mark david derayunan: the handsomest of it all...

mark david derayunan's latest print ads shoot for garments

mark: a beauty worth seeing and time stands still

mark david's shoot for Billboard garments

mark's photo shoot for a magazine cover

mark in a casual wear

one of mark david's print ads which landed on newspapers

mark david (third from left) with his co-models at the TCMI Fashion Academy of Jhay Layson

An anonymous Poet once said: "Beauty is power, a smile is its sword." And that Poet is definitely right. Once you see beauty, your world will never be the same again.

Looking at Mark David Derayunan in person and Up Close, the world suddenly seemed to stop. Time stopped ticking, and as if, you were in a different dimension of space and time. He is so beautiful to look at. His smiles were so captivating, and the way he looked at you, could make you melt like a wax candle.

It was only a chance meeting with this beautiful young man at the TCMI Fashion Academy office of fashion designer Jhay Layson. That very afternoon that one blogger had an appointment with Mr. Layson, it so happened that Mark was also there for a meeting with Mr. Layson regarding a film offer. But nevertheless, that opportunity turned out to be a lucky event for the blogger. He decided to interview Mark and feature him on his blog site. And thanks for Mr. Layson (Mark's manager) for allowing that.

Well-bred, very Elite and Cosmopolitan, brilliant, polite and so warm- that's how one blogger could describe this "handsomest of all" among the new faces out to conquer the modelling world and the Tinseltown.

"I am nineteen years old and my province is Dumaguete City", Mark started saying about himself. "I am presently enrolled now at the University of Sto. Tamos, first year college and taking up Sociology. In high school, I attended Marist School."

With looks that could kill, why did Mark decided to take up a course that deals with people and society? What is he up to?

"Because taking-up Sociology could be a good preparation on my desire to take up Law", Mark answered. "You have to take a four year course before you can take up Law. And I thought, taking-up Sociology would definitely help me and give me more knowledge about people's mind and the people in society, in general. And Law deals with people, isn't it?

"Some people told me that I should have taken Psychology instead", Mark continued. "But I preferred Sociology because it seemed to be more interesting for me."

What could have attracted Mark- a nice 'clean-cut' boy like him- to be in a world of glittering lights and media hype? We mean, showbiz and modelling, where Paparazzis are everywhere?

"I could not reject their offers, I could not say no to them, you see", Mark answered. "When the offers started coming-in after I became a model of TCMI Fashion Academy, I asked for the advice of my parents. And they told me, as long as it won't affect my studies, it's gonna be alright for them.

"And so far, I'm starting to enjoy it- modelling on runways, print ads and commercials, came as a big challenge for me", he quipped.

Among Mark's print ads and modelling jobs were Globe, Vista Residences, Bratpack, Bench "Be You" fashion event, Oxygen, to name a few. He had also appeared in some runway fashion events.

"I had attended also an acting workshop under Cornerstone productions", Mark added up saying. "It gave me more confidence and I am now more interested to act in a film someday. Soon, i will be attending the Acting Workshop of Mr. Robert Silverio for TCMI, I promise that."

But Mark is more thankful than ever to TCMI Fashion Academy for opening the doors for him. It was Mr. Jhay Layson of TCMI who actually discovered and saw Mark's great potentials right from the very start.

"That's why I am really thankful to TCMI", came Mark's last words the brief interview with a blogger. "They honed my talents, they welcomed me and trained me to become a good model. Here at TCMI, the very best of me came out. Not just in becoming a good model but also in becoming a better person."

How we dream of seeing Mark someday acting side by side with his crush Liza Soberano and idol Daniel Padilla. Who knows, that would soon happen, isn't it? With a great male beauty that Mark posseses, his dreams won't be that far away.

