Freeway x Carlos “Botong” V. Francisco
National Artist Collectors’ Series Holiday 2012

 
The Freeway x Botong event was launched last October 18, 2012, at The Row, Glorietta 1. For this year’s holiday collection, Freeway celebrates the works of the country’s greatest muralist of all time, Carlos “Botong” V. Francisco. The National Artist Collectors’ Series pays tribute to his life and amazing murals.

The event was a splendid night of art, fashion and a grand presentation of Filipino talent, attended by fashion and art enthusiasts, media friends and bloggers and the family and friends of Botong. Invited guests also enjoyed delectable cocktail servings and took home Freeway x Botong Francisco memorabilia – a special edition Tote Bag from the Holiday collection.
 
 

 
 
Botong is a National Artist in Painting. His excellent works include Bayanihan, The Martyrdom of Rizal, Blood Compact, First Mass at Limasawa, Magpupukot, Fiesta, The Invasion of Limahong, Bayanihan sa Bukid, Sandugo, Portrait of Purita, Serenade, and Muslim Betrothaland the famed “Nose Flute” which set auction record of P27.8 million and is now owned by a private Indonesian collector.
  
The event night opened with an art exhibition by Michael Blanco’s Academy of Artists. Young talented artists, ages 6 years old to 12 years old, impressed the crowd with live painting and sketching activity. All were from Botong Francisco’s hometown province of Angono Rizal.

 
 
The main event was hosted by premier actress Cherie Gil.  There was a short video presentation about Botong and a fashion show showcasing the 25 piece holiday collection. Special guests who also attended were  Ino Manalo  (Executive Director of the National Archives), Carlos “Totong”  Francisco II (Grandson of Botong Francisco), former Governor of Tarlac, Margarita “Tingting” Cojuangco.

Freeway also officially launches the 100th year Anniversary of Botong Francisco this October. There will be series of events and celebrations throughout the year staged by each of the institution of the Botong consortium. For inquiries and program updates, email at botong100@gmail.com or check out facebook: Carlos “Botong’ Francisco Centennial.
 
Botong’s timeless paintings were translated into sublimation graphic tees, work shirts, tailored dresses, casual tops, weekend wear, and many other accessories.

Published: 2012-10-21 10:08:11