CANVAS GALLERY AND BOOKSHELF

WELCOME TO CANVAS' ONLINE GALLERY AND BOOKSHELF

2009-06-15T21:00:00.001-07:00

OUR BACKROOM: Click here to preview our available artworks, all on the theme of What It Means to Be Filipino.

OUR BOOKSHELF: Click here to browse and order CANVAS' highly acclaimed and award-winning children's books.

Your purchases will help to support CANVAS efforts and programs to promote greater awareness and appreciation for Philippine art, culture and the environment.

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The Center for Art, New Ventures & Sustainable Development (CANVAS) is a nonprofit organization. It runs the Annual Romeo Forbes Children's Story Writing Competition which leads to the publication of high quality children's books, and the Looking for Juan events that explore the use of art for social advocacy and education.

CANVAS also owns and operates 1/of Gallery, an alternative art space for emerging Filipino artists, located at The Shops at Serendra, Global City, Metro Manila.

To learn more, please visit www.canvas.ph.

ORDER OUR AWARD-WINNING CHILDREN'S BOOKS!

2009-06-15T05:50:00.001-07:00

To order or purchase any of our books, please email info@canvas.ph.

Note: You don't have to buy the books to enjoy the artworks and the stories. CANVAS is committed to ensuring universal access and as broad a readership as possible for these amazing works by young Filipino writers and artists. All these can be enjoyed (sometimes with accompanying trailers and music) on the CANVAS website.

And, e-book versions for our children's books are also downloadable - ALL FOR FREE! - on our website. :-)

That said, why should you even buy the hard copies of our books? Click here to find out why.

Either way, enjoy!

Doll Eyes
by Eline Santos, artworks by Joy Mallari
(Limited 1st edition hardbound: PhP 850.00)

Our latest children's book and winner of our Romeo Forbes Children's Story Writing Competition...

Dark, edgy, very Filipino. Set in mystical Quiapo, on the eve of the Feast of the Black Nazarene.

Ang Dyip ni Mang Tomas
by Genaro Gojo Cruz, artworks by Anthony Palomo
(Limited 1st edition hardbound: PhP 850.00)

Our latest children's book, is a son's tribute to his father, and is inspired by Philippine icons, traditions and values from the jeepney to Simbang Gabi to the importance of family.

The Rocking Horse
by Becky Bravo, artworks by Elmer Borlongan
(Last few copies - Limited 1st edition hardbound with audio CD (narration by Pinky Amador, music by Pido): PhP 1,500.00)

A touching and heartbreaking story of a boy, a tree that he loved, and a special wooden horse, The Rocking Horse was the very first winner of CANVAS' Annual Romeo Forbes Children's Story Writing Competition, and Winner of the Gintong Aklat Award 2008.

Ang Batang Maraming Bawal
by Fernando Gonzalez, artworks by Rodel Tapaya
(Limited 1st edition hardbound: PhP 850.00)

Winner of CANVAS' 2006 Romeo Forbes Children's Story Writing Competition, and a finalist in the Catholic Mass Media Awards 2007.

Sol - A Legend About the Sun
by Agay Llanera, artworks by Farley del Rosario
(Limited 1st edition hardbound: PhP 850.00)

Amorsolo loved the sun. Hoping to win her heart, he rides an enchanted rocking horse and serenades the sun. But the moon, too, was in love with the sun and would not stand idly by... An enchanting tale of love, music and light...

"The Boy Who Touched Heaven"
by Iris Gem Li, artworks by Serj Bumatay
(Limited 1st edition hardbound: PhP 350.00)

Winner of the National Book Awards as the best children's book of 2008. The story, which celebrates the famed Banawe Rice Terraces, was also the winner of CANVAS' Elias Dakila Storywriting Competition on Environment and Culture.