Good luck to you, Mark.

mark: "to die for" kind of beauty

(written by robert manuguid silverio)

JHAY LAYSON: THE PASSIONATE ARTIST...

jhay layson: great passion for the Arts

jay: "designing suits is my style"

jay with his male models at TCMI Fashion Academy

It's one of those cozy and relaxing afternoons when one one blogger met-up with a passionate artist. The rains did not show-up on that day and the shining sun on that mid-day time made everything bright. Everything was set and the professionalism of the artist, alongside with his nice approach and warmth, made his blogger-guest very much at home.

A great snack of a Korean dessert of banana-caramel ice cream and Kimchi noodles made it all perfect, as the artist first invited the blogger to eat at Korean Bangsu along J. Molina St. in Concepcion, Marikina- a place which the artist owned. A warm reception like this, plus the great sincerity of the artist were the things that matters most.

After the wonderful merienda treat, the blogger was there inside the TCMI Fashion Academy and the staff were there were so nice and kind. Such a good training that the artist-owner of TCMI had taught them. Very impressive, indeed.

Around ten more minutes, everything happened fast already. The blogger was already facing the artist-owner of TCMI for an interview, after a little bit of more friendly greetings and tsika-tsika.

His name: Mr. Jhay Layson. A fashion entrepreneur, handler of commercial and runway models, and surprisingly, a public school teacher.

But the most important thing of them all- a PASSIONATE ARTIST. That's how one blogger could fully describe Mr. Jhay Layson.

How would you define yourself as an artist and a fashion designer, Mr. Jhay Layson?, one blogger asked:

"I am the kind of a fashion designer who gets inspiration on streets of Manila and the Metropolis and the daily lifestyle of the people", came Mr. Layson's answer. "That's where I get my ideas and creativity. From ordinary people and the scenery- then I transform them into ART, into designing clothes.

"You see, since I was a little kid, I like dressing-up people na", Mr. Layson continued. "And it started with my dolls. Habang nilalaro ko 'yung mga manyika ko nu'ng bata pa ako, I also dress them up. That's why when I grew older, the more I wanted to dress-up people. And it's fabulous.

"You see my style as a designer is more into formal wear and suits", he added up more saying. "Kaya lang, seasonal 'yun. Here in the Philippines, people are not used up in dressing-up in suits and all. They only dress-up on occasions like gala nights, weddings, hotel functions and the likes. That's why it's seasonal talaga. I love designing sexy suits, too. It pleases me much as an artist."

Question Number 2: Mr. Jhay Layson, what are the other aspects of your personality that goes alongside with the things that you do?

"My everyday life is like a routine, Sir Robert", Mr. Layson answered the question in a different way somehow. "In the morning, from 6 a.m. until 12 noon, would you believe that I am a public school teacher? Yeah, I am. And I have been teaching for the last 30 years. It's my happiness, to TEACH. I could say that it's also another aspect of my personality, aside from being a fashion designer.

"I love teaching the young and mold them into becoming better persons in the future", Mr. Layson added up saying again. "Yun bang someday, they will remember you and say to you that they're proud of you kasi naging TEACHER ka nila. Nakakataba ng puso 'yun. Teaching in a public school is one advocacy that I can never let go. I guess, it's my mission in life to teach

"Pagdating naman ng 1 p.m. until night, I transform into becoming a fashion artist", he quipped. "You will see me at TCMI Fashion Academy dealing with my clients, my models and my staff. It's two different lifestyles entirely."

Question Number three:Being the owner and Creative Director at the same time of TCMI Fashion Academy, how do you compete with the likes of SM, Rustan's, and other giant garment stores?

"I do not compete", came Mr. Layson's answer. "I am not into that, you see. I simply do my own thing and the rest follows. I just use my own creativity into transforming TCMI Fashion Academy and the clothes that I design into something much better. I train the TCMI models into becoming better persons and help them succeed in their dreams to become fashion and commercial models. I always love them to see looking good in any prestigious events that they attend.

