On the outset, World Fine Arts Society (WFAS) Winners Circle Founder and President Joscephine Gomez announced in her social media posts that the ongoing art exhibit of the group, "Greener Earth" would extend partially its financial sources from sales of the art works to Josie Centeno Paynor, a member who is suffering from stage 3 breast cancer. What a noble idea, indeed.
Prior to the opening of the art show at Dry Brush Gallery at SM North EDSA, Joscephine had advised this writer to first get to interview Josie because she gets tired easily because of the deadly disease.
But Centeno Paynor hadn't appeared even after our on- cam talks with her fellow artists, Eric David from Guagua, Pampanga and Gavin Olarte from Metro Manila.
Josie came in with Gomez as they both reside in Malolos City in Bulacan.
Paynor wore a mask and a little bit weak.
In our interview, she revealed that she wouldn't realize that her art would medically assist her cancer treatment.
"Hindi ko akalain na may tutulong sa akin sa gastos sa chemotherapy ko. Nakakaiyak pero totoo, nang dahil sa aking pagpinta, makakatulong ito sa pagpapagamot ko (I didn't realize there would be people to assist me in my chemotherapy. It's tearful but true because my art could financially support my medication)," said Josie whose eyes were welling with tears.
According to Paynor, she is thankful that she finally discovered her penchant for painting.
The works of other artists, aside from Joscephine, Josie, Gavin and Eric, are on display in the exhibit called "Greener Earth" at Dry Brush Gallery until April 30, 2024. They are Alvin Montano, Esther Garcia and Ovidio Espiritu.
During the opening, tenor Jonathan Badon and Atty. Dot Gancayco, Gomez's fellow alumni at the University of the Philippines Concert Chorus Alumni Association (UPCCAA) rendered a duet.
Meanwhile, Dr. Clar Cairo, Jr. of DOH, Sandy Montano of DILG and Atty. Gancayco cut the ceremonial ribbon of the show.
#WeTakeAStand #OpinYon #WFAS #UPCCAA #DOH