Davao’s pride

Every person is an artist. We’re all unique in our own special ways and that defines what we are.

I’d have to admit that as open as show business is, there are still certain habits I have and only I know about.

I guess not all things can be put out the right way for everyone to understand. Each of us has his way of expressing himself. Some people just plainly blurt out their thoughts while others simply keep them to themselves.

Have you ever been in a really boring situation when, all of a sudden, something real bizarre pops up in your head and you just wonder where the heck did that thought come from? Most of the time, you just disregard it and soon forget about it. Creative writers, painters and other artists are the ones who take their time expressing those thoughts in a whole new level.

In my case, I usually write the things that come to my mind. And, for some reason, they turn out like poems.

They’re not something I plan or whatever. They just happens. They are forms of art.

A couple of weeks ago when I visited Davao City, I met a very interesting artist. His name is Kublai Ponce Millan.

Kublai is 31 years old and is based in Davao. He finished a Fine Arts course in UP Diliman and has been climbing up and down his gigantic sculptures for about five years now.

I first met him in his home studio at Ponce Suites, Bajada, Davao City. The thing that interested me most is his three-story home studio that ís literally filled with paintings and writings on every inch of the wall.

Even the ceiling had its own unique design. Of course, all this art was done by Kublai. This building is unbelievable. It’s overwhelming once you step in. It’s like a whole new different planet. It’s beautiful.

Kublai has this really huge set of four chairs and a table located at the very top of his building. You could probably see it clearly from the top. I couldn’t help but ask him what exactly his plans are for these paintings and poems on his walls.

Kublai says he is not necessarily planning to sell his works. He makes these works of art hoping to "create a spark" in Mindanao – to start the fire burning so that the young ones can strive harder and move forward (in terms of art). He wants to inspire those young artists to pursue their love for their craft.

Kublai now has sculptures in every city in Mindanao. His most recent project, in which he is still working on, is the biggest church in Mindanao located in Tagum City.

He will make the main sculptures of the church, including a 50-feet risen Christ. They hope to be finished with the church by next month.

So far, Kublai’s tallest creation is the sword or ikampilani of Sultan Kudarat located in Sultan Kudarat Municipality, Maguindanao Province.

The huge piece of art stands 50 feet! And would you believe he finished it in 16 days? Amazing!

Kublai is one of the most dedicated artists I’ve ever met. He doesn’t write or build things on a daily basis. But once an idea hits his mind, he works nonstop to create it.

He has taken unique photographs, created sculptures, painted and has even written poems. This is my favorite poem of his:

XXIII

Happiness sat by the bench

Truths comforted by its strength

The spaces in-between hands

Consumed by each other’s

Overwhelming passion

To have known this union

Two souls

Married by a bird

Whose song of love

Emanates from the bottom of the sea

To reach the highest cloud

Above the sky

This love

Humbled itself

With the greatest gratitude

For having found each other finally

As you can see, this man’s thoughts run even deeper than the ocean. He is one of the reasons why Davaoeños should be proud. More power to you, Kublai!

(You can e-mail me at [email protected])