4 June 2010- The Philippine Embassy in Berne, Switzerland, in cooperation with Swissotel Zurich presented an exhibit of the paintings of Victoria Abad Kerblat on 4 June 2010 at the Swissotel in Zurich. 

The exhibition, titled “Ipagmalaki ang Sariling Atin,” the kickoff event of the Philippine Food Festival (2-12 June 2010) was inaugurated by the General Manager of Swissotel, Mr. Marc Ohlendorf and Philippine Ambassador to Switzerland, Maria Theresa P. Lazaro.

Ambassador Ma. Theresa Lazaro introduced the artist and conveyed the Embassy’s hope that through Abad’s exhibit, the public will have a glimpse of Philippine Art and the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines. The Ambassador added that the Vernissage is but the first of a series of activities celebrating the 112th Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence in Switzerland. 

Victoria Abad Kerblat, a Franco-Asian artist and a native of Batanes, spent most of her years travelling and working abroad that have enormously enriched her life as an artist. Notwithstanding her international exposure, the artist explained that she has come to realize the wealth of unrevealed treasures that the Philippines offers. Her paintings of vibrant colors focus on the use of Philippine natural fibers and depict the rich folklore and cultural heritage of the Philippines. The artist is the sister of the late Pacita Abad a Philippine National Artist and internationally renowned painter.