MANILA – The Philippine Pavilion’s exhibition at the 60th International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia opened Friday, immersing visitors in the mystical allure and cultural significance of Mount Banahaw through captivating artworks.
Themed “Waiting just behind the curtain of this age,” the pavilion explores how the protected natural wonder and sacred site in Luzon has shaped the Filipino psyche across generations. Its slopes have witnessed history unfold while nurturing diverse ecosystems and serving as a pilgrimage destination.
“Mount Banahaw holds within its embrace not only breathtaking vistas but also a rich tapestry of cultural and spiritual heritage deeply ingrained in the Filipino consciousness,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda at the vernissage.
Curated by Carlos Quijon Jr., the exhibition features intermedia artist Mark Salvatus, whose evocative works draw inspiration from Banahaw’s culture and mythologies. Legarda praised how Salvatus and Quijon’s “perceptive curation” encourages reflection on humanity’s interconnectedness with nature.
From the fervor of revolutionaries to vibrant festivals, the artworks offer a multifaceted glimpse into Banahaw’s soul and its surrounding communities. “Let us marvel at the artworks’ pulchritude while pondering the broader implications of our stewardship over sacred landscapes,” Legarda urged.
Joining the opening were officials including the Philippine Ambassador to Italy and curator of the main exhibition “Stranieri Ovunque,” featuring Filipino artists Pacita Abad, Anita Magsaysay-Ho, Nena Saguil, Joshua Serafin, and Maria Taniguchi.
The Philippine Pavilion runs through November 24 at the Artiglierie in Venice’s Arsenale, inviting international audiences to celebrate the enduring spirit of Banahaw and the boundless Filipino creativity it has inspired.
