Cebu: People, Places and Faces in KL

CEBU, Philippines - With the initiatives  of Artmalaysia in  cooperation with the Embassy of  the Philippines, a group of 12 Cebuano artists represented by Artistscebuex successfully launched an exhibit at the Galeri Dunia Seni Lukis, Jalan Pudu Ulu in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, last October 26. Aptly titled Cebu: People, Places and Faces, the exhibit was formally opened with the unveiling of the painting entitled “ Seeking Oneness” by an honored guest from the National Art Gallery Malaysia, Mr. Haned Masjak. He was assisted no less than the Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia, Hon. Victoriano Lecaros. The good Ambassador had congratulated Artistscebuex for their successful exhibit. In his message he said, “Let us all congratulate Artistscebuex over their successful exhibit in KL…This event forms part of the continuing celebration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Malaysia. The exhibit intends not just to promote the artworks of member artists but to also foster cultural links between Philippines and Malaysia especially with the participation of two Malaysia-based Filipina artists.” 

Cebu: People, Places and Faces was not just aimed at fostering cultural linkage or to sustain our diplomatic relations with Malaysia but also hoped to make visual arts as potent factor in developing Malaysian tourism in the Philippines. In his message, Department of Tourism Secretary Ace Durano said, “We admire the dedication and commitment of dynamic organizations that elevate the rich culture, as well as the skills and talents of a people by sharing the works and crafts of various artists with the global community.” For his part, Vice Mayor and Cultural and Historical Affairs Commission Chairman, Michael Rama, also expressed in his message: “Promoting Cebu through visual arts coincides with the government’s program in making Cebu as the primary tourist destination in the country. This worthy endeavor deserves our full support, for it aims to promote goodwill and understanding between Malaysia and Philippines.”

The Cebuano artists who traveled all the way to Kuala Lumpur to join the exhibit were: Gabriel Abellana, Cesar Castillo, Audie Estrellada, Benji Goyha, Maxcel Migallos, Celso Duazo Pepito, Fe Madrid Pepito, Billy Pomida, Jose Brillo Villaver, and Jose “Kimsoy” Yap Jr. Malaysia-based Cebuano artists Aida Uy Sze and Lillian Loseo Tan had to squeeze this in their busy schedule to complete the lineup of the exhibitors.

Gabriel Abellana comes from a family of artists. He is a plein air landscape painter but never ceases to artistically evolve by experimenting in abstraction, using nature as his inspiration. He is presently a member of the faculty in the University of San Carlos Fine Arts Department and helps administer the artistic activities of the Cebu Academy of the Arts.

Cesar Castillo has shown interest in painting even at his early age but ended up finishing a Mechanical Engineering course to fulfill the request of his parents. While working as a quality controller at a glass plant in San Miguel Corporation, he looked for ways to develop his artistic skills. After many years of waiting, he finally decided go full time in painting in 2000.

A naturally gifted painter, Audie Estrellada shows a wide range: still life, landscape, seascape, human interest, cultural and value oriented themes, as well as landmarks. His media are oil on canvas, watercolor on paper, oil and acrylic on antiquated and drift wood. He also tries his hands in sculpting, doing images of religious saints. Audie’s artworks dwells more on Realism.

Working as an artist in one of Cebu’s leading department stores, Benji Goyha rediscover his passion for painting upon his gradual association with the Cebuano artists. His gravitation to the arts was cemented on the day he became a member of the Cebu Artists Incorporated. He paints not only subjects that capture his imagination but also themes that promote his beloved Samboan town.

Maxcel Migallos is not only an artist but also an architect by profession. His art speaks mostly on his interest on the simplicity of life and his environment. He intends to give life and introduces relevance to things that seem irrelevant to others. His works resemble minute details and offer an aura of reality as he approaches his every subject with much attention and vitality.

Celso Duazo Pepito paints not only with his eyes but also with his heart and soul. He believes that art is not only about beauty but goes beyond it. His artworks carry the messages that he wants to convey to his viewers, putting much interest on his devotion to the Holy Trinity, love for country, and concern for the Filipino family. Hopeful as he is, he always incorporates octagon unto his painting to signify positivism.

