friends Philippines including its founder Resti Santiago trooped to Manila for the event dubbed as Retracing Our Astrological Roots: An Astro-Pilgrimage to Honorio Lopez Monument.  The pilgrimage formally opened the celebrations for the Astrology Appreciation Month. A short discussion on the life and works of Don Honorio Lopez kicked off the day’s activities. Santiago gave out handouts and showed everyone old books written/published by Lopez.  From the Manila Grand Opera Hotel, where Honorio Lopez used to perform, the group proceeded to Plaza Moriones in Tondo where Lopez’ monument is situated.  A wreath and yellow flower bouquets were laid at his monument to pay homage to Don Honorio Lopez as the proto-Filipino astrologer. Astrology Friends Philippines paying homage to Honorio Lopez, the proto-Filipino astrologer. A true renaissance man, Don Honorio Lopez was a writ...

By Ime Morales Read Part 1 Overhauling the Zodiac As the best known astrologer in the country at the time, mainly because of his book Astrology Through Filipino Eyes, which was read not only in America but also across Europe, Serafin Lanot was the only Filipino who got invited to attend the international conference of the American Federation of Astrologers or the AFA. In fact, he was made a member of the AFA convention faculty. During the conference, he presented his paper titled, One World, One Astrology. He wrote in that paper: "Now is the time for astrologers to assume the leadership in this fight for change, no longer as mere consultants and counselors to money changers and reactionary leaders, but as leaders themselves during this Age of Aquarius, assuming the mantle of seer and sage that both history and legend have thrust upon us." He went on to propose a "one world, one astrology" based on "reason, intuition and inspiration, to harmoniz...

JP Rodrigo and Merci Servida On August 27, 2013 Astrology Friends Philippines' JP Rodrigo donated the books of poet-astrologer Serafin Lanot to Lopez Museum and Library on behalf of the Lanot-Lacaba family. The group, with the help of the Serafin Lanot's descendants, aim to introduce the works of Lanot to a new generation of poets and astrologers. Among those donated is "Songs of the Brown." It is the most famous book of Serafin Lanot. Its cover and illustrations were done by the skillful hand of National Artist for Visual Arts awardee Carlos "Botong" Francisco. The artworks hidden in the pages of Lanot's book were reproduced in life size bas reliefs and can now be seen in Angono, Rizal. Also donated were: - Serafin Lanot's "The Family that Gets Pushed Around." Cover designed by Danny Dalena. - Serafin Lanot's "The Primer of Life." Cover designed by Carlos "Botong" Francisco. - Serafin Lanot...

By Walter Ang Photos by Kat Palasi and Edel San Astrology Friends Philippines founder  Resti Santiago annotating the exhibition. The first exhibition of its kind in the Philippines, "Poetry of Stars: An Overview of Astrology in the Philippines" was held at Lopez Museum and Library from Aug. 15-17, 2013. Organized by Astrology Friends Philippines (Astro Friends), the event was held to commemorate the birth centennial of poet, journalist, publisher, and astrologer Serafin Lanot and to mark the existence of astrology in Philippine culture and history.  The exhibition opened on Aug. 15. Lopez Museum curator Ricky Francisco gave the welcome remarks, giving guests an overview of the exhibition. Astro Friends member Gou de Jesus hosted the afternoon program. Astro Friends founder Resti Santiago gave the opening remarks sharing his vision of establishing an "astrological community," while Astro Friends member Ime Morales gave a talk on the life an...