"You see, Sir Robert, at the end of the day, what matters most to me is the self-fulfillment that I get in helping and teaching young people", he continued. "Just like the models I train at TCMI, I also get the same fulfillment in my other task- the public school teaching task. I have also taught in Vietnam, Korea, Thailand. They were part of my being an Ambassador for UNESCO, kaya ako nakapagturo sa mga bansang iyan."

Last Question, Mr. Jhay Layson, because I will reserve the other questions in the Part Two of your article. Bibitinin ko muna mga fans mo for now. Here's my last question: Is the fashion industry booming nowadays?

"Yes, and it's very digital nowadays", came Mr. Layson's answer. "That's why it's super fast now to see on the net the latest trend on fashion. The Millennial fashion designers, they no longer draw their designs on the sketch pad. They now do it fast on the internet. It's really very TECHIE na. 

"Fashion stays", he concluded. "People would always love to dress-up good and proper. It makes them feel confident. And a good fashion will never let you down."


Thank you, Mr Jhay Layson. 


(PART TWO OF MR. JHAY LAYSON'S ARTICLE WILL BE NEXT WEEK, HERE AT SWORDSHINES10 BLOG SITE)---****


written by robert manuguid silverio

jhay with actor piolo pascual

jhay with actor xian lim

jhay with alden richards

jhay putting oil on his foreign model

jhay during a wrokshop for aspiring models

jhay with an A-1 male model

TANGHALANG PILIPINO’s “NANG DALAWIN NG PAG-IBIG SI JUAN TAMAD” JOINS THE 12th WORLD THEATER CONGRESS IN MOSCOW

 TANGHALANG PILIPINO, the resident theater company of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, will showcase Filipino artistry and talent at the 12th World Theater Congress, happening on August 20 to 24, 2018 in Moscow, Russia.

The Congress and Theater Festival seeks to provide a major forum to discuss issues regarding the development of university theatres and changes in theatre curricula and pedagogy in the 21st century. It aims to highlight recent debates, initiatives and innovative approaches that characterize university theatre and redefine its role, position, nature and action in our present world.

Delegates from 50 countries are expected to participate in the congress, with theater companies from Latvia, Belarus, Bulgaria, Russia and the Philippines presenting their theatrical pieces at the theatre festival.

Spearheaded by CCP president Arsenio “Nick” Lizaso, together with TP artistic director Fernando “Nanding” Josef, other CCP and TP officials, the Philippine theater company will have the world premiere of “Nang Dalawin ng Pag-ibig si Juan Tamad (When Love Came to Juan Tamad)” on August 23 at the Theater Center "Vishnevy Sad/Cherry Orchard” in Moscow.

Adapted for the stage by Rody Vera, the original Filipino theater play is based on Filipino National Artist Nick Joaquin’s short story “How Love Came to Juan Tamad,” which was included in the book “Pop Stories for Groovy Kids,” published in 1979.

Directed by Jonathan Tadioan, “Nang Dalawin ng Pag-ibig si Juan Tamad” explains why Mariyang Makiling forever nurses a broken heart and why Juan Tamad remains a pop idol.

Featuring TP’s very own Actors Company, the play puts a spotlight on the Filipino folk tales, following the bizarre love triangle among the Filipino legendary characters Mariyang Makiling (Goddess of Love), Monte Banahaw (God of War), and Juan Tamad (the iconic character known for his laziness). The play is teeming with complex characters, with no one being purely a hero or a villain.

Not only is this production a mash-up of characters, the story explores the different faces of love – spiteful, narcissistic, revengeful and selfish - with a goddess falling for a mortal and a god breaking his boundaries all in the name of love.

The iconic folk characters are re-introduced and given a “New Age-meets-Indigenous” look with eclectic and colorful costumes designed by Marco Viaña, complemented by the dynamic sound design and musical composition by TJ Ramos, and choreography by Ronelson Yadao.

Meanwhile, actor-director and former TP Artistic Director Dennis Marasigan will be joining the delegation to present his paper on “The Practice of Theatre in the Philippines.”

