Barcelona, 29 February 2024 - In celebration of the National Arts Month and in conjunction with the ongoing Sama-bajau, nòmades de la mar with vinta exhibit at the Maritime Museum of Barcelona (MMB), the Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona organized an art workshop for 4th year Educación Secundaria Obligatoria (Compulsory Secondary Education) students of the Escola Mare de Déu del Roser in Barcelona.
The two-hour workshop which took place at the esteemed Maritime Museum of Barcelona, provided insights into Philippine history and culture for the twenty-one students, four of whom are second-generation Filipinos and the rest being nationals from seven other countries.
Philippine Consul General to Barcelona, Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro extended a warm welcome to the students, marking the cultural undertaking as a pivotal initiative in the Consulate’s ongoing mission to foster Philippine cultural awareness among educational institutions in Barcelona. School Principal Director Anna Pedrola expressed her heartfelt gratitude to both the Consulate and the MMB for enriching the students’ knowledge and exposure through this immersive experience.
Prior to the workshop, Dr. Enric Garcia, Director General of the MMB, provided a comprehensive overview of the exhibit and the museum's collection relating to the Philippines. Cultural Officer Bernardo Bagalay then delved into the historical and cultural significance of the vinta, setting the stage for the activity.
The art workshop was facilitated by Mesdames Estefania Magistrado Belenzo and Dennzye Faye Geronimo Malabanan, both graduating Technical Architecture students at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, and themselves children of Filipino parents who migrated to Spain. They successfully shared their expertise and insights with the attendees, leading to the workshop's positive and impactful results. Apart from allowing the students to express their creativity through the vinta, they also served as inspiration to students, particularly second-generation Filipinos, to pursue higher education and stay in touch with their roots and community.
The participants showcased creativity, patience, and teamwork as they concluded the workshop with detailed and vibrant reproductions of the vinta, embodying the spirit of Philippine maritime culture. Their art, featuring everything from the crocodile's detailed features to the sail's vivid colors, paid tribute to Zamboanga City's rich heritage.
The miniature replicas of the Philippine vinta will form part of the Sama-bajau, nòmades de la mar with vinta exhibit until its culmination on 17 March 2024. Director Pedrola remarked, “It fills me with joy to know that the artworks of my students will be showcased at the Maritime Museum of Barcelona as it will also instill a sense of pride in the participants and also their families.” END
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The Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona
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PHOTO CAPTIONS
Consul General Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro welcoming participants to the art workshop
Director Anna Pedrola addressing students, facilitators and Consulate officials
MMB Director General Dr. Enric Garcia giving a tour of the exhibit
Cultural Officer Bernardo Bagalay explaining the features of the Philippine vinta
Filipino university students and facilitators Estefania Magistrado and Dennyze Faye Geronimo giving guidelines to students during the art workshop
Escola Mare de Déu del Roser students during the art workshop
Facilitators Ms. Magistrado and Ms. Geronimo, Escola Mare de Déu del Roser school officials Directora Anna Pedrola and Ms. Anna López
and Cultural Officer Bernardo Bagalay with the miniature vinta replicas created by the art workshop participants
Vinta replicas created by workshop participants on display at Maritime Museum of Barcelona