The long wait is finally over! Philippine art lovers and connoisseurs will definitely treasure the two art books recently launched by Vibal Foundation, Inc., about two of the Philippines' greatest visual artists: Carlos "Botong" Francisco, and Francisco V. Coching.The hitherto dearth of written and visual materials about these two contemporary towering giants of Philippine art scene has finally been solved by Vibal Foundation's authoritative biographies in the lavishly-illustrated art books The Life and Art of Botong Francisco and The Life and Art of Francisco V. Coching, both launched last Friday, December 11, 2009, at the National Museum of the Filipino People. Both books contain scholarly essays by renowned Philippine art historians, and contain hundreds of many never-before seen artworks of Botong and Coching. The books were edited by art historian Patrick Flores, Ph.D, of the University of the Philippines.
The launching of these two important books was highlighted by a visual presentation about Botong and Coching's immense contribution to Philippine culture and art, as well as a retrospective exhibit of their original works at the third floor of the National Museum. Among the hundreds of guests who attended the launch were the families of Botong Francisco and Francisco Coching.
The books are presently available at Vibal Foundation, Vibal Publishing House, Inc., located at Araneta Avenue, Quezon City, but both will soon be available at your favorite bookstores nationwide. Both books have limited runs only so be sure to buy your copies as soon as you can.
The Life and Art of Botong Francisco
The Life and Art of Francisco V. Coching
Gus Vibal, Executive Director and Publisher of Vibal Foundation, Inc.
Dr. Patrick Flores, edited the art books
The family of Carlos Botong Francisco. The man in red polo is Rodolfo Francisco, the son of Botong.
The family of Arnel Coching, son of Francisco Coching
Cultural icon Danny Dolor, Coching daughter Lulu Coching, almost National Artist Cecille Guidote-Alvarez, writer Virgie Moreno, writer Buenaventura Medina, Jr., society matriarch Esther Vibal, playwright Alberto Florentino, and Vibal Executive Director Gus Vibal
Bebe Gandanghari and Delia Razon
Komikeros hannibal and Randy Valiente enjoying the cocktails that were served
Maridel Coching
Manuel Rodriguez Sr., the Father of Philippine Printmaking, attended the launch. He is only 98 years old.
The great Jess Jodloman, legendary Philippine komiks illustrator
Michael De Leon and Gemma Cruz-Araneta
Alfredo Alcala, Jr.
Bebe Gandanghari, Gus Vibal, Joyce Taylor
Rodolfo Francisco, son of Botong, and Mrs. Filomena Coching, wife of Coching, cut the ribbon of the exhibit. Gus Vibal and mother Esther Vibal happily look on
Congressman Roilo Golez and Maridel Coching
Viewing of the Botong Francisco Coching Art Exhibit