I grieve the loss of Billy Abueva to me personally, my family and to the art world. I have, indeed, lost a great artist mentor and dear friend who assisted, advised and motivated me in my own field of sculpture.

He was generous with his time and always ready to lend a hand with his knowledge, insights and expertise not just to me but to others as well.

There are few who have influenced and inspired me as much as Billy in his creativity and work ethics.

When I was doing the 6th Asean Sculptors Symposium in 1990 (for which he had endorsed me) I saw how Billy helped all the Asean sculptors, even to the point of climbing high ladders under the noon day sun to the shock and worry of us all!

Again when I was making the studies and models for the Quatromondial monument for the 400th anniversary of the University of Santo Tomas, he would visit me regularly to check on my progress and to encourage me.

He would visit my family and bring a rose for Lay Ann and Milky Way treats for my children.

Billy has left a legacy of very important works in Philippine art that I hope will continue to inspire younger sculptors who learn from his story and admire his art.

It has been an honor and a joy to have him in my life and I shall cherish the memory of him forever. –RAMON ORLINA, CONTRIBUTED