Ilonggos Get Rare Glimpse of Filipino Masterpieces

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By Mariela Angella Oladive

The University of the Philippines Visayas Museum of Art and Cultural Heritage (UPV MACH) launched the landmark exhibit “The Patrimony of All – Ang Panublion sang Tanan” on November 25, featuring 16 masterpieces by iconic Filipino artists Juan Luna, Felix Hidalgo, Fernando Amorsolo, and Juan Arellano.

Running until April 25, 2025, the exhibit is housed in a historic building designed by Arellano in the 1930s, which once served as Iloilo City Hall. The building was donated by then-mayor Fernando Lopez to UP Visayas for the establishment of its Iloilo campus. This is the first time these artworks, on loan from the Lopez Museum and Library, have been displayed outside Manila.

The collection includes four works each from Luna and Hidalgo, five from Amorsolo, and three from Arellano.

Mercedes Lopez-Vargas, president of the Lopez Group Foundation, emphasized the significance of bringing the exhibit to Iloilo, the birthplace of the Lopez family’s legacy.

“Bringing these masterpieces to Iloilo was an opportunity to honor our roots that we cannot let pass. It is in Iloilo that our family’s journey of hard work, philanthropy, and service to others began. It just made perfect sense to keep coming back and giving back in uplifting the very community that had also shaped our personal history,” Lopez-Vargas said.

She also highlighted the challenges of transporting and preserving the century-old artworks.

“We bring the same standards we follow in Manila. As you can see, the internationally renowned Dr. Patrick Flores, a son of Iloilo, is our curator — we couldn’t have gotten a better one. Additionally, as you walk through the exhibit, you’ll notice that the paintings have been microclimated to allow us to move the collection through varying temperatures and environments, ensuring their protection while they are here. This is also an opportunity to introduce these preservation methods to our local audience,” she added.

Dr. Patrick Flores, the exhibit’s curator, noted that it was a rare privilege for Ilonggos to view these masterpieces up close.

The exhibit is a collaborative effort between UP Visayas, the Lopez Group Foundation, and the Iloilo City Government.

An initial funding of PHP 7.5 million, plus an additional PHP 5 million from Senator Loren Legarda, supported the project. Former Senator Franklin Drilon and former Tourism Secretary Narzalina Lim first conceived the initiative in 2019.

Drilon, in his remarks, expressed gratitude to the Lopez family for their contributions to Iloilo.

“When you talk about Iloilo culture and heritage, it would not be complete without talking about the Lopezes and their generosity to the province and city of Iloilo. This sets a stage for a more extensive effort for us to continue exposing our people here, our Ilonggos and young students, to art and our culture,” he said.

UPV Chancellor Clement Camposano echoed the sentiment, stating that the exhibit supports the university’s mission of cultural enrichment and promotes themes of national pride and identity.

Camposano cited Jose Rizal’s belief that “genius knows no country” as he underscored the importance of making art accessible to the public.

The exhibit is open to the public free of charge, Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. UPV MACH plans to integrate the artworks into its educational programs.

Director Martin Genodepa shared that learning modules for senior high school students are in development. Workshops led by local artists are also planned to enhance art appreciation and education.

The Iloilo City Government hailed the exhibit as a milestone event, celebrating Filipino artistic genius and Iloilo’s rich architectural heritage.