MANILA, Philippines - In celebration of Filipino Heritage Festival this May, mall-goers had a rare glimpse of the evolution of Philippine homes and buildings in the Gusali: Evolution of Philippine Architecture exhibit launched at SM City North Edsa.
The exhibit is composed of 57 photos that showcase structures inspired by modern or indigenous, Spanish colonial, American colonial, and many other trends in the evolving Philippine architectural landscape. It is divided into four parts: kalakalan (trade), pamahalaan (government), simbahan (worship), and tirahan (house), each depicting the country’s architectural evolution in different types of structure.
“Gusali” views Philippine architecture as a melting pot of various forms and influences. At best, it is a cacophony of western tools and technology, addressing climate factors and employing the skills and talents of local craftsmen and artisans, as it transforms what in fact is foreign to something that mirrors Filipino sensibility and taste.
The exhibit’s launch at SM City North Edsa was attended by Filipino Heritage Festival Inc. president Armita Rufino and other FHFI executives, namely finance director Araceli Salas and board member Charlie Rufino; Honorary Consul of Guatemala Mely Ablaza; Yan Donko, wife of Austrian Ambassador Wilhelm Donko; Honorary Consul of Lesotho Antonio Rufino; Administrative Attache of the Kingdom of Lesotho Violeta Munez; and renowned architect Lor Calma. They were welcomed by SM VP for marketing communications Millie Dizon and SM City North Edsa executives regional operations manager Renee Bacani and AVP for marketing Ruby Ann Reyes.
A performance by the Philippine Youth Symphonic Band with conductors Romeo San Jose and Arnaldo Custodio serenaded the audience. This versatile ensemble of 64 young, dedicated, and talented musicians sang Filipino songs. Included in their repertoire were Bahay Kubo, Itik-itik, Dandansoy, Bato sa Buhangin, Tinig sa Kabukiran, and Tanging-Yaman.
The Filipino Heritage Festival is a yearly month-long celebration featuring performances, visual arts, exhibits, thematic culinary events, and other activities emphasizing traditions and customs performed on the heritage sites. Traditionally held in May through Proclamation No. 439, the event is in “recognition of the need to create among the people a consciousness, respect, and pride for the legacies of Filipino cultural history, and a love of country.”
The “Gusali” exhibit is now at SM City Dasmariñas, after which it will go to SM City Bacoor from May 29-31, where the Philippine Ballet Theater will perform.