I am proud to be a new member of Dimasalang III International Art Group, founded by renowned artist Sym (Sonofrio Y. Mendoza). Sym is a pathfinder who generously guides his students in artmaking. He is a man dedicated to art, doesn’t mince words, and has me drawing eggs and pears till the cows come home. Helping nurture us newbies is Ed Lantin, an SFCA and Dimasalang Signature member, award-winner, and talented artist in his own right. I look forward to his critiques and tutelage as we all paint plein air at places such as Queen Elizabeth Park. Rod Pedralba, Noel Trinidad, Jun Cunanan, Juliana and Jacqueline Loh, Simeon Dee, Jesse Hipolito, and Andy Naval are some of the talented artists in this wonderful group. The glue that binds us all is our ever-energetic, hardworking muse/coordinator, Sandie Gillis. Sandie is currently putting together the finishing touches to a book honoring Sym and his life’s work. I look forward to my very own copy.

Additionally, I have also been attending Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design (now a university, I hear). If I don’t mess anything up, I’ll receive my Certificate in Fine Art Techniques by the end of Aug., 2008.