Freeway x Carlos “Botong” V. Francisco NACS Holiday 2012

Freeway pays homage once more to the Philippine Artists as they launch the 100th year Celebration of National Artist for Visual Arts Carlos "Botong" V. Francisco with their beautiful collection, the National Artist Collectors’ Series. Last October 18, the media, fashion and art enthusiasts all gathered at The Row, Glorietta 1 to commemorate a great talent that is purely Filipino. 

Hosted by premier actress, Ms. Cherie Gil, the life and works of Botong Francisco was unfolded as it inspires the generation of today, of how colorful and beautiful his art is. By his talent, he made the Philippines proud of his endeavors, by showing how our country is magnificent.

After the presentation, the 25 piece elegant Holiday collection, was brought to life with Botong Francisco's art showcased in cloth. It is definitely a must have for it fuses fashion and art at the same time. From canvass to fabric, it was majestic to witness how Botong’s timeless paintings were translated into sublimation graphic tees, work shirts, tailored dresses, casual tops, weekend wear, and many other accessories.

Here are some of the pieces from the collection:

Delving more about Botong Francisco, Mr. Ino Manalo  (Executive Director of the National Archives) and Carlos “Totong”  Francisco II (Grandson of Botong Francisco) shared interesting stories and trivia about the National Artist and his big influence in Philippines Art and Culture. Also looking fabulous with her FreewayXBotong outfit was former Governor of Tarlac, Margarita “Tingting” Cojuangco, a passionate lover of art and fashion. I must say that I definitely learned a lot about the culture and our humble beginnings.

An impressive art exhibition by Michael Blanco’s Academy of Artists was proudly presented during  the event. The exhibit showcased young talented artists at work, ages 6 years old to 12 years old, all from Botong Francisco’s hometown province of Angono Rizal. Their amazing talents will definitely make us proud to be Filipino

To know more about the collection and Botong’s 100th Anniversary celebrations (see Calendar of Activities below), visit Freeway’s new website www.FREEWAYONLINE.com.ph and get freshest updates at Freeway’s Facebook page (facebook.com/FreewayOnline) and Twitter (twitter.com/FreewayOnline). For inquiries and program updates on the Centennial, email at Botong100@gmail.com or check out Facebook: Carlos "Botong' Francisco Centennial.

18 September: UST Museum Centennial exhibit of Botong and Puruganan
18 October: Freeway: National Artist Collectors Series x Botong Francisco
25 October: Inauguration of studio marker and other events in Angono at the Franciso Heritage Home
10 November: “Sabado sa Museo at si Botong Francisco with Dr. Patrick D. Flores and Carlos (Totong) G. Francisco” at the National Art Gallery
4 November: Holy Mass at Botong’s grave at Angono Public Cemetery
4 November: Botong Francisco centennial event in Angono
16 November: Painting Exhibit by Botong’s Apprentice – Salvador Juban, Yuchengco Museum
3rd week November: UST College of Fine Arts and Design student exhibit
19 November: Botong conference in FEU
November /TBA: CCP Exhibit of Dick Baldovino’s photographs of Botong Francisco
November onwards/TBA: Tours within FEU
22 November: Angono Higantes Festival, Angono, Rizal
23 November: Angono town fiesta, Angono, Rizal
4 December: Ayala museum Images of Nation exhibit
February 2013/TBA: Target date of launching of the consortium’s monograph
February 2013/TBA: Botong tribute exhibit of Angono Artists Association, SM Megamall/Podium
February to March 2013: UST Museum Annual Inter-School On the Spot Painting Competition and Exhibition