By Veronica Veloso Wuson
Yes… Angels on Earth do exist.
Nine years ago, the only home for “starving artists” who seek top rank status was unceremoniously padlocked. While evolving in the so-called “kanlungan ng sining” (Art Haven) at the Rizal Park from 2012-2014, some homegrown artists did and continue to reach their stars, among them, Eman Mediana Santos, Joseph Villamar, Jane Ebarle, and Robert Fernandez.
With the mission of nurturing artists from embryonic to dynamic level, the ambitious plan of the current Art Association of the Philippines (AAP) officers was set in motion in 2019 to build the AAP Tahanan Office/Gallery by artists for artists and the Filipino people.
The AAP is the largest and oldest umbrella organization of artists founded 75 years ago by Purita Kalaw-Ledesma. Through the years members have expanded from the initial social set to 12,000 living in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Using their own network of art patrons, AAP officers led by master visual artist Fidel Sarmiento initiated the first fundraiser for their forever home in Cebu City through then Secretary for the Visayas Michael Dino and his Sacred Heart School classmates. Artists collaborated raising P4.5 million from auction sales.
Despite COVID and negative criticisms stumbling their ambition, the AAP officers plodded on with their selfless task and finally found a 200 sqm lot for P2 million in an unassuming village called San Isidro Labrador, Barangay Ulat, Metro Tagaytay Silang, Cavite.
“The land was within our budget and within growing Metro Tagaytay,” said Sarmiento. “Groundbreaking started March 2022 with the remaining P2.5 million to build the two-story with roof deck Tahanan.”
Such was the blind ambition of the AAP officers resonating with the local optimistic thinking of “bahala na” (“let go and let God.”).
And this is where I am overwhelmed to have a front-row seat of people’s organic kindness when they learn of the story of the AAP’s ambitious goal of constructing their forever home after 75 years.
A flock of “angels on earth” slowly, softly started donating.
One of Sarmiento’s artist students in Sunshine Place along Jupiter, Makati, anonymously dropped P1.3 million. A few gave five and six figures. Another sponsored fundraising exhibits in SM Aura and SM Podium.
During informal conversations, golfers, neighbors, and business people quietly and generously wrote checks and donated in kind. Industry giants like Wilcon and Boysen brought in paints, lights, ladders, et al. An ambassador opened his warehouse for the artists to freely shop.
As funds trickled in, the building designed by Fidel Sarmiento is now in its finishing stage. Engineer/contractor pro bono is Sarmiento’s classmate, John Morales. AAP’s tres Marias officers Margarita Lim, Lulu Olan, and Monette Alvarez constantly inspect the building’s progress and accountability.
“ We continue to approach foundations and corporations for donations for the Tahanan’s sustainability,” said AAP secretary Margarita, who is a Hall of Famer Watercolor Artist.
World-famous Sam Penaso will sculpt, also pro bono, the building’s facade using stainless tubing (still being sourced).
A multipreneur is scheduled to assess the railings needed from the disabled access path to the gallery floors, the stairs, and roof deck. A farm in Lipa, Batangas, pledged plants and landscaping.
To witness the infectious enthusiastic kindness of a community of “angels on earth” is incredible amidst noises of selfies and greed. In the end, kindness trumps everything.