"CANVAS Earth Tales: Three Ecofables for Children"
(Limited edition 1st edition hardbound: PhP 800.00)

A collection of three very short environmental stories for children, illustrated by three Filipina artists:
* “The Hummingbird” (author unknown), artworks by Plet Bolipata
* “The Star Thrower” (author unknown), artworks by Liza Flores
* “The King and the Royal Trees,” by Paul Aird, artworks by Ivee Olivares-Mellor

Message in the Sand
by Charmaine Aserappa, artworks by Roel Obemio
(Limited first edition hardbound book: PhP 895.00)

Miguel loved the sea, and was sad that the fish and seabirds were dying. Who could save them?

Message in the Sand was written especially for CANVAS by Charmaine Aserappa, author of the international bestseller “In a Japanese Garden.”

"Si Lupito at ang Barrio Sirkero"
by Rowald Almazar, artworks by Jose Santos III
(Signed limited edition hardbound book: PhP 895.00)

An original, whimsically Filipino tale of courtship and courage in a Circus Village. The Winner of CANVAS’ 2007 Romeo Forbes Children’s Storywriting Competition.

Elias and His Trees
Adapted from the French classic, “The Man Who Planted Trees,” by Jean Giono. Adaptation by Augie Rivera, artworks by Romeo Forbes
(Last few copies - Limited first edition hardbound books (last few remaining copies) with audio CD (narration by Chrys Fernandez, music by Paulo Santos): PhP 1,500.00)

CANVAS’ maiden publication. A classic ecofable about the power of an individual to change the world. Finalist in the 2006 National Book Awards and the 2006 Gintong Aklat Awards.

LOOKING FOR JUAN (FOURTH SET)

2009-06-14T18:11:00.000-07:00

"Kape de Manila" by Jigger Cruz
48"x24" oil on canvas (2009)
PhP 30,000.00

Pinininta sa istilong cubism, ang panlansang pinoy para sa mga mata.

Jigger Cruz studied Fine Arts major in Advertising at Far Eastern University in Manila. A colorblind artist, his works are dependent on geometrical and machine elements: form, color, and composition. In 2005, he won as juror’s choice- GSIS National Heritage Painting Competition, and Honorable mention in the Shell National Student Art Competition.

“Labuyo” by Wilfredo Offemaria
48”x36” acrylic on canvas (2008)
PhP 54,000.00

Wilfredo Offemaria, Jr. paints a fighting cock and thus titles his piece "Labuyo," Filipino for 'wild fowl,' an important distinction from the rooster. Seen is a bird swathed by his wildly majestic feathers, his stance and piercing stare saying he is ready to face any opponent, his sole aim to be a fighter.

Wilfredo "Offe" Offemaria, Jr. majored in Painting at the University of Santo Tomas. Offe has also explored the international art scene, having had a number of exhibits in Luxembourg, Belgium, Austria, and Germany. Offemaria currently resides in Bulacan, Philippines.

"Bloom Where You Are Planted" by Mark Arcamo
48"x24" oil on canvas (2009)
PhP 38,000.00

My artwork is mostly concerned with what I saw. A portrait of hope, a landscape of dreams and a garden of greatest opportunities. A new generation of brown raise pathfinders. Filipinos that are planted to make a difference globally. But its heart as a Filipino will serve our nation with meaning and purpose.

"Komiks" by Susanito Sarnate
Terracotta Sculpture (2009)
PhP 18,000.00

Looking for Juan? Nakita ko po siya sa komiks, matagal na palang naisulat ni Mars Ravelo. We traditionally view Juan as Tamad, ngunit nang nag OFW: nagulat ako – DARNA!!! . . . wow! Meron palang kakaibang katangian at lakas si Juan.

(Hope now shines in my heart for the Philippines). Ngunit pag-uwi niya! NARDA!!! . . . bumalik na naman siya sa dati.

DARNA sa abroad, Narda sa Pinas. Super sipag doon, Juan Tamad dito. Sana po gamitin na ni Juan sa Pilipinas ang katangian ni DARNA. Makakaya natin to gaya ni Enting. We possess the quality to carry heavy things na parang magaan lang. ( He, he, he! Binabaha na nakangiti pa rin sa T.V.)

