THE Embassy of Spain in the Philippines-through Instituto Cervantes and its Cultural and Education Offices-welcomes June with a vibrant calendar of cultural activities, celebrating the enduring friendship between the two countries through history, culture, art, language, and shared values of diversity and inclusion.
At the heart of the month’s program is the commemoration of the 24th Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day on June 30 in Baler, Aurora-a historic occasion that honors the humanity and reconciliation shown by Filipinos toward the last Spanish soldiers in Baler, who were treated not as prisoners of war, but as friends.
As part of the celebration, a zero-level Spanish language class, taught by Instituto Cervantes’ native teachers, will be offered to students of a local high school in the municipality, further strengthening cultural ties between both nations through language and education.
This spirit of friendship and mutual respect continues in contemporary forms through cultural exchange and shared advocacies. On June 26, the Instituto Cervantes de Manila in Intramuros will celebrate Pride, underscoring Spain and the Philippines’ continuing commitment to diversity, inclusion, and the recognition of the LGBTQIA+ community. The public may join a discussion on education and rights, participate in an open mic session, or enjoy music from guest DJs.
Art and spirituality reinforce the deep historical and cultural links of the two nations. Spanish artist Cristina Mejias is holding her solo exhibition ‘Embracing the Wind, Cradling the Water’ until September at the Vargas Museum in University of the Philippines (UP)-Diliman. The exhibition explores themes of memory, materiality, and imagination.
Adding to the month’s rich visual arts program are two simultaneous exhibits by acclaimed Spanish artist García de Marina, who transforms everyday objects and gives them new identities, revealing the hidden meaning and poetry in the ordinary. His works may be viewed both at the UP Vargas Museum from June 16 and Instituto Cervantes in Intramuros, where the photographer will also offer a talk on June 18.
Meanwhile, the exhibition ‘Buen Camino’ opens on June 17 at the Museo San Agustin, highlighting the enduring religious and cultural influence of Spain in the Philippines through the pilgrimage route of St. James’ Way, or ‘Camino de Santiago,’ which continues to grow in popularity among Filipinos and has increasingly become part of the travel aspirations of those wishing to visit Spain.
The Instituto Cervantes will also hold a webinar on June 17 by Anna Wieck titled ‘¿Dónde vas con mantón de Manila?’ It will explore the cultural affinities between Spain and the Philippines in fashion, art, architecture, food, and language.
The public may still enjoy two other ongoing exhibits: ‘Four Centuries of Spanish Engineering Overseas’-a permanent exposition at the Centro de Turismo in Intramuros, while viewers have until June 14 to marvel at the craftsmanship of the shawls on display at the ‘Mezcla: Interwoven Cultures’ and ‘Mantón de Manila’ exhibits at Ayala Museum.
‘Classics of Philippine Cartography from the 16th to the 20th Centuries’-an exhibition under the auspices of the Embassy of Spain, remains on view at the National Museum of the Philippines-Cebu and can be visited for the month of June.