Angono
These "shy" couple seems to be hiding behind some plants.
Angono, Rizal is known as the art capital of the Philippines. This town has produced two National Artists namely Carlos “Botong” Francicso for the visual arts, and Lucio San Pedro (of Sa Ugoy ng Duyan fame) for music.
Botong Francisco was one of my childhood idols. His breathtaking murals elicited such passion in me that I wanted to emulate his style. Unfortunately, fate had other directions for me as the images I make is a far cry from the style that inspired me.
Still a fave of mine, a visit to his hometown still rings excitement to me and as well as to my friends.
Most of Botong's paintings were converted into relief sculptures by a select group of artists on the walls of the street where he lived.
Posing by the viewing deck. The rockwall with the petroglyphs is just behind to the right.
The tunnel entrance leading to the petroglyphs.
Last in the agenda was a visit to the Angono Petroglyphs. Discovered by Carlos "Botong" Francisco, the petroglyphs is the oldest known work of art in the Philippines. There are 127 human and animal figures engraved on the rockwall dating back to 3000 BC. Erosion may have caused some of the figures to be indistinguishable
Lunch was at the Balaw-Balaw restaurant. This place is well known for serving exotic dishes. It's also a gallery where you can view various artworks like these paintings.
Masks with celebrity signatures adorn the interior of the establishment.
Moriones masks for sale..
Fellow Oly user - Nards sits idly by a column full of masks.
Entrance to the Nemiranda family gallery room
A huge fiberglass mermaid mounted on a wall
Next stop was the nearby Nemiranda Art Gallery. It is owned by the popular visual artist Nemesio Miranda who signs his works as Nemiranda. It's also a restaurant.
You'll find a potpourri of art pieces inside. From paintings, sculptures, masks, higantes and more! A feast for the senses.
Here's a close-up detail of the work above.
Botong's grandson - Carlos "Totong" Francisco poses by one of his works
Botong's house is now a converted mini museum being run by the family. You can view news, pictures, repros and other parapernalias concerning the late National Artist.
A glimpse of Botong's studio
Posing with Botong's grandson - Totong Francisco. Another artist in the family.
Looking at the museum displays
Another of Totong's work.
At a walking distance is the San Clemente Parochial Church. The altar of this church is spectacular. Covered in brass, the altar shined like gold adding to its regalness. My pictures do not do justice to it.
Group mates Sonny and Marlon viewing their altar pictures while an angel watches over them.
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