Bb. Pilipinas candidates get PH history refresher ahead of Independence Day celebration

Bb. Pilipinas candidates get a quick refresher on Philippine history at the Gateway Gallery./ARMIN P. ADINA

MANILA, Philippines—The 2022 Binibining Pilipinas delegates had a quick refresher on Philippine history when they paid a visit to the Gateway Gallery recently, part of their activities as official candidates to this year’s edition of the longest-running national beauty pageant in the country.

Even before the nation celebrates Independence Day on June 12, the pageant’s candidates were treated to the “SiningSaysay: Philippine History in Art” exhibit at the gallery, located inside the Gateway Mall at the Araneta City in Quezon City. It features 30 large paintings depicting different periods of Philippine history, as well as significant historical references.

The exhibit is a collaboration between the Araneta Group and the University of the Philippines College of Fine Arts and was installed in 2014. It has been open to the public since 2015.

Gari Apolonio, curator of the Gateway Gallery, said he hopes people would have a deeper understanding about Philippine history. “It is our duty to learn our history, and not fall victim to disinformation,” he told the delegates.

He also reminded them that the learning does not end at the gallery. “We should still read up,” Apolonio said.

Mary Justinne Punsalang from Cavite said she was pleasantly surprised with the gallery tour. “What I was aware of are photoshoots, video shoots, and sponsor visits. I though candidates will only do educational activities in their own personal capacity,” she told the Inquirer at the sidelines of the tour.

Mary Justinne Punsalang of Cavite says a Bb. Pilipinas queen should learn about Philippine history./ARMIN P. ADINA

She also expressed her gratitude to the Bb. Pilipinas Charities Inc. for getting the delegates involved in learning history.

“It’s one of the things we sometimes take for granted when we’re studying. As a Filipino, I think we should be proud of our history and we should always learn our history so we do not repeat the mistakes of the past,” Punsalang explained.

She said it is important for Bb. Pilipinas queens to learn about Philippine history. “Of course, it would make it difficult to represent the country if you yourself are not aware of our history,” the Caviteña lass added.

Punsalang also said she appreciated how history was merged with the arts in the exhibit. “The Philippines has so much beauty to offer, a rich history and amazing artists that we can be proud of,” she said.

The SiningSaysay exhibit may also be enjoyed using modern technology through augmented reality. With the Gateway Gallery app, visitors can use their mobile phones for bonus features from each of the paintings.

The Gateway Gallery is open every day, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visitors may get in free of charge.

This year’s Bb. Pilipinas pageant has 40 delegates vying for four titles—Bb. Pilipinas International, Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental, Bb. Pilipinas Globe, and Bb. Pilipinas Grand International.