Overview

That Manila is the location of the only Spanish cultural center in Southeast Asia (with 34 others worldwide) is no surprise. Filipinos lived under Spanish rule for more than 300 years and were greatly influenced by Hispanic culture—religion, language, family ties and social mores. This instituto holds regular exhibitions (paintings, photographs and so forth), film showings, book launchings, food/dance festivals and conferences—most of them free. Other facilities/services include a library (books, videotapes, CDs and cassettes), information and translation services, and language courses.