At kahit pa yata ang buhay ay maging hugis pyramid, cone, cylinder, square, circle ay kayang mag fit in ng Pinoy.

DARNA, CAPTAIN BARBEL, LASTIK MAN. . . iilan lamang ito sa agimat ni Juan. Tulad sa komiks, trahedya ang agimat kapag itim ang ating puso. Gamitin po natin ito sa Kabutihan. Makaaahon tayo. Maraming bunga ang bayabas.

Itutuloy . . .

"Sari-sari Storm" by Maan de Loyola
48"x24" oil on canvas (2009)
PhP 25,000.00

The painting depicts problems encountered by Filipinos, different issues (housing, education, corruption, human rights violations, etc) that hit our country like a strong storm or typhoon which leaves behind trails of destroyed hopes for Filipinos: “Sari-saring kuwento at Sari-saring problema.” The artist wants to encourage Filipinos to clean up the aftermath of the storm, our own personal garbage, erasing “Juan Tamad” in our system.

"Hehe, Galos Lang" by Jef Carnay
48"x24" mixed media (2009)
PhP 35,000.00

The artist wants to showcase one infamous Filipino trait, its humor.

Pinoys will always find something funny even in the direst situations. Filipino sense of humor in adversity has been the coping mechanism of the country to survive. The artist challenges that habit by presenting a condition wherein there is no reason to laugh and smile.

"Retablo ng Inspirasyon" by Buds Convocar
48"x24" acrylic and mixed media on canvas
PhP 62,000.00

The artwork is composed of 3 panels: The bottom panel symbolizes the pinoy's industriousness and his concern for the environment. The middle panel shows the pinoy's talent and his penchant for 'celebrations' and/or 'feast.' And the top panel depicts pride of his being pinoy wherever he may be.

Salvador 'Buds' Convocar is known for his paintings, pastels, illustrations, graphic design, and especially his mixed media artworks. He has had exhibits all over the country and abroad, particularly in the U.S., Europe, Korea, India and Brazil. He was also an art educator at DLSU-College of St. Benilde, St. Scholastica's College, University of the East, and Far Eastern University. He was president of the renowned Saturday Group, vice president of the Art Association of the Philippines (AAP) for 6 years, and is now its newly Elected President (2008-2010).

"Like Our Heroes, We Will Rise" by Anthony Palo
48"x24" oil on canvas (2009)
PhP 48,000.00

Kaya natin ang mga nagawa ng ating mga bayani sapagkat tayo ay kapwang Pilipino din na marunong umangat na tulad nila.

< BACK TO SET 3

LOOKING FOR JUAN (THIRD SET)

2009-06-14T06:22:00.001-07:00

"Dreaming of Dada" by Roel Obemio
36"x48" acrylic on canvas
PhP 72,000.00

Upon sight of Roel Obemio's "Dreaming with Dada," one wonders whether father and son are simply asleep in a meticulously decorated nursery or in a park while the scenery is interspersed with the elements of their dreams. Such is the Obemio signature—detail-filled canvases also rich in color, lightness despite the rotund figures and always, an unmistakable innocence, cuteness even.

"Maria Clara's Day Off" by Plet Bolipata
32"x32" Digital Print on Tarp (1/1)
PhP 55,000.00

This one-of-a-kind piece is one of the submissions for CANVAS' Looking for Juan in Art and Rock & Roll Project, and was the inspiration for a new song, "Here I Dream the Dream I Dream," by singer-composer Cynthia Alexander.

"Ang Dahil Sa Iyo's Mabuhay" by Karen Flores
48"x48" oil on canvas (2009)
PhP 140,000.00

This painting is one of the submissions for CANVAS' Looking for Juan in Art and Rock & Roll Project, and was inspired by a new song especially composed for the project and similarly entitled "Ang Dahil Sa Iyo'y Mabuhay," by rock band "Peryodiko."

