Hamilton Library spotlights Hawaii-PH cultural ties

A Filipina pineapple and silk weaver explaining to a student how a loom works. UH NEWS

HONOLULU — Hamilton Library on the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa campusis celebrating Hawaiʻi‘s cultural ties with the Philippines at various public events until November 17.

The Hibla ng Lahing Filipino Traveling Exhibition is viewable at the Hamilton Bridge Gallery from until November 17 on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 10 p.m.

A lecture series and weaving demonstrations were held September 18–21 by traditional weaving experts Ursulita Marte dela Cruz and Libradita D. Damondon from Kalibo, Aklan.Embroidery workshops were held in Hamilton Library room 301 led by Lilian Teresita R. del Valle and Joan D. Monedo, embroiderers from Lumban, Laguna.

“This is a rare opportunity to learn about Philippine heritage and culture up close,” said Elena Clariza, UH Philippine Studies librarian. “This exhibit is timely and relevant because it responds to the growing interest in Philippine culture, as attested by the 25 percent increase in the number of students taking Filipino, Ilokano and Philippine studies related courses. It will be of great interest to the larger Filipino community here in Hawaiʻi.”

The events are being held in collaboration with the National Museum of the Philippines, the Office of Philippines Senator Loren Legarda, the Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu and the UH Center for Philippine Studies in the School of Pacific and Asian Studies.