354. CRISTONG MACAGAPUS: Passing on the Tradition from Generation to Generation, by Guest Writer, Allen Luis Galang Dizon Jr.

APUNG MACAGAPUS, 1855, Holy Wednesday 2023

The heirloom image of Apung Macagapus (Scourging at the Pillar) is among the very first Holy Week processional images of the town of Sta. Ana, Pampanga.

THE ANCESTRAL STA. ANA  HOUSE

This 19th century holy image was owned by Maria Dolores Pangan. She passed down Apung Macagapus to her niece Angela Pangan, who eventually married Domingo P. Dizon. His family owned the statue of Sta. Ana, making them the first camareros of the original processional image of the town’s patron saint.

Domingo and Angela had two children, Dr Antonio and Dr. Nilo. Due to old age, Angelina passed on Apung Macagapus to her son Dr. Nilo Pangan Dizon and daughter- in- law Amelia "Lily" Tiosejo Dizon. Although Dr. Antonio is the eldest, he and his wife Corazon and family lived mostly in the United States and Manila. Angela died at the age of 91.

DRESSING UP THE CRISTO

THEN, AS NOW, Dressing up the santo is a family affair.

When the Dizons decided to transfer to Manila, the holy image was entrusted to Grace Dizon Medina, niece of Domingo and first cousin of Dr. Antonio and Dr. Nilo. Grace is also the daughter of the ex-mayor of Santa. Ana, Pampanga - Hon. Roque Dizon Sr.

Domingo & Angela considered Grace as their real daughter since they only have two sons (Dr. Tony & Dr. Nilo) and were not able to have a daughter of their own. Apung Macagapus stayed with the Medina family for more than a decade.

ANTIQUE LOINCLOTH AND RIBBON

In 2002, Allen T. Dizon (son of Dr. Nilo & Lily Dizon) together with his wife Dra. Mayette G. Dizon and their kids decided to stay for good in Sta. Ana. So, on April, 2009 the holy image went back to the care of the Dizons.

 When Allen died in 2010 and Dr. Nilo in 2015, the family heirloom image and the pious tradition of the Dizons were passed down to the 5th generation of the family, the grandchildren of Dr. Nilo most specially Marvin, Jayr and Keith (Allen & Mayette’s children).

KEEPING A FAMILY TRADITION ALIVE

The tradition of the family still continues to this day, made possible through the love and profound dedication of the family and the many devotees of Apung Macagapus. From the time of Maria Dolores, the succeeding generations have vowed and continually kept the tradition alive and strong.

MANY THANKS TO MR. ALLEN LUIS DIZON GALANG JR., for the use of his article here.

 SOURCES/ REFERENCES: Dr. Antonio “Tony” P. Dizon (+), Edited By: Gertrudes "Ditas" Dizon

From the Photo Archives of Dr. Nilo P. Dizon (+), Photo Taken: March 26, 1986 at San Joaquin Santa. Santa Ana Pampanga