A Parable: Painter of Ina Born with a strong Bicolano heritage, with a deep sense of faith, there is no doubt that

Pancho Pianos work would reflect strongly on Bicols myths, landscape, cuisine, and the peoples devotion with the Catholic image of the Lady of Penafrancia. Piano, being a devotee himself has been dedicating most of his works to the Lady. He said during the interview that his success would not be possible without her blessing, and because of the obvious influences of the Lady to a lot of his pieces. Archbishop Legaspi named him as the Painter of Ina, or the Painter of the Lady of Penafrancia. Narrating his humble beginning, Piano shared that prayer has been his key to everything. Piano did not come from a wealthy family hence studying Fine Arts was almost an impossible dream. During his youth wherein he was in primary school, Piano often draws landscape paintings or portraits of people he knew out of different materials he collects to sell and earn money from, in order to help with his studies. Continuously praying even after he finished a bachelors degree in Economics at the University of Nueva Ceres (1978). A twist of faith lead him to one of his blessings; he had been discovered and granted a Jose Joya Scholarship at the University of the Philippines-College of Fine Arts. This phenomenon, like any other happening in Pianos life, lead him closer with his relationship with the Lady. His works even during the beginning of his career were mostly murals, paintings and, stained glass designs of religious patrons throughout the Philippines. Part of his collection is the station of the cross series found in OLAP. This one of a kind work is very distinct in terms of form. Veering away from the traditional full figures one can be awed and fascinated by the hands that are the only consistent form being seen all throughout the stations. The colors were put exclusively for eye catching purposes as it was particularly blended in terms of appearance to coincide with the churches interior. Piano explained that he wanted to make the series a very exclusive collection for OLAP. He said that he wanted people to remember the church and its stations. He wanted people to look at his work and think. He did not want them to glimpse at his pieces or give the obvious meaning. He wanted to give space for others to converse with it. I want each individual to make their own meaning. Piano wanted his work to come alive in hearts of many. He even said that each station should have a different interpretation for every individual that looks at it. Its like God having different effects on us depending on how we see him. The hands on the other hand, were chosen by him because he said that a persons struggle can be seen a lot in his hands. He wanted people to somehow understand, see and feel the burden that Jesus carried for us. He wanted the focus of his entire series to the hands of Jesus that carried the cross. Pancho Piano like his works is one of a kind. Not only was he a great artist but a true follower of the Lord. His story and visions not only settles an inspiration to success but it is also a story that would serve as a parable. It is true indeed, that blessed are those who walk in the way of the Lord.

Writer: Margareth Fontanilla