It’s been almost two months and we’ve had so many delightful visits. From students to scholars, activists to advocates, poets and engineers, to parents, grandparents, journalists, photographers, government officials, and corporate officers. The visitors have been dazzling, curious, funny, introspective, and fully engaged.
Among the most special however are the visitors from far away, who braved the distance, heat, and road congestion just to see the exhibit. It’s been exhilarating and humbling to realize the sharing we’ve organized is received so warmly.
In a workshop on climate and Philippine history we held last year at the Linangan Gallery, participants travelled all the way from the Bicol region and Baguio to join the discussion in person. In the current exhibit, we’re experiencing similar efforts. It’s a great reminder of the lengths to which Filipinos will seek out new angles, fresh narratives, and innovative ways of seeing history.
We had the early company of Alexandra Botenes, a young teacher who came by herself all the way from Ilocos Sur. It was her last stop; earlier she visited the Manila Clock Tower. So fascinating was her story we gave her a number of books to take home to her school and fellow faculty.
We enjoyed the company of the artist and LGU official from Marinduque, Melvin Vitto, who dropped by with his son.
We had visitors from Tanay and Tarlac. New friends from Bacolod.
The other week we had visitors from Las Piñas and Makati, led by Lourdes and Angeli. That week, it was San Juan as Steven came over with daughters Juliana and Souline – how quickly the girls have grown!
Aldrin from Pasig came by bicycle (of course!), from Mandaluyong, Nolan visited, and a family came over from Benilde in Manila.
We will write to everyone again later so we can keep in touch and keep everyone posted about our activities. There’s a lot more in store this year. Thank you again, everyone, for finding time!
