My personal encounter with world-class performer and seasoned singer Reuben Laurente started during the press conference for his fourth solo album HeartBlends. At that time, I knew he was the baritone from the CompanY who has embarked on a solo career.
The most noteworthy recollection about the album is that it had a unique repertoire of anthems sung by female artists that got a fresh reinterpretation by a male singer. Every song and line from each number, Laurente infused it with the emotional honesty, clarity, and commitment the ditties deserved. The subtexts, hidden meanings, and stories came throbbing, pulsating, and poignant, with him on the vocals.
Since that initial press conference, a friendship was forged, grew through the years, and though seeing each other has now become a luxury for thus, we have proven that we have a bond that is stronger than love and friendship.
That is why when he informed me about Pilipino Ako, Ito Ang Aking Lahi (I Am A Filipino, This Is My Race) as his latest artistic and creative baby, supporting it is a no-brainer.
Aside from the 44 visual art pieces that will be showcased during the exhibit, the most laudable aspect of this artistic project is its projection of the true colors of the singer and visual artist.
The first true Laurente color, be it azure, cerulean, cobalt, or navy, is blue. As blue as the blue on the Philippine flag, this exhibit is his manner of expressing himself and why he is proud of being a Filipino. Both a tribute and homage to our Pilipinas nating mahal and the richness of our cultural heritage with four categorical representations namely “Ang Babaeng Pilipino” (The Filipino Woman), “Kwentong Bayan At Iba Pa” (Folk tales and Others), “Mwebles”(Furniture Pieces) and “Pagdiriwang” (Celebration).
Laurente’s second true color is red, which perfectly represents his passion and love. Testaments of this love affair with the Muses are his six studio albums, as a guest entertainer for Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, and Holland America where he made guests and co-workers happy as his performance brings them cheers and feels of home thanks to the kababayan on stage and this visual arts exhibition.
Laurente says: “I wish to thank NCCA for this platform and physical venue that they have given me to promote in my own little what I am advocating for and that is spreading awareness about love for your cultural roots and taking pride in being a Filipino.”
This is Reuben’s second visual art exhibit and his very first solo exhibit that showcases 44 art pieces, some are old paintings that he did in 2013 while on board a ship. Painting was his way of resting his voice as he was afflicted with acute laryngitis while working on the high seas. The remaining visual arts pieces are creative products of resilience and faith in the Lord, which he did during the pandemic.
Whether alabaster, cream, ivory, or milky, the third most prominent Laurente true color is white. It is the most appropriate hue because there is purity to his intentions. This love for country, culture, and his fellow Filipino are articulated in its most pristine visual arts exhibition.
“The pieces take you down cultural arts lane,” declares Laurente. “With what they will see, I hope it rekindles their hearts and minds. May the paintings become a reminder as to why we are in so many ways a unique race, why we are worth all the global recognition and attention, and why we should always be filled with pride when we say Filipino ako.”
He wishes to thank his creative team, Yugel Losorata (exhibit writer), Dr. Raul Ceralde-Supnet (photographer), Manuel Roma, Jr. (graphic artist), and the whole curatorial team of Carla Gamalinda, exhibit curator, Mara Logarta, Bryan Llapitan, Mario Vista (all from the NCCA Gallery Secretariat).
The Pilipino Ako: Ito Ang Aking Lahi runs from April 6 to 30 at the NCCA Gallery, G/F, National Commission for Culture and the Arts Building, 633 Heneral Luna St., Intramuros, Manila, The Artist’s Reception and ribbon cutting ceremony is slated on April 12.