29 October 2014 – A one-man painting exhibit by well-known Filipino artist Manuel Baldemor was opened on October 25 at the Museo Historico de Acapulco, Fuerte San Diego, Mexico.
The painting exhibit, entitled “Sicronia Mexico-Filipinas,” is one of the activities for the 8th La Nao International Festival in Acapulco which runs until November 01. The festival is held annually by the municipal government of Acapulco in commemoration of the Galleon Trade. Considered to be the biggest cultural event in Acapulco, the festival is being participated in by the Philippines, China, Japan, Serbia, Spain and Mexico with over 50 cultural events featuring national and international artists.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by Acapulco Mayor Luis Aburto Walton, other local officials, and members of various art groups. It was attended by more than 200 guests. The exhibit displays around 50 artworks depicting the Galleon Trade and Philippine-Mexican relations.
In his message, Philippine Ambassador to Mexico Catalino R. Dilem, Jr. expounded on the exhibit theme and explained the importance of the Galleon Trade in Philippines-Mexico relations. He outlined Mr. Baldemor’s achievements as a painter and sculptor, his charitable works and his contributions to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). He also emphasized that his Acapulco stint was Mr. Baldemor’s 200th one-man exhibit.
For his part, Mayor Aburto noted that the exhibit was a manifestation of the friendship between the Philippines and Mexico that had its initial stages in the Manila-Acapulco Galleon trade and expressed his appreciation for such valuable collection of art works depicting history, culture and traditions.
Mr. Baldemor thanked the organizers of the festival and the museum officials who helped in putting up the exhibit. He described the exhibit as a symphony of colors and rhythm depicting the friendship between Manila and Acapulco.
Mr. Baldemor donated to the City of Acapulco a 140 cm. x 170 cm. (acrylic in canvass) painting showing the various aspects of Philippine-Mexican culture. The painting will be permanently displayed at the Municipal Office of Acapulco. END