The foundation day of Kuliat, now Angeles City - December 08, 1829, 180 years ago
The Kuliat Foundation, Inc. (KFI) is a non-stock, non-profit organization officially registered in March 1999.
KFI’s absolute purpose is to preserve the history, culture, and traditions of Angeles City through the development and promotion of historical, cultural, educational, environment, social and economic plans, programs and projects, for the present and future generations of Angelenos in particular and the Kapampangans in general.
The Foundation believes that one has to look back in the past in order to understand the present and anticipate the future.
Ø Thus, the MUSEO ning ANGELES (vintage circa 1920) was founded which aims to provide a relevant and dynamic center for the rich culture and history of Angeles and its people. And today, “BALIKDAN”, presenting a short narrative of the chronological account of events through photos, illustrations and memorabilia (through the conscientious effort of the Museum Director Mr. Jose G. Paras, Jr.), is launched.
Ø Today, we also unveiled the REYNALDO ALEJANDRO LIBRARY to pay tribute to a leading exponent of Filipino arts and culture in America. Ronnie, as he was fondly called was a Manila born of a Kapampangan mother, brought attention to the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines with his more than 40 books focusing on Filipino dance, cuisine and history notably the award-winning Lamesa: The Filipino Table, The Adobo Book, Fiesta! Fiesta! Festival Foods of the Philippines to name a few.
Ø The Foundation also believes that Pampanga is the “gourmet province of the Philippines” and today you are a witness and become part of history in the opening of the “CULINARIUM”, the country’s first culinary museum, chaired by Mr. Claude S. Tayag.
The idea is developed from the basic concept that food preparation is a heritage and legacy worth preserving not only by exhibit of collection but most importantly by continuously practicing this living tradition. The “CULINARIUM” has been divided into 3 sections with the following functions:
- The LIVING KITCHEN (or the DEMO ROOM)
Will serve as the area for regular lectures on food, cooking & product demos, cooking classes, tasting sessions, & other interactive activities
- OLD DINING (in the middle) AND
- KITCHEN EXHIBIT (farthest from my right)
Will exhibit the turn of the century kitchen and dining for the illustrado family then and includes various collections of old kitchen utensils and heirloom kept collections.
The Culinarium aims to perpetuate the traditional Kapampangan culinary arts by teaching these to the younger generations, and to draw national and international interest in local culinary heritage.
For the past 10 years, the Foundation has sustained its yearly activities and survived despite its meager funds. The Culinarium, for one, has many more to offer, but as you see, there is so much more to be done.
The Kuliat Foundation will continuously sow the seed essential to nurture and cultivate the Angelenos’ spirit through a cultural display of heritage. We, in the Foundation, aims to inculcate a sense of ownership and responsibility towards the MUSEO among the youth and the townspeople in the years to come.
