Art and everything in the right place
It must have been like being struck by the expressionist lightning bolts of Onib.
It was 1997 and broadcast journalist Julius Babao of ABS-CBN chanced upon an exhibition of Onib Olmedo paintings at the SM Artwalk. He was awed.
Julius recalls, “During that time I could not afford an Onib but I was really fascinated by his works. I told myself, one day I am going to own an Onib. Months later, my friend Lori Juvida, a gallery owner sold me an Olmedo pastel on paper titled ‘Gambler.’ What’s nice about it is that I was able to pay it in terms.”
Then a year later, Julius met Dr. Joven Cuanang, the visionary owner of Boston Gallery who introduced him to the works of Salingpusa, a group of young Antipolo-based artists such as Mark Justiniani, Tony Leano, Manny Garibay, Joy Mallari, Ferdie Montemayor and Elmer Borlongan.
That’s the genesis of Julius Babao’s still-growing art collection. The man has always been fascinated with art. When he was a boy, he drew Superman, Batman and Voltes V for his classmates in exchange for 25 centavos. He joined art competitions and was also awarded artist of the year when he was in grade six. When he was in college he created this superhero character mysteriously named “Super F.”
“Censored nga lang ang name niya (laughs), but his adventures were a hit among my college barkada. Unfortunately I was not able to pursue a career in art, but I try to paint as much as I can. Every Holy Week I paint the face of Christ as my panata.”
If you asked Julius how many paintings are in his collection, it would be like asking how many bald men in various states of malaise has Elmer Borlongan painted throughout his career. Julius can’t tell you the exact figure.
“Most of them are works by contemporary artists. I don’t deny that they are great investment. But more than the financial value, I believe that buying artworks by upcoming young artists is the best way to support the art community. I feel good that I am able to help in producing great artists.”
What makes an artist great?
“It’s a matter of opinion. But for me, Amorsolo, Manansala, Luna and Hidalgo define greatness. Their works have stood the test of time. With the current crop of talented young artists, I have no doubt that many of them will be great just like the masters.”
Did you know that it was Korina Sanchez who encouraged Julius to buy paintings by Malang, BenCab and Ang Kiukok? And that Christine Bersola-Babao has her own art collection comprised of paintings by masters such as Kiukok, Malang and BenCab. Did you know also that Julius has more friends in the art world than in media? Did you know that he collects herbs and spends a lot of time turning his garden into something elaborately Tuscan. Did you know that he used to collect 12-inch Star Wars action figures? The mind boggles.
As proof that he can count on his artist-friends, Julius called on them for support for an upcoming project: an exhibition-auction billed as “Art 2 Heart” for the benefit of typhoon victims.
“After Art 40, I was planning to take a break from organizing fundraising events this year. But when typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng hit the country, it again awakened the volunteerism spirit in all of us. Everybody was eager to do their share in helping people. There is so much going on in the Philippine art scene and many artists are benefiting from it. My friend Luis Lorenzana is donating 100 percent of the proceeds of his artwork to Art 2 Heart. He says he has had a great year and now’s the time to pay forward.”
Here’s how it started. Julius got a text message from artist Geraldine Javier suggesting that they organize another art auction fundraiser. He immediately agreed. He made calls and sent e-mails. The response was tremendous. Currently there are about 50 artists who are joining this event.
“We’re targeting P3 million for this year’s auction. Gawad Kalinga is giving us a land in Sitio Amparo in Caloocan where we plan to build the Art 2 Heart Village, again for 30 families who were badly affected by typhoon Ondoy. Winston Churchill once said, “What is the use of living if it be not to strive for noble causes and to make this world a better place for those who will live after we are gone?” I agree. There is no better time to give than now.”
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The “Art 2 Heart” auction and exhibit features the works of Manny Garibay, Lynyrd Paras, Mark Andy Garcia, Ramon Orlina, Gabby Barredo, Ang Kiukok, Mark Justiniani, Joy Mallari, Andres Barrioquinto, Geraldine Javier, Luis Lorenzana, Jon Jaylo, Lirio Salvador, CJ Tañedo, Malang, Marina Cruz, Rodel Tapaya, Pam-Yan Santos, John Santos, Yasmin Sison, Mariano Ching, Jonathan Ching, Winner Jumalon, Tatong Torres, Alex Roxas, Froilan Calayag, Roma Valles, Sandra Gfeller, Dina Gadia, Ronald Ventura, Tina Fernandez, Joel Alonday, Wire Tuazon, Keiye Miranda, Elmer Borlongan, Plet Bolipata, Joven Mansit, Jaypee Samson, Ferdie Montemayor, Marcel Antonio, John Paul Antido, Guerrero Habulan, Alfredo Esquillo, Anthony Palomo, Alvin Villaruel, Costantino Zicarelli, Andoi Solon, Kiko Escora, Frederick Sausa, and Igan D’Bayan
The show opens on Dec. 19, Saturday, 5 p.m., at the Chief Justice Claudio Teehankee Foundation, fourth floor Ateneo Professional Schools, Rockwell Makati. There will be a preview of artworks starting Dec. 18 at 1 p.m. For inquiries call Art Verite at 915-1982, Art Exchange at 752-9089, and call or SMS Nette at 0917-3296273.
