‘GHOST SHIPS’ EXHIBIT SHOWCASES STORIES OF ZAMBALES FISHERFOLK

The ‘Ghost Ships’ exhibit, now on display at Casa San Miguel in San Antonio, highlights the struggles and resilience of Zambales fisherfolk, offering a powerful look at their lives on the sea.

The exhibit is a key feature of Zambulat 2025 and is presented in partnership with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

Ghost Ships is a collaborative effort between Casa San Miguel 2025 Artist-in-Residence William Matawaran and Zambulat 2025 Environmental Cluster Mentor Joanna Aglibot. The exhibit focuses on the lived experiences of Zambales fisherfolk who face not only the unpredictable forces of nature but also the growing geopolitical tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

Matawaran explained that Ghost Ships is a multimedia and multi-sensory installation that tells the real-life stories of Zambaleño fisherfolk navigating the open seas.

“It is essential to present this exhibit locally here at Casa San Miguel in Zambales, as it brings attention to our hydro-social and geopolitical issues—topics rarely covered by national media, and even less so at the local level,” Matawaran said.

The exhibit aims to encourage visitors to reflect on how personal narratives connect with broader global issues.

“By amplifying the voices of those often overlooked in political discourse, Ghost Ships fosters dialogue about resilience, vulnerability, and the ongoing struggle for survival in contested waters,” he added.

The exhibit uses a combination of mixed-media installations and immersive soundscapes to create a multi-sensory experience, transporting visitors into the physical and emotional realities of the fisherfolk’s world.

Upon entering, visitors encounter illuminated acrylic engravings depicting driftwood, frayed ropes, rusted metal, and fishing scenes—symbols of the fragility and resilience of the fisherfolk’s boats. The glowing images evoke the haunting presence of abandoned or destroyed vessels.

The exhibit also features an immersive soundscape with recorded interviews of local fisherfolk, sharing their stories of displacement, survival, and perseverance.

Aglibot stressed the importance of hearing the fisherfolk’s voices directly.

“We invite everyone to visit Casa San Miguel and experience Ghost Ships. The fisherfolk themselves are telling their stories through this exhibit, so if you have time, come and listen to their narratives,” Aglibot said.

The exhibit runs through the end of March and is open to the public on Fridays to Sundays. (PIA Region 3-Zambales)