A painter to watch out for

Dino Gabito is one of the most sought after young painters today.  He just proved that recently with his first solo exhibit called Shroud at The Metro Gallery in San Juan City. The entire collection was sold out within minutes. In fact, his show, which was due to start at 6 p.m., had to open 30 minutes earlier because many guests were already at the venue as early as 2:30 p.m. They were that excited to own Dino’s very in demand works!

Born in 1989, Dino finished his Bachelor of Fine Arts, Major in Painting at the University of Santo Tomas. He is affiliated with One Hand Group and  Creative Painter’s Group by Norris Castillo. He joined one group exhibition in 2011 followed by three group exhibitions in 2012. In 2013, he joined nine group exhibitions.

Dino’s paintings and sketches showed intricately shrouded figures and flowing fabric. The exhibit was attended by a huge crowd of art collectors and aficionados including some of my favorites like Luis Lorenzana, Ferdie Montemayor and Lynyrd Paras. Young and talented artists of the 1616 group, who are among the most talented today, were also present.

The artist’s parents Mariano and Syra Gabito were beaming with pride with their son’s accomplishment. Metro Gallery’s Chitty Cometa and her mom Irene prepared a large buffet that kept people full way into the night.

Dino will have a two-man exhibition this year with his good friend and equally talented artist Adrian Evangelista. He plans to finish his 100th Shroud work by next year in time for his second solo exhibit at the Ayala Museum.

(The Metro Gallery is located at 455 P. Guevarra St., San Juan City.  Call 0917-8115399 or e-mail [email protected] for inquiries.

Visit www.metrogallery.ph.) A gathering of the greats

The first and only premier basketball program in the country, BEST Center, saw past, present and future basketball icons all under one roof to celebrate its 36th anniversary.

The impressive guest list included legendary PBA players Jerry Codiñera and Bong Ravena, Gilas Pilipinas players LA Tenorio, Larry Fonacier and Jeff Chan, Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes, PBA Rain or Shine’s Chris Tiu and Ty Tang, 2011 UAAP Rookie of the Year Kiefer Ravena, 2013 UAAP Juniors MVP Thirdy Ravena and 2012 UAAP Juniors Mythical Five awardee Renzo Subido.

BEST Center founder and president Nic Jorge was more than grateful for the continuous support the Center has been getting from friends and supporters. He said, “We started BEST Center to provide aspiring basketball players a program to develop their skills. For 36 years, we are proud to say that we have been delivering on this promise, and have even produced quite a few legendary names.”

Joining the celebration were Olongapo City Mayor and sports advocate Rolen Paulino; singer, host and BEST Center parent Randy Santiago; and executives from longtime sponsor MILO represented by former Nestlé executives Levi Castillo, Ernesto Mascenon and Jackby Jaime, current MILO business executive manager Sherilla Bayona, as well as new sponsor RCBC Savings Bank first VP Guilberto Benedicto.

(Follow me on Instagram @pepperteehankee.) Photos by Pepper Teehankee on a Canon Digital Powershot