ABOUT THE WORK

In the prewar Philippines, before all the chaos and modernization, existed the lush greeneries and splendid seascapes that flaunted the natural, awe-inspiring beauty of what many would call paradise. With the insufficiency of technology of the time, photographs could not do justice for the visual splendor that was the Philippine scenery — breathtaking sites, vibrant and brimming with vigor — and in the contemporary world, the only extant remnants of this forgotten era are the classical works of art that have immortalized them. Isidro Ancheta, one of the most renowned artists of his time, had captured numerous scenes that depict the natural wonders of the Philippines. With his deft hand, keen eye, and masterful vision, Ancheta had preserved morsels of the island paradise on his canvasses. Stunning scenes of nature, serving as vignettes of history to tell the prequel of World War II. Most of Ancheta’s creations had been destroyed in the crossfire of the Second World War, making the remaining few such rarities that boast of the humble, yet astonishing natural beauty of the country.