22 October 2014 - The Philippine Embassy in Mexico, in cooperation with the Museo Historico de Acapulco, Fuerte San Diego and the Office of the Philippine Honorary Consul in Acapulco, opened the one-man art exhibit of world-renowned Filipino painter Manuel D. Baldemor on October 8 at the Sala de Servicios Educativos of the Fort of San Diego.
The exhibit entitled, “Manila-Acapulco Route: The First Globalization, 1565-1815” will run from October 8 to 30 and is being held in commemoration of the International Galleon Day, which was declared by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) during its 35th Session in October 2009.
Philippine Ambassador to Mexico Catalino R. Dilem, Jr. welcomed the guests to the event and thanked them for their presence. He expressed his hope that through this art exhibit, Philippines-Mexico relations will be further enhanced and strengthened. He said that the Philippines and Mexico has a shared cultural identity brought about by the 250 years of the Manila-Acapulco Galleon trade. He gave a brief introduction of Mr. Baldemor, his achievements and various works of art.
Mr. Victor Hugo Jasso, Director of the Museum officially welcomed Mr. Baldemor to Acapulco in his opening remarks and expressed his appreciation for holding the exhibit at the Fort of San Diego. He said that he will extensively promote the exhibit to the people of Acapulco.
The Ambassador was assisted by Mr. Victor Hugo Jasso, Director of the Historical Museum, Philippine Honorary Consul to Acapulco Mario de la O Almazan, City Councilor Vicente Trujillo Sandoval of the Mayor´s Office, and Mr. Manuel Baldemor, in the ceremonial cutting of the ribbon to officially open the exhibit The inauguration ceremony was attended by local government officials, officers and members of the Acapulco Chamber of Commerce, the local media and members of various art organizations in Acapulco.
Other activities at the opening day of the exhibit, included a short story-telling session entitled ¨Here Comes La Nao¨ performed by Acapulco stage actors and presented to the students and the public.
A wreath-laying at the marker of the Return Voyage of the Galleon was held at the Philippine-Mexico Square located beside the Historical Museum at Fort San Diego.
A lecture on Philippine Art was conducted by Mr. Baldemor at the Auditorio of the Museum with the members of the various art associations in Acapulco. Mr. Baldemor talked about the history of Philippine art and its development.
The event ended with a Gastronomic Sampling entitled ¨Manjares del Oriente¨at the Plaza de Armas of the Fort of San Diego. Filipino dishes like lechon kawali, adobo, lumpiang gulay, buko/fruit salad and leche flan were served and enjoyed by the guests. END