The International University Theatre Association (AITU-IUTA) organizes the biennial theater gathering. Established at Université de Liège (Belgium) in 1994, the international theater organization aims develop and promote recognized post-secondary activity in theatre training, creation, research and theoretical and practical research, throughout the world, at the level of university or higher studies.

Designed by and for people from universities and other types of post-secondary learning institutions, the IUTA is a unique forum where teachers, practitioners, creators, scholars and theorists can share discoveries and discuss common concerns. This year’s World Congress is supported by the Ministry of Culture of Russia.

Established in 1987, Tanghalang Pilipino aims to develop and train actors, playwrights, and designers. With special emphasis on the production of original Filipino plays, it also aims to educate and awaken the cultural consciousness of the Filipino audiences through its regular performances and other related activities. The Tanghalang Pilipino season runs from July to March every year. Fernando “Nanding” Josef is its current Artistic Director.

For more information, call Tanghalang Pilipino at (632) 832-1125 loc 1620 and 1621, emailtanghalangpilipinomarketing@gmail.com. Tanghalang Pilipino is located at 2/F PDC Building, Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex, Roxas Blvd., Pasay City.

CCP ANNOUNCES 2019 CINEMALAYA FULL-LENGTH FINALISTS

AFTER its successful 14th edition, the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival gears up for its 2019 run with ten new full-length finalists who will compete for the coveted Balanghai trophies.

During the Awards Night last August 12, at the CCP's Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (Main Theater), the Philippines’ longest and biggest indie film festival announces the finalists, including: ISKA by Theodore Boborol; JOHN DENVER TRENDING by Arden Rod Condez; ANi by Kim Zuñiga and Sandro del Rosario; BELLE DOULEUR (A Beautiful Pain) by Joji V. Alonso; MALAMAYA by Danica Sta. Lucia and Leilani Chavez; ANNAK TI KARAYAN (CHILDREN OF THE RIVER) by Maricel Cariaga; WARD by Thop Nazareno; PANDANGGO by Sheryl Rose M. Andes; TABON by Xian Lim; and, FUCC BOIS by Eduardo Roy, Jr.

Written by Mary Rose Colindres, “Iska” by Theodore Boborol is about a loving but impoverished grandmother of an autistic child who loses everything and turns into someone society reckons her to be.

In “John Denver Trending,” director Arden Rod Condez bookmarks a period in people's lives when they allow social media to reshape their mindset. Based on true events and will be shot entirely in Pandan, Antique, it narrates how the life of a young boy has changed when he was caught on a viral video brutally attacking a classmate.

“ANi” by Kim Zuñiga and Sandro del Rosario follows an orphaned boy and his malfunctioning robot embark on a quest to save his grandfather's life.

Co-written by Carl Adrian Chavez and Kristin Barrameda, “Belle Douleur (A Beautiful Pain)” by Joji V. Alonso is story of a self-made woman in her late 40s who is bent on living on her own for the rest of her days and her journey of finding happiness in complete surrender and sacrifice.

Co-directors Danica Sta. Lucia and Leilani Chavez, with screenplay by Leilani Chavez and Liberty Trinidad, present “Malamaya,” a film about a pessimistic, uninspired middle-aged artist who finds spark with a millennial photographer who leads her on a path of creative and sexual reawakening.

In “Annak Ti Karayan (Children of the River),” director Maricel Cariaga expounds how a young boy and his three friends try to live a normal life, while battling their own demons and taking care of their respective families while their fathers are away.

Director Thop Nazareno, who directed “Kiko Boksingero” in the 2017 Cinemalaya, returns to the film festival with “Ward,” a film about a teenage boy who has been forced to live under the hospital bed of an ailing father and tries to live with some semblance of normalcy.

Also returning to Cinemalaya is director Eduardo Roy Jr. for “Fucc Bois.” The director has won Best Director and Best Film for his film "Pamilya Ordinaryo" in 2016.