Fe Madrid Pepito brought back her love for the arts after her marriage to artist-husband Celso Pepito. Looking for her niche in the world of Cebuano arts, Fe tried to make a style of painting of her own, focusing on subject that endears to her heart and interest. As a lover of flora and fauna, she first got fascinated with flower as her subject but later got interested with figures and landscapes.

Born in the island of Samar, Billy Pomida started to paint at an early age. His love for the arts brought him to the hall of fine arts in the University of the East- Manila. Attuned with realism as a style, he got recognitions and awards as proofs of his unrelenting artistic passion. His art reflects a sense of propriety and a feeling of calmness as he uses soft and somber tones in his watercolor painting.

Aida Uy Sze is a Malaysia-based Cebuana artist. Her work as a topnotch pharmacist has never been a deterrent to her quest for artistic freedom and satisfaction. Determined and motivated, she always looks for ways to express herself in painting using the wet on wet method, not minding the conventionality of what she does but focuses more on the end product of her creative process.

Lillian Loseo Tan is also a Malaysia-based Cebuana painter. Though, at first she wanted to develop a career in the business world, her stay in Indonesia gradually transformed her into a more passionate artist. Her preoccupations as mother and loving wife have contributed to her deep devotion to her artistic craft. She uses colors that represent peace and serenity, owing to her characters.

Jose Brillo Villaver is a graduate of Fine Arts at the University of the Philippines Cebu College. Before deciding to go full time in painting in year 2000, he first got involved in construction and interior designing. Though doing these things offered him financial reward, it was the freedom of expression that brought him back to the world of arts. His art deals more on Filipinos’ tenacity in dealing with life.

A believer of the notion that less is more, Jose “Kimsoy” Yap Jr. is an artist that paints simple subjects but gives much devotion on what he does. He acts very simply as a person but deep inside him is his deep concern for his fellow artists. Well loved by his peers and students, Kimsoy continues to propagate the importance of discipline and dedication in attaining artistic constancy and acceptance.

Cebu: People, Places and Places is one of the continuing efforts of Artmalaysia in cooperation with the Embassy of the Philippines and Artistscebuex to keep maintain the warm cultural, artistic and diplomatic relations between the two countries. In his message, Liew Kian Yap, Art Promoter and Director of Artmalaysia said, “Artmalaysia is proud to bring the artistic talents and nuances of Cebu to Malaysian shores…This exhibition could not be more aptly named as Cebu is an island province of amazing and diverse cultures, languages and heritage. It is our hope that Malaysians, will be able to view, appreciate and gain a deeper understanding of the cultures and lifestyles of the Cebu people, beautifully illustrated by twelve of her best artists. And in turn, that there will be fruitful exchange, interaction and linkage between our two countries.”

As a token of friendship, on the 50th anniversary celebration of the diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Malaysia, the painting entitled “Seeking Oneness” was later turned over to Mr. Haned Masjak, who is the Director of Art Development, Collections and Conservation Department of the National Art Gallery Malaysia. The formal turnover was headed by Honorable Melchor Lalonio, from the Political Office of the Embassy of the Philippines. Members of Artistscebuex were also present during the turnover. Ms. Audrey Kok Liew has represented Artmalaysia. The painting seeks to reflect the many similarities of the two countries. As the Petronas Tower represents Malaysia’s greatness, Cebu’s Magellan’s Cross reflects the Cebuanos’ deep faith and religiosity.

The exhibit was made possible not just by the hard work and cooperation of the exhibiting artists but also why the positive response of the many companies and art- loving individuals who lent their support for the realization of the cultural event in Kuala Lumpur. Thus, the Artistscebuex wishes to thank their sponsors: foremost  to Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Incorporated, Casa Gorordo Museum, SM City-Cebu, Banilad Town Centre, Mactan Cebu International Airport, Costabella Tropical Beach Hotel, Community Rural Bank of Catmon(Cebu), Incorporated; VG Star Pawnshop and Jewelry Corporation, Golden Cowrie Native Restaurant, ArchiGlobal, Inc.; Dakay Construction and Development Corporation, Agate Accents Furniture, Alibyo Boutique Spa, Optima Typographics, Kaalyado ng Sining, San Diego Dance Studio and Dr. Vicente Avanzado Jr.