Queen Sofia views exhibit of indigenous textiles with Sen. Legarda as guide

Senator Loren Legarda, chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and Cultural Communities, toured Queen Sofia of Spain yesterday around the National Museum’s Hibla ng Lahing Filipino: The Artistry of Philippine Textiles, the first permanent textile galleries in the country.

Said Sen. Legarda, “Her Majesty is a dedicated patroness of the arts and has been our staunch partner in initiatives to celebrate our opulent culture.” Sen. Legarda showed Queen Sofia how the indigenous artistry of Filipinos is told through traditional textiles.

The senator started with traditional materials and technologies that go into making cloth itself, the use of foot and backstrap looms, the stories behind various textile forms and their role as emblems of identities.

Further, the senator pointed out that beyond the intricate weaving technique and fine embellishments in our traditional garments, are cultural expressions that have endured the test of time.

As a special feature for Queen Sofia’s visit, weavers from Ifugao demonstrated their weaving tradition, and performed a Hudhud chant, one of UNESCO’s masterpieces of oral and intangible heritage of humanity, symbolizing harvest, a funeral wake, a bone-washing ritual, etc.

Sen. Legarda said: “The Queen’s visit has presented an opportunity and privilege for us to share with her various efforts of preserving and promoting Filipino culture that takes inspiration from her passion to enrich the arts the world over.”

In effect, Sen. Legarda shared with Her Majesty the beauty of our country’s culture, aspects of which had been influenced by Spain. Many others, especially those of our indigenous peoples, are uniquely our own.

She added: “Our vibrant traditional textiles are revelations of the Filipino’s indigenous life, reflections of our cultural rootedness and symbols of our identity. The establishment of the textile galleries is an effort to open doors of opportunities for weaving communities and promote greater support for cultural enterprises and creative industries of our indigenous peoples.”

Spanish Agency for International Development Corporation (AECID), has been responsible for many ventures in education and development in the country.

As a token of gratitude, the textile galleries, which were established through Sen. Legarda’s initiative, are housed in the Queen Sofia Hall named after Her Majesty in 2003. The Senator concluded: “Queen Sofia and the Spanish Government have been our staunch allies in various cultural, social and humanitarian projects, and Her Majesty’s visit underscores the friendship cherished by our two countries. We have thus welcomed Queen Sofia, who leaves today, with pride and our trademark hospitality.”

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Guests were welcomed yesterday by National Museum Executive Director Jeremy Barnes and Assistant Executive Director Ana Labrador before Queen Sofia arrived exactly at 12 noon.

Also involved in the special event were National Museum Board of Directors: Chairman Ramon del Rosario Jr., National Archives Director Victorino Manalo, Education Secretary Armin Luistro and CHED Secretary Patricia Licuanan.

In the Queen’s entourage were Ambassador Jorge Domecq and Spanish Defense Attache Pedro Rolan. Maria Molina of the Spanish Embassy checked on physical arrangements prior to the Queen’s arrival.

After Her Majesty had viewed the exhibit at the Queen Sofia Hall, guests proceeded to the Fabella Room for a sumptuous brunch of native delicacies, drinks and fruits. Ms. Molina remarked that Her Majesty, a vegetarian, vowed she would never eat meat again after her father had died of cancer caused by a meat diet. Queen Sofia, who has kept her vow, is the healthiest person in her delegation.

Background music was provided during the brunch by guitarist Lester Demetillo and flutist Rey Sison who played mostly music by Bach. “It’s good for the digestion,” quipped Sison in jest.

At the Fabella Room guests saw a botanical exhibit of framed plants and flowers designed by Spanish botanist Juan de Cueller, and donated to the National Museum by King Juan Carlos during his visit here in 1995.

In sum, the indigenous exhibit was an immense success, made possible in the words of Chairman Del Rosario, “through Sen. Legarda’s time, effort and determination  she lent even parts of her collection  to see a vision come to fruition.