“The life in front of you is far more important than the life behind you.”—Joel Osteen
As human beings, we all have that basic desire to love and be loved. One of our deepest emotional needs, love only exists if there is an exchange of this energy in a setting where we must first love ourselves. Beneath all the labels and beliefs, the connection to everything around us, and experiencing this, is love itself.
There are numerous steps along the journey toward self-love. There may be many obstructions along our path that keep us from experiencing self-love but we just need to stay connected to our infinite source of love, and ultimately understand our true nature to love.
When all aspects of love are present, other values and principles are not compromised. Integrity and intentions are important aspects of human behavior and decision-making. When love is present, the mind, body and soul could align to make the right decisions.
Integrity refers to the quality of being honest, ethical and having strong moral principles. It involves consistently adhering to one’s values and principles, even when faced with challenges or temptations. Acting with integrity requires individuals to be transparent, accountable and dependable in their actions and interactions with others.
Intentions, on the other hand, are the underlying motivations or reasons behind one’s actions. They reflect a person’s desires, goals or objectives in a particular situation. Understanding someone’s intentions can provide insight into their thoughts, attitudes and expectations.
Spark of creative energy
Having recently experienced a test of integrity, I was just delighted to destress at social events that highlight the celebration of arts, culture and friendship. Held at the Grand Hyatt Ballroom, I attended the book launch hosted by the Italian embassy. Congratulations Italy Ambassador Marco Clemente for this magnificent book, “Together Rising,” to celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Italy and the Philippines.
My favorite relative, Marivic Rufino was one of the authors with her article titled, “Memories of 1237 Acacia Road,” Her nostalgic piece brought back lots of wonderful memories. Marivic is also mounting another milestone in her art life.
“Scintilla: Dreamscapes” is the 19th solo exhibition of visual artist Marivic, whose artworks depict her dreams and memories in watercolor and mixed media. Scintilla means spark, the creative energy after a long hiatus.
Nature is the main theme of her “Dreamscapes”—the imaginary vistas of the sky, sea and sun, mountains and color fields. Her artworks reflect a fascination with the nuances of light—radiant and luminous—in nature. They reflect her spirit and the desire for a peaceful world.
Painting is Marivic’s form of meditation, her quiet center that nothing can disturb. No matter how turbulent the world is, her artworks evoke tranquility, a sense of calm and spirituality. The panorama of her artworks reflects a contemplative odyssey, a discovery of insights through cathartic experiences and evolvement of the soul.
Marivic studied Chinese brush painting (Lingnan or contemporary style) under Master Hau Chiok with Sy Chui Hua for 10 years. Over the decades, she has taken private art and photography lessons with other masters in Barcelona (ceramics and stained glass), Manila (watercolor with J Salvosa) and New York.
She has blended the rigid Oriental training and western watercolor into her own style that is distinctly abstract impressionism. In recent years, she has used acrylic and mixed media. She added another dimension to fine art—soft or practical art in furniture and accessories. “Scintilla: Dreamscapes” will run from Aug. 15 to Oct. 21. The artworks are available individually for purchase. Part of the proceeds will benefit the Child Protection Network and Marian Missionaries of the Philippines.
Best contemporary artists
Speaking of art, I was able to drop by the newest art exhibit of Kartini Asia Gallery at The Palms Country Club. The Gallery brings together the best contemporary artists in the country today and their iconic styles in the exhibition, “Rhapsody in Art,” until Aug. 15 at the Palms Country Club.
This event features Rene Robles, internationally acclaimed for his Assertionism art style Assertionism; Beatriz Robles, whose compositions feature the “healing power” of art; Max Balatbat with his architectural abstraction; Reynold dela Cruz’s iconic muses; Alber Tabanao’s animated childhood renditions, Darel Javier’s colorful abstractions and Gilbert Angles’ recycled art.
The grand opening was held on Aug. 7 at The Continental, Palms Country Club, with full house attendance. The occasion was graced by Kartini Gallery’s art patrons and artists, led by Chavit Singson, GMA Network stalwart Philip Yalong, power couple Joel and Joy Rustia of Catalog Shopper and multiawarded event host and business entrepreneur RJ Ledesma, who hosted the event.
The event was created and curated by Kartini’s CEO Nina Malvar as a magical night of art and music. The audience listened to the lively strings of violinist Dominique Casacop. GM Hans Neukom of the Palms Country Club prepared a wonderful dining experience of great food and wine to the delight of everyone. A preview of the pieces with a link to the exhibit catalog is available upon request. (Call Ria at +92-66899014.)
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