Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar presents “Pedrong Masipag: Night Mode,” a solo art exhibit by self-taught artist Neptalie “Rico” Aunzo. Inspired by the warm lights of Las Casas, viewers can be in awe of the “angular or slightly distorted figures that appear idol-like, introspective, with long necks and portentous eyes that are shut” in his paintings.
The characters, as written by art collector David Jonathan Bayot, are set in strong and brash colors and applied with an apparent force of spontaneity. Pedrong Masipag, his moniker, refers to an almost perfect human being and ideal Filipino, depicting a golden aura clad in barong Tagalog.
Jorge Vilanova, Las Casas general manager, said that arts and culture is at the core of Las Casas and they are proud and honored that Aunzo has chosen the property in Bagac, Bataan to display his art collection which reflects his realizations during the series of pandemic-related lockdowns.
“For sure, most of us will find and share something in these paintings that we can relate to through our particular journey during the lockdowns,” Vilanova also said.
When she first read about the special exhibit, Jovy Acuzar, Las Casas corporate marketing head, was deeply inspired by Aunzo’s story. “At Las Casas, we are driven by our founder Jerry Acuzar’s vision in building Las Casas.”
Acuzar saw many similarities in their stories. “Similar to Aunzo, my father had to work extremely hard in his life in order to pave his path. Just like Aunzo, passion, creativity, and a genuine love for country drove him to create the amazing sights we can see as we look around today.”
At Las Casas, “we believe that we should celebrate our local heritage,” she said, believing that Filipinos are extremely skilled, talented, and artistic individuals.
“We are witnesses to this as we watch our artists, craftsmen, and craftswomen do the exceptional work that they do that make Las Casas what it is today,” said Acuzar. “My hope is that, as we showcase more Filipino talent, we can inspire others to follow and to do the same.”
Dr. Roland Fronda, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent at Department of Education Bataan, believes that the kind of venue, opportunity and activities will certainly provide students with worthwhile experiences that they can learn from.
“With this kind of exposure, we believe that students will be able to learn from the artist himself, and this also serves as another opportunity for more exhibits and performances,” Fronda said.
Having been able to showcase his works in Las Casas is not just a blessing, but also a perfect opportunity to see Pedrong Masipag (Peter the Diligent), said Aunzo, who grew up without a father, but tried to figure out what it was like to have one on paper and on canvas.
Aunzo, who was told he inherited his interest in art from his father, has welded a personal style. “It is a style that has remained true to where his memories are rooted and where his dreams take flight. It is a place where Pedrong Masipag creates and recreates a home, just as he once did,” Bayot noted, and the first time Aunzo saw his father was when he started painting what he imagined him to be like.
