NAGA CITY – Celebrating this year’s National Arts Month, forty paintings by Bicolano international artist Pancho Piano were sold in a jiffy, in checks and cash, during the art exhibit, “Obra y Comida con Pancho”, at Lolo’s Bar, Avenue Convention Plaza, at Magsaysay Avenue here last Sunday, Feb. 17.

        The paintings, figurative and abstract renditions of “Mother and Child” and of “Our Lady of Penafrancia”, were easily sold to those who attended the dinner exhibit and those who sent relatives and representatives to collect paintings paid even before the dinner exhibit.

        Marcelo Co with his pretty wife and Meriem Ursua took home with four and three Pancho artworks, respectively.

        Among the other art collectors during that night were Monsignor Zosimo Sañado, Engr. Boy Aman, Allan and Gwen Cu and their ever-resplendent mom Udette Cu, Dr. Christian Llorin, Dra. Chinggay G. Hernandez, Dra. Lily Anonas, Francis Papica, Zaida Maron, Ower Andal, and Ms. Remy Castro of SSS.

        Lilibeth Guysayko, project manager of the DIBA-sponsored art show, said the much-awaited event was in response to the desire of art collectors and connoisseurs in Naga and the province to own paintings by internationally-renown Pancho Piano.

        DIBA is the Developmental Institute for Bicolano Artists chaired by Amelita P. Zaens who presided over the art show.

        A steaming asparagus soup prefaced the guests with a choice of Lolo’s Bar’s Fillet Mignon or Flemish Chicken Roulade, along with rice or mashed potato, iced tea and fresh garden salad, for the sumptuous dinner before a brief program highlighting Bicol arts and culture with Pancho’s works. Beda Priela served as the program emcee.

        Singing priests Fr. Louan Jarcia and Fr. Goyong Gaite wowed the guests with their warm renditions of Bicol and Tagalog songs plus old-time favorites which they have sung during their recent concert in the USA.

        Bicol poet Janet Fabay captivated the guests with poetry reading.

        DIBA members Andy and Ningning Belmonte, Al Ubana, and Joe Perez assisted in welcoming the guests and in the disposal of each painting sold. Another member, Jose Fernando Obias did not make it as he was nursing a cold.

        Two more paintings were raffled off for free to lucky guests.

        The man of the evening, Pancho Piano, thanked the guests for their unwavering support in the promotion of Bicol arts and culture.

        Pancho

        A highly regarded colorist, muralist, and abstractionist, Pancho M. Piano is known for his spontaneous visuals characterized by distinct linear style.

        He straddles between figurative and abstract genres, both of which he handles with skill and confidence.

        In his work, he uses various media such as stained glass, fiberglass, canvas, and wood to create works of inspiring beauty.

        Born to a humble family, his talent in drawing and illustration shone at an early age. He finished his Bachelor of Arts, Major in Economics at the University of Nueva Caceres. Later, he took up Fine Arts in the University of the Philippines, with a scholarship granted by then Dean Jose Joya, his mentor.

        Pancho has completed about 150 commissioned works, mostly on Bicol history and culture. He has mounted various solo shows and group exhibits in the Philippines and abroad: The Hague, Milan, Paris, Rome, Amsterdam, Düsseldorf, Brussels, Berlin, Vienna, New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Japan, and Spain.

        These trips abroad have broadened his perspective on the latest trends in art which enriched his worldwide view as an artist.

        A world-class artist, Pancho essentially remains a Filipino and a Bicolano in his life and art, a role model to his Kababayan, who rose from humble beginnings to share his gift of art with his countrymen.