FIRST FILIPINO ARTIST EXHIBITS HIS WORKS AT THE BERLAYMONT IN BRUSSELS

24 September 2007—Philippine Ambassador to Brussels Cristina G. Ortega reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that the Philippine Embassy in cooperation with the Directorate General for External Relations of the European Commission, is featuring the works of Mr. Michael Cacnio in an exhibit dubbed “Philippine Perspectives:  A Collection of Sculptures by Michael Cacnio”.   The exhibit, which displays 21 intricately made brass sculptures, is being held on 17-21 September 2007 at the Berlaymont, considered as the European Commission’s flagship building.  Mr. Michael Cacnio is the first Filipino artist to exhibit at the Berlaymont.

Ambassador Cristina Ortega and European Commission Director General for External Relations Eneko Landaburo opened the exhibit on 18 September 2007. Members of the diplomatic corps, officials from the Belgian government and from the EU, Filipino community leaders and friends of the Embassy attended the cocktail reception of the vernissage.

In her speech, Ambassador Ortega stressed the importance of the year 2007 both for the EU and ASEAN.  “2007 is the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome which established the European Economic Community .  It is the 40th anniversary of the signing of the ASEAN Declaration which gave birth to ASEAN.  This year is also the 30th anniversary of ASEAN-EU relations.” 

The sculpture exhibit is the first of a series of events organized to commemorate the 30th anniversary of ASEAN-EU relations.  Ambassador Ortega commented that ASEAN-EU partnership has spanned the areas of political, economic, social and development cooperation.  She remarked that “ASEAN and EU still have much to learn from each other”.  Cultural exchanges also need to be intensified and the sculpture exhibit is an example.  The sentiment was echoed by Mr. Landaburu in his opening remarks.  He fully agreed that people to people interaction was important in building stronger inter-regional relations.  He looked forward to enhanced ASEAN-EU relations and mentioned that the Philippines , with its historical and cultural legacy, could play a role in bringing the two regions closer.

Mr. Michael Cacnio is considered one of the Philippines ’ finest brass sculptors today.  His works have earned critical acclaim as well as commercial success in the Philippines , Singapore and USA .  Testament to his strong following in the art world are his numerous successful exhibits and his consistent positive reviews from critics and collectors alike. He was chosen as one of The Outstanding Young Men of the Philippines in 2006 for his achievement and contribution in the field of art.

/esgret

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