What makes an artist proud of his colleague?
In the case of famed musician Felipe de Leon, Jr., former chair of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), an accomplished arts manager, connoisseur, teacher and patron, it is the uniqueness and contributions of an artist in the enhancement of his field.
De Leon is able to see the unique and apocalyptic messages in the poetry, to be exact about it, visual poetry of Epitacio Tongohan, also known in his pen names “Doc Pen Pen” and “Bugtong Takipsilim.”
Felipe de Leon, Jr. ‘all praises’ on Doc Pen Pen’s visual poetry
In his meeting with the masterful musician, Tongohan said he was proud to have known and crossed paths with de Leon.
In a video clip, the honorable Felipe de Leon, Jr. expressed that Philippine art is deep and exploring. “Ang sining natin ay may lalim (Our art has depth),” exclaimed de Leon.
He said that the Philippines is the center, geographically, of the world.
“Nasa gitna ang puso, sa puso nanggagaling ang damdamin ng makata, tayo ang puso (The heart is at the center of a human being and the heart oozes with emotions and feelings, we are the heart of the world),” explained the nationalist musician.
De Leon added that the human mind reflects the soul of a person and the Filipino spirit will change the world.
“And Pentasi B ay kasama sa pagbabago (It is part of the impending change),” said Felipe.
In return, Doc Pen Pen thanked profusely Felipe de Leon for the kind words.
“I respect Mr. Felipe de Leon so much. He’s a genius,” quipped Doc Pen Pen.
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