As part of the celebration of 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines, the Archdiocese of Cebu and SM malls recently mounted a series of exhibitions that showcased art, heritage, and religious treasures.
At SM City Cebu, viewers were transported back in time with “Mga Hulagway sa Pagtuo” at the Northwing Atrium. The exhibit, staged in partnership with Smart Communications, Inc. and InnoPub Media, utilized advanced digital tools to allow visitors to experience the displays in one sitting.
The centerpiece was a replica of a Spanish colonial church which guests were able to explore with the help Panaw sa Pagtuo mobile app which uses quick response (QR) codes and virtual reality (VR) devices. The app is available for download at the App Store, Google Play Store, and Huawei App Gallery.
The QR codes were equipped with rich multimedia contents; whereas the VR videos transported guests to Cebu’s beautiful and grand stone churches. The mobile app contains all exhibit materials that can be accessed at the venue, serving as an exhibit guide and companion.
During the exhibit, Smart Communication’s Marylou Gocotano and Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma were some of those who were able to virtually tour Cebu’s religious sites and settings inside the replica of the church using VR devices.
Marian and Santo Niño exhibits with paintings and images of the Blessed Mother and the Christ Child were also held at SM City Cebu. Some of the images mounted were the Nuestra Señora de la Regla, patroness of Lapu-lapu City; the centennial pilgrim image of Our Lady of Fatima; the Holy Child of Providence; the Holy Child of Malolos.
Meanwhile, SM Seaside City Cebu hosted the “Filipino Faith through the Hands of Cebuano Artists”, an exhibit featuring religious artworks by talented Cebuano artists, including, among others, the painting of Visayan saint Pedro Calungsod by Jun Impas.