The UP Asian Center successfully launched Salingkat: The Allure of Philippine Basketry on 07 June 2023, 1:00 to 4:00 pm, at the Seminar Room and Japan Hall, UP Asian Center, Diliman, Quezon City.

This exhibit features around 200 ethnographic items on traditional basketry from all over the Philippines, holding a significant place within the Asian Center Ethnographic Collection which showcases artifacts from the Philippines and other Asian countries. Through this exhibit, we aim to highlight the rich diversity of basket weaving traditions in the Philippines and celebrate the artistry and skill of Filipino basket weavers.

As part of the launch, a lecture was held to honor the late Dr. F. Landa Jocano, the visionary anthropologist who established the Asian Center Ethnographic Collection in 1973. Led by Dr. Carolyn I. Sobritchea, Dr. Mary H. Racelis, and Felipe P. Jocano Jr., these distinguished individuals continue to carry on Dr. Jocano's profound legacy and contribution to scholarly endeavors. The event also featured performances by the talented duo of John Philip Mateo Bautista, singer, and Ricardo Juanito Balledos, guitarist.

Organized by the Asian Center Museum under the Assistant to the Dean for Cultural Affairs, Dr. Matthew M. Santamaria, the exhibit is part of the efforts to raise awareness of the Asian Center's role as a cultural hub.

Video recording of the launch is available at the UP Asian Center Youtube Channel.