Botanical art exhibit on Philippine Flora in Toponyms unveiled

May 23, 2024

On 21 May 2024, the botanical art exhibit Philippine Flora in Toponyms officially opened at The Manila Hotel Art Gallery. Organized by the Philippine Botanical Art Society (PhilBAS), the exhibit is part of the 2024 International Flores de Mayo Festival organized by the UP Manila Museum of a History of Ideas (UPM-MHI) and The Faura Project. Paintings depicting Philippine native flora whose names were used in nomenclatures of place graced the gallery.

In her curatorial notes, Dr. Honey Libertine Achanzar-Labor of the UPM-MHI regarded the exhibit as “a glimpse of the variety of plants that have played a role in biocultural negotiations.” This was seen in the paintings of the Nilad (Scyphiphora hydrophyllacea) and Nila (Indigofera tinctoria) plants by PhilBAS founder and UP Manila alumna, Bing Famoso. Both plants vie as namesakes of Manila, the country’s capital. Dr. Achanzar-Labor further added that despite changes in the biocultural landscape, toponyms may reveal the historical, cultural, or socio-economic experience of the people who use them.

Present during the exhibit opening were guests of honor Dr. Johanna Patricia Cañal, UP Manila Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance, and Dr. Leslie Michelle Dalmacio, UP Manila Vice Chancellor for Research. In the latter’s message, the flowers reminded her of her hometown in Los Baños, Laguna, a place much different from the cityscape of Manila. “Upon seeing all the paintings, I felt like the exhibit was a breath of fresh air,” Dr. Dalmacio said. Meanwhile, Dr. Cañal emphasized the role of the College of Arts and Sciences in complementing the health sciences concentration of the university. She stated “It is known to everyone that UP Manila is the Health Sciences Center. However, the College of Arts and Sciences keeps us in place. They remind us that there is more to UP Manila than science and laboratories.” Her statement was a nod to the presence of Dr. Maria Constancia Carrillo, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences in the event.

Philippine Flora in Toponyms is open to the public until 31 May 2024.