Art Exhibit “Mga Dahon ng Lahi” Opens at the PH Center in New York

From right: Consul General to New York Claro S. Cristobal, the Holy See's Permanent Observer to the United Nations in New York Bernardito Auza, featured artist Fernando “Pando” Manipon, Fr. Erno Diaz, Mr. Jose Ramos and Knights of Rizal – USA Eastern Region Regional Commander Atty. Dean Suba, cut the ribbon at the opening of the Mga Dahon ng Lahi art exhibit at the Philippine Center in New York on 27 August 2019. (New York PCG photo)

NEW YORK 17 September 2019 — The exhibit of the works of celebrated Filipino artist Fernando “Pando” Manipon dubbed “Mga Dahon ng Lahi” (Pages of Heritage) opened on 27-30 August 2019 at the Lobby Gallery of the Philippine Center.

The one of a kind exhibition featured 43 of his unique artworks made mostly from dried leaves and other natural materials.

In his welcome remarks during the opening reception, Consul General to New York Claro S. Cristobal applauded how Mr. Pando’s works reflect the beauty of nature and the strength of the Filipino’s faith as highlighted by the fact that some of the artworks are made of leaves that fell during the devastation of typhoon Haiyan.

The artist graduated from the University of the Philippines before he became a successful fashion designer who represented the Philippines in various trade shows across the fashion capitals of the world. After decades-long career in fashion, he reinvented himself and pursued leaf mosaic.

His gift to Pope Francis “Basilica of St. Peter in Vatican,” a dried leaf mosaic collage on an ostrich egg showing the dorsal view of St. Peter’s Basilica, earned him his title ”papal artist.”

Mr. Pando’s works have been exhibited at the Senate of the Philippines, the San Agustin Museum, and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. His exhibit in New York was organized by the San Lorenzo Ruiz Global Ministry of New York and Philippines in coordination with the Philippine Center Management Board. END

Consul General Cristobal (left) delivers his remarks at the opening of the exhibit Mga Dahon ng Lahi at the Philippine Center. (New York PCG photo)

Mr. Pando (left) during his speech  at the opening of his exhibit “Mga Dahon ng Lahi” at the Philippine Center. (New York PCG photo)

For more information, visit https://www.newyorkpcg.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.newyorkpcg.org or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinNY/.