Karen Flores currently heads the Visual Arts and Museo Division of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP). Karen brings with her a wealth of experience to the post having been a visual artist since she graduated with the Fine Arts degree in Painting at the University of the Philippines in 1989. A known feminist artist, Karen has four solo exhibitions to her name and had international exposure in international art circles in Australia, Japan, United States, Singapore and South Korea. Locally she has been involved with local communities in Sta. Cruz in Laguna, Lipa City in Batangas, Vigan in Ilocos Sur and Negros. A CCP 13 Artists Awardee herself in 2000, she was a member of famed art collectives Salingpusa and Sanggawa art community, and the TutoK art group. She recently received the Metrobank Award for Continuing Excellence and Service (ACES).

"Pahinga" by Karen Flores
48"x48" oil on canvas (2009)
PhP 140,000.00

This painting is another of Karen's submissions for CANVAS' Looking for Juan in Art and Rock & Roll Project, and was the inspiration for a new song also entitled "Pahinga," by rock band "Peryodiko."

According to Karen, the nude female represents the Philippines, who like Sleeping Beauty seems to be waiting for a Prince Charming to waken her from her slumber. Prince Charming, she says, is Juan de la Cruz himself, if only he would take care to look around and not be distracted by the many things and influences that are happening around him.

“Sa Sariling Hawla Siya’y Nagpaiwan; Umasa Nalang Sa Diyos Tapusin Ang Kanyang Kahirapan” by Daniel Aligaen
48"x24" acrylic on canvas (2009)
PhP 38,000.00

May mga taong gumagawa ng sarili nilang kulungan (pride), kahit hindi naman talaga kailangan. Dahil dito, hindi sila makalabas dun, at hindi na nila maisip lumabas, kung kaya aasa na lang sila sa Diyos para ayusin problema nila.

Daniel Aligaen graduated in 2007 from the University of Santo Tomas where he majored in Painting. He is 23 years old and resides in Antipolo, Rizal.

"Pista ng Sining" by Robert Deniega
72"x36" acrylic on canvas (2009)
PhP 50,000.00

Among the many cultural practices of the Filipino communities since the early Spanish times were the holding of annual thanksgiving festivals. These events as practiced in their respective localities mark the way they celebrate the bounties of good harvests as well as an act of thanksgiving for all the good tidings bestowed on the population.

Filipinos are fun loving and vibrant people who love to celebrate a number of colorful festivals almost all round the year, In fact, fiesta has become the part and parcel of Filipino culture it also manifests the unity and cooperation of the various communities thus strengthening the goals they set for the future.

To learn more about Robert Deniega, click here.

LOOKING FOR JUAN (SECOND SET)

2009-06-14T04:01:00.000-07:00

All works in this section are part of CANVAS' Looking for Juan series of events, and depict expressions and thoughts of the artists on the theme of "What It Means to be Filipino."

"Juan Earth Advocate @ Hope.com" by Aner Sebastian
48"x24" acrylic on canvas (2009)
PhP 65,000.00

There is a connection between listening and language. Sight and sound play a role that arouses awareness, not only for greater appreciation of nature but also for preserving them.

Art and music play a role in the advocate for nurturing the ecosystem. The medium of sound and its lyrical influence is a humanistic force. The metaphors of poetic imagery are aesthetics in art that communicates visually in an enduring force of civilization. Such influence and force make an advocate focused and global.

Let it be seen and heard for a greater awareness!

"Panata" by Salvador Ching
48"x24" acrylic and graphite on denim
PhP 50,000.00

Pamanang Namana...

Pagsasalin ng nakaugaliang Tradisyon...

Paghingi ng Kapalit...

Juan...panata ng Sambayanan

The "Kristo" art exhibits were started in Malolos, Bulacan (and later transferred to Manila in coordination with artist management group The Artery) by Salvador Ching as part of his 'panata.' He annually invited fellow artists in this Lenten offering, featuring works that served as their reflections on the passion of Christ.

