When people hear “Batangas,” the first things that usually come to mind are our pristine beaches, the bold kick of our kapeng barako, and a steaming bowl of lomi. But those of us who grew up here know that the true soul of our province beats in its vibrant culture and the hands of its local artists.

Recently, we took a trip to Quezon City to witness a monumental moment for our local culture. The beautiful and rustic Daloy Likha Art Gallery in the metro opened its doors for the highly anticipated book launch of “The Philippine Modernism Volume 2,” authored by Lander Blanza. This profound volume celebrates the very pillars of our Batangueño visual arts scene, cementing our province’s rightful place in the national art narrative.

Meet the Author: Lander Blanza

The event began with a warm and inspiring introduction by the host, who set the perfect stage for the man of the hour. Lander Blanza was introduced not just as an author, but as a dedicated chronicler and advocate for Philippine art. His work revolves around meticulously researching, documenting, and elevating the stories of Filipino artists, ensuring that their contributions to the nation’s cultural tapestry are never forgotten.

Uncovering the “Why”: The Purpose Behind the Book

When Lander Blanza took the floor, he shared the profound inspiration behind writing The Philippine Modernism Volume 2. He passionately explained that for too long, the narrative of modern Philippine art has been heavily centralized in the capital. He wrote this second volume to break that mold.

Blanza emphasized that true Philippine modernism is incomplete without the voices from the regions. He authored this book to prove that groundbreaking, modern artistic movements weren’t just happening in Manila—they were fiercely alive and thriving right in our home province of Batangas, spearheaded by our own local visionaries.

Honoring the Pioneers: The Legacy of BAGSIK

To fulfill his mission of decentralizing art history, Blanza’s book shines a well-deserved spotlight on BAGSIK (Batangueñong Grupo sa Sining at Kultura).

For the uninitiated, BAGSIK isn’t just an art group; they are the foundation of our local scene. Established as the very first art group in Batangas, these visionaries paved the way for the thriving creative community we have today. The launch was a heartfelt tribute to the six master visual artists whose works and lives are chronicled in the book. Seeing them honored in Quezon City was a powerful reminder of our rich artistic heritage. The book proudly features the brilliant minds of:

• Remo Valenton
• Jgilbert Rosales
• Toshi Ilagan
• Bill Perez
• Ramon Barrion
• Edwin Barrion

Each of these artists has walked their own unique path, yet they all share a unified dream of elevating Batangueño art. Their distinct styles reflect the multifaceted beauty of our province—from the rhythmic waves of our coastal towns to the everyday lives of the Batangueño people.

What makes their inclusion in The Philippine Modernism Volume 2 truly monumental is the book’s ultimate destination. This volume is slated to be distributed to colleges and universities all across the Philippines. For a visual artist, being featured in these pages is a profound honor; it means their legacy is permanently cemented in the academic foundations of the country. Generations of future students, researchers, and aspiring creators will open this book and learn about the contributions of Batangas, ensuring that the names of these local masters will continue to inspire long after the paint has dried.

A Master’s Blessing: Fernando Sena

Adding an immense layer of prestige to the event was the presence and speech of a true titan in the Philippine art scene: Fernando Sena, widely and rightfully revered as the “Father of the Philippine Art Workshop.”

Sena’s attendance held a deeply personal and profound significance, as he is the mentor of the book’s author, Lander Blanza. When Sena addressed the crowd, it felt like a passing of the torch. His words served as a powerful validation of Blanza’s meticulous work and dedication. To have a national figure of Sena’s caliber honor his former student—and in turn, celebrate Batangueño artists in the capital—was an unforgettable moment that validated the regional talents who continue to enrich the broader canvas of Philippine art.

The Gathering at Daloy Likha

Even miles away from home, the Daloy Likha Art Gallery served as the perfect, intimate sanctuary for this historic event. The space itself—a champion for creativity—fostered an atmosphere of deep respect and samahan (camaraderie).

The program was less of a formal presentation and more of a warm reunion. Hearing Lander Blanza, his mentor Fernando Sena, the artists, and cultural advocates speak, share their struggles, and celebrate their triumphs was nothing short of inspiring. It was a proud day to be a Batangueño in the city.

Support Local Art, Wherever It Goes

For those exploring the cultural tourism and history of Batangas, securing a copy of this book is an absolute must. It is a tangible piece of our province’s heritage that you can bring home. Let us continue to support the writers who document our identity and the artists who paint it, proving that Batangueño talent shines brightly wherever it goes.