Museo de Maria renovates mezzanine to ‘Pabuzza Galleria’; opens space to house changing exhibits
Saint Mary’s University (SMU) through the Community Engagement and Indigenous peoples Studies Center (CEIPSC)’s Museo De Maria officially opens the newly renovated mezzanine, now named as ‘Pabuzza Galleria’ to offer space for changing exhibits, through a blessing and ribbon-cutting ceremony on February 10.
Featuring 35 local artists of Nueva Vizcaya and SMU, Pabuzza Galleria featured ‘Biag Diay Tanap’ (Life in the Valley) as its first exhibit which brought life to the different experiences of people in the province emphasizing the “reflection of the province’s simple lifestyle, traditions, and stories as told by Museum staff Jade Gacuan.
Moreover, Gacuan said ‘Biag Diay Tanap’ aims to “honor and celebrate the value of what the mountains have been providing to the people in a way the artists will engage the viewers to realize and act towards the preservation of what has been protecting the people”.
In his opening message, Dr. Christopher Allen Marquez, CEIPSC Director shared that Pabuzza Galleria came from the Bugkalot term “Pabuzza” which means “to light and to watch” further recognizing its purpose of bringing space to art and culture appreciation.
“It is a twofold meaning, to light and to watch. To light is to bring to light artifacts that may have been stored away or forgotten or misunderstood. It represents the revelation of truth and the celebration of craftsmanship,” Dr. Marquez said.
“To watch is to pay attention. It is not just to look at the artifact or artwork, but to see or observe deeply, to pay attention to the details. With all this, we describe culture and arts as active. We must actively light and watch things so that they will not fade,” he furthered, reiterating the goal to ensure that the arts, culture, and history remain visible and their future to remain bright.
Meanwhile, Mike Jacinto, one of the 35 local artists featured in the exhibit expressed his gratitude to the University for allowing its spaces to be home for local artists which according to him, addresses the challenge of finding spaces to showcase local art.
“One of my biggest problems was to find a space to showcase my art, to discuss it with other artists, so that I can really see the roots of our culture. And with that, I’m very grateful. On behalf of all the 35 artists and all the artists, we have this place where we can showcase our work,” Jacinto said.
‘Biag Diay Tanap’ exhibit is part of Museo de Maria’s activities for this year’s National Arts Month celebration and shall be open until the end of the University Week.
SDG 17 – Partnership for the Goals
Written by: Marielle Camonayan, CEIPSC Staff
