Lemery Archives - Cultural Mapping of Panay and Guimaras

February 18, 2026

CMPG

Amosons Pottery in Barangay San Diego, Lemery, Iloilo, is a cultural institution dedicated to preserving traditional pottery-making. Founded by Rutchel Amoson, who trained in a pottery factory before returning home, it passes down pottery skills to new artisans while producing handcrafted pots and tiles. Although demand has declined with modern materials, the pottery continues to serve as a cultural symbol and supports local livelihoods. Despite facing challenges like competition and rising costs, Amosons Pottery adapts by making products on order and exploring new marketing ideas.

Significant Personalities

VIRGILIO GONZALES “ PIROT” PETCHELLER

Iloilo, Lemery

February 18, 2026

CMPG

Virgilio “Pirot” Gonzales Petcheller, born in 1954 in Lemery, Iloilo, is a well-known figure in Hiligaynon music, famous for his funny and relatable novelty songs like “Ako ang Namunit.” Raised in a farming family, his father’s skill as a guitarist inspired Pirot’s love for music despite only finishing elementary school. He began performing in the 1980s and gained popularity for songs that reflect the daily lives and culture of Ilonggos. Pirot’s music has been important in preserving Ilonggo traditions and history through its themes and local language. His career, while celebrated, also highlights the struggles traditional artists face, such as ...

Religious Object, Tangible Movable Heritage

1894 BELL OF THE PARISH OF THE HOLY CHILD IN LEMERY

Iloilo, Lemery

February 18, 2026

CMPG

The 1894 bell of the Parish of the Holy Child in Lemery was donated by Don Melchor Solinap and has served as an important religious and cultural symbol for 130 years. Made of metal and engraved with Spanish inscriptions, the bell is used to call the community for Mass and to alert them when someone is near death, a tradition known locally as “Agoniya.” It has spiritual significance in Catholic rituals, marking key moments during worship, and gathering the community for shared prayer and events. The bell’s history reflects both Spanish influence and local devotion for the town. Currently, it ...

Intangible Cultural Heritage, Knowledge and Practices Concerning Nature and the Universe

PANGALAP/TRADITIONAL HEALING

Cabantohan, Iloilo, Lemery

February 18, 2026

CMPG

Pangalap is a traditional ritual done during Holy Week wherein healers gather sangkap (materials) in the mountains. They often gather roots, plants, and branches, which is then prayed over and mixed with lana (oil). Afterwards, this concoction is used by healers in pamulong (healing their patients) such as hilot (traditional massage) wherein they use the lana to rub and massage their patients. Due to this ritual, healers believe that their lana contains spiritual properties that can help heal their patients.

Natural Geological and Physiographical/ Land Formations, Natural Heritage

BUGTONG BUKID

Iloilo, Lemery, Poblacion East

February 18, 2026

CMPG

Bugtong Bukid is a small mountain located in Poblacion East, Lemery, Iloilo, covering 3 hectares of private land owned by the Alcantara family. It is easy to climb and accessible by motorcycle or tricycle, with rice fields and crops like bananas nearby. The mountain is culturally important as the site of the Taltal celebration during Holy Week, serving as a spiritual altar for prayer and reflection. Climbing Bugtong Bukid is seen as a symbolic spiritual journey that connects the community to their heritage. Although the area is not formally protected, threats include grassfires, pollution, and illegal slash-and-burn farming. Local groups ...

AMOSONS POTTERY

Cultural Mapping Of Panay and Guimaras

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