Consul General Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro, with the Director General of the Maritime Museum of Barcelona, welcome guests at the opening of Pearls: Baler
Barcelona, 7 March 2025 – The Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona, in partnership with the Maritime Museum of Barcelona, successfully launched Pearls: Baler, a striking exhibition by photographer Archie Geotina that reimagines the coastal town of Baler through the lens of women surfers. Marking National Women’s Month and International Women’s Day, the exhibition captures four generations of women navigating the waves in traditional Filipiniana, celebrating resilience, artistry, and identity.
The event drew over 100 guests, including cultural figures, academics, young creatives, and members of both the Filipino and Spanish communities, reflecting the strong cultural ties between the two nations. Pearls: Baler will run until 16 June 2025 at the Maritime Museum of Barcelona.
A Celebration of Women and the Sea
The evening opened with remarks from Dr. Enric Garcia, Director General of the Maritime Museum of Barcelona, who underscored the museum’s commitment to telling inclusive maritime histories. He reflected on past collaborations with the Philippine Consulate, including the restoration of a Vinta boat, the Parol Christmas exhibit, and the Samal Bajau exhibition, all of which highlighted the Philippines’ seafaring heritage. He emphasized that Pearls: Baler is particularly significant in shifting the maritime narrative to focus on women’s relationship with the sea, a perspective often overlooked in maritime history.
In her address, Consul General Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro emphasized the importance of reframing Baler’s history beyond its well-known colonial past. While the town is often remembered in Spain through the lens of Los Últimos de Filipinas, the story of Spanish soldiers holding out in Baler in 1898, she noted that Baler’s identity is much larger than that single historical moment. She also highlighted the role of women in shaping Philippine history, often behind the scenes, whether in politics, cultural preservation, or sports—a theme strongly present in the exhibition.
The Story of the Women of Baler
Filipino artist Archie Geotina, whose work bridges heritage and contemporary culture, spoke on the intergenerational story of women surfers in Baler. He introduced the women featured in the exhibit:
- Nanay Yvok, one of the earliest female competitive surfers in Baler in the 1990s,
- Her granddaughter Kat Kat, who is now training to represent the Philippines in the World Junior Championships,
- Nanay’s best friend and competitor, Ta Nene, and
- Marie Cabel, a Cebu native who moved to Baler and is depicted surfing while seven months pregnant—a powerful testament to strength, balance, and the enduring presence of women in the sport.
Geotina explained that Pearls: Baler was born from a desire to challenge conventional representations of both Filipiniana and Filipino women, showcasing them as active, dynamic, and deeply connected to their environment. The cinematic aesthetic, influenced by the film Apocalypse Now, reimagines Baler not just as a site of memory but as a place of movement, culture, and reinvention.
Bridging Art, Sustainability, and Dialogue
Beyond the striking visuals, Pearls: Baler sparked discussions on issues critical to both the Philippines and the global community. Throughout the evening, conversations naturally emerged around sustainability, the impact of ocean warming, and the evolving role of women in sports and cultural preservation. These themes were further emphasized by the presence of Filipiniana couture pieces by renowned Filipino designers Rajo Laurel and Dennis Lustico, who are known for their work in reviving traditional textiles through sustainable practices.
As guests explored the exhibition, they engaged in broader reflections on the Philippines as a maritime nation, the cultural significance of surfing, and the ways in which Filipinos continue to navigate history, identity, and environmental challenges. The exhibit’s emphasis on women’s narratives, both in surfing and in history, positioned it not just as an artistic showcase but as a platform for dialogue on the intersection of culture, identity, and the natural world.
Pearls: Baler is a reminder that the Philippines should not only be seen through the lens of its past, but also through the energy and artistry of its people today. By weaving together art, history, and contemporary narratives, the exhibition presents a rich, multidimensional perspective of the Philippines—one that invites both locals and outsiders to see beyond familiar narratives and engage with the country in a new light.
Pearls: Baler is organized by the Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona, with the support of the Maritime Museum of Barcelona, the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry, Tatak Pinoy, and the Office of Senator Sonny Angara.
The exhibit will run from 06 March 2025 to 16 June 2025.
For more information or inquiries, please contact:
The Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona
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PHOTOS
Artist photographer Archie Geotina talks about the muses behind Pearls: Baler, such as Baler natives Nanay Yvok and her granddaughter, Kat Kat, both of whom are competitive surfers.
Community members pose with the couture pieces lent by designers Dennis Lustico and Rajo Laurel for the exhibit
Philippine Consulate General team with the artist/photographer
Scenes from the opening, which saw locals and tourists coming together
Kat Kat, a local of Baler, grew up learning to surf from her grandmother, Nanay Yvok, who was one of the Philippines’ first female competitive surfer
Marie Cabel, originally from Cebu and now living in Baler, surfing at 7 months pregnant