EARLY last year I was awed by a new painting that was hanging prominently at the home of my close pal, architect Anton Mendoza.

Anton is known for his collection of paintings by masters and established artists, both local and foreign, and his new acquisition was a stunning composition of shrouded images in different forms that seemed to pop out of the canvas.

Moi just had to ask who the artist was and was shocked to find out that it was by a 23-year-old artist named Dino Gabito, a fresh graduate from the University of Santo Tomas.

A few weeks ago, dahlings, moi was asked by my dear pals, Cecille Reynoso and art collector Paul Campos, to attend an art exhibit opening at Ayala Artist Space. I rarely attend art events, they’re usually too early for my body clock!

But when I found out it was a one-man show by Dino, I knew I had to go and am glad I did.

All I can say is that the paintings of Dino, now 25, left me speechless. I and the other guests were treated to a visual feast quite hard to put into words.

The icing on the cake, so to speak, was that the exhibit was attended by serious top collectors, notable socialites, fellow artists and a dash of show biz. Manila’s top collector Paulino Que came, along with wife Hetty and nephew Jonathan Que. King of auctioneers Jaime Ponce de Leon ogled at the pieces and was all smiles. Raul Francisco and wife, designer Joanna Preysler were there, with Monique Teodoro.

Early birds, dahlings, were modern art collector Bernie Paras Gan, who came with her mother, the very fashionable Aby Paras. The artist happily obliged to pose with Miguel Zubiri before one of the artist’s creations.

Also seen mingling were collectors Mike and Michelle Tomacruz, Jose Moreno, Yorkie Gomez, Roselle Allado and Jay Yao Campos.

Jon Ramos of the fabulous bed-and-breakfast Casita Mercedes and Clipper Hotel, came with his cousin, New York-based chef Noel de la Rama. Saint Tropez-based Ramon Bilbao was also there.

Aga Muhlach and Rowell Santiago both came stag while ultimate hunk Richard Gomez came with lovely wife, Rep. Lucy Torres Gomez.

Emilio Reynoso and his artist-wife Jinky were there; as were promising young artists Keb Cerda, John Marin, Lui Manaig, Aiya Balingit, Adrian Evangelista and other colleagues and UST friends of Dino’s.

Artist and Metro Gallery consultant Pancho Francisco couldn’t hide his glee at the turnout. Makati Rep. Abby Binay came minus her husband Luis Campos; interior designer Paolo del Rosario breezed in and out with his partner, Cebu plastic surgeon Fremont Base.

Architect Jason Buensalido was with his wife Nikki, and charming Stefanie Coyiuto couldn’t stop looking at the paintings with her husband, Joseph Tay.

The big buzz that evening was “which collector got what piece.” Too bad, Dino Gabito’s lips are sealed!

Congratulations, Irene and Chitty Cometa of Metro Gallery, for staging such a successful show. I look forward to Dino Gabito’s next show.