By JOSEPH G. LARIOSA

(Journal Group Link International)

C HICAGO (JGLi) – Members of Philippine Artists Group based in Toronto, Canada, honored their departed colleague, Rolando Ponce Lampitoc, Sr. with “brush salutes” akin to the “crossed sabers” performed during a military wedding, which ensures the couple’s safe transition into their new life together.

In the case of the death of internationally acclaimed Filipino-Canadian impressionist painter Rol Lampitoc, PAG founder Romi C. MananQuil told this reporter that when “each of us individually walked to his remains, bowed, and placed a red-ribboned brush on top of his coffin,” this was the highest honor that they can give to their “Manong Rol” as he transitioned into the after life.

A multi-talented native of Ilocos Norte in northern Philippines, Lampitoc developed a homespun ability to play music with a ukulele and with a carpenter’s saw. In one of his own inimitable ways of entertaining his fellow Filipinos in Canada, he performed the instrumental “Dahil Sa’Yo,” drawing a bow across a saw like a violin. It was recorded on video for posterity.

A graduate of fine arts from the University of the Philippines, Lampitoc would become “a remarkable painter, portraitist, photographer, serigrapher, pastelist and water colorist,” according MananQuil. Lampitoc was like a “lineal” expert, acclaimed the best in the class on different fields of endeavors.

The foremost Filipino-Canadian artist and considered master by his peers died last May 16, 2010, more than a month after he celebrated his 85th  birthday, at his home in Toronto’s suburb of Scarborough.

News of his death was relayed to this reporter by Chicago-based international artist Bueno Silva, who joined the PAG’s art exhibit in the Philippines several years ago.

In 1972, Lampitoc won the most coveted award in the Philippine Art Exhibit, print category. He was, then, asked to represent the Philippines at the “International Salon Sud” in Paris, France.

Later that year, he immigrated to Canada, leaving behind a slew of his works that adorned the homes of the Philippine elite, who commissioned his paintings, and the American Embassy in Manila.

Portraits of Philippine Presidents

A mong his commissioned works were portraits of Philippine Presidents Carlos P. Garcia and Diosdado Macapagal, done in 1959; Chicago’s Mayor Richard J. Daley in 1960; American President Harry Truman in 1969; and Detroit Mayor Roman S. Gribbs in 1973.

In Canada, he taught art at Windsor’s St. Clair College and Willistead Art Gallery.

His portrait paintings now hang at the University of Toronto’s Woodsworth College, Emmanuel College, Engineering College, Centenary Hospital and other private collections.

In 1981, Mr. Lampitoc won an international award for portrait competition in New York City. His work, “The Model” was one of those chosen from the 108 finalists to hang at the 5th Annual Juried Show of the Blue Mountain Foundation of the Arts in 1985.

Lampitoc’s pastel “Inday,” became his ticket to be the only Canadian accepted into the Pastel Society of America at that time. In 1989, he won the “First Prize Award” and the “Most Favourite in the Show” of the Pastel Society of Canada.

At the Arts Guild of Scarborough show in 1987, he won two awards, first prize for “The Band,” and “Moments of Reflection." In 1992, the City of Guelph sponsored a “Mardi Gras” art show where he won First Prize and Best in the Show.

He was invited to exhibit his pastel painting during the opening of the National Gallery of Ottawa in 1988, featuring the work of Edgar Degas. His work was shown at the National Archives together with the works of other pastel painters from all over the world.

Lampitoc is survived by his loving wife, Cecilia, his children and their spouses with his grandchildren: Reuben and Cherry with Reuela & Pia; Maria Christina and Philip Conlon with Adrian, Finbar & Emily;  Maria Theresa; Maria Louisa and Patrick with Caleb, Timothy & Nathaniel; Rocille; Rolando Jr. and Kasumi; Arlina Inez and Les with Jacqueline & Alexandria; Courtney and Maria with Gian Carlo & Manika.

The Philippine Artists Group of Canada will honor Lampitoc with their forthcoming annual Philippine independence art show in June entitled “Pinsel, Alay kay Manong Rol.” (lariosa_jos@sbcglobal.net)  # # #