Hidden treasures exhibit launched

CEBU, Philippines - The Ortigas Foundation Inc. and Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) in partnership with the Archdiocese of Cebu launched “Hidden Treasures: An Exhibit of Spanish-era Churches of the Philippines” last Wednesday afternoon at the Cathedral Museum of Cebu.

The project exhibits Filipino churches built during the Spanish colonial period. It will be mounted in various parishes in the provinces of Cebu and Bohol up to August 30, 2012.

This exhibit will feature the Cathedral Museum in Cebu City from April 18 to 30. The Church of Nuestra Señora del Pilar in Sibonga, Cebu on May 2 to May 11. From May 14 to 21, the Church of San Guillermo de Aquitaña in Dalaguete, Cebu will be featured.

The exhibit will then move to the Church of San Miguel Archangel in Samboan, Cebu from May 23 to 30; Church of San Francisco de Asis in Dumanjug, Cebu from May 30 to June 2 and the Church of San Francisco de Asis in Balamban, Cebu on June 12 to June 19. From June 21 to 28, San Roque Church in Cordova, Cebu will follow and the Church of Santo Tomas de Villanueva in Danao, Cebu on July 10 to 15.

In Bohol, the exhibit includes the Holy Name University in Tagbilaran City on July 18 to 26, the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion in Dauis on July 27 to August 3, the Church of Santa Cruz in Maribojoc on August 5 to 12, the Cathedral La Santissima Trinidad in Talibon on August 14 to 21 and the Church of San Miguel Archangel in Jagna from August 23 to 30.

“Hidden Treasures” is based on the book of Jesuit priest Rev. Father Rene Javellana entitled La Casa de Dios: The Legacy of Filipino-Hispanic Churches in the Philippines in Cebu. This twelve years-in-the-making book documents over 300 churches from across the Philippine archipelago.

It describes the churches found in obscure locations that have been rarely documented or visited by local or foreign tourists.

Betty Lalana, administrative and operations officer of Ortigas Foundation, said that the project aims to show the uniqueness of the church and to be able to conserve and preserve it. Lalana is also one of the photographers who documented the churches which were featured in La Casa de Dios.

Last Wednesday’s opening of the exhibit also served as the official launching of Javellana’s book. — (FREEMAN)