The “Archipelago Abroad” exhibit, launched on January 17, 2025, sheds light on the stories of Filipino migrants in Belgium, offering a powerful glimpse into their journeys, challenges, and triumphs. Organized by the Philippine Art and Culture Exchange (PACE), this exhibition presents a rich tapestry of Filipino experiences through art, personal artifacts, photographs, films, and testimonials. It is a celebration of the resilience, culture, and identity of Filipinos who left their homeland to build new lives in Belgium.
The exhibit features a variety of items that reflect the Filipino migrant experience, including traditional baskets, cultural attire, prayer books, passports, and even podcasts featuring personal stories. Visitors can also explore documentary videos, interviews, and keepsakes that narrate the lives of migrants, such as the story of a former cabaret dancer. Each piece in the collection tells a unique story, capturing the diverse experiences of migration, both the struggles and the victories.
PACE President Louise Baterna emphasized the importance of sharing these narratives to foster a deeper understanding of Filipinos as both a people and contributors to Belgian society. “Sharing our stories, our art, and our culture leads to a better appreciation of the Filipino community,” Baterna said. The exhibit aims to bridge cultural gaps and spark meaningful dialogue between different communities, helping to highlight the significant contributions of Filipino migrants to Belgium.
Museum director Loredana Marchi echoed this sentiment, noting that “Archipelago Abroad” is instrumental in giving a voice to a community that is often underrepresented. The exhibit showcases how individual migration experiences contribute to Belgium’s broader history, offering a more complete picture of the country’s multicultural fabric. “This exhibit gives a voice to a community that is often underrepresented,” Marchi explained, emphasizing the exhibit’s role in fostering cultural dialogue.
Philippine Ambassador Jaime Victor Ledda also praised the exhibit, calling it a reflection of the unity and diversity within the Filipino community. He highlighted the resilience of Filipino migrants, who have adapted to life in a foreign land while maintaining their cultural identity. “Filipino migrant communities are living mirrors of our national identity,” Ledda remarked, acknowledging the strength and perseverance of the Filipino people.
While the exhibit celebrates the achievements of Filipino migrants, it also addresses the darker aspects of migration. Co-curator Sam Domingo explained that the collection does not shy away from difficult topics such as human trafficking, isolation, and the challenges of integrating into a new culture. These stories provide a balanced perspective, celebrating the successes of Filipino migrants while acknowledging the hardships they face in their pursuit of a better life.
Filipino migration to Belgium began in the late 1960s, with many Filipinos initially arriving through labor recruitment, family reunifications, or mixed marriages. Over the years, the community has grown and diversified, with many Filipinos now working in fields such as science, engineering, technology, and international road transport. Today, approximately 22,000 Filipinos live in Belgium, contributing significantly to the nation’s workforce and cultural diversity.
The exhibit, which will run until March 1, 2025, is the result of a year-long collaboration between PACE, volunteers, the Philippine Embassy in Brussels, and the Philippine Studies Network of the Université Libre de Bruxelles. In addition to the exhibit, a series of supporting activities will take place, including a migration conference, Filipino Community Day, a film screening on political refugees, and a conference on the Philippines’ underwater bounty.
“Archipelago Abroad” is more than just an art exhibit—it is a powerful reminder of the resilience and adaptability of Filipino migrants. By highlighting both the triumphs and challenges of migration, it not only celebrates the contributions of Filipino migrants to Belgian society but also underscores the importance of cultural understanding and dialogue in today’s globalized world.