Binay unveils Philippine exhibit at Branly Museum

MANILA, Philippines - Pre-colonial Filipino art takes center stage as a grand exhibition of more than 300 essential works focusing on this genre was held at the Musee du Quai Branly in Paris.

The exhibit, with its theme "Philippines: Archipel des échanges" or archipelago of exchanges was opened by Vice-President Jejomar Binay on April 9. It will remain on display until July 14, 2013.

Binay remarked that the artworks, artifacts and national treasures assembled from different collections, both public and private, gave a glimpse of the rich cultural heritage and diversity of the country.

The Vice-President also thanked the French government for showcasing Filipino artworks at the Branly Museum, one of Europe's premier museums dedicated to the arts and civilizations.

Present at the unveiling of the exhibit include high-level officials from different government offices like the Departments of Foreign Affairs, Tourism, Agriculture and the Bangko Sentral, the National Museum and Ayala Museum and the private lenders whose collections were part of the exhibit.

French officials including French Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault, Minister of Culture Madame Aurelie Filippetti, along with other government officials and cultural experts, were also present in the event.

Ayrault expressed his gratitude to the Philippine government for accepting the invitation to be featured at the Branly Museum and remarked that the exhibit may provide a venue for the further improvement of relations between the two countries. Sharmaine Tan, Philstar.com Trainee