Retracing the past: Carlos Quirino and Philippine Cartography

In a fitting tribute to the great Carlos L. Quirino, Vibal Foundation Inc. (VFI) chronicled the life and works of the Filipino artist-historian in an exhibit entitled Pen, Paper and Bookmaking: The Life of Carlos Quirino at the Yuchengco Museum, Makati City, on February 18, Thursday.

During the launch, a specially commissioned film documentary was shown, which recounted the life of the great artist. Featured were photos and accounts from renowned scholars such as National Artists for Literature F. Sionil Jose and Alejandro Roces, Manuel Quezon III and Reni Roxas.

Alongside the exhibit, VFI also launched the third edition of Quirino's master work, Philippine Cartography – an unparalleled collection of rare Philippine maps and the true testament of his love for Philippine history. It is the first of the series of Carlos Quirino books to be launched by Vibal Foundation in celebration of his birth centenary, soon to be followed by Old Manila and Filipinos at War.

The exhibit, which opened yesterday and will be open until April 10, showcases a rich collection of memorabilia – from rare first edition books to original, never-before-seen manuscripts from Quirino's unpublished works – preserved over time in the Quirino family archives.

Compelling and powerful

Fellow historian and Philippine Cartography editor Dr. Leovino Ma. Garcia, in his speech, described the “compelling link of maps and power” and explained why the subject had such a strong appeal to late artist Quirino.

“Maps help us find our way in the world. They tell us where we are and where we want to go. Maps instruct us about our history and identity. They provide us with memory... and bestow upon us a sense of self-esteem. To view a map, is to see the world from above... to see everything and to view everything is to be everywhere. It is to be like God.”

Publisher and Executive Director of Vibal Foundation Gaspar A. Vibal described the two-year effort in re-producing Philippine Cartography as “a mad treasure hunt” for ancient maps from some of the biggest art and library collections in the country and abroad.

The event was graced by former First Lady Imelda Marcos and former President Fidel V. Ramos, who conferred the National Artist award in the field of Historical Literature on Quirino in 1997. Quirino was the first recipient of the said award after the category was added during Ramos' administration.

“He deserved [the award] and there are not enough historical writing in the country. And so, he is the most acclaimed writers in the category in the country. This exhibit today is a vindication of all the hassles that we've been through to get him properly recognized. Filipino writers such as him should be revered and be given tribute like this,” Ramos said.

Historical pioneer

As a prolific writer, Quirino was the pioneer of historical literature in the country, having written the earliest known biographies of important Filipinos – most notably a biography of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal, entitled The Great Malayan. His books covered a wide scope of subjects in Philippine culture and history, including The History of Philippine Sugar Industry, Filipinos at War: The Fight for Freedom from Mactan to Edsa, and Lives of Philippine Presidents.

“His contribution as a historian...is the most important aspect of him. Some artists were known more as scholars than they were known as artists and Quirino being a writer was a combination of scholar and artist,” said art historian Ruben Cañete.

“It would be a very poor comparison [thinking of Quirino and today's aspiring 'Renaissance men'], but some people try. I think a lot of people still have to come up to [Quirino's] standard as far as the rigor of his scholarship is concerned and the value people place on their work as scholars, which become valuable as historical documents,” Cañete added.

Family man

“Carlos Quirino belonged to what I call the 'Hollywood Generation.' I met him, he was very old at the time. I was there when he was presented the award [of National Artist for Historical Literature]. He was very proud,” said retired pharmaceutical company executive Robert L. Hecks.

A friend of the Quirinos, Hecks has lived in the Philippines for 30 years, moving to the country from the United Kingdom. “He was a ladies' man, wasn't he?” Hecks mused, gesturing to photos of a dashing young Quirino in his military uniform.

To his daughter-in-law Cherry, wife of youngest son Richie, Quirino was the consummate artist. “He had done a lot of things, he was not just a writer, he was a hunter, a fisherman, a sharpshooter, a lawyer, a military man... he had accomplished a lot, and he excelled in every one of them. We, the family, we're just very proud.”

Away from his acclaim as an artist, though, he was simply “lolo” to his grandchildren. Cherry said she hopes her children would continue the legacy left by their grandfather.

“[Writing] is something that would live for years and years. You're long dead and people still remember.”

She said the fondest memories she has of her father-in-law were their long conversations. “I loved talking to him, because you ask him one question and he will give you the whole history of everything. He was very well-informed.”

What not many people may know about the erudite scholar is that he was very fond of dogs, “ He loved dogs. He really loved dogs. He used to have a small chihuahua... all sorts.”

Gemma Cruz-Araneta described Quirino as a “tall, good-looking gentleman of the old school” who was always well-groomed and very intelligent. “He was the pioneer of historical writing in the country and for that, I believe he it is worthy to recognize him this way.”