PROPERTY FROM THE PHILIPPINE LONG DISTANCE TELEPHONE COMPANY (PLDT CO.) COLLECTION

Accompanied by a certificate issued by the artist confirming the authenticity of this lot

ABOUT THE WORK

The kakawate is most common in South Luzon areas, shedding leaves around December and in bloom in February and March. Its pinkish white flowers are also likened to cherry blossoms. Introduced by the Spaniards to the country, the kakawate serves as an ornamental flowering tree easy and inexpensive to propagate, naturalized throughout the Philippines. Farmers also plant them to shade other perennial crops like cacao, coffee, and tea, among other uses of its roots and leaves. Romulo Galicano, Cebu’s master landscape artist and portraitist is known for his engaging landscape and seascape works as well as portraits. His uncle, the Cebuano realist master Martino Abellana, and the French impressionist style influenced his artistic sensibilities and techniques such as his fluid brushstrokes. Take for instance this 1997 work. Here, Galicano depicts one kakawate season in rich detail—an idyllic rural scene with heightened compositional elements. Showcased are his signature effects of light and shade and use of color to achieve atmosphere.