Isabelo Tampinco Master Sculptor

Vibal Foundation, the National Museum pay tribute to the life and art of master sculptor Isabelo Tampinco

The famous facade of the Manila Cathedral, the high relief on Santo Domingo Church’s molave door, and the main altar at the Laoag Cathedral—these are just few of the masterpieces created by Isabelo Tampinco, one of the greatest Filipino sculptors. Known for his woodcarvings in churches, Tampinco endeavored to create a distinct Filipino style by infusing his carvings and sculptures with native flora and fauna designs, a classic style that would come to be known by his name.

Vibal Foundation celebrates the artistry of Tampinco as it publishes The Life and Art of Isabelo Tampinco by Dr. Santiago Albano Pilar, a book that explores his life and the influences that molded the style he created. Tampinco presents a comprehensive gallery of his extant works as well as archival photographs of his lost masterpieces. While the ravages of war obliterated much of his work, what remains—showcased in the book—cements Tampinco’s status as one of the greatest Filipino masters.


For his exceptional talent and skill, Vibal Foundation and the National Museum gave tribute to the master sculptor a few months ago at the National Museum. Author Santiago Albano Pilar, who dedicated over ten years to his in-depth research on Tampinco’s life and works, graced the event and spoke to members of the press about how important it is to revisit the country’s past to further develop a national identity.

“Revisiting our past does not simply mean unlocking deep, dark secrets of how our country and our people used to be,” said Dr. Pilar. “It is a rediscovery of our rich cultural heritage and through hundreds of forgotten master artists, such as Isabelo Tampinco, an exquisite part of our heritage lives on which allows us to shape our society today.”

The event also allowed guests to tour the National Museum’s Fundacion Santiago Hall, which houses notable Tampinco sculptures dating back to the nineteenth century.

The launch of the book is another proud success for Vibal Foundation, Inc., the corporate philanthropy arm of Vibal Group. “The Vibal Group extends its commitment and responsibility by focusing on education in the broadest sense of the word and we believe that there is so much to be learned about our country and heritage,” said Gus A. Vibal, executive director of Vibal Foundation and president of the Vibal Group of Companies.

During the media launch, Vibal premiered a video documentary entitled Estilo Tampinco, which chronicles the rediscovery of the seemingly forgotten master. The video contains interviews with the author Santiago Albano Pilar; Jeremy Barns, director of the National Museum and editor of the book; and Tampinco aficionados and art collectors Ernie Salas and Don Conrado Escudero.

You're Not You - You Will Be Moved!

We are pretty familiar with chain video that went viral a few months ago which is the ALS Bucket Challege to raise awareness to what used to be a not very common syndrome called ALS. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig's disease, and rarely Charcot disease—is a neurodegenerative disorderwith various causes. The term motor neurone disease (MND) is sometimes used interchangeably with ALS while others use it to refer to a group of similar conditions that include ALS.  ALS is characterised by muscle spasticity, rapidly progressive weakness due to muscle wasting. This results in difficulty speaking, swallowing, and breathing. The disease usually starts around the age of 60, except in cases that are directly inherited when the usual age of onset is around 50. 

About 5 to 10% of cases are directly inherited from a person's parents.  ALS is the most common of the five types of motor neuron disease.

The average survival from onset to death is three to four years.  Only 4% survive longer than 10 years, although rare cases survive 50 years or more. Most die from respiratory failure. In much of the world rates of ALS are unknown.  In Europe the disease affects about 2.2 people per 100,000 per year. In the United States, more than 5,600 are diagnosed every year, and up to 30,000 Americans are currently affected. ALS is responsible for 2 deaths per 100,000 people per year.

Descriptions of the disease date back to at least 1824 by Charles Bell. In 1869 the connection between the symptoms and the underlying neurological problems were first described by Jean-Martin Charcot who in 1874 began using the term amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.  It became well known in the United States when it affected a famous baseball player by the name of Lou Gehrig,  and later when the ice bucket challenge became popular in 2014.

You're Not You

2014 Film

Kate is a suave, successful classical pianist just diagnosed with ALS (commonly known as Lou Gehrig's Disease). Bec is a brash college student and would-be rock singer who can barely keep her wildly chaotic affairs, romantic and otherwise, together. Yet, when Bec takes a job assisting Kate, Kate sees something special in the way Bec takes care of her. Kate and Bec find each other’s  strength through their weaknesses. You're Not You explores how two strangers can bring out the best in each other even in the midst of trials and tribulations.  This movie also gives face to the much talked about ALS and will definitely make people more compassionate with victim of the said disease.

FILIPINA BOXERS TURNED ONE FC MMA FIGHTERS READY FOR ONE FC: WARRIOR’S WAY

Filipina boxers turned MMA fighters Ana Julaton and Jujeath Nagaowa are both set to show their wares on December at SM Arena.

ONE FC’s May event in Manila earlier this year was a successful endeavour, as both former professional boxers Jujeath Nagaowa and Ana Julaton earned victories and solidified their standing as leading belles of women’s MMA in the Philippines.

At ONE FC: WARRIOR’S WAY on December 5, they aim to put on a repeat performance. Both women will once again be in action on the same night. Nagaowa is set to face Cambodia’s Tharoth Sam while Julaton has a stern test in front of her against Egypt’s Walaa Abbas.

The ONE FC female mixed martial arts scene continues to thrive, especially with the addition of the two former boxers. Julaton previously won both the WBO and IBA Super Bantamweight titles in boxing.

Julaton then decided to try her hand in mixed martial arts and immediately fell in love with the sport. She has now enlisted the help of prominent wrestling coach Ricky Lundell to improve her grappling and is eager to showcase her newfound skills in her next fight.

Julaton is now set to fight in Manila for the second time, and will look to have her hand raised in victory once again in front of her fans in the Philippines.

“Ana is so proud to be Filipina and has been working so hard to make all her supporters and Kababayans proud of her. With Coach Ricky Lundell teaching her ground game you can expect a new and improved Ana Julaton,” her boxing coach, Angelo Reyes, says.

Nagaowa, on the other hand, is a true rags-to-riches story.

She came through the ranks in the Philippine boxing scene before winning the WBO Asia title, competing in several bouts in Korea and Japan. The native of Baguio City has ferocious punching power and is rounding out her game, training with some of the top gyms in the country.

It may be a matter of time before a ONE FC World Championship belt is introduced for the women’s division, but both Julaton and Nagaowa can stake a claim for a title opportunity with victories at ONE FC: WARRIOR’S WAY.

Tickets for ONE FC: WARRIOR’S WAY on 5 December in Manila are on sale now at SM Tickets (http://www.smtickets.com). Ticket categories begin with the full Red Carpet and cageside experience for VIPs at PHP 6,360 followed by Patron PHP 3,180, Lower Box PHP 1,280, Upper Box PHP 640 and General Admission PHP 220.  Prices include ticketing fee. Pre-sale packages are currently available.

Please see link for photos of Ana Julaton and Jujeath Nagaowa: http://bit.ly/11n1hpb