"Alaala Mo, Daigdig Ko" by Malyn Bonayog
72"x36" oil on canvas (2009)
PhP 60,000.00

"The old wooden houses are as unique as the family that lived under their roofs. Embracing its old designs, structures, and styles are the same as embracing the old values of the Filipino family, culture and heritage. But like an endangered species, some of the values and these wooden houses are vanishing toward certain extinction. What once embodied the character of the urban landscape and the heart of Filipino life will be blown away by the wind of progress."

Malyn Bonayog is an artist from Nueva Ecija with painting diplomas from the University of the Philippines. Active on the local gallery circuit, Bonayog's exhibition credits include participation in numerous group exhibitions of note in Makati, Mandaluyong, Pasay, Quezon City and Bataan, and shows under the auspices of the UP Artists' Circle. Her work has made the semi-finals in the prestigious Metrobank Art and Design for Excellence in 2007 and 2008, the finals in the 2008 Faber-Castell Sining Art Competition, and was a Jurors' Choice during the 2006 Art Association of the Philippines Annual Art Competition.

"Crabbe!" by Michael Cacnio
24"x22"x6" brass sculpture on hardwood
PhP 120,000.00

2006 TOYM (The Outstanding Young Men) Awardee Michael Cacnio has built a niche for himself in the Philippine art scene as a sculptor in brass.

Barely three years after graduation, he was the sole Philippine representative to the 1994 ASEAN Sculpture Exhibit at the Fukuyama Museum in Hiroshima, Japan where his work “Bliss” is on permanent display. In 1997, he participated in an international Art Exhibit at the Osceola Center for the Arts in Kisseemmee in Florida, USA and was likewise invited to a roadshow of contemporary Philippine art that toured various cities for the United States.

"The Man With a Thousand Dreams" by Wilfredo Offemaria
72"x36" oil on canvas (2009)
PhP 80,000.00

"Isang Beteranong Sundalo ang taas noong nakatayo. Ngunit bakas sa kanayang mukha ang pag aalala na ang kanyang ipinaglabang bayan ay tila ba di pa din nakalalaya sa bulok na sistema. Sa dapithapon ng kanyang buhay patuloy pa din siyang nakamasid sa mga eroplanong papel na simbolo ng kanyang mga pangarap. Ang ilang dito'y tuluyan ng bumagsak, ang ibay matayog ang lipad subalit panandalian lamang. Subalit kahit ganito patuloy ang pag gawa nya ng eroplanong papel...patuloy din ang kanyang pangarap at pagasang makakamit din ng bansang kanyang pinag laban ang tunay na kalayaan."

Wilfredo "Offe" Offemaria, Jr. majored in Painting at the University of Santo Tomas. His creative prowess earned him the Grand Prize in the National Commission for Culture and the Arts’ Diwa ng Sining Art Competition. His works have also garnered citations from the Philip Morris Asean art awards, Art Association of the Philippines Annual, and Metrobank National. Offe has exhibited in Luxembourg, Belgium, Austria, Germany.

"Penoy" by Manny Garibay (RESERVED)
48"x24" oil on canvas (2009)
PhP 85,000.00

“Penoy” is an arrested duck embryo, referring to the unfulfilled potential of the Philippines as a nation.

Manny Garibay is one of the most critically acclaimed and decorated Filipino artists today. Amanda Watson of the South China Morning Post once wrote that "(h)is works include strong expressions of Filipino spirituality and (he) rejects colonial religious models which he feels create an identity crisis that prevents his people from assessing their situation from their own perspective."

Ian Findlay Brown, Editor of Asian Art News adds that "the rawness of Garibay's images is immediately arresting to the eye... colors and hues are rich; the surface textures seem to cry out, even bleed his message (not one that is entirely direct or facile). One has to think carefully on his works. His overlayings of images, a common device, for example, suggest to the viewer that behind each surface image is much, much more to be revealed."

Born in 1962, Manny Garibay was given the prestigious Thirteen Artists Award by the Cultural Center of the Philippines in 2000.

