Zeroing in on art

Art aficionados and society belles made for an aesthetically-gifted group when the Lopez Museum in Ortigas formally opened the exhibition series "Zero In: Private Art, Public Lives."

Ambassador of France Renee Veyret led the ribbon-cutting ceremony along with Benpres Holdings president Oscar Lopez, the utterly chic Lizzie Eder-Zobel (whose poncho in itself was a work of art) and Ateneo president Fr. Bienvenido Nebres. The Lopez Museum then unveiled its splendid collection of works by 19th-century Filipino masters Juan Luna y Novicio and Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo. The exhibit was dubbed "Luna’s Paris/Hidalgo’s Politics."

Luna and Hidalgo, as we may all know, are the pride of our artistic heritage, being the first Filipino painters to gain international recognition. Both lived in Paris in the late 19th century. The unfathomable influence of French academicians is shown in their preference for subjects of epic proportions, executed in the "grand manner." Examples are Luna’s "España y Filipinas" (oil on wood), one of his final studies of an allegorical painting commissioned by the Ministro de Ultramar, and Hidalgo’s "El Asesinato del Gobernador" (oil on canvas), a study depicting the violent death of Spanish governor-general Fernando Bustamante.

As I was walking through the galleries (the Lopez Museum has 36 Lunas and 182 Hidalgos – an absolutely priceless assortment), I noticed a contrast between the styles of Luna and Hidalgo. While Luna’s masterpieces are tinged with drama and certain bravura, Hidalgo’s portray a delicate sensibility, which a critic noted as "more pure, more serene in feeling." With the recent agitation to keep paintings of National Artists such as Luna and Hidalgo within the territorial boundaries of the Philippines, we all sure appreciate the vast collection of the Lopez Museum. For 35 years, such treasures have been kept in the museum.

Just when I was caught up in the astounding details of Hidalgo’s grandiose "Per Pacem et Liberatatem," a woman sidled up to me and asked loudly, "So, which of the works do you like best?"

I raised my finger slowly and pointed at a nearby Hidalgo opus. The title: "Woman in Nude Holding a Sword." With her invisible tail between her legs, the woman left me alone to my perusal. For all I know, her favorite work could be another Hidalgo – a charcoal entitled "Three Boys in Nude."

Art enthusiasts can view "Luna’s Paris/Hidalgo’s Politics" until Jan. 14, 2003. "Zero In: Private Art, Public Lives" is a series of exhibitions done in consortium with three private museums: the Ayala Museum, the Ateneo Art Gallery and the Lopez Memorial Museum.

* * * A Match Made In Heaven

Whenever we hear news about two marvelous beings tying the knot together, only one thing comes to mind: It’s a match made in heaven. Those in the know certainly agree when Federal Hardware, the complete one-stop builders’ center, recently signed a partnership deal with Orgill, Inc., the biggest hardware distributor in the US.

The wonderful development details Federal Hardware’s key role in Orgill, Inc.’s daring move in the Asian region: to become Orgill’s exclusive retailer of its first-class hardware products in the country. In exchange, Orgill, Inc. will help bolster Federal Hardware’s competitive edge and service quality by helping the company become a viable presence in the local market in the long run. As proof of its commitment, Orgill, Inc.’s main men, the dynamic retail engineering manager Jim Walvaren and the equally vibrant international territory manager Alan Emery, came for a visit to assist Federal Hardware in aligning its operations according to US standards. These moves include training personnel from Federal Hardware in personnel representation, product selection, pricing program, turnover and margin management.

Paquito Ngo, Federal Hardware’s dynamic vice president, recapitulated the tie-up’s concept: "We are dedicated to bringing in high-quality hardware products and services from the US that will satisfy the needs of Filipinos at prices they can afford, in addition to giving them the great American shopping experience."

Since its establishment in 1847, Orgill, Inc. has introduced groundbreaking ideas to the industry. Among these are putting up the first single story warehouses and a B2B Web site featuring the E-dropship ordering system. It is also the largest independent hardware and home improvement products distributor. Orgill carries over 70,000 products in hand and power tools, hardware, paint, home improvement, plumbing, electrical, housewares, camping and outdoor living, home furnishings, lumber and building materials, sporting goods, automotive and office supplies. The company is also proud to mention that its products are sourced from prime manufacturers worldwide, making their prices lower, but of the same quality compared with national brands.

On the other hand, Federal Hardware offers creature comforts to shoppers unavailable to other hardware outlets like a wide array of top-of-the-line products suited for your varied construction needs – from simple hardware to paints, plumbing, electrical, housewares and lumber supplies among others; fully air-conditioned facilities, more than ample parking, friendly and knowledgeable staff and an organized and convenient store layout. Combine such features with Federal Hardware’s innovativeness; you’d definitely have a mammoth partnership like no other elsewhere.

I myself became witness to such a perfect partnership when I visited Federal Hardware’s flagship branch in Pasong Tamo, Makati. What a pleasant surprise I was in for! Usually, when we go to a hardware store, these establishments are either hot, stuffy, disorganized or even manned by clerks who are unsmiling and regard you as members of Attila the Hun’s vast army. But at Federal Hardware, I was immediately greeted by an expansive – and very free – parking space. The hot afternoon was never a problem since the entire shopping area was a 4,000 square meters of air-conditioned and organized space. So organized that I knew it will be easy for me to find what I came to look for – a tile designed with a woman in the nude.

A smiling and smartly-dressed store attendant immediately entertained my inquiries. But when I told her what I was looking for, she blushed and shyly told me that they ran out of stock. To appease my what-I-perceived-to-be-a-stricken look, she showed me around and revealed the other wonderful products of the store.

I finally decided to buy a paintbrush. The cashier was also friendly and smiling as I paid my purchase. Hmm, maybe I don’t even have to buy myself a tile with the look I want, I can simply paint it myself! Especially now that all the materials I will need are already here, and with the smiles, the more than comfortable facilities, and the outstanding products, this is going to be one project I will definitely look forward to.