GOVPH

: Published: 28 October 2022

PH Consulate General, The Filipino Expat Magazine Launch First Solo Exhibit of Barcelona-based Filipina Artist AC Maria Featuring Life of Filipino Migrants

BARCELONA 27 October 2022 - The Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona in partnership with the Filipino Expat Magazine launched the first solo exhibit of Barcelona-based Filipina artist Ms. AC Maria entitled “Doce Caras”. The inauguration ceremony was held at the Consulate on 21 October 2022 with close to two hundred people in attendance, including councilors from the Ciutat Vella district of Barcelona.

The title “Doce Caras” is derived from the 12 numbers in a clock, interpreted as 12 different stories of Filipino migrants in Barcelona. The interactive exhibit features 11 photographs, with the 12^thitem being a full-size mirror to reflect the image of the viewer as the penultimate character in the exhibit. As an analogy to a timepiece, the exhibit aims to impart how time is of importance to Filipino migrants as each second is allotted to earning a living for their family and so one has to balance their time between work and family affairs. Different emotions are in play at the exhibit with photographs conveying messages about the struggles and high points of the characters. Also in the exhibit are some personal items of the characters which signify different stages of their lives.

Philippine Consul General to Barcelona Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro welcomed everyone to the exhibit and assured those present that the Consulate will continue to support and partner with Filipino artists in Barcelona to help get their message across.“I hope that this exhibit will serve to inspire fellow overseas Filipinos to realize their dreams and aspirations. I challenge everyone to aim high and persevere amidst all obstacles that may come your way,” she intimated in her welcome message.

Ms. AC Maria said, “We are all heroes shaped by our knowledge and capabilities. We are all travelers in this world being directed by our Master to whom we are all grateful”. She encouraged everyone to take into heart the message inscribed in Doce Caras’ full-size mirror, “You are the face of courage, honor and love”.

One of the attendees, Ms. Noelle Sy-quia expressed her gratitude for being invited to the exhibit. “Doce Caras provided me with an emotional insight into the lives of my fellow Filipinos in Barcelona,” said the descendant of Philippine National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal. Ms. Veronica Arzaga, a Filipino volunteer social worker said, “I wish to congratulate the Consulate and the Filipino Expat Magazine for a well-organized exhibit. It was an uplifting experience for me as I was able to relate to most of the stories given my work in the field of social services”.

The exhibit will run until the 28^th of October 2022. END

Doce Aras 2

Doce Caras Interactive Photo Exhibit. (Barcelona PCG photos)

Ribbon-cutting ceremony with Consul General Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro, AC Maria, and The Filipino Expat Magazine’s publisher and editor-in-chief Mr. Nats Sisma Villaluna. (Barcelona PCG photo)