The narrative of the exhibition: In the heart of Manila, at the illustrious Clocktower Museum, a captivating homage to the King of Filipino movies, Fernando Poe Jr., is set to grace the walls in a mesmerizing exhibition curated by his godson, the multi-disciplinary artist Reb Belleza. As the anticipation builds, visitors from far and wide eagerly await the unveiling of this extraordinary collection, where each painting serves as a poignant symbol of FPJ’s enduring legacy and the dreams he left unfulfilled as the President the country never had.
With a masterful stroke of the brush, Reb Belleza breathes life into his godfather’s iconic image, capturing the essence of his larger-than-life persona and the indomitable spirit that made him a legend of Philippine cinema. In the paintings, FPJ is a symbol of his unwavering commitment to the Filipino people and his relentless pursuit of justice.
But beyond the surface, each painting in Reb Belleza’s homage holds a deeper significance, reflecting the artist’s own thoughts and emotions about his godfather’s dreams and unfinished business. And the color blue. A secret between them. Through vivid colors and intricate symbolism, Reb Belleza explores the themes of longing and loss, hope and resilience, weaving a tapestry of meaning that resonates with viewers on a profound level.
As visitors meander through the halls of the Clocktower Museum, they are transported on a journey through time and memory, guided by Reb Belleza’s evocative brushstrokes and the timeless presence of FPJ himself. Here, in this sacred space of artistic expression, the legacy of the King of Filipino movies is celebrated and honored in all its glory, ensuring that his spirit will continue to inspire generations to come.
And as the final strokes are laid upon the canvas, and the last touches of paint are applied with loving care, Reb Belleza stands back to admire his masterpiece, knowing that his godfather’s legacy will live on forever in the hearts and minds of the Filipino people. For though FPJ may have left this world, his spirit remains as vibrant and powerful as ever, a beacon of hope and inspiration for all who dare to dream of a better tomorrow.
The exhibit opens on April 2 and runs until May 31, 2024
Excerpts from Reb Belleza’s Narrative on FPJ and The Stars
This is a story here it happened when we were filming Ang Pagbabalik ng Lawin in Mariveles Bataan
One night:
As they walked hand in hand under the velvet cloak of the night sky, the Godfather paused, his eyes shimmering with the wisdom of ages past. “Look up, my dear godson,” he said, his voice a gentle melody in the stillness of the night. “Do you see the stars?”
The young godson gazed upwards, marveling at the vast expanse of twinkling lights that adorned the heavens like a celestial tapestry. “Yes, Godfather,” he replied, his voice filled with wonder. “I see them.”
“Then count them,” the Godfather whispered, his words carrying the weight of a thousand lifetimes. “Count each star, and when you have finished, come back to me and tell me how many there are.”
And so, the godson embarked on his sacred task, night after night, counting the stars as they danced across the heavens in a celestial ballet. But try as he might, he could never reach the end, for the stars seemed to multiply with each passing moment, like grains of sand slipping through his fingers.
Years turned into decades, and still, the godson looked to the sky, his heart filled with longing and his mind consumed by the unending quest to count the stars. And yet, despite his tireless efforts, he knew deep down that he would never reach the end of his task.
Then one fateful night, as he gazed up at the stars with tears in his eyes, the godson realized the true meaning behind his Godfather’s words. The stars were not meant to be counted, for their beauty lay not in their number, but in their eternal presence, shining brightly in the vast expanse of the cosmos.
And so, with a heart heavy with love and gratitude, the godson turned his gaze skyward one final time, whispering a silent prayer to his beloved Godfather. For though he may never know the exact number of stars that adorned the heavens, he knew that his Godfather’s love would always shine down upon him, like a beacon of light in the darkness of the night.
ADVT.