With Visual Art Ambassadors, WWF Ph Opens Exhibit - "Art, Heart, Earth"

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Five top visual artists join World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines as art ambassadors to support its biodiversity conservation efforts.

For their very first project, BenCab, Elmer Borlongan, Geraldine Javier, Mark O. Justiniani, and José Santos III created limited-edition sculptures, inspired by the organization’s iconic panda logo. Done in collaboration with Tin-aw Art Management Inc. and Secret Fresh, the show is the initial project of “Art, Heart, Earth,” a WWF-Philippines campaign to work with the cultural sector.

WWF-Philippines President and CEO Joel Palma says, “The Philippines is one of the 17 mega-diverse countries in the world, home to more than half of the world’s species. We are very excited to have five of the nation’s top artists join our battle to conserve nature in the face of climate change. We hope that through art, we continue to raise awareness on the urgent need to step up environmental action to protect earth’s biodiversity.”

Living in harmony with nature, man’s role in conservation and the concept of sustainability and home were just some of the themes explored in the pieces created for the collection.

BenCab

BenCab’s “Kapit-Bisig” and Borlongan’s “Wildlife Rehabilitator” highlight the importance of man living in consonance with nature. Justiniani’s “Kugos” (Carry) presents a caretaker donning a suit in the panda’s likeness to care for and protect the orphans of the species. Santos’ idea of saving and salvaging materials through his art is reflected in his piece titled “Natural Selection” while Javier’s work entitled “Home” is inspired by her community in the province, stressing the importance of a sustainable environment.

Though they had different approaches in creating their pieces for the collection, WWF’s Art Ambassadors are united in their call for people to save the environment.

Elmer Borlongan

Borlongan shared that his particular concern is the destruction of our oceans. Living 10 minutes away from the West Philippine Sea, he has been a witness to how acts like dynamite fishing can harmboth the environment and fisherfolk who have lost limbs due to this practice; and hasalready created art pieces tackling this issue. 

Both BenCab and Javier shared that plastic waste is among their most urgent concerns.They stressed the importance of setting a good example when it comes to conservation.

“We have to have discipline in cleaning up our surroundings and planting trees,” said BenCab. He shared that among one of his contributions is in his museum in Baguio, where he has planted many indigenous trees in the area. 

Geraldine Javier

Meanwhile, Javier has started planting vegetables in her home to help provide food and additional income for the community living near her. She also tries to instill practices in her household that will lessen plastic consumption such as bringing reusable containers,baskets or eco-bags when she goes shopping or does her groceries at the market. 

José Santos III

Santos shared that he sees parallels in his work and that of WWF-Philippines. He makes his pieces from discarded materials turning them into something that is meaningful. 

“I view this process as saving and salvaging these materials from their eventual death or uselessness. And this is where I see a certain parallel with the concerns of WWF in saving nature, saving wildlife, and saving the world as a more general concern,” he shared.

Mark O. Justiniani

Justiniani posed, “If you think about the world, it will survive… so the environmental issue is actually a human issue. If we don't take care of it, we will lose ourselves. We know we need to take care of the environment because that is our future, the future of human beings."

At the end of it all, WWF-Philippines’ Art Ambassadors hope that their pieces provoke questions and discourse among viewers on environmental issues.

The WWF-Philippines Art Ambassadors’ exhibition opens to the public on April 24 and runs until May 6, at Ronac Lifestyle Center, Magallanes.

To know more about WWF-Philippines and the “Art, Heart, Earth” project, you may visit https://www.facebook.com/WWF.Philippines/.

Vision Petron opens Fuel Creativity Exhibit at Bencab Museum

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On its 17th year, Vision Petron, the multi-awarded national student art competition of oil industry leader Petron Corporation, opened its Fuel Creativity Exhibit at the Bencab Museum in Baguio, last October 14, 2017. 

The month-long exhibit is a retrospective painting exhibition featuring selected works of Vision Petron National Student Art Competition grand prize winners over the years. 

Originally conceptualized as an art competition to inspire young artists from all over the country, Vision Petron has evolved to become a venue for expression, even on social issues such as the environment, and now includes photography, T-shirt design, video-making, and most recently, music. 

Vision Petron’s Fuel Creativity Exhibit showcases the best works of budding Filipino artists from the turn of the millennium, when the competition was first introduced, and reflects the changing themes that embody the best of Filipino values, culture, and heritage. 

