Iloilo Fil-Hispanic week observance to highlight Spanish cultural legacies in RP

ILOILO CITY, June 29 (PNA) – The Filipino-Hispanic Week observance here starting Thursday, will highlight Spain’s historical and cultural legacies to Iloilo in particular and to the Philippines in general.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo gives importance to the Filipino-Spanish Friendship Week celebration by gracing its inaugural rites here on Thursday, together with Spain’s envoy to Manila, Ambassador Ignacio Sagaz and Senate President Franklin Drilon.

Fil-Hispanic Week working committee chair Elena J. Golez said the Spanish colonization of the Philippines has many positive dimensions which, however, have not been given their due credit.

Among these positive dimensions, she said, are the numerous historical and cultural legacies which when highlighted, could awaken a more profound appreciation by Filipinos of what Spain had bequeathed to them.

In Iloilo City, Golez pointed out the old structures along Calle Real and other parts of the city that have rich historical significance.

She lamented that due to lack of proper appreciation of such architectural legacies, they may soon be gone forever.

Culturally, Golez said, the Spaniards have helped enhance family ties among Filipinos. The Fil-Hispanic Friendship Week observance, she added, will help highlight such legacies and at the same time support tourism.

Ambassador Sagaz, who will lead the Spanish delegation, will be formally welcomed by Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Trenas and Iloilo Gov. Niel D. Tupas, Sr. during the week’s inaugural program at the Museo Iloilo.

Sen. Edgardo Angara, considered as the Father of the event because it was he who originally proposed the celebration, will also be present here as one of the sponsors of the "Feria Espanola" that will feature Spanish wine, food and consumer products at the Hotel del Rio.

Instituto de Cervantes will also conduct a lecture on Spanish influence on Filipino Architecture at University of San Agustin Conference Room and Flamenco dance workshop by Centro Flamenco.

There will likewise be a demonstration/workshop on Spanish cooking at Hotel del Rio and a heritage tour by the Spanish delegation and Centro Flamenco of the three ancestral mansions and churches in Iloilo City built during the Spanish colonial era. (PNA)