The Anthem Philatelist

  Great works of Art never truly belong to the past.  They continue to live through the artists they inspire, finding voices, new meanings and new audiences across generations. Echoes of the Masters presents a compelling exhibition where contemporary engage in future dialogue with the masterpieces that shaped the history of art.  Through distinct perspectives and deeply personal, each work becomes homage and renewal- demonstrating that artistic legacy is not preserved through repetition, but through continual transformation. Featured artists- Romulo Galicano , Luther Galicano, Jonathan Abellana, Audie Estrellada , JP Abejar, Seven Snow, Ariel Caratao, Ramon de Dios, Carly Florido , Publio Briones, J-art Menguito, Clint Normandia, Kevin Serad, Mar Vidal, Marlowe Villagonzalo , Jonathan Galicano, Boy Auditor, Cesar Montano, Richard Gomez, Ruth Lozada, Walter Vestil . Cañete, Auditor, Estrellada, Serad, Vidal, 7Snow, J. Galicano, Briones, R.Galicano, Florido, Caratao, Mengu...

In Every Brushstroke, A Memory. In Every Image, A Voice. "Echoes Of Expression" Brings Together A Distinguished Group Of Filipino Artists Whose Diverse Techniques And Visions Reflect The Enduring Resonance Of Artistic Voice Across Style, Aesthetic And Generation. This Exhibition Serves As A Contemplative Dialogue Between Form And Feeling- where Jun Rocha, Vic Bachoco, Jess A. Dinglasa, John A. Dinglasa, Reynan D. Dingal, Benjamin D. Goyha, Jose Kimsoy Yap Jr., And Luther M. Galicano II Present Works That Speak Beyond The Canvas. Each Piece Holds A Personal Story, Yet Together, They Create A Collective Pulse- echoes That Reverberate With Cultural Memory, Visual Poetry, And The Quiet Persistence Of The Filipino Fine Arts. From Realist Precision To Expressive Abstraction, The Exhibit Celebrates A Shared Commitment To Truth In Representation And Depth In Feeling. These Are Works That Reverberate And Resonate -leaving An After-sound In The Heart Of The Viewer to Discover More.

Every city has a soul, but only a few chosen individuals possess the vision to capture it before it slips away into the modern landscape. For Cebu , that visionary was Jose Maria (Joe Mari) Picornell. Often hailed as the " Van Gogh of Cebu ," Picornell did not just paint landscapes; he immortalized the fading pulse of old streets, ancestral corners, and vanishing scenes. To the art world, he was a master of color and texture. To me, he was a gentle soul whose humility, vulnerability, and brilliant creative spirit left an indelible memory in my mind. Our story began with a chance encounter that felt entirely dictated by fate. I bumped into him at Ayala Mall , where he was carrying a few of his paintings. He cut a slightly dejected figure; he was supposed to meet a buyer but had just been stood up. Seeing the master standing there with his life's work in his hands, I introduced myself and asked if I could see the pieces. Right then, amidst the bustling mall crowd, I secured...

  Kapit, Watercolor, 9"x 12", 2022 The rhythmic scraping of a palette knife against canvas, the rich scent of oil paint clashing with the aroma of ramen from nearby Rai Rai , and a quiet, unassuming man completely absorbed in his craft—this is the enduring image of Luther Galicano at a mall in Cebu where I first met him. To the casual shopper navigating the mall’s bustling corridors, he was once a hidden gem creating masterworks in plain sight. Today, his brilliance has found its rightful platform as an in-house artist at Galerie Raphael , a milestone that formally anchors his reputation as an exceptional draftsman and a brilliant custodian of Cebuano art . What immediately draws viewers to Galicano’s work is his profound mastery of rural Cebuano scenes and seascapes . In an era dominated by hyper-modern and often detached art forms, his canvases offer a soulful sanctuary. He captures the vibrant, sun-drenched spirit of the Visayan countryside—the rustic charm of nipa huts...

 The National Women’s Month Celebration has its roots in the recognition of International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8th, a historical event stemming from the organizing efforts of women in the early 20th Century. Between 1909 and 1911, working women in the United States, united under  the National Women’s Trade Union League and other groups, protested against low wages, lack of protective legislation, and harsh working conditions. These demonstrations were a response to the tragic Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in March 1911 in New York City, claiming the lives of over 140 working girls, primarily Italian and Jewish immigrants. The subsequent observances of International Women’s Day invoked the appalling working conditions and unfair labor practices leading up to the disaster. The 2024 National Women’s Month Celebration aims to capitalize on the recurring theme “WE for gender equality and inclusive society,” introduced in 2023. This theme, launched to renew commitment to...