Konted's Make My Day 2: Blanco Family: A Family Of Painters

Blanco Family: A Family Of Painters

When God, in His infinite goodness, showered blessings on earth, there must have been an abundance that fell upon the small town of Angono, in the province of Rizal. Angono, through many decades, has continuously produced individuals with artistic talents with the likes of Botong Francisco, Lucio San Pedro, Perdigon Vocalan and Nemi Miranda.

Parenthetically, on that day that there was a heavenly shower, a great chunk dropped on the 1,200 square meter property of the Blanco Family at the town proper. And with great appreciation, the family of nine accepted and put to good use their exceptional God- given talent for painting.

All 9 members of the Blanco family are standout painters. From the patriarch down to the youngest, they have gained fame and admiration nationwide and in other parts of the world. And they share their skills in the brush through their well-arranged gallery showcasing their impressive and award winning works of art.

The father, Jose, better known as Pitok, started it all. Greatly influenced by Botong Francisco, Pitok took to the brush as he had formal education in the field of arts. His father being a fisherman, he would tag along as he became acquainted with the day to day activities at the nearby Laguna de Bay. His paintings focus mostly on the lake and its bounty, on rural scenes and on historical and cultural events.

Notable among Pitok's works is his adaptation of a scene in Jose Rizal's Noli Me Tangere. Pitok painted on canvass Piknik sa Lawa. Another outstanding piece is the fluvial procession traditionally held during the town's annual fiesta celebration. About a hundred faces of Angono folks can be seen watching the colorful event.

Pitok's awesome works and achievements inspired his seven children, namely, Glenn, Noel, Michael, Joy, John, Gay and Peter Paul to take hold of the brush and express themselves on canvass. And they are skilled painters in their own right. The mother, Loreto, is a great painter, too.

Viewing their impressive works at the family gallery gives one the impression that the Blancos are a close knit family guided by time-honored Filipino values. And they continue to be thankful for their extraordinary skills. As Pitok, who passed away several years ago, inscribed in one of his framed works: " I am just a brush in the hand of the Lord, without His guidance, I can paint nothing." Well said.

- Konted

Road leading to the shores of Laguna de Bay in Angono

Waving colorful banners welcome visitors to Wawa which is part of Brgy San Vicente in Angono.

Statues of two nymphs said to be inhabiting the lake

The Angono Lakeside Park

The calm waters of Laguna de Bay

A Tagak hovers around two small fishpens as tall buildings are seen at a far distance.

Bancas are berthed at the Lakeside Park while fishermen take their noon break.

A view like this serves as inspiration to those inclined towards the arts.

A steady boat with a rig and a sunshield

Indispensable to the fishermen of Laguna de Bay

Another Tagak hovers around the lake.

Battered but reliable bancas

Well maintained park of Angono. This is a project of incumbent Mayor Gerry Calderon.

Angono was hard hit by typhoon Ondoy as Laguna de Bay overflowed.

Listening to country songs at high noon: " Saving nickels, saving dimes...Working till the sun don't shine...Looking forward to happier times....."

The vast Blanco compound on Ibanez St. in Angono. It is near Angono Lakeside Park.

Entrance to the Blanco Family's art gallery

All nine members of the Blanco Family

A painting by Pitok Blanco with a familiar countryside setting. While the Filipino father works on the field, other family members tag along.

Aptly titled "Ang Magdadaing ", men and women are busy working on their catch and drying them in the sun later. This is also by Pitok Blanco.

A large oil painting by Jose Pitok Blanco showing the annual fluvial procession. The faces are those of Angono residents.

Another painting showing the bayanihan spirit. This one is more difficult as the nipa hut is transported via the waters of the bay.

A painting with a Lenten seaon theme

This one depicts life in the highlands.

Piknik sa Lawa is an adaptation from Jose Rizal's novel Noli Me Tangere. It is one of the more popular paintings of Pitok.

Peter Paul Blanco is the youngest. He started painting at a very young age.

This painting by Peter Paul is entitled "Tatay and Nanay." . Both Father and Mother working together. It is customary for the wife or the mother to help.