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STORIES of struggles and resilience at sea among fisherfolk in Zambales are currently being showcased at Casa San Miguel in San Antonio town through the "Ghost Ships" exhibit as part of Zambulat 2025.
The exhibit, which is in partnership with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, is a monthlong showroom activity that runs through the end of March and is open to the public from Friday to Sunday.
Ghost Ships is also an artistic collaboration between Casa San Miguel 2025 Artist-in-Residence William Matawaran and Zambulat 2025 environmental cluster mentor Joanna Aglibot focusing on the experiences of Zambales fisherfolk who navigate not only the unpredictable forces of nature but also the geopolitical tension in the West Philippine Sea.
ZAMBALES PHOTO EXHIBIT A visitor gazes at some presentations in the ‘Ghost Ships’ exhibit which showcases stories of struggles and resilience at sea among fisherfolk in Zambales at Casa San Miguel in San Antonio town. The exhibit is part of the Zambulat 2025. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Ghost Ships is a multimedia and multisensory work that narrates the real-life experiences of Zambaleño fishermen out in the open seas.
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"It is important that this is presented within a local context here at Casa San Miguel, specifically in Zambales, to inform people about our hydro-social and geopolitical issues — topics that are rarely covered by national media and even less so at the local level," said Matawaran.
He added that the exhibit encourages visitors to reflect on how personal stories connect to global issues.
"By amplifying the voices of those often overshadowed by political discourse, the exhibit fosters dialogue on resilience, vulnerability and the ongoing fight for survival in contested waters," noted Matawaran.
Using a combination of mixed-media installations and immersive soundscapes, Ghost Ships creates a multisensory experience that brings visitors into the physical and emotional landscapes these fisherfolk inhabit.
Visitors entering the showroom are first met with illuminated acrylic engravings depicting driftwood, frayed ropes, rusted metal and fishing scenes — symbolizing both the fragility and resilience of their vessels.
The glowing images evoke the ghostly presence of abandoned or destroyed boats.
Accompanying this visual display is an immersive soundscape featuring recorded interviews with local fisherfolk who shared their firsthand accounts of displacement, survival and perseverance.
Meanwhile, Aglibot emphasized the importance of hearing the fisherfolk's stories firsthand, as she invited residents in Zambales and tourists from elsewhere to visit the site.
"We invite you to visit Casa San Miguel, where Ghost Ships are currently on display. The fisherfolk themselves are the ones telling their stories through this exhibit, so if you have time, feel free to drop by," she said.
