Curators would understand why the framed original painting of Confeccion de la Standarte Nacional (Making of the Philippine Flag) by Fernando Amorsolo would shout at me in this picture, "Touch me not!"
But I dared to connect myself to the symbol of our country. I'm proud Filipino. Proud Visayan. And proud Inopacnon!Yes, let me say again - I'm proud that I'm one of you!.
Last December 2009, I got this rare opportunity to stand next to the original Fernando Amorsolo's painting depicting the historical making of the Philippine flag in Hong Kong (so it's made from Hong Kong like most of surplus wares and items sold in the market). This frame hangs behind the desk of COB-CEO Vicente R. Ayllón in the 30th Level of Insular Life Corporate Centre (ILCC) in Filinvest Corporate City in Alabang.
The following are excerpts from the Philippine Star's feature article in Arts and Culture on December 01, 2008:
“Did you know that during the post-war period, Insular Life commissioned Fernando Amorsolo to create a series of paintings of historical events to be put in our offices (and which were subsequently used in Insular Life calendars from the late ’50s to the ’80s) — and we paid him P1,000 each?” says the very amiable Ayllón, whose knowledge of Philippine art is astounding. “I was sent by Fernando Zobel to talk to Amorsolo and he was a very nice person. So soft-spoken.”
"Ayllón points to a painting behind his desk that highlights the chairman’s office: “Confeccion de la Standarte Nacional (Making of the Philippine Flag).” “We bought that for just a thousand pesos, would you believe?” says an amazed Ayllón. “The value of that painting now is much, much more.”
"In the painting, three women (symbolic of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao) are sewing the Filipino flag, laden with history and the proud fruit of revolutions and revaluation. An essential visual document. A national treasure. Something inarguably priceless."
"Ayllón points to a painting behind his desk that highlights the chairman’s office: “Confeccion de la Standarte Nacional (Making of the Philippine Flag).” “We bought that for just a thousand pesos, would you believe?” says an amazed Ayllón. “The value of that painting now is much, much more.”
"In the painting, three women (symbolic of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao) are sewing the Filipino flag, laden with history and the proud fruit of revolutions and revaluation. An essential visual document. A national treasure. Something inarguably priceless."
Edgie Polistico with Mr. Vicente "Ting" R. Ayllón, the Chairman of the Board (COB) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Insular Life
MAIN PAGE: INOPACAN, LEYTE and the Inopacnons
MABUHI ANG INOPACAN! MABUHI ANG INOPACNON!
DALI KAMO! DUAW KAMO!
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