Pinoy artist holds exhibit in Brunei

MANILA, Philippines - Painter, abstractionist, muralist, and multi-awarded Filipino artist Pancho Piano showcased last Jan. 16-19 his exhibit titled 'Illuminare' at the Malay Technology Museum in Kota Batu, Brunei Darussalam.

The exhibit, headed by the Philippine Embassy in collaboration with the Brunei Art Forum, was graced by the Brunei Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports,  Pehin Orang Kaya Diraja Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Hazair bin Haji Abdullah.

Other guests included Datin Paduka Hajah Adina binti Othman, Deputy Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Haji Muhammad Rozan bin Dato Paduka Haji Muhammad Yunos, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, and members of the diplomatic corps.

Philippine Ambassador to Brunei Nestor Ochoa in his welcome remarks gave a brief background on the artist, as well as descriptions of the paintings in display. The artworks included a set of paintings on typhoon Yolanda which hit the Philippines last November. The paintings also featured famous landmarks in Brunei and other aspects of the country's history and culture that reflect its friendship with the Philippines.

Piano conducted an art clinic with the theme 'The Art of Pancho Piano, 30 years in art making, murals, and stained glass designs.' About 80 participants attended the sessions.

Ochoa also thanked the country for its support for the help it extended during typhoon Yolanda and the massive earthquake in Bohol.

The exhibit was part of a series of activities celebratin the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.