Home>>News>>Seen and Heard: MHI’s ‘Tertulia sa Ermita’ Successfully Converged History, Botany, and Art in a Show
Seen and Heard: MHI’s ‘Tertulia sa Ermita’ Successfully Converged History, Botany, and Art in a Show
Text by: Jennifer Manongdo Photos by: Sarah Hazel Moces Pulumbarit
A seamless fusion of art, heritage, and botany greeted the audience at the University of the Philippines Manila’s Museum of a History of Ideas during its presentation of “Tertulia sa Ermita ” on May 19, 2026.
The cultural event served as the culminating activity of the 2026 International Flores De Mayo Festival and Conference, a celebration of biocultural heritage that included an exhibit of botanical paintings, an art workshop, lectures, a traditional Santacruzan, a bazaar, and an online painting workshop – all woven into a beautiful narrative of Filipino identity.
The La Independencia Dance Ensemble opened the event with a spirited showcase of Filipino folk dances.
Kenneth Gabriel J. Ente, Tiffany Kristine B. Bangad, King Querubin M. Kakazu, Anna Maria J. Santoalla, and Lucien Rafael L. Dulatre captivated the audience with a medley of traditional Filipino folk dance choreography. The La Independencia Dance Ensemble with (3rd from left) Dr. Honey Libertine Achanzar-Labor, special assistant to the Chancellor for the UP Manila Museum of History of Ideas (MHI), and Jackie Lumain, MHI volunteer and coordinator for The Faura Project.
The celebration continued with a turnover of curated artworks to the following colleges and offices: Sports Science & Wellness Center, Department of Physical Education, Center for Gender and Women Studies (CGWS), Office of the Vice Chancellor for Administration, and University Library. Members of Art Jam Manila, through their president, Joseph Duyan, graciously donated artworks to selected units and colleges of the university.
Jackie Lumain, MHI volunteer and coordinator for the Faura Project introduced the artists from Art Jam Manila who donated their artworks during the program.“Strong Hold” by Romeo Gutierrez was officially donated to the CGWS. In the photo, Gutierrez is represented by Art Jam President Joseph Duyan, alongside Dr. Honey Libertine Achanzar-Labor, special assistant to the Chancellor for the UP Manila Museum of History of Ideas, and founder of the Faura Project. Achanzar-Labor received the painting on behalf of CGWS. Paul Anthony Tindugan, founder of Catanduanes Artistic Mind and Outstanding Talent, holds his artwork, “Para sa Bayang Pilipinas,” which he generously donated to the SSWC. Recognized as the 2016 Most Outstanding Leader by GUHIT PINAS, Inc., Tindugan is widely known for his unique technique of painting on tissue paper—a talent that has earned him feature coverage on several major TV shows and media networks. Leonardo Jovito, the artist who created the first logo of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) presents his artwork, “Lotus Flower,” to College of Arts and Sciences Dean Ma. Teresa De Guzman. Monina Borja-Santiago (right) donates her artwork “Las Flores” to the University Library, represented by University Librarian Ms. Mabel Caasi.Mixed media artist Jorge Milante presents his artwork “Orchids” to Vice Chancellor Johanna Patricia Cañal. Milante earlier gifted Chancellor Michael Tee a unique coffee-bean portrait.Also shown in “Tertulia sa Ermita” are four artworks made by Cavite-based visual artist Odie dela Cruz and a painting of the Nuestra Señora de Guía by flora artist and environmental advocate Bing Famoso.
The event also featured a captivating performance by multi-awardedTenor and Former Dean of the College of Music, Dr. Ramon “Montet” Acoymo.
Aliw Foundation “Hall Of Fame” Awardee For Most Outstanding Male Classical Singer in 2006, Dr. Ramon “Montet” Acoymo delivered a riveting performance of well-known opera arias, including the famous “La donna è mobile” from Rigoletto. Between his performances, Acoymo shared several amusing anecdotes that broke the audience into laughter. He also explained the meanings of the songs and the lexicon of opera acting.
Participants and organizers of the “Tertulia sa Ermita” gathered for a group photo to celebrate the event’s success.
In line with this year’s theme, ‘Roots Beneath the Waves: Exploring the Lives, Roles, and Wonders of Aquatic Plants,’ the 2026 Flores de Mayo Festival and Conference has highlighted the richness of Philippine biocultural heritage, particularly in coastal areas such as Manila. The exhibits, performances, lectures, and community activities highlighted the deep connections between cultural heritage and the natural environment. It encouraged not only the UP Manila community but also various stakeholders in Ermita engaged by the Faura Project to appreciate the importance of preserving both built heritage and the country’s rich ecological traditions for future generations,” Dr. Achanzar-Laborsaid.
