Professor Carmelo Tamayo: Of tartanillas, old houses, and churches

Long before my practice of bringing my students to different places to supplement classroom teaching, there was one who started it all. He is a painter whose culminating activity for his students would always be visiting different churches in Cebu. He is Professor Carmelo "Mel" Tamayo.

I can vividly recall in the late 1980s, we bonded together with other UP High School faculty when we went to Badian, Cebu and witnessed the re-enactment of the landing of Magellan and the baptism of the first couple who submitted to Christianity. We marveled at the beautiful Kawasan Falls. The lanky man with his dark shades in motorcycle bike who spoke in Tagalog, very warm with ready smiles-these are some wonderful memories with the James Bond of UP Cebu.

Flashback, Cebu's painting would never be complete without the name Carmelo Tamayo. "Painting was the first secular art that appeared in the mid-19th century. Initially unsigned and undated, they were personal rather than professional. Gonzalo Abellana of Carcar, Canuto Avila from San Nicolas, Raymundo Francia of Parian, and Simeon Padriga were early painters and sculptors who actively participated in the period of transition from religious to secular art. Aside from their works, Cebuano masterpieces include the finger paintings of Diosdado Villadolid ("Diovil"), Oscar Figuracion's paintings of the Bilaan community of Davao, Julian Jumalon's lepidomosaic art, Silvester "Bitik" Orfilla's historical mural entitled Ciudad del Santissimo Nombre de Jesus (City of the Most Holy Name of Jesus). And of course in 1951 when he joined in, Carmelo Tamayo is known for his tartanilla series."

Though it was established on August 22, 1937 with the Julian Jumalon as its driving force, the Cebu Art Association was then called the Independent Artists' Guild. Among the first members were Oscar Figuracion, Ricardo Avila, Fidel Araneta, Silvestre Orfelia, Emilio Olmos, and Jose Alcoseba.

And in 1960, Professor Tamayo was then a member representing painting when Fe SalaVillarica formed a group called the "Arts of Cebu" with fellow artists to "stimulate the art consciousness of Cebuanos." Other members representing other art discipline were: Fidel Araneta (sculpture), MollyboyBriones (literature), Gloria Escaño (drama), Jose Mercado (architecture), Pilar Sala (music) and Fe SalaVillarica (dance).

Now, a painting titled "Brutal Scene from World War II" is a legacy that Professor Tamayo left to us that can be seen at the Cebu Normal University museum which consists of the permanent collection of artworks from pre-Spanish era, Spanish era to Philippine revolution.

Just few years ago, he attended the Qube Gallery opening with his wife Baby. UP Cebu Fine Arts Professor Dennis "Sio" Montera, CAA president, asked him to say a few words which he gladly accepted. He admonished the artists to avoid trending. He also encouraged them to obtain excellence "by being yourselves." On that instance, he admitted that failing eyesight prevents him from painting.

He has served the academe nurturing aspiring artists in Cebu using the combined conservative and modern methods in teaching art. Because of his love for local heritage, he devoted his life on historical sites specifically century-old houses and churches in Cebu. He is truly an artist who preserves local heritage into the hearts and minds of our present generation. His passing left an imprint to this generation that once upon a time there was once a dear colleague, a consummate artist and a vanguard of local arts.

As I have not seen him for the past Jose T. Joya Art Exhibits and Awarding ceremonies but for sure he has left tremendous inspiration to the local artists. Thank you, Professor Mel Tamayo. Just like the tartanillas that you have painted, you have started the journey from the past for the present generation to continue it to the future. Your legacy is very much appreciated and treasured. Your contributions to the local heritage left an indelible imprint to Cebu's local artistry.