Benedicto Cabrera, or Bencab as he is more popularly known, is a National Artist for the Visual Arts, and a staunch presence as a member of the Vision Petron board of judges. Himself a multi-awarded winner of many art competitions as a struggling young artist, Bencab serves as a role model for the thousands of talented Filipino youth who submit their entries in the various Vision Petron competition categories.

At the opening of the Vision Petron Fuel Creativity Exhibit, Bencab remarked, “The collection highlights the artists’ emerging styles, individual methods of self-expression, and search for identity.”

For the 2017 Vision Petron competition, the theme was Tuklas Kagalingan: Rediscovering Filipino Ingenuity. Entries focused on one of our unique strengths as a people, the ingenuity of the Filipino that captures the spirit of innovation and creativity, rooted in our natural resources. Judging was recently completed, and winners will be announced soon.

Every year, Vision Petron wins recognitions, and now has over 150 awards. The Vision Petron Folio, a magazine for youth on Philippine art and culture, has been inducted into the Anvil Hall of Fame for consistently earning the Gold Anvil year after year. Vision Petron also recently bagged four International Association of Business Communications (IABC) awards, including two Awards of Excellence, at the 15th Philippine Quill Awards.

The Vision Petron Fuel Creativity exhibit will run from October 14 to November 26, 2017, at the Indigo Gallery of the Bencab Museum on Km. 6 Asin Road, Tuba, Metro Baguio.

For more information, please call (074) 442 7165 or email bencabartfoundation@gmail.com. 

You may also visit www.visionpetron.com to know more about the national student art competition.

Record-breaking prices at Leon Gallery’s Magnificent September Auction

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The largest “Sabel” painting by National artist Benedicto Cabrera finds its new home after being acquired at a record-breaking P46.7M during the Leon Gallery Magnificent September Auction 2015. 

Another major piece auctioned at P14M is an untitled work by Juan Luna – signed and dated 1884 – oil on canvas, which features a comely European lady depicted in full figure in the formal dress of the time. 

Meanwhile, Anita Magsaysay-Ho’s “Lavanderas” circa 1957 was acquired at P39.71M, following the successful auction of her masterpiece “Fish Harvest at Dawn” sold at P52M during the Leon Gallery Spectacular Mid-Year Auction 2015.

Ang Kiukok’s 1981 “Seated Figure” sold for P11.68M, Manansala’s 1975 “Adam and Eve” went for P6.42M, while Nena Saguil’s 1964 watercolor “Paris” sold for P1.99M

The recently held Leon Gallery Magnificent Auction 2015 also paid tribute to preeminent modernist master Romulo Olazo by featuring his Diaphanous series, which are considered as some of the canonical works in contemporary Philippine art.

Leon Gallery’s Magnificent September Auction 2015 followed the two equally successful Spectacular Mid-Year Auction 2015 and “The Jim and Reed Pfeufer Collection: A four-decade friendship with Fernando Zobel,” which featured over 70 pieces that illustrate how the Spanish-Filipino artist's friendship with American couple Jim and Reed Pfeufer flourished throughout the years.

“It has always been our commitment to uplift Filipino talent, culture and history through the arts; and it is with great pride to bring these spectacular works to new homes and owners, who will surely value and treasure them like we do. This way, we are able to preserve the arts and constantly pass history from one generation to another,” said Leon Gallery director Jaime Ponce de Leon.

L-R: Audrey Zubiri, Jaime Ponce de Leon, and Dette Tan 

Anron and Tessa Mendoza 

L-R: Weng Domingo, Suzie Quiroz, Maritess Pineda and Patricia Pineda

Bong and Boboy Garrovillo 

Deanna Ongpin-Recto and Marivic Rufino 

Richie Quirino

Jamie and Tess Escaler

Marivic Vasquez and Paul Campos 

L-R: Olivia Yao, Trickie Lopa and Mel Francisco 

Ramon Orlina 

Ambassador Dondi Teehankee, and Christian Aguilar

Leon Gallery is located at the G/F, Eurovilla 1, Rufino corner Legazpi Streets, Legazpi Village, Makati City. For more details, visit http://leon-gallery.com/.

Leon Gallery's Magnificent September Auction 2015 highlights early works with fascinating histories; Rare finds, Objet d'art, and Contemporary pieces

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Early works with fascinating histories; Rare finds, Objet d'art, and Contemporary pieces highlight Leon Gallery's Magnificent September Auction 2015.

For the Magnificent September Auction 2015 of Leon Gallery located at the G/F, Eurovilla 1, Rufino corner Legazpi Streets, Legazpi Village, Makati City, happening on Saturday, September 12, 2015, at 2 PM, art pieces with fascinating histories, early works from first solo-exhibitions, Objet d'art, and cutting-edge contemporary works highlight this much-awaited sale.

