Probinsaya goes to Solaire
PROBINSAYA, the longest-series of paintings started by Mindanao artist Rey Mudjahid “Kublai” Ponce Millan in 2009, is giving Manila art circle a reason to smile as the whimsical 4 feet by 4 feet paintings are now on show at the Solaire Resort and Casino in Manila for one month starting last September 22, 2016.
The Probinsaya series, a play with the words probinsya (province) and saya (joy), puts into focus the life in rural areas that could be as intricate and unknown to the big city dweller as a Moro mother playing the kulintang with her son or something as common as a “kanto” where barbecue, bananacue, are being sold.
It highlights the joy in these simple activities that has long been lost in the hustle and traffic of big city life. The series takes off from the various communities that Millan has integrated with in building his giant monuments in different municipalities in Mindanao as well as travels to remote villages with his friends, indigenous, Moro, and Christian communities.
The exhibit at Solaire’s The Shoppes features just 30 pieces of these acrylic paintings that brought smiles and laughter from all those who attended the opening. It was a gathering of friends, fraternity brothers, colleagues, and associates with Solaire giving their best with unlimited drinks and cocktail fare.
Giving the full support for the artist were his two brothers, Atty. Taipan (Rey Faisal) and Dr. Hafid (Rey Haffid), and mom Min Ponce, Kublai’s wife Maan Chua, who rendered two songs during the short program, and buddies Sunil Masukhani and this writer.
Giving their message of support and short recollection on how they got to know the artist were no less than Rosanna Tuason-Fores, one of Kublai’s patrons, and presidential son Baste Duterte, who impressed everyone with his insights delivered in a respectful yet candid way.
Duterte, who came with Atty. Alex Lumbaton, flew all the way from Siargao just for the exhibit opening. Also giving his message was Atty. Alexander Padilla, who got to know Kublai through his Rotary Club.
Seen among the crowd were Senator Sonny Angara, who struck everyone as an unassuming guy, former diplomat now private citizen Ching Montinola, Michael Ray Aquino, who was with his family, legal eagle Atty. Charlie C. Yalung, ace bird photographer Ivan Sarenas, art educator Gemma Aldea-Gomez, young power couple Christian Yap and Melissa Yeung-Yap, director Rej and Chrissie Baluyut, Atty. Alexander Padilla, BitoMontecon, watercolorist and fellow Dabawenyo, JinkyRayo, the artist’s batchmate in his fraternity Alpha Phi Beta Mel Rutaquio and Sylton Solidum, fraternity brother and environmental lawyer James Kho, Jun and Sonny Vega of the Avega Integrated Shipping Corporation, Laila Garcia who is a consultant of the Asian Development Bank, Dabawenyo businessman Bryan Lim, Tony Gloria, Abel Manliclic, Jed Eva, Shai Villalon, and Archt. Francis Hidalgo.
There were more, but the cameras were not fast enough as there were more pleasantries and friendly banters than poses. There as the power team behind the exhibit were Solaire executives Anna Peleo and Audie Gemora.
Gemora, who heads the entertainment department of Solaire, has urged Millan to set up more exhibits for Mindanao artists, which fit right in with Millan’s plan to pave the way for local artists to get the space to showcase their talents to a greater audience.
“We want to show that Mindanao is beautiful and that we are not just about war,” Millan said, as he secures yet a foothold into the prime market that has for so long been focused on angst and sadness and grim realities.
The gathering took on the spirit of the exhibit as people were in high spirits and in their most friendly mood. The exhibit is on until October 22, 2016.