I got to know about the ASEAN Gallery at the ASEAN Headquarters when I first reported about the new Philippine Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the ASEAN Mission. That was very memorable because that was my very first report as the TFC News Correspondent for Jakarta. I got the chance to see the artworks inside the Gallery through that.
We dedicated a report just for these artworks because they deserve their own spot. Our Filipino artists created magnificent work so they are deserving of the attention they get at the Gallery.
The ASEAN Gallery is one of the five public spaces inside the ASEAN Headquarters. The four other public spaces are the ASEAN Garden, Library, Gift Shop, and Cafe that daily serve cuisines from different countries.
We can visit all these five public spaces. All we need to do is register for an appointment. You can see the information here: how to set an appointment with the ASEAN Gallery
I am grateful to fellow Filipino Mr. Romeo Arca, Jr., the Head of Community Relations in the ASEAN. He toured and offered valuable information about the Gallery and the artworks by Filipino artists.
Filipino ASEAN Secretary Generals
The Philippines have had two Secretaries-General since the ASEAN Declaration in 1967.
Narciso G. Reyes served from 1980 – 1982 as the 4th ASEAN Secretary-General.
Rodolfo G. Severino, Jr. served from 1998-2002 as the 10th Secretary-General. He initiated the creation of the ASEAN Gallery during his time. Because of his initiative, all the gifts given to the Secretary-General have now a permanent place. These gifts came from the Heads of State, government leaders, and companies, and individuals from member states. Significantly, these were given their proper acknowledgment and appreciation.
Founding Fathers of the ASEAN
All the artworks in the Gallery were gifted to the Secretary-General except this painting by Filipino Artist Peter Paul Perez Blanco.
The ASEAN Member States commissioned and funded this project to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the ASEAN Declaration in 2017. For this purpose, the Philippines trusted Filipino artist Peter Paul Perez Blanco to paint this iconic work. As a result, this painting also serves as a tribute to the 5 Founding Fathers who signed the ASEAN Declaration. As can be seen, the Philippines was one of the five original members. Mr. Narciso Ramos, the father of the late President Fidel V Ramos, is one of them who signed the ASEAN Declaration as the Secretary of Foreign Affairs.
Artworks by Filipino Artists
I have particularly put together in this Instagram post the various artworks from Filipino artists. Please check these out.
Eunice Sanchez created “Pugad”, shown in the third photo. As a recipient of the ASEAN Artists Residency program, she used an innovative technique using blueprint technology which is commonly used by architects.
Sen Alan Peter Cayetano gifted the Mother and Child sculpture when he was our Secretary of Foreign Affairs. He got this from Danny Rayos del Sol who is known as the only ostrich egg sculptor in the Philippines. He created this masterpiece which glows inside the gallery.
Manuel Baldemor painted the “Muslim Ceremonial Dance”. It is a colorful masterpiece and is currently being displayed at the original ASEAN Gallery in the older part of the ASEAN HQ.
The last photo shows an undated wood carving from the Philippines. The intricate carving shows Bathala and Malakas at Maganda. I learned that there was no record of how and when this was brought to the ASEAN Secretariat. Despite the lack of information, it is being displayed at the old Gallery.
On TFC News
You can see more about the artworks here:
What do you think about these art works by our Filipino artists being displayed at the ASEAN Gallery?
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So nice to see such gallery in person. Mas maaapreciate mo yung ngayon when you see history like this
Well Defenitly Amazed This. Sobrang Admiring The Way we Make This . Sobrang Ganda at Gagaling Ng kanilang Pag Portrait. Makikita mo talaga ang Pagiging Isang Talentadong Pinoy
Ohhh woww ang gaganda ng Artworks 🫶🏻 Ang gagaling talaga ang gumawa nito
Woah! This place is new to me. I didn’t know may ganito pala. I think this is a great place to visit. Plus, I love how they showcased the artworks. Kudos!
This is a very important gallery, and I thank you for sharing this experience with us. We never know this existed, and because of this blog, I would like to visit it as well.
Thank you for featuring this on your blog and sharing this to us Ms. Wendy ❤️ nakakatuwa talaga makakita at makabasa ng tungkol sa kahusayan ng mga kapwa natin Pilipino ❤️ iba talaga ang husay ng mga kababayan natin nakakaproud ❤️