San Juan de Alicante, Spain - The Municipality of San Juan de Alicante recently hosted Zamboanga: History and Cultures of the Southern Philippines, an exhibition by Filipina-Spanish artist María Marí Murga. Held at the Roberto Mira Hall of the Municipal Archives and Library, the two-week exhibition showcased the Philippines' rich cultural diversity and concluded on 6 March 2025.

Marí Murga, recognized by The Royal Society of British Artists, The De Laszlo Foundation, and The Pastel Society UK, is known for blending tradition with multicultural influences in her work. She has exhibited internationally, including at The Annigonni Museum in Florence, The Mall Galleries in London, The Philippine Center in New York, and The Peninsula Hotel in Manila.

Coinciding with Women's Month, the exhibition was inaugurated by Nito Manero, president of the Asociación a Favor de los Discapacitados Psíquicos, an organization supporting individuals with disabilities in Alicante and a beneficiary of the exhibition’s proceeds.

The exhibition featured oil paintings, pastels, textiles, and photographs that highlighted Zamboanga, a city where Christian, Muslim, and indigenous communities coexist. Key pieces included large-format paintings of traditional dances, pastel sketches of children’s games, and handwoven textiles displayed among bamboo canes and carved wooden frames featuring Ukil motifs.

A notable element of the exhibition was the audiovisual project Hijos del Sur, which documented the traditions of the Sama Banguingui, Badjao, Yakan, and Tausug communities, further enriching the exhibit’s narrative. Through her work, Marí Murga aims to foster a deeper appreciation of Philippine heritage and build cultural bridges between Spain and the Philippines.

Beyond this exhibition, Marí Murga remains committed to promoting cultural exchange between the two countries. She continues to collaborate with the University of Alicante and the Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona to advance Philippine Studies in Spain. The exhibition not only celebrated Filipino heritage but also reinforced the Philippines’ presence in Spain’s cultural landscape.  

For media inquiries and further information, please contact:

The Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona
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APSA President Ms. Nito Manero and Filipina-Spanish María Marí Murga

APSA President Ms. Nito Manero greets Ms. Carmen Murga, a Zamboangueña and the mother of the artist

Presentation of the video documentary ¨Hijos del Sur¨

Attendees to the exhibit

Artwork entitled Impromptu of a Bird Dance

Artwork entitled Impromptu of a Pag Apir dance