Museo de Legazpi to showcase Catriona Gray’s gowns, Heart Evangelista’s artworks

LEGAZPI CITY, Albay — The newly opened Museo de Legazpi is set to showcase Catriona Gray’s gowns that she used during the Miss Universe competition last year.

Darlito Perez, curator of the Museo de Legazpi told the Manila Bulletin that after the exhibit of memorabilia of Pope John Paul II visit to Legazpi City, they are planning to showcase all the gowns used by the reigning Miss Universe 2018 starting November this year.

Perez said that Catriona Gray’s exhibit is part of the quarterly feature of the museum that can be found in one section of the Museo de Legazpi.

“Sa darating po na November ang susunod nating ipi-feature ay ang mga gowns ni Catriona Gray na ginamit sa Miss Universe. Dadalhin po natin yan dito sa ating lungsod,” Perez said.

Perez said Catriona Gray’s mother who hails from Oas town in Albay province should be also recognized and given a chance to showcase her gowns used during the Miss Universe 2018 at the newly opened Legazpi City museum.

“Syempre kasi si Catriona Gray ngayon ay ang ating Miss Universe. Siguro nararapat din na maisip natin na magkaroon ng feature dito sa atin,” he said.

Perez narrated that aside from the gowns, those props used by the Filipina-Australian beauty during the competition will also be exhibited at the museum.

“Yung mga ginamit niya po dadalhin natin yun dito. Yung parol na ginamit niya na nagre-reflect ng ating kultura maipapakita natin yun dito,” he narrated.

From August to October, the Museo de Legazpi features memorabilia of Pope John Paul II’s visit to Legazpi City in February 21, 1981.

The display includes the life-size sculpture of the pope, papal chair, table used as altar during the Holy Mass, “salakot,” commemorative stamps, and many more.

The life story of Pope John Paul II – from when he was born until he became a Pope – was also posted at the wall of the museum.

Perez said that during the opening last March, they have also featured paintings and photographs of local artist.

In February next year, the artworks of Heart Evangelista or Love Marie Payawal Ongpauco in real life, will also be featured at the museum’s gallery.

“Sa darating po na February, magkakaroon po tayo ng first solo artist na magpapakita ng kanyang mga paintings. At ang ating first solo artist ay walang iba kundi si Heart Evangelista,” Perez disclosed.

Legazpi City is set to celebrate Ibalong Festival this month and according to Perez, they are also exhibiting different kinds of “maskara” of all the characters of Ibalong epic starting August 12.