Two artworks from the respective early shows of Anita Magsaysay-Ho – “Boti! Garapa!” circa 1946 – and Benedicto Cabrera – “Scavenger” from 1966 – each with fascinating histories and back stories, are sure to delight discriminating collectors.

As part of the post-war rehabilitation efforts of the Commonwealth government of President Sergio Osmena, with the aim to reconstruct our damaged cultural institutions and the “renascent vigor of Philippine culture,” an exhibition of paintings of Anita Magsaysay-Ho – 47 artworks in all, including the oil on wood work “Boti! Garapa!” – was held at the United States Information Library in Intramuros on February 23 to March 10, 1946 with First Lady Esperanza Osmena as Guest of Honor during the opening reception. 

Galo B. Ocampo, who at that time was the Chief of the Art Section, Office of the President, and incidentally, her classmate at UP, described the choice of Anita thus: “In the paintings of Miss Magsaysay, one sees an exceptionally gifted artist who will go on hurdling the obstacles that stand on the way.”

Meanwhile in 1966, all of 24 years old, Benedicto Cabrera – or Bencab as the artist is more popularly known – together with his brother Salvador and friends Bibsy Carballo and Francisco Navarro, opened the Indigo Gallery in Mabini with his first solo show of some sixteen artworks, including this piece “Scavenger”. 

Debuting as well at this juncture was "Sabel" – the most recognized subject to appear in Bencab's canvas, a real life vagabond who used to roam around Bambang district in Sampaloc where the artist grew up. 

It is fascinating to note that Magsaysay-Ho's “Boti! Garapa!” was retrieved from a garage sale for the trifling sum of 20 US dollars and Bencab's “Scavenger” was found at a Salvation Army sale for 4.99 US dollars! 

An untitled work by Juan Luna – signed and dated 1884, oil on canvas – and featuring a comely European lady depicted in full figure in the formal dress of the time, bares importance. It was acquired by National Artist Carlos Quirino, then the aid-de-camp of President Elpidio Quirino, during the latters State Visit to Spain in 1951.

Two pieces by Romulo Olazo, preeminent modernist master, from his Diaphanous series, whose recent passing surprised the art word, stand as testaments to his indomitable commitment and devotion to his craft. 

“Sin Titulo”, Fernando Zobel's stunning oil on canvas work from 1963 is one of the largest and more complex art pieces by Zobel to come out of this period. The resulting work presents a totally different approach to canvas, all the more ethereal and sophisticated. 

A pair of silver Paliteras (Palilleras) from the Suarez-Joven family of Bacolor Pampanga, harkens to bygone, halcyon era – the 1850's – of refined and elegant living. 

Capping our survey is a powerful round-up of contemporary art pieces led by Ronald Ventura with his untitled work from 2010 and a series in mixed media from 2005 and 2006. Jigger Cruz's “Wandering Carnival” signed and dated 2015 bares his trademark agitated, viscous style of deliberate defacement. 

Rodel Tapaya with his “The Fairy's Flower Garden” is a powerful narrative where his vivid renditions give to form what we ourselves imagine. 

Truly, regardless of appreciation, inclination, and persuasion, there are artworks and pieces certain to delight various collectors in our Magnificent September Auction 2015.

The Leon Gallery Magnificent September Auction 2015 will be held on September 12, 2015, Saturday, 2 PM at the G/F, Eurovilla 1, Rufino corner Legazpi Streets, Legazpi Village, Makati City. For more details, visit http://leon-gallery.com/ | info@leon-gallery.com | +632 856 2781

Some Photos : Arts & Travel Magazine

SABEL is back!

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After rave performances which had audiences clamoring for more, SABEL: LOVE & PASSION returns to the Music Museum on August 11 and 12, 8pm starring the luminous Iza Calzado who narrates and performs as National Artist Ben Cabrera’s infamous madwoman of the streets. 

The Philippine Ballet Theater dances out the whole story while singers Aicelle Santos, Bo Cerrudo, Joaquin Pedro Valdes and Timmy Pavino sing out the vocals with Music and Musical Direction by Louie Ocampo and Lyrics, Script and Direction by Freddie Santos. Video Sonic is in charge of the complex Video Mapping projected against abstract sets designed by Joe Tecson. 

With all the noise being made by huge stage productions, this little gem of a show has been making a mark of its own. SABEL: LOVE & PASSION, a show that defies classification (Stage musical? Ballet recital? Pop concert?) returns on August 11 and 12, 8pm at the Music Museum. 

