4 November 2015 - The Philippine Embassy in Mexico  opened on October 08  a  painting exhibit of world-renowned Filipino painter Manuel D. Baldemor,  entitled “El Galeon de Acapulco-Manila 450 Años del Tornaviaje”  with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Philippine Ambassador to Mexico Catalino R. Dilem, Jr., together with Indonesian Ambassador Yusra Khan, Museum Director  Jasso,  PHL Honorary Consul De La O, Dr. Barron, Lic. Geovanni Manriquez of the Mayor´´s Office, and Mr. Fernando Alvarez, businessman and supporter of cultural activities in Acapulco.

In his message, Ambassador Dilem expressed his thanks and appreciation to Mr. Baldemor and the city authorities of Acapulco for holding the exhibit for the second time at the Fort of San Diego, which celebrates the brotherhood between Manila and Acapulco. He added that the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade will always remain part of the histories of both countries. He gave a brief introduction of Mr. Baldemors’ achievements, art works, his being a painter commissioned by UNESCO, and his charitable works.

Mr. Baldemor replied that the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade was the catalyst of historical changes, transporting not only people, goods and wealth, but also of culture that largely defined Philippine-Mexican relations.  He said his works of art portray the similarities of culture between the two countries, especially on the Galleon Trade.

The event was well attended and guests admired the various paintings of Mr. Baldemor.  Around 80 pieces of artworks by Mr. Baldemor depicting sites of Acapulco and Manila and Philippine-Mexico cultural relations are displayed at the exhibit, which will run from 08 October 2015 to 30 January 2016.

The celebration was capped with a sampling of Mexican and Philippine cuisines. Guests were invited to have a taste of Mexican food (typical dishes in the State of Guerrero) and Filipino dishes such as chicken adobo, beef caldereta, lechon kawali and buko salad. END