In time for the annual A.S. Fortuna Day on May 3, the City Government of Mandaue formally opened the A.S. Fortuna Exhibit at the Kyureto Art Space of SM J Mall—an evocative tribute to the life and legacy of former mayor Alejandro Seno Fortuna. The exhibit is one of the highlights of the city’s fiesta celebrations, held as part of Mandaue City’s Mid-Year Cultural Summit 2026.
.JPG "SM J Mall Hosts A.S. Fortuna Exhibit in Mandaue City, Highlighting Local Heritage and History")
Fortuna, remembered as the “Martyr Mayor of Mandaue,” served the city from 1940 through the war years. His leadership came at a defining period in Philippine history, marked by courage and service amid uncertainty. In 1945, he and his wife were killed by the Japanese kempeitai—an event that cemented his place in the city’s history as a symbol of sacrifice and resilience.
The choice of venue lends the exhibit a deeper resonance. Situated along A.S. Fortuna Street, SM J Mall occupies a space intrinsically tied to the legacy it now helps commemorate. In this setting, the exhibit becomes more than a historical display—it transforms into a living dialogue between past and present, where everyday spaces evolve into platforms for remembrance and reflection.
Present at the exhibit’s ribbon-cutting on May 2 were members of the Mandaue City Council: Councilor Atty. Joel Seno, Chair of the Mid-Year Cultural Summit 2026; Councilor Atty. Carlo Fortuna, grandson of the late mayor Alejandro Seno Fortuna; Councilor Eugene Andaya; and Councilor Kevin Cabahug. Marcelyn Rubica, Assistant Mall Manager of SM J Mall, was also present during the ceremony. Marissa Fernan, Vice President of SM Prime Holdings, also graced the exhibit, reflecting SM’s sustained commitment to advancing community engagement and cultural preservation.
Through a thoughtful curation of archival materials, narratives, and commemorative pieces, the exhibit invites Mandauehanons and visitors alike to engage with the city’s roots and gain a renewed appreciation for the figure whose name has become part of its urban landscape.
Open to the public until May 30, the A.S. Fortuna Exhibit stands as both a cultural offering and a testament to what can be achieved when civic vision and private support come together to preserve and celebrate local heritage.