"T-Shirt ni Juan" by Roel Obemio (RESERVED)
72"x36" acrylic on canvas (2009)
PhP 95,000.00

Roel Obemio's glowing acrylic paintings CANVAS' children's book Message in the Sand are inspired by the art of two great artists - Fernando Botero (Colombia), and Mauro Malang Santos (Philippines) - but are entirely original, and the unique and endearing characters in MESSAGE IN THE SAND are tenderly and amusingly rendered.

Roel completed his studies at the University of the East, in the Philippines, where he majored in painting.

"The Rise of Juan Tamad" by Lotsu Manes (RESERVED)
48"x24" oil on canvas (2009).
PhP 45,000.00

The good news is that Juan Tamad is a changed man. He has finally made an effort to rise and reach for the guava, his aspirations in life, his dreams, his goals, his job, whatever . The sad news is that, it is still unreachable. Society has made that goal so difficult to reach that no amount of rising can bring Juan closer to his dreams. Or maybe not just yet. He needs to exert more effort to prove himself. For true change is not just a physical activity but is a matter of determination.

Lotsu Manes received early recognition when he won First Prize at the 1996 Shell National Student's Art Competition. He is a core member of TutoK, the initiative of visual artists formed in 2006. As a senior apprentice for Art Conservation and Restoration Specialists (ACES) in the Philippines, Lotsu was privileged to have participated in the restoration of important works by National Artists Jose Joya and Carlos ‘Botong’ Francisco, and even the famed national treasure Spoilarium by Juan Luna.

Lotsu obtained his Bachelor of Fine Arts with a Major in Painting from the Philippine Women’s University in 1997.

"Juan Sagwan" by Conneth Amido
72"x36" acrylic on canvas (2009)
PhP 80,000.00

“JUAN SAGWAN” symbolizes the cheerful nature ng pamilyang Pinoy. With his small boat and limited possession he tries hard to swirl his way out to improve their lives. Even with the harsh waves of living in a 3rd world country he smiles because in his arms he holds his biggest catch.

<BACK TO SET 1 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * GO TO SET 3>

LOOKING FOR JUAN (FIRST SET)

2009-06-14T00:09:00.000-07:00

All works in this section are part of CANVAS' Looking for Juan series of events, and depict expressions and thoughts of the artists on the theme of "What It Means to be Filipino."

"Juan Line" by Dansoy Coquilla
48"x24" oil on canvas (2009)
PhP 55,000.00

Daniel Coquilla is a Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Thirteen Artists Awardee 2006. A triennial event, the award recognizes the potentials of progressive artists who draw public attention to the need for art and its critical sensibilities in our national quest for social transformation.

Known for his from the top view of scenes from everyday life, Dansoy represents faces looking at the viewer as one looks at, and into, the painting's details. His works, as well as his titles, are whimsical and at times satirical, reflecting Dansoy's very nature.

"Juan Padyak" by Josue Mangrobang
72"x36" oil on canvas (2009)
PhP 60,000.00

JOSUE MANGROBANG JR. holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts (major in Painting) from the University of the Philippines College of Fine Arts in Diliman. He is currently pursuing a double degree, major in Art History from the same institution. A multi-awarded painter, Mangrobang is a national finalist in the 2008 Philip Morris Philippines Art Awards. He was also cited as a finalist in PDSI 2nd Figurative Art Competition 2009, the water media category of the 2002 Metrobank Young Painter Competition and the 2000 and 1999 Shell National Students Art Competition.

"Welcome Home" by Jomike Tejido
72"x36" acrylic on canvas (2009)
PhP 80,000.00.

Jomike Tejido is a practicing architect based in Manila and is also a painter. His background in architecture, children's book illustration, and love for the environment all entwine in his work.

He has held exhibitions in The Cultural Center of the Philippines, Singapore, Paris, and Tokyo. His paintings were awarded in the 16th NOMA Concours in Tokyo in 2006. His subjects on nature reflect memories of walking under tree canopies that has always given him a sense of serenity.

