CEBU, Philippines - It was a blistering hot Sunday afternoon when guests clad in summer linens and colourful wraps started strolling their way through Maribago Blue Water’s pristine surroundings. Never mind the humidity or the fact that the guests had to stir themselves away from their usual afternoon naps. Lazy Sunday habits aside, there was every reason to be excited about today’s event. After all, it’s not everyday one gets to meet a National Artist.
Yes, Benedicto Cabrera, or more famously known by his monicker “BenCab,” was on hand to greet art patrons and lovers at an exhibit of his sketches entitled “BenCab: Life Drawings,” and there was no way this opportunity could be wasted. As refreshing cucumber, mint and watermelon potions were handed around, guests eagerly awaited the ribbon cutting at the Bluewater Gallery by Consul Alegrado, so they could admire, not only for viewing, but for actual purchasing, BenCab’s works that are usually so hard to come by in the open market.
Victor Vergara (the brains behind the gallery together with celebrity photographer Raul Arambulo), welcomed the enthusiastic crowd, and extended Cebu’s heartfelt welcome to the now Baguio-based National Artist. Once the ribbons had been cut, it was a veritable stampede into the cozy gallery, as desperate patrons began snapping up the not-quite enough supply of artworks. One buyer had actually seen a couple of the sketches in Baguio, and when informed that they were reserved for a show in Cebu, had flown to Cebu so he could get his hands on them. No, he didn’t only purchase just one piece, he ended up purchasing three works of genius, to the dismay of other collectors.
After all, how could anyone resist the temptation, considering the litany of awards amassed by the prolific BenCab? For example, he is one of the first recipients of the Thirteen Artists Award (1970), he received the Gawad CCP Para Sa Sining (for Visual Arts) in 1992, and two years later, he received the Most Outstanding Kapampangan Award. In 1997, he was chosen to receive the ASEAN Achievement Award for Visual & Performing Arts, and not long after, came the lifetime recognition that is known as the National Artist Award. Unlike the awardees during the twilight of President Gloria Arroyo’s term, BenCab’s conferment of the award created no controversy, but only universal acclamation by peers and critics alike.
Natch, the Alegrado sisters June and Julie selected their own favourites from the lot, while indecisive art newbies milled around deciding which one to bring home. Seemingly amused by all the social hubbub on the sidelines was the artist himself, who graciously posed for photographs with avid fans (including this writer) and signed autographs galore. I wondered then, as wine flowed liberally, and as guests hobnobbed in their finery and jewelry, what was going through the mind of this socially conscious artist, who has championed people mired deep in poverty and hardship? Famous for his Sabel works, a lifetime series on a scavenger cum bag lady, BenCab is known for his poignant commentary on social and political events. Still, some of his thoughtful viewpoints on societal imbalances are present here, as for example, his duo of works, Young Farmhand and Young Farmgirl, which sketches into life these hardy representatives of our agricultural sector. A cigarette vendor seemingly immobilized in hopelessness is included in this collection, providing a counterpoint to the sensual nudes that, unfortunately, cannot be reprinted in full detail in this paper.
After a brief interlude, the collection was, expectedly, sold out, and the unfortunate few who were unable to get their hands on a BenCab were left clamouring for Bluewater Gallery to again organize another show. And everyone’s mental note to self became: “Next time, I better make sure I get an advance peek, so I can snag my dream piece!” (FREEMAN)