PHILIPPINE EMBASSY IN ROME ORGANIZES

“FILIPINOS IN ITALY: EMBODIMENT OF CULTURAL EXCHANGE”

15 February 2008 -  In line with its effort to promote Philippine culture by strengthening its cultural diplomacy and as part of the year-long celebration of the 60^th Anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Italy, the Philippine Embassy in Rome organized a public lecture, entitled “Filipinos in Italy: Embodiment of Cultural Exchange,” which was presented by Dr. Ana Maria Theresa P. Labrador, on 24 January at the International Center for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM) in Rome.

The lecture focused on Italy’s influence on the artistic life of Filipinos even before Juan Luna and briefly ran a thread through contemporary artists who have sought to study, work or reside in Italy.  Dr. Labrador presented how two cultures – those of Italy and the Philippines – have interacted with each other over the years, and how their interaction has contributed to their mutual enhancement and development.   She also featured some of the renowned Filipino artists currently based in Italy, including Tomas Concepcion, Leon Pacunayen and Duddley Diaz.  The lecture also served as a touchstone for future examination of the less tangible yet critical aspect of cultural exchanges constantly flowing between the Philippines and Italy.

Dr. Labrador is an Associate Professor of Art Studies at the University of the Philippines, lecturing on non-Western theory and aesthetics, museum studies, visual anthropology and art criticism.  She holds an M.Phil and Ph.D. in Social Anthropology from the University of Cambridge, England and an MA in Museum and Gallery Management from the City University London.   Her researches on art, anthropology and museology have been published in local and international journals.  Dr. Labrador was on a University Special Detail from June to September 2007 at ICCROM where she was awarded a Fellowship.  She will be taking up a three-month Visiting Scholarship at the University of Melbourne, Australia beginning February 2008.

Philippine Ambassador to Italy Philippe J. Lhuillier stated in his opening remarks that the lecture would serve as another auspicious contribution to the long-standing and ever-expanding partnership between the Philippines and Italy this year.  He acknowledged ICCROM’s assistance, particularly that of Director General Mounir Bouchenaki who agreed to hold the lecture at ICCROM.  Ambassador Lhuillier expressed hope that with this lecture, the Philippine Embassy and ICCROM would continue to collaborate on future projects together. 

The lecture was attended by some members of the diplomatic corps, Filipino community, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and ICCROM staff.  After the lecture, Ambassador Lhuillier hosted a cocktail reception featuring traditional Filipino delicacies. END

/wingret