“Pandanggo” by Sheryl Rose M. Andes follows a small-town midwife as she prepared for a job interview abroad.

Actor Xian Lim wears the director's hat in “Tabon,” a film how a man's belief in reality is tested when suspects are accused of a crime they believe to not have committed.

Since 2005, Cinemalaya has continued to discover, encourage and support the cinematic works of upcoming and veteran Filipino filmmakers who boldly articulate and freely interpret the Philippine experience with fresh insight and artistic integrity.

To date, Cinemalaya has supported and promoted the production of Filipino full feature independent films and short films. Many of these films have won awards in local and international competitions and festivals. Through the annual festival, Cinemalaya has showcased over 1,000 works by independent filmmakers including full feature films, shorts, documentaries, Filipino film classics, and art films.

For more information about Cinemalaya, visit www.cinemalaya.org, www.culturalcenter.gov.ph and the Cinemalaya Facebook page or CCP Media Arts at telephone number 832-1125 local 1704 & 1712 and the CCP Box Office at 832-3704.

LUE REINE DE GUZMAN'S OCCULAR INSPECTION FOR HER ASSISTANT DIRECTORIAL FILM....

LU REINE CONTEMPLATES

LU REINE IN ONE OF HER SAGALAS

THE STAFF INSIDE THE VAN WITH LUE REINE DE GUZMAN

THE STAFF AT GERRY'S GRILL

Lue Reine de Guzman finally had a taste of what an assistant director's work was all about. In a cool, somewhat rainy day Monday of August 20, 2018, her vibrant energy and friendly dealings with her co-workers for an upcoming film, was felt and seen by everyone.

The work loads of all those who attended the ocular inspection for the film somewhat got lightened-up because of Lue's energetic and lively presence. She joked everyone in her cute manners, hugged and lifted the spirits of Mr. Jojo Veloso (the executive producer of the film), saw all the little other details of the ocular and contributed her part in making a days' work DONE and triumphant.

"It's tiring but I really felt so good about it", Lue Reine told a blogger-friend during a casual interview. "I was really hand-on towards every detail of the ocular inspection. I got to talk with a businessman-tycoon, I got to bond with the staff and crew, joked around with my publicist Robert Silverio, and first time to saw an actual gay bar in which we will shoot for the many scenes of our upcoming movie.

"Now, I am slowly learning the in's and out's of making a film", she continued. "It's a make or break thing for me. But I am very positive, alongside my business and artistic sense, that this film will make it! Everything's so smooth-flowing, no hassles at all. That's why I will do my best - my very best, for this film. It's all worth it. "

Lue also observed in full absolution the 'behind-the-scenes' production efforts of all the staff people of this movie. She personally witnessed how hard their work loads were, and complimented everyone with their dedication, sincerity and honesty in working alongside with her.

"Before, when I became an actress in Hong Kong, I thought that acting was hard", Lue confided to her friend-blogger. "But then now that I experienced first-hand the behind-the-scenes-, I mean, working as an assistant director for this film, wow, it's only now that I realized that the people working behind the cameras have greater tasks and efforts. Their jobs are much, much harder. Because when I became an actress, all I did was to act in front of the camera and everything's set already. But now I knew, before the cameras starts rolling, there were too many preparations, too many sweat and sometimes, tears."

That's why Lue was so impressed with the people working around her now. First, to her Executive Producer Jojo Veloso, Production Manager Darwin Rosales, second assistant director Dave Cecilio, Production designer Niokz Arcega, Production Assistant Gabriel Hernandez Tilan, and other staff member like LJay Fernandez de Guzman. Sorry to say, but the name of the director of this film could not yet be mentioned as of press time. A proper date for the revelation of the director's name would soon be set.

Anyway, going back to Lue, she also learned some hard life lessons along the way.

