MANILA, Philippines - To commemorate the 50th year of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Malaysia, an art exhibit entitled Cebu: People, Places and Faces recently launched at the Galeri Dunia Seni Lukis, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Victoriano Lecaros, Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia, gave the opening remarks while Y.B. Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum, Malaysia’s Deputy Minister of Information, Communication and Culture represented by Haned Majak, Director for Acquisition and Conservation of Malaysia’s National Art gallery, was the event’s special guest of honor.
Paintings that feature Cebu’s scenic landmarks, people and faces will be on display until today. The exhibit aims to establish a continuing cultural and artistic linkage between Filipinos and Malaysians through visual arts.
Twelve artists from Cebu who participated in the exhibit include Gabriel Abellana, Cesar Castillo, Audie Estrellada, Benji Goyha, Maxcel Puentenegra Migallos, Celso Duazo Pepito, Fe Madrid Pepito, Billy Pomida, Aida Uy Sze, Lillian Loseo Tan, Jose Brillo Villaver and Jose “Kimsoy” Yap, Jr.
Lilian Tan and Aida Sze reside in Malaysia. The exhibit aims to generate a feeling of pride and patriotism especially for Filipinos living in Malaysia. It also aims to provide Malaysians with an opportunity to appreciate and understand the rich cultural heritage of the Filipino people, which is not so different from their own.