The UP Asian Center launched—via Zoom—an exhibit titled Bulwagan ng mga Bayani: Alay, Alaala, at Pagpupugay sa mga Bayani ng Pilipinas on 21 March 2022, 3 pm.

This project aims to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of Philippines national heroes and the roles they played in Philippine and Asian history. It seeks to deepen and expand our understanding of the Filipino identity by featuring the busts of the three martyred priests, Gomez, Burgos, and Zamora and 13 other national heroes and an exhibit catalog.

The online launch will also feature a lecture on GomBurZa, Graciano Nepomuceno, and performances by guest singers and artists. Organized by the Asian Center Museum under the Assistant Dean for Cultural Affairs (Dr. MCM Santamaria), the event is being held in line with the University of the Philippines Diliman’s celebration of the 2022 Arts and Culture Festival with the theme, kaMALAYAn: Pamana ng GomBurZa @ 150.

Videos from the launch will be available on the UP Asian Center Youtube Channel.

In 1981, Apolinaria Masangkay, Soledad Borromeo-Buhler, and the other heirs of General Guillermo Masangkay, one of the original members of the Katipunan, donated to the Asian Center historical artifacts which previously belonged to General Masangkay. The items donated were 16 busts of Filipino national heroes made by the Graciano Nepomuceno, a renowned Filipino sculptor and santero (icon maker). Since then, the UP Asian Center became the home of these historical artifacts.

Recognizing and understanding the significance of these items in strengthening and solidifying Filipino heritage and identity, the Asian Center seeks to preserve, promote, and permanently exhibit these objects of artistic and cultural significance for public consumption.

• • Ambeth R. Ocampo, PhD
              Ateneo de Manila University
    

  • Soledad Borromeo-Buhler, PhD
              Retired professor and historian
    

  • Ariel C. Lopez, PhD
              Asian Center, University of the Philippines Diliman
    

The exhibit is open to the public for FREE from Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

For group tours, please contact Phoebe Danielle Pangilinan, Junior Museum Specialist, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 981-8500 loc. 3580. We also appreciate any feedback on the exhibit.

Follow the Asian Center Facebook page to know more about upcoming events and activities. To learn more about the 2022 Arts and Culture Festival with the theme, kaMALAYAn: Pamana ng GomBurZa @ 150, please view the brochure or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Get updates by following OICA's Facebook page.