"That male strippers are human beings, too", she said in the end. "Our film is about male strippers, but it's a dance film and not to be considered as a sexy film. As I did now our occular inspection in a red-light district somewhere in Luzon (place could not be revealed), I felt for them. That many of them simply had to work because they have to provide for their family, or send themselves to study in school, and many other important reasons. And through this new film coming up about male dancers, somehow, we will show their own side of the story. This time, not in a sad way, but in dancing and glossy vision."

Very well said, Lue. Keep it up.



(words by robert silverio)

LUE REINE DE GUZMAN: ARTISTRY REBORN

lue: the lady in red

lue: a true film artist

When she was young, she used to see her late uncle Rudy Fernandez and cousin Mark Anthony Fernandez in their family reunions. Her elder sister who's now based in Australia was Mark Anthony's playmate. And as she got older, she would mention the name of her late uncle Rudy on VTR's and audition interviews., because she was indeed proud to be a 'Fernandez', considered as a Royal clan in Philippine showbiz.

"Artistry is in my blood", Lue Reine de Guzman told a blogger in one casual bonding interview over a bottle of an expensive red wine at Italiani's restaurant. "That's why now, I would want to further explore my artistic inclinations which I inherited from the Fernandez clan. I am now venturing into the field of directing. And I am glad that the artistry in my veins lingers now. In the movie WILD BOYS, i can express this new-found artistry as I try to explore and learn more about film directing. I am the assistant director of the said film.

"It's an entirely new challenge for me, you see", Lue continued saying. "I am a jewelry designer and I have my own jewelry store. That field satisfies my artistic inclinations. I also paint, I also draw things. But I guess, my artistry will be reborn more when I become the assistant director."

A very lovely lady with a captivating charm and reminded the blogger of Hollywood actress Jennifer Lawrence (of Mockingjay and Hunger Games films), coupled in with her lively gestures and sincere ways- Lue fits the artistic eye to a 'T'. She was discovered by Jojo Veloso when she was barely 13 years old only and became a Philmoda (Philippine Modelling Agency) artist. 

Later on, Lue became a celebrated Hong Kong actress when she passed an audition for a Hong Kong film and landed the main part of the film. She left Manila and stayed in Hong Kong and made five international  mainstream movies there when she was 15 to 17 years old. 

The son of Jacky Chan- who is Jacee Chan dated her once.

"But no relationship happened, it was just a dinner date", Lue further reminisced as she and the blogger continued on drinking the tasteful red wine. "There were so many Paparazzi's who stole candid pictures, that's why after that date, maybe Jacky Chan did not like what the Paparazzi's did. To avoid controversy, me and Jacee stopped seeing each other."

But aside from Jacky Chan's son, the son of Samu Hung- who is Timmy Hung also dated Lue and soon courted her.

"But I followed the advice of my manager Jojo Veloso not to fall in love", Lue revealed. "There were no relationships that transpired with them. I simply became close to them."

Lue will soon land on the covers of two international English glossy magazines and she was dubbed in one as the 'Diamond Empress of the Philippines'. 

"The celebrity status doesn't make my head any bigger", Lue revealed. "But thank you, I am flattered."

What ignited Lue's passion now is the upcoming film Wild Boys.

"When the scriptwriter first showed the script and I read it, I became so interested", Lue concluded saying as she and the blogger almost emptied the bottle of the expensive red wine they were both drinking. "I know the film will have a box-office success. I could feel it. Then, they soon offered me the role of the Amanda female character there. But I said NO. I would love to be behind the cameras this time and learn more on the field of directing a movie. If Wild Boys would succeed, I will be doing more films."

We need you more than ever now in the movie industry, Miss Lue Reine de Guzman. And Artistry will be reborn.


