Archipelago Abroad: An exhibit of Philippine diaspora in Belgium

Exhibition Dates: 17 January – 1 March 2025

The Museum of Migration in central Brussels hosts “Archipelago Abroad,” a temporary exhibit on Philippine diaspora in Belgium.

Organized by the Philippine Art and Culture Exchange (PACE), the exhibit is a poignant narration of the many roads taken and reasons why Filipinos left their country to settle in another.

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Artworks, photographs, personal objects, podcasts, essays and films carry heart rending testimonies of the Filipinos’ migration story.

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Among the featured works: a majestic wire sculpture of internationally-renowned artist Racso Jugarap; the video documentary of Crissie who sailed from Manila to Antwerp; the fascinating multi-dimensional work of Mylene Factora; an interview of Belgian fashion designer Maxime Edward who was adopted from the Philippines at age 10 months; a podcast of a former cabaret dancer; and displays of a variety of objects including baskets, old passports, a wedding gown, prayer books, and traditional costumes. The exhibit also includes a Jeepney photo booth with a set of Filipino attire for the visitors. 

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STORIES ON ART & CULTURE

Louise Baterna, PACE President, said that “sharing our stories, our art and culture, leads to a better understanding and appreciation of the Filipinos as a people and as contributing members of the Belgian society.”

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With a year of preparation, PACE was able to maximize this rare opportunity with an army of volunteers and the support of the Philippine Embassy in Brussels as well as of the Philippine Studies Network of the Université Libre de Bruxelles headed by Filipino Professor Asun Freznosa-Flot.

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Loredana Marchi, director of the Museum of Migration, said “the Museum is enchanted with the exhibit and is confident that it will generate a significant number of visitors.”

This exhibit opens a cultural dialogue and invites visitors to reflect on how these individual experiences are part of Belgium’s broader migration history. Archipelago Abroad gives a voice to a community that is often under represented,” Marchi elaborated.

Philippine Ambassador Jaime Victor Ledda was welcomed by the Professor Johan Lemans, Museum President

In his speech, Ledda said that Archipelago Abroad is a contemplation of Filipino unity in diversity and “how the Filipino migrant communities, even as they contend with the challenges to integrate, adapt and thrive in foreign lands, are living mirrors of our national identity.”

MOVED TO TEARS

At a jam-packed opening cocktail last Jan. 17, many visitors were moved to tears as they navigated the three floors of the museum building.

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Co-curator Sam Domingo explained that “Archipelago Abroad is a collection of testimonials that celebrate triumphs but also exposes the ‘dark side’ of migration such as human trafficking, isolation, and the hardships of integration.”

The mixed crowd of Filipinos and Belgians were treated to a Philippine buffet and a mini-concert with Belgium-based Filipino talents: opera singer Janine Santos, Violinist Iris Ramonida, composer-singer-musician Christopher Malapitan and multi-disciplinary artist Django Valmores.

It has been observed that since the late 1960s, Filipinos have been migrating to Belgium.

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The entry to the country has used various channels such as official or unofficial labor recruitment, mixed marriages, family reunifications, and tourism.

The majority of early migrants were women who acquired jobs in the domestic service and care sector. However, over the years, professionals working in the field of science, engineering, technology and international road transport have increased.

Filipinos born in Belgium have also acquired higher studies that allowed them access to professions that were not possible with the first generation of Filipino migrants even with their Philippine diplomas.

An estimated total of 22,000 Filipinos have settled in Belgium since the first wave of Filipina nurses were invited by the Belgian government some 50 years ago.

The exhibit will run until Mar. 1 and will include events like a conference on migration, a Filipino Community Day, a film showing on political refugees, and a conference on Philippine underwater bounty.

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