Kris graces 'Cory legacy' exhibit

MANILA, Philippines - Her busy schedule notwithstanding, Kris Aquino recently led the opening of The Yellow Paintings: A Tribute to Cory Aquino and the Spirit of EDSA, which featured an art exhibit, the presentation of a coffee-table book featuring a comprehensive compilation of the late President’s paintings and the formal launch of the Philip Stein Corazon Aquino Commemorative Watch.

 Spearheaded by world-renowned watchmaker Philip Stein, the successful event was held at The Atrium of The Podium Mall in Ortigas. Joining Kris in the exhibit were husband and basketball star James Yap and their son Baby James, as well as Kris’ siblings Viel Aquino-Dee and Ballsy Aquino-Cruz and nephew Jiggy Cruz and singer Ogie Alcasid. 

“Creating this limited edition watch was certainly a most fitting tribute to a great woman who has done so much for our country,” says Emerson Yao managing director of the Lucerne Group of Companies, distributor of Philip Stein in the Philippines. “I’m touched that Philip Stein came out with a watch in honor of my mom. I really admire Philip Stein so much because they give the Philippines so much importance and I think that’s why the brand is doing so well in our country,” says Kris, who proudly wore the Philip Stein limited-edition commemorative watch to the event.

Taking its cue from Cory’s signature color, the Philip Stein Cory Aquino commemorative watch features a yellow ribbon on the dial and a yellow lizard leather strap, which is part of Philip Stein’s interchangeable bracelet system. As subtle homage to Cory’s place in history, the number 11 is highlighted in yellow as well. Engraved on the case back is the phrase “A Tribute to the 11th President of the Philippines Corazon C. Aquino — Mother of Democracy” and her profile.

What makes the watch even more attractive is the fact that every purchase comes with a free coffee-table book titled The Art and Soul of Cory, which is a comprehensive compilation of Cory’s paintings. It may also be purchased separately at all Philip Stein boutiques.

“The paintings are a testimony to her as a person and it brought mom not just happiness but also a lot of peace,” says Kris. Mom was introduced to painting by her friends and she was happy and proud of her first painting, which she presented to Jiggy,” says Ballsy.   

“President Aquino’s paintings and other artworks, though they are worthy, were never sold and were merely given as gifts from the heart. It is this very nature of Cory Aquino’s private acts of generosity that make us want to share them with the people that she loved,” says Yao. Part of the proceeds from the sale of the watch and book will benefit the Benigno S. Aquino, Jr. Foundation.

The art exhibit, on the other hand, brought together noted young contemporary and senior modernist masters whose works celebrate the historical legacy of Ninoy and Cory Aquino through paintings. Presented were some 40 works from 15 artists that highlight the color yellow, with National Artists Arturo Luz and Federico Aguilar-Alcuaz as well as Juvenal Sanso, among the high-profile artists featured.