In Philippine art, Carlos “Botong” Francisco is not only a significant figure, being a National Artist, but has become, as with other renowned artists, an inspiration to both budding and seasoned painters of his generation and thereafter.
One such artist is the septuagenarian Jose “Manoy Jo” Gabito of Irosin, Sorsogon, who devoted his life in painting and sculpture for his family, to send his children to school.
He honed and pursued his craft following his departure as a student of architecture at the National University in Manila more than 50 years ago. Being an undergraduate did not deter him in his goal of being an artist, immediately going full time to feed his fledging family back then.
A self-taught artist with an inclination to realism, Gabito started to paint and sculpt in the 1970s. His subjects are varied but mostly revolve around the themes of flora and mother and child.
In the 1990s, Gabito used to send his works to an art gallery at SM Megamall in Mandaluyong for these to be sold to art collectors and enthusiasts. This venture helped him not only financially but also to continue in his chosen craft.
He now owns a resort in his hometown called Nature’s Spring and decorated every room in this resort with his paintings. A number of his paintings are now part of private collections particularly in his home province while three of his sculptures are permanent fixtures in public spaces.
These include the cement sculpture of Jose Rizal at the city hall of Ligao, Albay; wooden sculpture of the Virgin Mary at the San Vicente Ferrer Church in Mombon, Irosin; and the Sacred Heart of Jesus, also of wood at the Civil Service office in Legaspi City.
Today, at 75, he still does commissioned works but has lately been doing his craft as a pastime.