Pinoy couple's artworks featured in Guam exhibit

For the month of May, the fifth exhibit of Guam Filipino Artists (GFA) launched in the capital city of Agana features works of a Filipino couple considered to be pioneers of the Filipino community in the area.

 

Launched last May 2, the fifth exhibit showcases the works of Herminigildo Moguel Jr. and wife Milagros which consist of metal embossing or “estaño,” pin stitching and quilting, the Department of Foreign Affairs said. 

 

Being featured in May when Flores de Mayo, a Philippine festivity, is celebrated across the world, one of the metal embossed pieces depicts the Santacruzan.

“Majority of their metal embossed works are depictions of religious symbols and images such as the crucifix, images of Jesus the Nazarene, the Lady of Manaoag and the Lady of Peñafrancia," the DFA added.

 

Considered to be among the pillars of the Filipino community in Guam, the couple attributed their interest in metal embossing to former Philippine Consul General to Guam Teresita Mendiola, who introduced them to the art form.

 

Moguel worked as the chief estimator or chief inspector for the Guam Housing and Urban Authority and the United States Navy's Public Works Center.

 

His wife is Professor Emerita at the University of Guam and currently the principal of Eskwelahang Munti ng Guam, an informal school that teaches Filipino culture and values to Filipino-American children.

 

She is a Pamana ng Pilipino Awardee in 2000 and the 2010 Most Outstanding Alumni of the University of Santo Tomas Alumni Organization of Guam.

 

Filipino pride

 

The GFA exhibit is part of the year-long monthly art exhibit that features works of Filipino artists in Guam. The January exhibit was launched last January 4. 

 

“Aside from providing a venue where their works can be displayed for free, the project aims to promote Filipino artists and to highlight the variety and abundance of Filipino talents in Guam,” the DFA said.

 

DFA said the first GFA member featured in January was Arnold “Anoy” Figueroa, a native of Manila and now a resident of Guam.

 

Among those featured were brothers Meliton “Mel” Santos, Jr. and Michael “Mike” Santos in the month of April for their works in the field of photography. 

 

The exhibit consisted mainly of captured images of scenery and landscape in Guam and the Philippines, including photos taken in Corregidor. - with Jon Lindley Agustin, VVP, GMA News