MANILA, Philippines - The recent month saw the corporate launch of Museo del Galeón Inc’s (MDGI) premier project The Galeón: Manila-Acapulco Galleon Museum. With construction in full swing of a dome shaped center to surround a life-sized Galeon ship, the glamorous event jumpstarted the pace for potential partners to contribute to the grand vision of major proponents MDGI chairman Edgardo J. Angara and Dr. Tomas Calvillo.
Striding in as a staunch supporter of the museum was the Embajada de Mexico with Ambassador Julio Camarena taking the lead to graciously host the intimate affair in his residence. This in itself stood as a symbolic gesture to the special relationship that Philippines and Mexico have shared for 250 years of the galleon trade. In his welcome address, the ambassador was quick to note that this important connection continues through current Mexican presence in the country particularly seen in art exhibitions, seminars, concerts, festivals and economic investments.
For his keynote speech, MDGI chairman Angara agreed the ties of the two countries were forged through history. Filipinos and Mexicans involved in the maritime exchange, he said, “laid the foundation for what will become a large cultural, religious, agricultural and human exchange across the Pacific.”
This bilateral partnership is evident in the museum’s grand masterplan. In attendance from across the Pacific was Arch. Jose Vigil of Arquitectos, an architectural design firm based in Mexico. His video presentation gave viewers a glimpse of the museum’s aesthetics. From its exterior, the building’s prolate ellipsoidal dome confidently stood out in contrast to its neighboring shoebox buildings. Its interiors hold vertical pillars that seemingly watch over the museum’s most treasured and highlighted artifact – a full scale galleon replica. This concept of a functional space, he explained, would allow visitors to roam through the galleries and to also observe the actual construction of the 60-meter-long galleon reproduction. With an estimated two years to be completed, The Galeón positions itself as a game changer in the historiography of Philippine museums.