Aldwin Uy; Deputy Chief Operations Officer for Aboitiz GMCAC, Henrik Jepsen; Chief Finance Officer
for Aboitiz GMCAC, Andoni Aboitiz; Chairperson of the Board of Trustees for the National Museum of
the Philippines, Kidlat Tahimik; National Artist for Film, Riza Macaibay; Senior Tourism Operations
Officer for the Department of Tourism Region 7, Ricia Montejo; Head of Customer Experience for
Aboitiz GMCAC, Julius Neri Jr.; General Manager for Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority,
Robert Sy; OPCEO Chief of Staff for Aboitiz InfraCapital, DG Barns; Director General for the National
Museum of the Philippines
The Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) took another step toward redefining the travel experience with the unveiling of two captivating art installations by National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts, Kidlat Tahimik. On November 25, 2024, the acclaimed artist revealed The Galleon and The Trojan Horse at Terminal 2, offering travelers an immersive encounter with Philippine history and culture.
The installations are part of MCIA’s ongoing mission to transform the airport into more than just a transit point, but a vibrant space for cultural exchange and discovery.
Athanasios Titonis, CEO of Aboitiz InfraCapital GMR Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation, highlighted the alignment of Kidlat Tahimik’s work with the airport’s vision:
“MCIA is committed to becoming a world-class tourism and transfer gateway, a place where every traveler feels a sense of adventure and cultural interaction. An airport is not just a building—it’s a hub where people connect, and Kidlat Tahimik’s masterpieces embody this spirit perfectly. Moreover, his works pay tribute to our balikbayans, particularly our unsung heroes—the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). This ties in with our ‘Ceb Balik’ program, which celebrates the invaluable contributions of these modern-day heroes and welcomes them back home with a sense of pride and belonging.”
Adding to the experience, Terminal 1’s Grand Lobby features two additional installations by Kidlat Tahimik: Galleon Des Frayles, a striking representation of Magellan’s arrival to Mactan aboard the Victoria Galleon, and Bulakna Conquers Magellan, a reimagined narrative celebrating indigenous resilience and courage.
Ricia Montejo, Head of Customer Experience at Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation, elaborated on how these artworks enhance MCIA’s role as a tourism gateway:
“At MCIA, we envision the airport as a destination itself, not just a stopover. These incredible art displays serve as a gateway to the Philippines’ and Cebu’s rich history. Beyond their visual appeal, these installations share the identity and culture of the Philippines, immersing travelers in the vibrant stories that define us as a people. By showcasing Kidlat Tahimik’s works, we aim to create an environment that inspires curiosity and cultural appreciation among passengers.”
Kidlat Tahimik’s installations not only reflect his renowned artistry but also reinforce MCIA’s commitment to celebrating heritage and innovation. The unveiling underscores MCIA’s dedication to delivering a world-class travel experience that is deeply rooted in Filipino identity.
Travelers and visitors alike are invited to explore these installations, which transform MCIA into more than an airport—it becomes a bridge between history, culture, and the world.