(written by robert manuguid silverio)

lue: from the famous Fernandez clan

lue: heavenly beauty

from left to right: upcoming star aj raval, jojo veloso and ms. lue reine de guzman

blogger robert, and lue with friends during a dinner at Italiani's restaurant

"after the death of an artist, his works will be discovered"--- rafael cusi

mr. cusi paints blogger robert? nope. it's the minalungao river from below. haha.

mr. cusi paints with a light load

mr. cusi at work

(mr. cusi's photo above: courtesy of steemit.com)

(mr. cusi' photo above, courtesy of kunstartgallery.com)

robert, late mayor ferdinand bote (r.i.p.) and rafael cusi

blogger robert, the late mayor bote (r.i.p.) and mr. rafael cusi

mr. rafael cusi (fifth from left), with fellow artistic people and the late mayor of gen. tinio (n.e.) mayor ferdinand bote (r.i.p.) at an artistic event

a cusi watercolor

a cusi watercolor

a cusi acrylic

a cusi painting

a cusi 'nude'

a cusi nude work

"I got off to what they called us Style or distinction", world-renowned watercolor painter said to a blogger over a cup of coffee at Shangrila Hotel. "Hindi na laging style ang nasa isip ko ngayon as a painter. It's basically me, myself. Lumalabas ang sarili ko kahit ano'ng gawin ko- especially through my works.

"So, what I say is, I don't define my works anymore", Mr. Cusi continued saying. "I don't label my works in a certain style. I'm no longer conscious about it. When I was younger, maybe, I was."

These were the words that Mr. Rafael Cusi- a Filipino international painter, said. It simply left a better and greater impression on his grandeur as an artist- on the eyes of everyone, especially that very afternoon that he met-up with the blogger.

A very down-to-earth individual with many funny anecdotes on life, an inept charm, and handsomeness as you stared longer upon his personality- Mr. Cusi was more than a friend to that blogger than a casual client for interview.

"We had a wonderful time at the Biyaya Ng Sining artistic event of the late Mayor Ferdinand Bote (R.I.P.), isn't it, Robert?", Mr. Cusi abruptly changed the topic of the interview into a more personal one. "I'm just so sad now that Mayor Bote is gone now. I was there at his wake and I did a painting for his bereaved family."

And that's where the friendship started. On that very event of the late Mayor of Papaya (General Tinio), Nueva Ecija. On those days, one blogger would watch Mr. Cusi paint on a high deck fronting the Minalungao enchanted river. On a few nights, they would drink and talk about spirits and ghosts. But the most memorable ones were those casual lunches with the great painter as he shared experiences in many countries in Europe wherein his works were exhibited. On those stories he had, he simply showed to the world that one humble Filipino could make those foreigners kneel down their feet.

"I'm just doing my own version of what God has created", Mr. Cusi said again as he sipped his coffee and an expensive slice of pizza. "My works simply reflects another version of what God has done. And I'm happier doing this rather that limit myself with distinction and style. You see, life is too short to limit yourself or hide your self. What I want now is, to experience doing many kinds of art forms while I am still alive.

"Because, if you haven't noticed it yet, it's only after the death of an artist, that his works will be discovered", he quipped and added. "But you see, if you dwell on that idea for long, you're breaking the Liberty of further swimming in an ocean of limitless possibilities as an earthling. You have to conquer more. You have responsibilities."

Cusi's idol is no less than Pizarro.

"He started it out as a Realist and later turned-out to be an Impressionist", Cusi said. "That's why I also want to create Impressionist paintings someday. But like me, Pizarro also have imperfections. Madaming anak ang Diyos na hindi rin naman perpekto, di ba?"

Before the year ends, Mr. Rafael Cusi, better known as Popoy Cusi to his friends, will be having a One-Man-Show on the month of December, to be held at the Exhibit Art Center of SM Megamall. His watercolour paintings, especially his 'nudes' would surely be a best seller there.

"It's easy to become a Painter, but it's hard to become an Artist", were the words that concluded Mr. Cusi's interview with his friend-blogger.

And surely, it was so.

(More on Mr. Cusi on the coming issues of swordshines10.blogspot.com.---rs*)



(written by robert manuguid silverio)