Love and passion in glass

“Sculpture is the art of the intelligence.” — Pablo Picasso

After the QuattroMondial, a 10-m.-tall sculpture of cast bronze and carved glass for the 400th celebration of his alma mater, the University of Santo Tomas, premier glass sculptor Ramon Orlina unveiled 42 major works in a recently concluded show entitled Luminosity: The Manila Collection. Traditionally blown, hammered, twisted or cast into shape while hot and malleable, glass is transfigured into high art by the unconventional Orlina as a sculptor would a block of marble or stone — cutting, grinding and polishing with tools and instruments. On display at the Galerie Joaquin in San Juan, Manila were three-dimensional abstract forms of passion and love carved from glass (in standard green, pink, amber, cobalt blue and purple), crystal and cast bronze. The exhibit was also a benefit event for the Serviam Catholic Charismatic Community of which the internationally renowned artist, his wife Lay Ann and children are active members. Over 200 art collectors and friends gathered at the opening cocktails including San Juan Mayor Guia Gomez, Marilou Hilado, Serviam Catholic Charismatic Community spiritual director Rev. Fr. Anton Pascual, Juvenal Sanso, Cid Reyes, Bambi Harper and Galerie Joaquin managing director Jack Teotico.

Alaga ni Inay in green glass.

Congratulations, Ramon!

Greetings

Happy birthday to our celebrators today, Singapore Airlines’ charming Rita Dy, FCCP’s Cez Manalo, De La Salle Zobel’s Joaquin “Chino” Rebano and entrepreneur Valerie Sotto.

Advance birthday greetings to designer Oskar Atendido, businessman Ramon Cojuangco Jr., Michelle Tuason, Teresa Arnaiz and Ma-ys Rufino, Aug. 29; Rosita Fernandez and Eskaya’s Richard Lim, Aug. 30; Ramon “Eki” Cardenas and Philip Cruz, Aug. 31; Helmut Gaisberger and Fanny Blanco, Sept. 2; Tito Lagdameo, Sept. 3.

So, how was your week?

(For comments or inquiries, please e-mail me at jjlitton@indanet.com)