Poetry of Stars: Lopez Museum pays tribute to Serafin Lanot

To commemorate the birth centennial of poet, journalist, publisher, and astrologer Serafin Lanot and mark the existence of astrology in Philippine culture and history, the Lopez Museum presents “Poetry of Stars: An Overview of Astrology in the Philippines” from Aug. 15-17.

The three-day celebration features exhibits and a series of talks at the Lopez Memorial and Library.

Exhibition

The exhibition will feature Lanot’s and other leading astrologers’ personal astrology and publishing paraphernalia, such as charts and even an astrological computer, as well as a letter written to him by Corazon Aquino after he had predicted her ascendancy to the presidency in 1986.

A former editor of Manila Chronicle Sunday Magazine and author of “Astrology through Filipino Eyes,” Lanot was a leading figure in the introduction of astrology in the Philippines in the 80’s. He was the only Filipino astrologer invited to the International Conference of the American Federation of Astrologers and was a member of the AFA convention faculty in the 1980s.

READ: Astrology: Alive and well in the Philippines

Born on August 21, 1913, in Boac, Marinduque, Lanot served as the Director of the Bureau of Printing. He also wrote and edited for several publications. He is the father of poet Marra Lanot, wife of writer Jose “Pete” Lacaba.

Talks

The talks will be led by writer/astrologer Resti Santiago, founder of Astrology Friends Philippines, a group for Filipinos keen on learning astrology.

Topics include a short overview of the history of astrology in the Philippines and the contributions of Lanot and different personalities to Philippine astrology, including pre-colonial indigenous astrological practices of Filipinos.

Santiago has written astrology articles and columns for various print and online publications. He is author of “Medieval Astro Clock,” an astrology guide published annually since 2011.

“No prior knowledge of astrology is required to appreciate the exhibition and talks. We want to get more Filipinos interested in astrology,” he says.

“Poetry of Stars: An Overview of Astrology in the Philippines” exhibition runs Aug 15-17 at Lopez Museum and Library, Benpres Bldg., Exchange Rd. cor. Meralco Ave., Ortigas Center, Pasig City. Museum hours are Mondays to Saturday, 8 am to 5pm.

Admission fee is P100 for adults and P80 for students and senior citizens. Talks are scheduled on Aug. 15 Wed. at 1:30pm (Brief history of astrology in the Philippines and Lanot’s contributions to Philippine astrology. A poetry reading follows to be led by poet-writer Kris Lacaba, grandson of Serafin); and on Aug. 17 Sat. at 10:30am (Talks on Indigenous Astrology in Colonial Philippines); and 1pm (Talks on different astrology topics by several astrologers). For info, contact 631-2417.

Scheduled speakers:

August 15

Imelda Morales – Serafin Lanot and his influence on the development of astrology in the Phils
Kris Lacaba, Nerisa Guevarra, and other poets – Poetry reading of Lanot’s works
Marra Lanot and Ofel Santos – Living and learning with Lanot

August 17

Dr. Antonio Ingles – Cosmic Archeology
Steffi Rodriguez and Resti Santiago – Ethno-astronomy and the discovery of indigenous astrology
JP Lapore – History of Astrology in the Philippines
Ret. Col. Romeo Solina – PARSI and the Reintroduction of Astrology in the 70’s
Jeannie Javelosa – Astrology and its purpose
Henry Palacios – How I became an astrologer
Walter Ang – The basic language of astrology
Resti Santiago – The astrological charts of Bonifacio, Rizal, and Aguinaldo: An exploration of Astrological principles