MANILA, Philippines — Baguio artist Angelo Aurelio’s mural of the country’s heroes goes on display at the Department of Education (DepEd) Central Office in Pasig City from June 24 to July 7.
The mural features portraits of Filipino heroes like Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Aguinaldo, Apolinario Mabini, Marcelo H. del Pilar, Sultan Dipatuan Kudarat, Juan Luna, Melchora Aquino, and Gabriela Silang.
It took 47 days for Aurelio to finish the 8 x 6 feet piece.
“Umabot po ako ng 47 days sa pagpipinta. Mapanibugho, mahirap subalit isang nakakalibang na pagkayamot ang gumawa ng kunwaring talakayan ng mga bayani sa bawat isa (It took 47 days to paint the mural. It’s hard, but it’s worth the effort),” Aurelio said during the first day of his mural at DepEd’s Rizal Building lobby.
The artist said he used materials like oil, acrylic, textile, among others to create the piece. Aurelio also explained that he used colors inspired by the country’s flag in the mural.
“Ako po’y gumamit din ng mga kulay na hamok sa ating bandila. Pula para sa katapangan, para sa apoy ng nasyonalismo. Para sa mga bayani na nag-alay ng dugo at buhay (I also used the colors of our flag – red for bravery and the fires of nationalism. It stands for heroes who gave up their lives),” he said.
“Asul para sa lalim ng diwang Pilipino, para sa karagatan, para sa kalikasan. Puti para sa dalisay ng kaluluway at dilaw para sa liwanag at galing ng Pilipino (Blue for the depth of Filipino spirit, for the ocean, for nature. White for the purity of the soul and yellow for the greatness of the Filipino),” he added.
Aurelio also said heroes serve as an inspiration to Filipinos.
He said, “Mga kababayan, hindi po sapat na gawing rebulto ang mga bayani. Nawa’y sa kanilang inspirasyon, tayo po ang mga maging bayani ngayon (It’s not enough to make statues. Our heroes should serve as inspiration. We are the heroes today).”
Before showcasing the mural at the DepEd Central Office, Aurelio’s art was also exhibited at the Baguio Museum. (Editor: Eden Estopace)