Inspired by National Artist Ben Cabrera’s famous paintings of a madwoman of the streets, SABEL: LOVE & PASSION stars the beautiful Iza Calzado who narrates the entire show while acting in the title role. The Philippine Ballet Theater, choreographed by Ronilo Jaynario, dances out the twists and turns of the story with song vocals rendered by renowned singers Aicelle Santos, Bo Cerrudo, Joaquin Pedro Valdes and Timmy Pavino. Music and Musical Direction by Louie Ocampo with Lyrics, Script and Direction by Freddie Santos. Video Mapping is executed by Video Sonic while Joe Tecson is in charge of the abstract sets. 

Call Music Museum at (insert telephone numbers) to grab the few remaining tickets left!

“A teleserye crammed into an hour and half…” says one of the country’s top editors and that barely describes SABEL: LOVE & PASSION, a “little” show that has had packed audiences raving. So much so that it now makes a “small” comeback on August 11 and 12, 8pm at the Music Museum. 

Difficult to describe though not to understand, SABEL: LOVE & PASSION is a musical cum ballet recital cum pop concert cum, yes, teleserye all packed into one hour and thirty minutes and performed without an intermission. 

Intriguing to say the least, this production is inspired by the paintings of National Artist Ben Cabrera featuring a madwoman of the streets. Narrating the show as well as performing in the title role is the highly-praised film actress Iza Calzado, acting for the first time ever on stage. Dancing out the whole story to the choreography of Ronilo Jaynario is the Philippine Ballet Theater while the songs are performed by concert singers Aicelle Santos, Bo Cerrudo, Joaquin Pedro Valdes and Timmy Pavino. Renowned pop hitmaker Louie Ocampo handles the Music and Musical Direction while Aliw Awards Hall of Fame Director Freddie Santos is in charge of the lyrics, script and stage direction. Backgrounded by an abstract set designed by Joe Tecson, the show also serves as a canvas for high-tech video mapping as designed and executed by Video Sonic. If it takes this much to describe this “little” show, one can only imagine how much show there actually is to enjoy.

Tickets are very limited. Call TicketWorld (891-9999) and at Music Museum Ticketron (721-6726) now! 

PH National Artist Bencab celebrates 50 years of his art practice and heads to Lopez Museum with 'Frames of Reference'

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National Artist BenCab (Benedicto Cabrera) at the Lopez Museum & Library for the feature exhibit "Frames of Reference" open to the public starting April 23 - July 4, 2015.

Philippines National Artist BenCab (Benedicto Cabrera) celebrates fifty years of his art practice with a series of multi-sited exhibitions and events. As a fitting kick off, the first exhibition will be held at the Lopez Museum's Library section and will be open to the public starting April 23 up to July 4, 2015.

Frames of Reference offers a glimpse into his life and art practice during the late 1960s onwards, while living and exhibiting abroad and his eventual return to the Philippines for good.

BenCab Self-portrait

More than his works, the exhibition is an intimate portrait of the artist, the lover, the family man, the bibliophile and a collector, among other hats he has and continues to wear.

Never before exhibited, about 15 of his art-books will be made available to the public. These small scrapbook-like compilations of collages (clippings and cut-outs), drawings and sketches interspersed with his handwriting; prominently feature his love for nostalgia, handmade paper and bookbinding.

A page from one of his art-books. Artist’s Collection. Photo by Wig Tysmans.

A diaristic presentation of his aesthetics, letters, mementos and other keepsakes also find their way into the pages.

A page from one of his art-books. Artist’s Collection. Photo by Wig Tysmans.

Other hand-crafted books show the early studies and iterations of some of his most important series of works: Sabel, Larawan and Japanese Women (ukiyo-e). Also included in the exhibition are early folios of prints he was a part of, along with other Filipino and foreign artists.

The Lopez Museum and Library is also proud to exhibit three works from its own collection, including the iconic Soldiers (Heroes of the Past IV),1998.

Frames of Reference is curated by Dannie Alvarez and is co-presented by Bencab Art Foundation; Sureste Properties, Inc.; Samsung Electronics Philippines Corp. (SEPCO), our technology partner; and Gourmet Farms Inc., our public programs partner.

For more information, call Tina at 6312417 or email lmmpasig@gmail.com. Lopez Museum and Library is at the G/F Benpres Bldg., Meralco cor. Exchange Rd., Ortigas Center, Pasig City.

Museum and library hours are 8-5pm Mondays through Saturdays except Sundays and holidays.