The Anthem Philatelist

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 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 friend whose humility, vulnerability, and brilliant creative spirit left an indelible mark on my life. 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 and there, amidst the bustling mall crowd, I acquired his paintin...

ArtPortalCebu is thrilled to present an extraordinary collection of 35 artworks by 15 esteemed Filipino artists. This exhibition embodies the artists' unwavering dedication, passionate commitment and willingness to embrace challenges, exemplifying their relentless pursuit of artistic excellence. Featured Artists: Antonio Alcoseba, Manuel Baldemor, Angel Cacnio, Romeo Cortez Jr., Wenceslao Cuevas Jr., Adeste Deguilmo, Fred Galan, Prudencio Lamarroza, Edgar Mojares, Celso Pepito, Jose Mari Picornell, Danny Rayos del Sol, Manuel Rodriguez Jr., Lydia Velasco and Orley Ypon have each forged unique artistic paths, earning notable recognition and accolades. The Exhibition's Significance Breaking Barriers" showcases the artists' decades-long commitment to their craft, highlighting their resilience, creative passion and perseverance. Despite diverse styles, they share a common spirit – overcoming obstacles and pushing boundaries. BREAKING BARRIERS JANUARY 8, 2025 6:00 PM ArtPor...

As most of our younger generation is facing the infringement of social media, most of their attention is tending toward self glorification thereby gradually abandoning the importance of a face to face activities that spur their personal development. Through world- wide - wave phenomenon might be considered as their era, it might help them discover their great potentials if we will introduce them to activities that motivate them to discover their right direction. Introducing our children to any sport might help them nurture their great potentials.  More than a means of physical fitness, sports invigorate the level of competitiveness in them, it can help them practice discipline, and most importantly, it facilitates our youth to discover their positive contribution to building a nation.  Coming on August 11, 2023 at 6:00PM PAUGNAT TA, BAY! Nurturing sports, Encouraging the youth Celso Pepito Leodito Bongo III Cesar Castillo Joel Cristobal  John Dinglasa   Jess Dinglas...

In my younger days I detest tatoos. I thought, why would someone desecrate his own body (the temple of the Holy Spirit ) for art's sake . But upon reading the book Bantugang Sugbuanon , Pigafetta mentioned the early Cebuanos had tatooed bodies as an expression of their craft and status. So tattoo artist are technically creatives using the skin as the canvas, thus making the person a walking work of art! But this will be my first and last tatoo. So glad I decided to pursue this daunting trip. Proud of our IP 's, cultural minorities and their traditions❤️ Thank you Whang-od . Thank you Grace and  Sunstar for the feature! Encounter with Apo Whang-Od: The Last Mambabatok The frenzy surrounding the April 2023 cover of Vogue Philippine edition drew my attention to the story of this famous 106-year-old cover girl. As we were already planning a trip to the Rice Terraces in the Cordilleras, I conferred with our tour operator on how to go about visiting Buscalan after Banaue and b...