SOURCE: The Philippine Star, BusinessWorld, Malaya
In support of preserving the artistic heritage of Angono, the
country's art capital in Rizal, Nestlé Philippines, Inc. (NPI) recently
auctioned off paintings created under its Likhang Kasambuhay, Habambuhay
project for the benfit of the Angono Council for Tradition, Culture and
Arts (ACTCA). The council aims to develop talents, especially among
children and youth, through training programs in visual arts, music,
dance, theater, literature and film/photography.
The Likhang Kasambuhay, Habambuhay project raised a
considerable amount from the auction, as one among many components of
the Nestlé Philippines Centennial celebration, themed Kasambuhay, Habambuhay (Companioin in Life, For Life).
Led by Ying Miller, wife of NPI chairman and CEO John Miller, the
project involved spouses and children of top Nestlé executives. They
received some 120 hours of painting lessons over seven months by noted
artist Jose Glenn Blanco of the Blanco Museum in Angono. After
benefitting from the lessons and undergoing a self discovery of their
artistic inclinations, the participants went to work, with an output
totaling 43 co-creations of paintings which were auctioned.
"We, the wives and our children, wanted to give a lasting legacy to
the Filipinos' good life, so we got together to leearn how to tell more
Kasambuhay stories. From our shared experiences, we expressed ourselves
through our paintings," Ying said. "If art is the food for the soul,
then I hope we have given enough good food to help ACTCA give good life
through our art. I also hope that together, we have given a lasting
legacy worthy to be called Likhang Kasambuhay, Habambuhay."
Why the art project?
John Miller said the mission of Nestlé Philippines is to continue to
nurture future generations of Filipino families and contribute to the
development of a strong and prosperous nation, as it has done in the
last 100 years. In keeping with that mission, he explained, it was
fitting for family members to participate in the company's Centennial
through art, with the paintings, envisioned to last for years, serving
as an enduring reminder of the Centennial.
Artist Glenn Blanco is a member of the famed Blanco family of Angono,
all of whose members are painters, from parents to children. Jose
"Pitok" Blanco raised a family of painters - a family whose works of art
reflect their solid bond. In their case, truly, "a family that paints
together stays together." The Blanco Museum is located at 312 Ibanez
St., Angono Rizal.