The higher purpose of art

Though I still believe that the best work of art is a woman in the nude, I must say that I am pretty impressed by the art pieces of JB Ablaza Macatulad – painter, photographer and web designer.

An English Lit graduate of Georgetown University, JB finished a second degree in Fine Arts Illustration at the Academy of Art College in San Francisco. At the 2000 Academy of Art Spring Show, JB surprised himself when he garnered two prizes, including the distinction of Best Illustrative Painting from Life. "I was esctatic," he recalls.

Well, it turned out to be just the beginning of an orgasmic ride. When he moved back to Manila last year, he founded and designed www. controlled-freestyle. com, a web site where artists can "display their work, make new contacts and collaborate on projects." The site has since won numerous citations, including the 2002 International Web Page Awards Certificate of Creative Achievement and the 2001-2002 Golden Web Award presented by the International Association of Web Masters and Designers.

This time, JB will gain recognition on his home turf, when he holds his first one-man show and first ever outing in the Philippines. Entitled "Kind of Blue: Jazz Revisited," the exhibit will open at The Podium in Ortigas on Oct. 27 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony to be led by former Education Secretary Raul Roco. It will run until Nov. 3.

The show, JB’s second jazz series, consists of 16 oil paintings and 10 digital photographs. "The images attempt to convey the spontaneity and free-flowing nature of jazz music," he explains. "All the oil paintings are titled after actual jazz songs that have inspired me in some way.

"Wasn’t it Bob Dylan who said that ‘the highest purpose of art is to inspire’? " JB continues. "Not only for the people viewing the art but also for the artist himself. It is this inspiration that has simultaneously carried and pushed me throughout my journey as an artist and human being – one that I hope will allow me to grow for as long as I am able."

Now, if only I can convince JB to create a woman-in-the-nude series for me. That would be totally inspiring, don’t you think?

* * * The Eagle Of Excellence

So, you think I’m referring to the symbol of my rival school (you know, the one in Loyola Heights that we faced at the UAAP Championships recently). No way! I’m talking here about two distinguished Filipinos who received special recognition from the government of Mexico – the Aguila Azteca decoration.

Mexican Ambassador Enrique Hubbard, who has a good grasp of the centuries-old relations between the Philippines and Mexico, conferred the Aguila Azteca on two of our exceptional fellowmen: entrepreneur Raul "Ronnie" Concepcion and Ambassador to Spain Juan Jose Rocha. This distinction represents the highest regard, admiration and gratitude. It is awarded in selected cases to foreigners from all over the globe who have contributed significantly to the objective of Mexican foreign policy, be it in the field of cooperation, protection of the rights or interests of Mexicans abroad, or the promotion of a positive image of Mexico.

For their part, Ronnie and Ambassador Rocha are founders of the Philippines-Mexico Business Council. They have been very supportive of the activities organized by the Mexican Embassy, have promoted trade and business between the Philippines and the Central American country, and have thus fostered better understanding between the two nations.

Ambassador Hubbard’s wife, Mariana, was at her charming best as host and chatted with the honorees’ glittering wives, Menchu Concepcion and Pilina Rocha. The ambassador’s spacious residence in Makati, which is finely decorated with modern art, was filled with the spicy aroma of food prepared by Hyatt’s chef Agustin Rojas, and the lively chatter of society’s who’s who. There was presidential adviser Roberto Romulo conversing with Arturo Rocha and Marga Tambunting and toasting with Maloy and Guilly Luchangco. Other distinguished guests were Ambassador Jesus Tambunting, Manila Peninsula president P.L. Lim, fashion czar Pitoy Moreno, Atty. Ricardo Romulo, Vicky Quirino-Delgado, Tereret Tambunting-Liboro, Ching Montinola and Marilen Espiritu.

Our congratulations to you, Ronnie and Ambassador Rocha, for being the epitome of Filipino excellence!