CUHK exhibit on PH flag story

Catalla (middle) with guests, and CUHK officials

THE Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) is holding an exhibit featuring the story behind the Philippine flag and historical maps that tell the story of the Philippines’ early interaction with the world.

The exhibit will run from December 8, 2015 to January 31, 2016 at the CUHK Library Extension and serves as an introduction to the CUHK’s Philippine Studies course set to be offered in 2016.

CUHK University Librarian Louise Jones said the university library’s holding of the exhibit is “a very small contribution” to the university’s objective of developing a global perspective among its students.

Consul General Bernardita Catalla, during her speech at the opening ceremony, recalled Hong Kong’s role in Philippines’ history.

She said the first revolutionary flag of the Philippines was sewn by Marcela (not Marcella as stated in our print edition – Editor) Agoncillo with two assistants here in Hong Kong, specifically at the Morrison Hill Road. The flag was commissioned by Philippine revolution leader Emilio Aguinaldo.

“Our revolutionaries stayed here [in Hong Kong]. Our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, also stayed here for at least six months from December 1892,” she said.

Many of the exhibit’s pieces, including a sword from the Philippines, were lent by Ian Morley, assistant professor at the Department of History of CUHK, from his personal
collection.

Catalla added that she hopes the exhibit will “stir up curiosity, generate interest, and gain following” among students of CUHK and to encourage them into taking a course on Philippine Studies.