UPV Museum Opens Piña Weaving, National Artist Exhibits

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Story and photos by Mariela Angella Oladive

The UPV Museum of Art and Cultural Heritage (UPV MACH) launched two new exhibits on March 25, highlighting the traditions of piña weaving and masterpieces by National Artists.

The first exhibit, Piña Ka Matahum, is housed in Lantip Changing Exhibition Gallery 1 and showcases the intricate artistry of piña weaving.

The collection includes piña fabrics crafted into barongs, shawls, pañuelos, fans and placemats, blending traditional and modern designs.

The exhibit honors artisans who have preserved and innovated the craft, such as master weaver Raquel Eliserio of Aklan, Sinamay House of Arevalo, Patis Tesoro and Gang Gomez.

Piña weaving, a centuries-old tradition rooted in Aklan, was also practiced in Iloilo and other parts of Panay Island during the Spanish colonial era.

The process begins with harvesting leaves from the pinya Bisaya pineapple variety.

Fibers are extracted by hand, cleaned, dried and weighed using a local method involving coins of varying denominations, before being woven on a handloom.

In December 2023, UNESCO inscribed piña weaving on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

It recognized the craft as “an epitome of traditional craftsmanship, articulation of native aesthetics, and a cultural marker” for the Philippines.

Meanwhile, Balansagon, on view at Hanas Changing Exhibition Gallery 2, features works by 11 of the country’s 18 National Artists.

The collection includes pieces by Jose Joya, Fernando Amorsolo, Jerry Elizalde Navarro, Federico Aguilar Alcuaz, Ang Kiukok, Napoleon Abueva, Hernando Ocampo, BenCab, Arturo Luz and Botong Francisco.

UP Visayas, along with Ilonggo collectors, contributed to the preservation of these iconic works.

Curated by Prof. Martin Genodepa, director of the UPV Office of Initiatives for Culture and the Arts (OICA), the two exhibits reflect UPV MACH’s mission to promote Philippine cultural and artistic heritage.

The new exhibits are on view until the first week of August.

Visitors can also explore ongoing exhibits, including:

• Panaput: Articles of Clothing (Panapton Textile Gallery)
• Lubiok: Hiligaynon Art (Taliambong UPV Art Gallery)
• Duna: Intangible Cultural Heritage (Intangible Heritage Gallery)
• Latid: Breadth and Measure (Ed Defensor Gallery)
• Pulos: Function and Form (Nelfa Querubin Gallery)

UPV MACH is open Monday to Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with free admission.

For group visits, guests may contact UPV MACH or UPV OICA through their Facebook pages or call (033) 337-9159.