Dayong stages comeback after 14 years

“Dyip! Dyip! Dyip!” marks Dayong’s comeback after 14 years of absence from the art scene. His last exhibition, “Ugat,” was sold out in 1999 at the SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City.  His first, “Basketbol Siris” in 1996, was also sold out at Shangri-La Makati. While “Basketbol Siris” was about Philippine basketball and “Ugat” touched on rural life in his father’s bucolic hometown in Pangasinan, “Dyip! Dyip! Dyip!” is Dayong’s bold attempt at depicting the quaint qualities of the nation’s No. 1 mode of transportation.

Why the Pinoy dyip? “Pinoy ka kung nakasakay ka na ng dyip,” says Dayong, whose latest works in oil also allow him to capture urban life at its most telling, sensitive aspect.

Known for his unique expressive style, Dayong interprets the King of the Road in a new approach as shown in his canvas.  He embarks to attack the rich culture of the Philippines by immersing himself with the actual daily rigors of the dyip experience. Where there is a dyip, there is a life story. Its colorful designs show the Filipinos’ creativity and artistry. They portray the good spirit of the Filipinos, having been voted The Happiest People in the world.

“Nagpipinta lang ako pag steady ako. Mas inspirado ako at mas makulay ang mga gawa ko pag masarap ang pakiramdam,” says Dayong.

In this show, one will definitely witness Dayong’s individuality and style. The elements of his works show his connection to the ordinary ways of Filipino life. The colors he creates illustrate his positive outlook and love of life. “Ibang-iba ang pakiramdam ko ngayon sa pagtimpla at hagod ng pintura. Dala na ito ng iba’t-ibang karanasan ko sa buhay,” says Dayong.

During his 14-year interregnum, Dayong held coaching jobs at the Philippine Basketball League (Shark Energy Drink), UAAP (Ateneo and Adamson) and NCAA (Letran) basketball loops. His last coaching stint was at the Philippine Basketball Association (Shell and San Miguel Corp.) from 2004 to 2012. “Kahit PBA coach na ako, sumasakay pa rin ako ng dyip papunta sa praktis at laro,” he says.

A Master of Fine Arts graduate from the University of the Philippines-Diliman, Dayong taught Multimedia Arts at College of St. Benilde on Taft Avenue and has his Camp & Play, an art-cum-sports workshop running consecutively for 16 years now.

Dayong’s passion for art is as simple as being vibrant of his roots and love for country. He proudly says, “Ang ‘Dyip! Dyip! Dyip!’ ay handog ko sa kapwa Pilipino. Sakay na kayo!”