Insular Life unveils "Golden Tribute to the History of Cebu"

On its 102nd anniversary, leading Filipino insurer Insular Life, recently unveiled a 40-foot monumental metal sculptor of renowned sculptor Eduardo Castrillo at the new Insular Life Cebu Business Centre, as Insular Life's gift to Cebu City.

The unveiling was held in the presence of local government officials led by Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, Insular Life top executives headed by its Chairman of the Board and CEO Vicente R. Ayllon, executives from the banking, financial and services industries, and members of the arts and culture community of Cebu City. Insular Life commissioned Ed Castrillo to create the monument "The Golden Tribute to the History of Cebu" which is now installed at the façade of the Insular Life building at the Ayala Center Cebu.

The monument pays tribute to significant figures in Cebu's history, namely, Lapu-lapu, Rajah Humabon and his wife Amihan, Ferdinand Magellan, the Sto. Niño, and historic symbols such as the Magellan's Croiss and the Galleon used during the Galleon Trade. Ed Castrillo used a combination of brass, aluminum for the main sculpture and concrete for the based and water foundation feature.

In his welcome remarks, Insular Life Chairman of the Board and CEO Vicente R. Ayllon said that "The Golden Tribute to the History of Cebu will change the business and commercial landscape in this part of Cebu City. Amidst the corporate buildings and commercial structures of Ayala Business Centre, proudly stands this monumental piece of artwork of brass, bronze and aluminum of the prominent personalities and icons dating back to 18th century of Cebu. Incongruous as it may seem to its surrounding cosmopolitan area at first, it might just as well be, because this will serve as an inescapable reminder to the Cebuanos about their cultural heritage. It brings history alive in the streets of Ayala Business Center."

Insular Life is the first and largest Filipino life insurance company with assets of over P80 billion. The company now on its 102nd year of service to the country, has been a strong supporter of Filipino arts and culture. It has a collection of commissioned works by National Artist Fernando Amorsolo and sculptures of modern visual arts. It is also one of the very first major corporations to have set up its operations in Cebu as early as 1938.

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SM City presents the Cebu Philharmonic Orchestra in a Christmas Concert with concert pianist Dr. Ingrid Sala Santamaria on Sunday, December 23, 6pm at the Northwing Atrium. Santamaria's Golden Jubilee Memorabilia Exhibit will formally open immediately before the free concert.