Art and Art Lovers

"This year’s theme, Lumang Galing, Bagong Sining, focuses on native crafts and skills–long a source of pride for the country–and their world class products are themselves works of art," observed Nicasio I. Alcantara, chairman of Petron which held its second art tilt. Its first had unprecedented success, having won three Anvil Awards of Excellence, including one from the PR Society of America, the first ever given to a Philippine company.

Young and predominantly male, the winners, among many others, were P. Encisa, M. Salvatus and J. Anido (first, oil); Joey Cobcobo, J. Gubaton, A. Totto, Jr. (first, watercolor). The runners-up: W. Rufon, R. Rosete III and R. Nelson (oil); R. Cabucom, R. Rubio and M. Pujeda (watercolor).

Studio 5, headed by Marily Orosa took charge of the art contest’s creative aspects.

The recent Magnum Club cocktail guests at the Makati Shangri-La–among them Jim Harting, bankers Tetsuya Ota, Catherine Weir, Michael Hellbeck and Enrico Cruz, Raymund del Val of Hewlett Packard, top executives Shozu Suzuki, Naoyuki Nobe, Cynthia Mamon and Hans Weckherlin–were not quite prepared for the artistic pleasures that awaited them.

As they entered the pitch-black ballroom the lights went on to reveal masterpieces of Boban, the famed Yugoslav sculptor. Finance Secretary Isidro and Kim Camacho were obviously impressed. The visual delight turned auditory when Rachel Gerodias and Lemuel dela Cruz sang excerpts from Phantom of the Opera.

The never-ending surprises were conceptualized and directed by GM Richard W. Riley for the VIP’s.

The FCCP headed by Chloe Periquet held its second Home Concert Series at the elegant residence of art patron par-excellence Chito Madrigal-Collantes who graciously welcomed the guests herself. Nine-year-old Ma. Regina Montesclaros played with more aplomb and spirit than pianists thrice her age. Mezzo soprano Agnes Barredo, baritone Marvin Gayramon, BP dancers Camille O. Joson and Clark Rambuyon enlivened the program as did the very fine Sanghiyas Dance Troupe of 12-to-14 year-olds. What wonderful percussion accompanists they had! Most endearing and engaging were the Las Piñas Elementary School Rondalla players under conductor-director Elaine Cajucom.