Indeed, man can find in the cool shadow of a church or a cherished icon some kind of assurance that all will be well.
Undoubtedly, the most valuable gift Spain gave to the Philippines is Christianity. Because of this, the country today is enormously endowed with tangible heritage such as baroque churches, forts and religious art.
Revisiting this old world culture, local artists in cooperation with the Casino Español de Cebu, held an exhibit of 90 paintings done by fellow “magicians of the paint” to co-celebrate the 90th founding anniversary of the clubhouse (it provides dining and entertainment, among other services).
The large showing of “Spanish heritage” paintings came from dozens of artists. It was perhaps the largest survey of historical edifices in Cebu.
Paintings of the lesser known bantayan sa hari or watchtowers (literally “the king’s watchtower”) that lined the coastal communities of the Province of Cebu were displayed alongside the more popular sites of the balay na bato (i.e. house made of stone) and stone churches.
All paintings in the show were done exclusively in oil paint and added color to the Casino’s lobby. The documentary nature of the exhibit was the artist’s own contribution to bring awareness to the need to preserve these important sites owing to their cultural, historical and religious value. And, of course, their beauty that never fails to touch man’s heart and soul.
