The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines commissioned Filipino artist Dante Hipolito to do an artwork as a way to welcome Pope Francis during his visit here in our country.
Dante then created an oil painting titled ‘Salubong’ that shows the Pope with Filipino farm workers and laborers after a day’s harvest in an agricultural field, the faces behind the Filipino workers are that of Filipino celebrities such as Marian Rivera, Kris Aquino, Coco Martin, Gary Valenciano, Sen. Grace Poe and Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto.
The canvas was also presented to the Pope as a gift but he politely refused to accept the painting, the Pope said that while he greatly appreciates the gesture, he would rather be painted or photographed with the victims and families of last year’s typhoon Yolanda.
“The main reason for my visit to the Philippines is to be in the midst of these unfortunate Filipinos” uttered the Pope.
The painting can be viewed at the ARTleadoff 2015 group show from January 25 to February 20 at Galeria de las Islas of the Silahis Center, Luna St. Intramuros, Manila.
(Photo Source: Marian Rivera’s Facebook Page)
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