Bridging Horizons
Visual artist and reservist Kristine Lim collaborates with the Philippine Navy and the City of Manila on Bridging Horizons: Naval Cultural Exchange Thru Arts.
Written by Jewel Chuaunsu
October 3, 2023
When a friend invited artist Kristine Lim to join the Naval Reserve Command of the Philippine Navy as a reservist, Lim immediately said yes. “I joined without knowing how or why or what’s in store for me in the Navy; how a visual artist will fit in or be of use in here.” Looking back, Lim believes God led her to this path. Now, she can clearly see “God knew exactly what He is doing and I’m here not by accident but for a bigger purpose.”
As a visual artist and missionary, Lim founded and spearheads Artist on a Mission. In cooperation with NGOs like Sustainable PH, JKL Foundation, and Operation Mobilization Philippines, Artist on a Mission moves around the Philippines and in other parts of the globe to conduct art workshops and share the gospel with new generations of young artists. The project is also committed to creating art centers, and museums and galleries, for different Indigenous Communities in partnership with local Christian groups and organizations.
Now working with the Philippine Navy, Lim says, “once again, I know I’m in another mission. Here I’m able to use my talents and skills beyond art and beyond the borders of our country.”
The artist readily stepped into her new role as CMO2 Kristine Ann S. Lim PN (Res), Philippine Navy Reservist Goodwill Ambassador for Culture and Arts.
VDAM Toribio Dulinayan Adaci Jr. PN, Flag Officer in Command of the Philippine Navy, with CMO2 Kristine Ann S. Lim PN (Res).
Cultural and Artistic Exchange
CMO2 Lim has embarked on a new project titled Bridging Horizons: Naval Cultural Exchange Thru Arts. Done in partnership with the Philippine Navy and International Affairs of the City of Manila, the five-year project (from 2023 to May 2028) will see Philippine Navy Flag Officer in Command Vice Admiral Toribio Dulinayan Adaci Jr., Manila City Councilor and Chairman of International Affairs of the City of Manila Hon. Numero “Uno” G. Lim, and CMO2 Lim visiting as many embassies as they can in the Philippines to gift them with artworks exclusively created by CMO2 Lim for this project. The turnover ceremonies will be held in conjunction with events that celebrate the friendship between the Philippines and the countries represented by the embassies.
Councilor Numero “Uno” G. Lim and CMO2 Lim will also make courtesy calls to government offices, institutions, agencies, naval bases, and historic sites in other countries. In every visit, a masterpiece created by CMO2 Lim will be gifted to the host country or office, as a sign of the Philippines’ steadfast relationship with them. So far, they are planning to visit 38 diplomatic missions and countries across Europe and Asia, including the US, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Brazil, and South Africa.
CMO2 Lim underlines their main goals for Bridging Horizons. “Our objective is to contribute to, and strengthen, the diplomatic efforts of the country through cultural and artistic exchange, bringing the uniqueness, beauty, and importance of our culture and heritage to the fore. At the same time, we aim to foster our military arts, cultural diplomacy, and civil-military operation efforts.”
“Having such platforms for the exchange of cultural dialogues and ideas can hopefully pave the way to more productive conversations that can ignite future plans, beyond culture and arts, for the benefit and growth of parties and nations involved,” she adds.
Looking ahead, they hope to “help usher the way toward the goal of the Philippine Navy to be modern and multi-capable by the year 2028.”
"Embracing Unity on the Waves: Godhead II", 2023, 7 inches diameter each, mixed media on canvas.
Shared Vision
Stating that Bridging Horizons aims to foster cultural exchange and support the Navy’s civil-military operation efforts, Flag Officer in Command Vice Admiral Adaci commends CMO2 Lim for being “a valued asset of the Philippine Navy and a talented Reservist for culture and the arts. Her mission is to instill love and passion for Filipino arts and culture in everyone.” He adds that working with Lim has been a pleasure: “She is determined, focused, and guided by her Christian values.”
Aligned with Bridging Horizons is the mission of the City of Manila’s International Affairs, which is centered on advancing “diplomacy, cultural understanding, and economic growth through international collaborations,” says Councilor Lim. Recognizing the potential for collaboration between the City of Manila and the Philippine Navy, Councilor Lim is grateful to CMO2 Lim for introducing him to the remarkable programs and projects of the Philippine Navy.
Hon. Numero “Uno” G. Lim, Councilor and International Relations Chairman of the City of Manila, with CMO2 Kristine Lim.
“Working alongside CMO2 Kristine Lim has been an incredibly inspiring and heartwarming experience. Her unwavering dedication, infectious passion, and genuine love for promoting the Philippine Navy through culture and arts are truly commendable,” says Councilor Lim. “She possesses a deep understanding of the power of artistic expression and its ability to transcend boundaries, evoke emotions, and connect people from different backgrounds.”
He adds that CMO2 Lim’s commitment “extends beyond professional obligations; it is fueled by a genuine desire to uplift and celebrate the Navy’s contributions to our nation’s security and maritime heritage.”
"As YOU Speak", 2023, 17 x 11 inches approx., pigments on amak.
Proudly Filipino
CMO2 Lim will be creating two series of artworks for Bridging Horizons – the Amak Art series and Perla de Oriente series – which will be gifted to dignitaries and leaders from different nations.
Works from the Amak Art series utilize amak—a material made from tree bark that is used by local tribes and indigenous people to make bahag and other indigenous clothing. The amak is the most primitive form of clothing worn by our ancestors.
It has been one of Lim’s missions to uphold our Indigenous Peoples communities, whose cultural traditions and artistic contributions have been overlooked in the midst of modernization. The use of amak raises awareness on the importance of safeguarding living heritage and ensuring respect for the identity and culture of IP communities.
The Perla de Oriente series is done in the artist’s signature style and proudly shows the colors of the Philippine Navy. National symbols such as the anahaw, sampaguita, Philippine eagle, mangga (leaf), and bangus, among others, are incorporated in the artworks.
Bridging Horizons: Naval Cultural Exchange Thru Arts will be launched in two prestigious venues. The Prologue will take place on October 7, 2023 at Galerie Joaquin, One Bonifacio High Street Mall, Taguig. Presented by Galerie Joaquin in cooperation with Art Lounge Manila, the Prologue will offer a preview of the five-year-long project.
The Official International Launch will be held at the Metropolitan Theatre and is slated for October 11, on the artist’s birthday. As the main event, it will feature an art exhibit, Artist on a Mission forum based on the advocacies of Kristine Lim, and the documentary film premiere of Hindi Pasisiil—selected stories from the life and mission of Kristine Lim.
The Official International Launch is presented by Art Lounge Manila, in partnership with Galerie Joaquin and PhilArt TV, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Philippine Navy, and the City of Manila, with the support of CNB Asia and JCI Quezon City Capitol.
Kristine Lim wears many hats, as a visual artist, reservist, and Philippine Navy Reservist Goodwill Ambassador for Culture and Arts, in addition to being a mother, wife, daughter, friend, and patriotic Filipino. In everything that she does, Lim counts it as her life’s mission to glorify God: “May the name of my Lord Jesus be remembered and magnified through all that I do and all that I am.”