"Pilipinas" by Anton Balao - SOLD!
72"x36" oil on canvas (2009)

A graduate of Fine Arts at the University of Santo Tomas, Anton Balao's skill with the pallet knife earned him a slot as semi-finalist the first time he joined Metrobanks' Young Painter's Annual art tilt. Though he majored in Interior Design, his passion for the more hands-on creative arts led him to painting. His musical inclination has him playing guitar and drums occasionally, an interest that lends a visual lyricism to his works.

In this painting, the figure represents the Philippines. Its butterfly shape and the movement of elements in the figure, according to Balao, denotes beauty, and express a mixture of rich and multifarious experience in the Philippine culture.

"Tatlong Marya" by Liza Flores
48"x24" acrylic on canvas (2009)
PhP 25,000.00

Liza Flores is an illustrator and designer, and is one third of the design company Studio Dialogo. According to Liza, the painting represents her belief that

"The sum of each Filipino's story defines who we are as a people. We share a common string, and it ties our stories. Being Filipino is about taking up that string, adding on to it, and passing it to the next.To be Filipino is to take part in the telling of our story."

Liza was also CANVAS' artist for the short environmental story, The Star Thrower (author unknown), which was part of "CANVAS Earth Tales," a collection of short ecofables for children, published by CANVAS in October 2008.

"Pahingi Pa" by Michael Cacnio
7"x40"x8" brass sculpture on granite
PhP 140,000.00

2006 TOYM (The Outstanding Young Men) Awardee Michael Cacnio has built a niche for himself in the Philippine art scene as a sculptor in brass.

Barely three years after graduation, he was the sole Philippine representative to the 1994 ASEAN Sculpture Exhibit at the Fukuyama Museum in Hiroshima, Japan where his work “Bliss” is on permanent display. In 1997, he participated in an international Art Exhibit at the Osceola Center for the Arts in Kisseemmee in Florida, USA and was likewise invited to a roadshow of contemporary Philippine art that toured various cities for the United States.

"Blessed" by Leonardo Aguinaldo
approx. 60"x36" Mixed Media on Korean Handmade Paper (framed with glass)
PhP 80,000.00

"The conquest of the Filipino spirit not only destroys our identity as a people, but also results in the creation of a colonial breed that feeds on foreign ideals. Maybe divine intervention, or a divine blessing is what we need to free our souls and to open our eyes."

Baguio-based artist Leonardo Aguinaldo studied Architectural Drafting in Baguio. He was awarded the Thirteen Artists Award by the Cultural Center of the Philippines in 2003, and won the grand prize in the ASEAN Art Award sponsored by Philip Morris Asia-Pacific in Bangkok, Thailand, earning him the coveted title of "Best Emerging ASEAN artist of 2004". In 2007 Leonardo was commissioned by the Singapore Art Museum to create a work made of 135 pieces rubber puzzle play mats, with self-contained images executed in rubbercut that covered an entire 15 x 30 feet floor area. He has participated in several international art exhibitions which include the Busan Biennale South Korea, International Open Air Exhibition, Kanagawa Prefecture in Yokohama, Japan and Nature Art in Korea.

"How Philippines" by Farley del Rosario
72"x36" acrylic on canvas (2009)
PhP 95,000.00

"My painting is about how it is second nature for the Pinoy to make light of any circumstance or issue, be it political, social, or environmental. The knee-jerk reaction to playfully joke about the latest catastrophe or crisis is a key element of Pinoy resilience."

The son of a painter, Farley del Rosario's colorful naïf renditions have graced the annual Fookien Times publication, the Philippines Yearbook 2006. There, his works complement the essays of known writers, among them, National Artist F. Sionil Jose.

He is proving to be a fast rising favorite of collectors and set of paintings for CANVAS' children's book, Sol - A Legend About the Sun, was both a critical and sold-out success.

GO TO SET 2 >