REDISCOVERY THROUGH CULTURAL EXCHANGES

One of the more fascinating events mounted by the Spanish contingent relates to gastronomy. Instituto Cervantes, in cooperation with the National Museum, staged an exhibit last year entitled Flavors that Sailed Across the Seas. The three-month exhibition illustrated how Spanish presence in the Philippines had an impact on global culinary habits.

The exhibit featured ingredients, spices, utensils, and cooking methods used by ancient Filipinos and how these were exported worldwide through Spanish trading routes. On display were quality reproductions chosen from pieces from the Archivo General de Indias in Seville.

Perhaps unbeknownst to many is that the national dish of Peru, Ceviche, is an offshoot of the Filipino method of cooking with acid, known as “kinilaw.” Interesting too, is that Mexico’s famous tequila is a result of learning the Filipino technic of distilling coconut sap, or tuba. In the Mexican’s case, however, they fermented sap from the agave plant.

Another event of note is Dia del Libro or International Book Day. What started as a day to commemorate the death anniversary of Miguel de Cervantes (author of Don Quixote) is now celebrated in the Hispanic world to promote reading and the publishing industry.

For two consecutive years, Instituto Cervantes staged Dia del Libro at the Ayala Triangle where a trove of vintage Spanish books were sold for just P100 alongside Filipinoauthored books in English and Tagalog. The event was a celebration of both cultures, through literature. As a writer, I was delighted to see young Filipinos embrace the habit of reading books rather than surfing the Internet.

A highlight of Dia del Libro was an exhibition of art pieces from the famed Prado Museum of Madrid. Fifty life- size, highresolution photographic reproductions of selected artworks were put on display, including the rarely seen Cleopatra by Filipino painter, Juan Luna. The exhibit was meant to ignite art appreciation among the youth, something our very own DepEd has been remiss on. The exhibit was moved to Intramuros thereafter.

By far, however, the most popular program organized by the Spanish Embassy is “Posporo.” Now on its second year, Posporo is a program where Spanish musical acts are flown in to perform in local venues. Local artists are made to interact with their Spanish counterparts to exchange ideas and collaborate creatively. It exposed one to the other’s musical texture and rhythmic sensibilities.

The beauty of Posporo is that it was organized with the grassroots in mind. Musical acts were staged in venues in Quezon City, Bicutan, and Muntinlupa City so as to be accessible to all. As a result, local indie bands like “Scarlet Swing Machine” and “Flying Ipis” were exposed to European musical trends like “postmodernfolktronics.” Meanwhile, Spanish artists like Maika Makovski and El Parody learned about “Manila sound.” Posporo will have mini concerts again this coming Sept. 23 and Oct. 14.

In film, the embassy is launching another installment of the Spanish Film Festival at the Greenbelt Cinemas on Oct. 6 to 16. To be exhibited are critically acclaimed films, both indie and studio-produced, such as El Clan, Sacramonte and Techo y Comida.

There are other cultural programs relating to photography, theater and even skills training but for lack of space, they would have to be written about in a future piece. Suffice to say that cultural exchanges between both nations have never been more vibrant.

There is something to be said about countries which aggressively reach out to Philippine society without strings attached nor ulterior motives. As Filipinos, it will bode well for us to a grab that extended hand of friendship as doing so will only enrich us. After all, Spain is our cultural, economic, and political link to Europe.

I highly recommend a visit to one of the many events of the Spanish embassy. You will find that there are more similarities between us than differences, not to mention a trove of lessons to learn.