PH Consulate General Celebrates Historic Sail Donation Ceremony at Maritime Museum of Barcelona to Complete Century Old Vinta

Sama Bajau Exhibit with the Philippine Vinta, Bangka and Map

BARCELONA 05 DECEMBER 2023 - In collaboration with First District of Zamboanga City Congressman Khymer Adan T. Olaso, the Philippine Consulate General donated a mast and sail to the Maritime Museum of Barcelona (MMB) to complete the latter’s restoration of a vintage vinta in its collection. The donation ceremony was held on 23 November 2023 at the MMB, and coincided with the inauguration of the museum’s Sama-Bajau: Nòmades de la Mar exhibit. Consul General Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro, Cong. Olaso, MMB Director General Dr. Enric Garcia, as well as Cong. Adrian Michael Alto Amatong from the 3rd District of Zamboanga del Norte, and members of the local Spanish and Filipino communities were present for the occasion. 

Consul General Lazaro expressed her appreciation to the Museum and Cong. Olaso for the collaboration, and underscored the importance of the exhibit and the vinta’s completion, stating, “The Philippines is a maritime nation. We have 36,289 kilometers of coastline, the 5th longest in the world. We are thus, as a country, steeped in a rich maritime heritage, and we have long been shaped by our profound connection to the sea, a core part of our national identity and culture. This deep-seated bond with the sea is not only reflected in our historical and cultural narratives, as showcased in this exhibit, but also in our unwavering commitment to maritime principles and the peaceful use of our seas.”

The vinta in the MMB’s collection originated from the archipelago of Sulu and was brought to Barcelona in 1899 aboard the steamer Puerto Rico. For 124 years, this iconic representation of Philippine maritime culture remained incomplete, lacking its essential mast and sail. The meticulous search for an authentic sail led to an extensive collaboration between MMB and the Consulate, with key stakeholders from the Philippines, culminating in a partnership with Congressman Olaso.

Cong. Olaso's expertise as a master mariner and ship captain played a pivotal role in completing the vinta. Aside from the sails, he also brought with him a 30-year-old bamboo mast, personally installing them himself. Both the sail and mast previously graced another vinta in Zamboanga, lending authenticity to the restoration. The addition of the sail enriches the Sama Bajau exhibit and creates an immersive experience for visitors.

Dr. Enric Garcia highlighted the significance of this partnership, emphasizing its role in fostering ties with the Philippine Consulate General and the Filipino diaspora in Barcelona. For his part, Cong. Olaso underscored the profound importance of the vinta, stating, "May the beauty and symbolism of the Vinta, proudly displayed at the Maritime Museum, serve as a testament to the enduring spirit of exploration, unity, and cultural exchange between the Philippines and Spain.”

Cong. Olaso delivered his remarks in his native Chavacano, sparking discussions on the language as the only Spanish-based creole in Asia, as well as the diversity of Philippine languages and ethnolinguistic groups.

The Filipino community in Barcelona, through the Fiesta Filipina Group from St. James the Lesser Church, also played a prominent role, with a performance of Singkil. 

The Sama-Bajau: Nòmades de la Mar exhibit, including the display of the Philippine vinta and Philippine bangka, will run from 23 November 2023 to 17 March 2024.  Entrance to the exhibit is free. END

Consul Raisa Mabayo interacting with a Spanish journalist during the press briefing

Congressmen Adrian Michael Alto Amatong and Khymer Adan T. Olaso meeting with Maritime Museum of Barcelona Director General Dr. Enric Garcia

For more information, visit https://barcelonapcg.dfa.gov.ph/, https://www.facebook.com/PHinBarcelona/, or follow @PHinBarcelona on Instagram and X.