A celebration of amistad in Cebu
In celebration of the 114th anniversary of the Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day, the Embassy of Spain in Manila and the Casino Español de Cebu recently presented a multi-media exhibition “Liberal Streaks,†in commemoration of the bicentennial of the Spanish constitution.
Consul General of Spain in Manila Pilar Villanueva led the ribbon-cutting. She was joined by Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, Casino Español de Cebu president Buddy Veloso, immediate past Spanish Honorary Consul Jaime Picornell and incoming Honorary Consul Anton Perdices.
Through the works of Filipino contemporary artists such as Nikki Luna, Renan Ortiz, and the artist group Sanggawa, the traveling exhibit, which is curated by Claro Ramirez, Jr., employs references to the Cadiz constitution focusing on the concept of democracy and liberal ideas.
The 1812 Cadiz Constitution, known for its liberalism, advanced the concepts of separation of powers, rule of law and national sovereignty. It also espoused democratic rights such as press freedom, male suffrage and due process. Its importance went beyond the borders of Spain as it had a direct effect on Latin American colonies and had an influence on the crafting of the Philippine Malolos Constitution.
“Liberal Streaks “ was likewise timely as Ramon Aboitiz foundation’s Casa Gorordo Museum also hosted an exhibit that presented a related topic, Mga Bayani sa Sugbo-Heroes of Cebu, which highlighted the Katipunan Revolution in Cebu. Both presentations showcased the connection between the revolution, which broke out in 1898, and the 1812 Cadiz Constitution.
Recognized for making the exhibit possible were Roberto Aboitiz and his daughter Amaya of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, former club president Rico Gandionco and Cebu Arts council member Cherry Muntuerto.
On the occasion of this significant event Consul General Villanueva handed over in behalf of the Kingdom of Spain the Exequatur to Anton Perdices as the new Spanish Honorary Consul in Cebu.
Perdices, son of Mariano and Maricar Perdices and a graduate of Loyola College in Maryland, is the executive vice president of operations at Aboitiz Construction Group and is married to Ma. Paz Vicente of Dumaguete City. 
In attendance were members of the diplomatic corps led by Cebu chairperson Armi Garcia of the Russian Federation, Austrian Consul General Arcadio Alegrado, the United Kingdom’s Moya Jackson with likeable husband Anthony, French Honorary Consul Michel Lhuillier and Germany’s Franz Seidenschwarz and his charming wife Elizabeth.
