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| Daily Crossword Puzzles from the Pasadena Star |
Mommy's daily ritual in the mornings when she was still alive was reading her prayer books, playing solitaire and doing crossword puzzles. After she died, I got hooked and made it a point to do a crossword puzzle everyday and if I finish and fill it up completely, I dedicate it to her as she would have been happy I was able to finish the crossword puzzle like her.
During Mom's own last few years in her life, she kept on talking about her own mother, who we all called "Nanay". Flavia Suson-Muana, our grandmother, was a pioneering librarian who helped get Cebu its first library in 1937, the Rizal Memorial Library and Museum.
History & Story of Rizal Library
The library commenced its construction in 1937 and got inaugurated on December 30, 1938. Its story began when a pioneer librarian, Flavia Suson-Muana, sought the help of Teodoro M. Kalaw, the director of the National Library, who then spoke to Nolasco - a Cebu Councilor & Project Chairperson of Cebu Carnival - regarding a Cebu City library.Through their efforts, to make the story short, Juan Arellano - the architect who was credited for the creation of the Palladian Cebu Capitol Building - has been picked to start the project.During the Second World War, the library was closed down. Instead, it has been used as headquarter by the Japanese army. Unfortunately, many of the book collections were lost, stolen and probably destroyed during the war. However, due to the public demand, the library was again made accessible only in 1953. The provincial government itself appropriated a budget to keep and maintain the library collections and for other operation expenditures.The eventual creation of the library's museum did not start in 1990, as set up on the third floor.
The city public library is located at the ground level of the building, which keeps important and rare books on Cebu’s history and culture. The museum houses a collection of antiques, sculptures, furniture and woodcarvings donated by prominent Cebuano families. There are also several important archeological finds. As one strolls around the museum, one can find portraits of well-known Cebuano figures, floral and landscape artwork, and murals.
One can also marvel at the paintings and sculptures created by the finest artists of Cebu. The paintings illustrate authentic Cebuano customs and costumes, and give an idea of Cebu’s lifestyle during the 1500’s up to the Japanese occupation in the 1940’s. A spacious and elegant hall with stained glass windows occupies the third level. It is sometimes utilized as a performing arts hall for concerts and theater performances by Cebuano talents.
The structure is named after the Philippines’s national hero, Jose Rizal, who fought for freedom through his writings during the Spanish colonial period. The museum was opened to the public on March 16, 1992. The building has undergone renovation in the recent years. The edifice has its inherent charm and magnetism, as its pre-war, neo-classical look stands out amidst the business establishments, restaurants, parlors and convenience stores that line the area.
The city public library is located at the ground level of the building, which keeps important and rare books on Cebu’s history and culture. The museum houses a collection of antiques, sculptures, furniture and woodcarvings donated by prominent Cebuano families. There are also several important archeological finds. As one strolls around the museum, one can find portraits of well-known Cebuano figures, floral and landscape artwork, and murals.
One can also marvel at the paintings and sculptures created by the finest artists of Cebu. The paintings illustrate authentic Cebuano customs and costumes, and give an idea of Cebu’s lifestyle during the 1500’s up to the Japanese occupation in the 1940’s. A spacious and elegant hall with stained glass windows occupies the third level. It is sometimes utilized as a performing arts hall for concerts and theater performances by Cebuano talents.
