Rustan’s Home welcomes BenCab

Rustan’s, the country’s premier destination for luxury goods and quality products, has always brought home the best of the world and our very own.  Its latest collaboration with National Artist  Benedicto Reyes Cabrera, popularly known as BenCab, brings an added dimension to having reproductions of his masterpieces in one’s  home. 

BenCab has been creatively working for more than 50 years and this time, his most popular artworks — “Blue Sabel” (2005), “Images of the Past” (1999), “Madonna” (2014), “Pillow Vendor” (2012) and “Kutohan” (2014) — have been translated into decorative plates, throw pillows,  drinking mugs, utility boxes, trays,  tote bags and fans. The collection unveils classic visual interpretations of the Filipino culture in the olden times through design elements of mother-and-child illustrations, monumental figures, traditional masks and different portrayals of women at work. 

During the launch at Rustan’s Makati, I met several of his fans who were delighted that they could now adorn their homes with BenCab’s work.  One of the female guests recounted that as she was doing her Christmas shopping, a sales clerk informed her of the exhibit on the store’s fifth floor and  the presence of her favorite artist.  She was not only thrilled to see him, but  immediately bought the whole line of the porcelain plate collection  that was  on display so that the set could be displayed on the wall of her newly remodeled dining room.

While Ben and I exchanged pleasantries, he pointed out that the “Blue Sabel,” which is prominently displayed in his Baguio museum, has also been reproduced  and  was delighted to see it as an all-purpose tray in the store’s buffet table.  

Art partron Dr. Joven Cuanang was likewise pleased to spot his special “Sabel” painting reproduced as a decorative plate, tote bag and an accent pillow with the original  hanging in his Pinto Gallery.

Rustan’s X BenCab Collection is available in Rustan’s Makati, Rustan’s Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Rustan’s Cebu, and Rustan’s Our Very Own Resorts World.  A free BenCab-designed tote bag is given for every single receipt purchase worth P15,000.

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For your comments and ideas, please email the author at jacinto.fa@gmail.com.