‘Gift of Self’

CORY Aquino portrait by Emi Mercado.

Last July 29, President Benigno Aquino III, together with his sisters, Ballsy and Viel, unveiled a wall marker at the Manila Hotel composed of three paintings to commemorate former President Cory Aquino’s fourth death anniversary (August 1).

The exhibit, “Gift of Self,” featured almost 100 of Tita Cory’s paintings, many of them given as gifts to relatives and friends. They were gathered by Deedee Siytangco.

Sponsors included Manila Hotel’s Joey Lina, the Yaps, Adamson University’s Fr. Gregg Banaga, the Metro Pacific Group of Companies led by Manny Pangilinan, Metro Pacific Tollways’ Ramon Fernandez, Ramon Isberto and Butch Meily.

Point of view

Aquino’s paintings were filled with blooming flowers, and a series featured rosaries. Spirituality was her calming weapon.

Viewing her paintings was an emotional experience as I recalled how I framed her painting of flowers with happy colors. It’s now on a wall in my room. It’s such a privilege to have one of her paintings!

* * *

Our 2014 photo safaris include trips to Batanes, Dumaguete-Syquijor, General Santos, Sarangani-Lake Sebu and Marinduque (for the Moriones festival). E-mail [email protected], or call 0915 543-0482.