Wednesday, October 01, 2008 Rex Sinco's Obra By Terry D.C. Betonio
TOO often, we look at disabilities as something that cripples rather than inspires. Too often, we look at our abilities and disabilities and settle for mediocrity.
Rex, as he if fondly called by close friends and relatives, is a 33-year-old artist who, despite being afflicted with cerebral palsy, still manages to follow his dream - and that is, to paint.
Diagnosed with mild cerebral palsy when he was about four to five years old, an affliction that affects his motor coordination, Rex admits his physical condition has given him so many "discouragements." But he's lucky to have very supportive parents - Jun and Dr. Josie Sinco - and two brothers, who never fail to enlighten his mind and provide him with all the medical support he needs.
"I've gone through a long process before I accepted my situation. But my parents told me to focus on my strengths, not on my weaknesses. So instead of getting discouraged by my physical condition, I tried to dwell on something that could highlight my talent," Rex says, as he shares the pains he had gone through while trying to learn how to properly walk and talk.
The scars reminiscent of that strong determination to walk are even evident on his face and body.
When Rex gained his physical strength, his love for the art also started cropping up. At eight years old, he first did a sketch and caricatures of his dad as a birthday present.
Since then, he hadn't stopped doing sketches. He further honed his talent through the mentorship of Eduardo Corrales and Carlo Magno of the Madrigal Art Center while his family was still in Manila and Nonoy Estarte of Xavier University when they transferred residence in Cagayan de Oro in 1996.
Twenty-five years after, Rex is still into painting, putting into the canvas and giving life to thousands of God's creations using oil, oil pastel and acrylic.
He had at least two one-man exhibits in Cagayan de Oro and showed some of his artworks during the Misamis Oriental Medical Society Anniversary Art Exhibit in 1999 sponsored by Glaxo-Wellcome, which he received a special award.
Seeing his artworks, some of which are on display at the Brewberry Café in Divisoria, one wouldn't know this artist has physical disability.
"I live a very normal life but with limitations, like on walking and the way I talk. Sometimes, I felt pain in my shoulder while painting. But I don't mind the pain. I want to share and to show to the people that despite my physical challenge, I can be successful in my chosen field," Rex says.
Rex admits he is taking regular medications for muscle spasm but his physical condition can't stop him from aiming further.
"My goal is to have an art exhibit in Manila by 2009. I also plan to put up a foundation someday. I will gather all children with physical impairment and teach them how to paint. That is my mission before I get old," Rex says, though he admits one of his dreams is also to become a journalist.
His advice to those in the same plight as him--"never entertain discouragement."
"Have a positive outlook, nourish your talent, ask guidance and be the best in everything," he adds.
Editor's note: Some of Rex Sinco's paintings are currently on display at Brewberry Café, formerly Blueberry Café, at T. Chaves, A. Velez Sts., Cagayande Oro City
