“Hijos del Sur” Exhibition by Filipino-Spanish Artist Marks Inaugural Celebration of Philippine Studies Program at University of Alicante

A visitor checks out the exhibit

ALICANTE 26 November 2024 — The University of Alicante proudly hosted “Hijos del Sur”, a captivating exhibition curated by Spanish-Filipina artist María Mari Murga, from 11 to 21 November 2024. This exhibit, one of the inaugural events of the newly established Philippine Studies Program (PSP), highlighted the rich cultural heritage of the southern Philippines through an impressive collection of photographs and indigenous textiles.

At the heart of the exhibition were photographs captured by María Mari Murga during her immersive visits to the Badjao and Sama-Banguingui communities in Mindanao. Her work offered an intimate look at the vibrant traditions, daily lives, and resilience of these communities, showcasing the depth of their cultural legacy.

The photography was complemented by a display of indigenous textiles from the private collection of Carmen Murga, María’s mother and a proud Chavacana from Zamboanga. These woven masterpieces from the Yakan, Badjao, and Sama-Banguingui peoples provided a tangible connection to the Philippines’ diverse artistic traditions. Carmen brought these textiles with her when she moved to Alicante, ensuring their preservation and continued appreciation.

A central feature of the exhibit was the screening of the documentary “Mga Anak ng Timog: Hijos del Sur”, a collaborative project between María and the Mindanao communities she visited. This videographic work, along with the photographs and textiles, offered visitors a multifaceted exploration of the rich cultural tapestry of southern Philippines.

The exhibit also served as a fitting backdrop to the ceremonial signing of the donation agreement for the Philippine Studies Program on 21 November 2024. The exhibition and the PSP represent a shared commitment to promoting Filipino heritage and fostering academic and cultural exchanges in Spain.

The Philippine Consulate General extends its heartfelt gratitude to María Mari Murga and Carmen Murga for their dedication to preserving and celebrating Filipino culture, and the University of Alicante Museum for hosting the exhibit. As an inaugural event of the PSP, “Hijos del Sur” embodies the program’s mission to bridge historical connections and modern understanding of the Philippines. END

Artist Maria Mari Murga and Philippine Consul General Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro

Carmen Murga, Consul General Lazaro, Maria Mari Murga, Dr. Isaac Donoso, and Consul Raisa Mabayo

University of Alicante officials, Philippine Consulate General officials and Maria Mari Murga

For more information, visit https://barcelonapcg.dfa.gov.ph/ or https://www.facebook.com/PHinBarcelona/.