09 November 2015 – Philippine Ambassador to Mexico Catalino R. Dilem, Jr., accompanied by Cultural Officer Rosabelle Toledo, attended the launching of the book published by Dr. Juan Antonio Siller Camacho, entitled “El Itinerario Cultural Del Galleon De Manila – Arte y Cultural Mexico-Filipinas” (The Cultural Route of the Manila Galleon – Art and Culture Mexico-Philippines) held on November 04 at the Museo de la Ciudad de Cuernavaca in the State of Morelos.
The book is a compilation of papers presented during the lecture series with the same title being held at the Palacio de Cortes, organized and coordinated by Dr. Siller from February to December of this year. Dr. Siller is a Mexican archeologist, architect and expert on Philippine-Mexican history. He is also a professor and member of the Instituto Nacional de Antropologia y Historia (INAH).
Ambassador Dilem, Cuernavaca Mayor Jorge Morales Barud, Professor Adalberto Rios Szalay (one of the lecturers), officiated the book launching. Also in attendance were the resource speakers and participants in the lecture series, museum officials, city authorities and culture enthusiasts.
Dr. Siller thanked Ambassador Dilem for attending the book presentation and the Embassy´s attendance in every lecture at the Palacio de Cortes. He also acknowledged the presence of individuals who assisted in this project and facilitated the completion of the book. He added that the book was published not only for historians but also for those who want to know more about the Philippines and its relationship with Mexico. It is also a source in analyzing world developments as they affect the growth of culture.
In his message, Ambassador Dilem said that it was a great honor for the Embassy to be part of the event especially because this year is the 450th anniversary of the Galleon trade that started the close relations between the Philippines and Mexico. He also cited the similarities in customs and traditions between the two countries as a result of this historical link.
Professor Adalberto Rios, provided an overview of the Manila-Acapulco Galleon and how different groups of people from various countries traded together. According to him, the navigation’s search for trade routes led to the realization of the most important social and cultural event in history, the Galleon Trade.
Mayor Jorge Morales Barud said he was happy to note that the lecture series and the book brought together distinguished researchers dedicated to discovering their roots and origins. He informed the audience that the Philippines and Mexico has many commonalities brought by history and traditions. He thanked Dr. Siller and his colleagues for realizing the project and the audience for participating in such an important event. END