Marking a milestone movement, Cebu-based Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. — through its Cultural and Heritage Unit (CHU) — organized an art exhibit outside of Metro Cebu for the first time.
In line with the observance of National Heroes Day, Casa Gorordo Museum partnered with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines’ Museo El Deposito to hold the “Open Secret: Glimpses of Folklore in Revolution and Resistance in San Juan City” exhibit.
Casa Gorordo Museum is one of CHU’s three flagship programs. The other two are Research and Publications and Gabii sa Kabilin. With its programs and initiatives, CHU aims to develop a strong sense of cultural identity among local communities.
In “Open Secret,” the art display at Museo El Deposito turns into a black light show, revealing a burst of colors, thanks to the neon acrylic paintings in its dark spaces. The theme revolves around the 1898 Philippine Republic, providing a unique perspective on the revolution against colonial rule.
Cebu higher education institutions are also highlighted in the exhibit, featuring contributions from young artists representing the Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) and University of the Philippines-Cebu (UP Cebu).
The artists from CIT-U represent the Creative Alliance of Multimedia and Visual Arts Students: Ezra Carillo, Lexi Velasquez, Anne Beatrice Aparicio, Valerie Demecillo, Godfrey Sigamata, Clea Louel Laurel, Stephanie Jan Bacalla, Michael John Gedy, Raili Ann Kapuno and Reshney Marie Arcillas. From the Fine Arts Student Organization of UP Cebu are artists Aljun P. Alvarez, Mea Surigao, Gabriel Rupert Panim and Jean Mansueto.
Fusing history with innovation, these young talents provide interpretations of various figures and images from Cebuano folklore and culture.
“Open Secret” at San Juan City’s Museo El Deposito runs until Oct. 31, 2023.
