Immortalizing Martino Abellana (Noy Tinong)

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 Renowned painter Martino “Noy Tinong” Abellana was born on Jan. 30, 1914, in Carcar, Cebu, and lived for 74 years, leaving a legacy that may be unparalleled in the Cebuano art community; he is referred to as the “Dean of Cebuano Painters.

His days spent mentoring and lecturing students on the campuses of the Cebu Institute of Technology and the University of the Philippines – Cebu (UP Cebu) are recalled by his former students with a tone of reverence. These students – many of whom have become renowned artists in their own right – will never lose their awe and respect for this great man, which has fueled a renewed movement for him to gain National Artist recognition.

On Feb. 6, 2025 a celebratory program and dinner were held at the Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) Library and Activity Center after the ceremonial unveiling of a 12-piece Abellana portrait collection featuring the personalities who were the pillars of the school. During the program, CIT-U president Engr. Bernard Nicolas Villamor welcomed guests warmly and spoke of the happy coincidences that set the events of that evening in motion. Another highlight of the evening was the unveiling of The Bystander, painted by “Noy Tinong” in 1959. This piece – on loan from the Ateneo Art Gallery – was of special significance to its artist, being one of the works he was known to have sought out in his twilight years.

On Feb. 7, the National Museum of the Philippines in Cebu opened its doors to special guests at 10 in the morning for a Bespoke Tour of the Martino Abellana exhibition. A ceremonial signing of the Commitment to the Cause was the main agenda of the short program. In his speech, Cebu City Mayor Raymond N. Garcia described the artist as “one who left a vision of Cebu as a flourishing hub of artistic excellence and whose passion for realism, deep understanding of form and light, and dedication to mentoring young artists continue to shape Cebu’s vibrant art scene.”

GMA Sunstar Mar 8, 2025 (reprinted with permission)

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