CANVAS and Ayala Museum bring together poetry and art in their latest exhibit, “I Teach My Child”

Makati— “I hope that there will be more collaborations of artists in my country because a country is only as strong as her people’s memory,” National Artist for Literature Dr. Gémino Abad said as he raved over Emmanuel Garibay’s artworks.

The exhibit “I Teach My Child” launched last February 13 at the Ayala Museum. It features Dr. Gémino Abad’s poem, “I Teach My Child”, which was interpreted by Emmanuel Garibay through a collection of paintings and sculptures.

The exhibit opening started with welcoming remarks by Ma. Elizabeth Gustilo, Senior Director for Arts and Culture of the Ayala Foundation, Inc., followed by messages from CANVAS and the artists.

CANVAS Executive Director Atty. Gigo Alampay shared stories behind the project, of what the process is like for creative endeavors like this. The exhibit is a surprising fruit of a collaborative effort between two artists, showing us how art in its different forms brings delight and meaning. To work together is to trust. Atty. Alampay stated, “When we take leaps of faith, that is when real creativity flourishes.”

Dr. Gémino Abad imparted personal stories and nuggets of wisdom to the audience as he talked about the poem. “I Teach My Child” was written in 1985, the year his wife Mercedes gave birth to his twin sons, David and Diego. Now thirty-nine years later, in celebration of his 85th birthday, his writing has been brought to life in a new way. Dr. Abad expressed his wishes for more collaborations between artists to help strengthen the memory of our nation.

Emmanuel Garibay talked about the process of creating his artworks. He treated this collaboration as a discourse that emphasizes the value of art. “Art is really the soul of humanity,” he said. His paintings and sculptures for this installment challenge different notions of parenthood on the scale of national identity to a personal level.

The short program was closed with a surprise for Dr. Abad. Family, friends, and guests sing him a happy birthday.

National Artist Dr. Gémino Abad and Emmanuel Garibay with National Artist Benedicto “BenCab” Cabrera and members of Ayala Museum and Ayala Foundation

I Teach My Child runs from February 13 to 18 at the Ayala Museum. A poetry jam with Dr. Abad and his friends in Philippine Literature is to be held on February 17, at 3 PM. Tickets to the poetry jam can be acquired via https://ayalamuseum.org/events/kaibigan-poetry-jam. 

This exhibit was birthed through the collaboration of CANVAS and Ayala Museum, in cooperation with Art Cube Philippines.

A non-profit that works with the creative community to promote literacy and explore national identity, CANVAS publishes its award-winning children's stories and donates their books to benefit children in public schools and poor communities throughout the Philippines. Its “One Million Books for One Million Filipino Children Campaign” promotes independent reading and creative thinking in Filipino children, while also exposing them to the best of contemporary Filipino art and literature.