Barcelona, 21 October 2022 - The Philippine Consulate in Barcelona in partnership with the Filipino Expat Magazine launched the first solo exhibit of Barcelona-based Filipina artist Ms. AC Maria entitled “Doce Caras”. The inauguration ceremony was held at the Consulate on 21 October 2022 with close to two hundred people in attendance, including councilors from the Ciutat Vella district of Barcelona.
The title of the exhibit is derived from the 12 numbers in a clock which is interpreted as 12 different stories of Filipino migrants in Barcelona. There are 11 photographs in the interactive exhibit with the 12th item being a full-size mirror to reflect the image of the exhibit goer as the penultimate character in the exhibit. As an analogy to a timepiece, the exhibit aims to impart how time is of importance to Filipino migrants as each second is allotted to earning a living to provide for his/her family. In doing so, one has to find time to balance work and family affairs. Different emotions are in play at the exhibit with photographs conveying messages about the struggles and high points of the characters. Also in the exhibit are some personal items of the characters which signify different stages of their lives.
Consul General Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro welcomed everyone to the exhibit and assured those present that the Consulate will continue to support and partner with Filipino artists in Barcelona to help get their message across to fellow Filipinos. In her welcome message, she intimated, “I hope that this exhibit will serve to inspire fellow overseas Filipinos to realize their dreams and aspirations. I challenge everyone to aim high and persevere amidst all obstacles that may come your way”.
Ms. AC Maria in her message during the ceremony said “We are all heroes shaped by our knowledge and capabilities. We are all travelers in this world being directed by our Master to whom we are all grateful”. She encouraged everyone to take into heart the message inscribed in Doce Caras’ full-size mirror, “You are the face of courage, honor and love”.
One of the attendees, Ms. Noelle Sy-quia, a descendant of Dr. Jose Rizal expressed her gratitude for being invited to the exhibit and said, “Doce Caras provided me with an emotional insight into the lives of my fellow Filipinos in Barcelona”. Ms. Veronica Arzaga, a Filipino volunteer social worker said, “I wish to congratulate the Consulate and the Filipino Expat Magazine for a well-organized exhibit. It was an uplifting experience for me as I was able to relate to most of the stories given my work in the field of social services”.
The Doce Caras exhibit is extended until 10 November 2022 with the same exhibit hours of 0900H to 1600H.