Portrait Immortalizes Philanthropist Gina Lopez And Her Legacy

Portraits have long been considered rather formal pieces of art work that adorn numerous walls, from building institutions to homes.  No matter the style of portraiture, they capture the essence of the person portrayed, showing the sitter’s character: beauty, wealth, power, stature and taste.  In recent times, photography and video have become the popular media for portraiture.  Hence, the painted portrait retains its association with luxury. 

“Artist on a Mission,” Kristine Lim, made a special gift to Bantay Bata 163 on its 25th anniversary through her rendition of Gina Lopez’s likeness.  A portrait of the environmentalist and philanthropist was unveiled at the Gina Lopez Building at the ABS-CBN compound. Present during the unveiling were  Mr. Ernie Lopez, Mrs. Roberta Lopez - Feliciano, Mr. Jonathan Manalo, and "Artist on a Mission," Kristine Lim who created the portrait. 

The portrait entitled, Touch The Sky, was donated by ABS-CBN Fellowship members, with the cooperation of Art Lounge Manila, to ABS-CBN Foundation and to BANTAY BATA 163. The fellowship members present during the event were Ms. Linggit Tan Marasigan, Ms. Lita Teodosio, and Ms. Dyan Castillejo - Garcia; who served as the host during the anniversary celebration. 

Lim said that this was the first time that she made a portrait and not using the name of the person as the title. She felt that it was not fitting for someone like Ms. Gina Lopez. This is for the reason that she believed her legacy lies not in her name, or the foundations that she started, or the company that she is connected with, or the family that she's part of. Lim further explained, “I believe that the legacy of Ms. Gina Lopez lies in the lives of the people whom she was able to touch. Through her, a lot was able to feel that they can "touch the sky". She was the kind of woman who was able to bring heaven on earth. She's not just the kind of woman who did things in a good way. She did them in a godly way. Because of that, she was able to move and transform lives; and those lives are her true legacy.”

Stay tuned for more from the talented duo of Jonathan Manalo, Creative Director of ABS-CBN Music, and Kristine Lim, "Artist on a Mission." Related to this event, they have other surprises up their sleeves. Details and the official announcement of their future collaborations will happen soon.  Proceeds gathered from these will be donated to ABS-CBN Foundation, Bantay Bata 163.