LICEO U’S LA CASTILLA MUSEUM OPENS PHOTO EXHIBIT AT AYALA MALL
In celebration
of the National Arts Month and to mark the 68th Founding Anniversary
of Liceo de Cagayan University, The La Castilla Blue and White Ware: A
Photography Exhibition, which is part of the 17th Cultural Season of
Liceo U, formally opened on February 13, 2023, at Ayala Centrio (3rd Floor
Foyer) in Vicente Roa Street, Cagayan de Oro City. The exhibition, which runs
until February 28, features photos of select artifacts from the La Castilla
Museum of Philippine Household Heirlooms collection and Antiques Repository of
the Rodolfo and Elsa Pelaez Family Memorabilia.
The opening ceremony
had as guest speaker Dr. Chona Echavez, president of the Research Institute of
Mindanao Culture (RIMCU). Dr. Echavez talked about the history of pottery,
shared her experiences with museum collections, and urged people to visit La
Castilla. La Castilla curator Kelly Ramos-Palaganas gave an overview of the
exhibition in her welcome address. Young instrumentalists (violin, viola, and
cello) of the Liceo Conservatory of Music, Theater, and Dance delivered a
musical performance.
Gracing the
opening ceremony were government figures – City Councilor Suzette Magtajas
Daba, Chairman of the City’s Committee on Education; Mr. Decius Esmedalla,
Supervising Tourism Operations Officer of Region 10; Mr. Nicolas Aca,
Chairperson of the Cagayan de Oro Historical and Cultural Commission; and Mr.
JC Salon, OIC of the Cagayan de Oro Museum and Heritage Studies Center. Also
present to witness the event were local journalists, University officials and
faculty, ZEALEP officials, Arts Appreciation students, and Liceo U’s student
ambassadors.
The two-week
exhibit also features the La Castilla Lecture Series with experts in the Arts
and Culture. The talks range in scope
from the academic to the economics and artistry of the collection on display.
The photo
exhibit team is composed of Jeikko Gomez (photographer), Kelly Ramos-Palaganas
(curator), Reynan Lacaba (graphic artist), Dr. Salvador dela Pena III (editor),
and Roger Odron (project director).
The holding of
the event is in partnership with Cagayan de Oro City Tourism Office, Cagayan
Historical and Cultural Commission, Ayala Malls – Ayala Centrio, Liceo Office
of Cultural Affairs (LOCA), Liceo Press, and Liceo Office of Promotions and
Communications.
(Contributor: Kelly
Ramos-Palaganas)
See photos below: