
By Marivir R. Montebon
New York City — At the gallery of the Philippine Center on 5th Avenue, everything that meets the eye is a masterpiece. The splendid interplay of colors describing the warmth of home and life evokes awe, whether it is the woman in a bright yellow top playing the kulintang (an ancient musical instrument composed on a row of small, horizontally laid gongs that function melodically),or the array of tropical fruits as nature’s harvest, or the bangka (sail boat) floating on the serenity of the sea.
Seeing Beyond: An Artist’s Journey opened Wednesday evening featuring the crisp, vibrant works of Fernando Kabigting, who despite a debilitating stroke that partially paralyzed him and affected his eyesight, continues to render magical imagery with his paint brush.
The 5th of his solo exhibition at the Philippine Consulate, Kabigting this time paints on wood whose imperfect surface is both a challenge and inspiration. Known for his signature Batya (antique wooden basin), his art work on wood is a refreshing creation.

The artist flanked by this writer, Cultural Officer Olivia Osias-Magpile, Ms. Menchu Kabigting, Consul General Mario de Leon, Ms. Vivian Cruz, and Ms. Kay Habana
Kabigting is a native of Manila and begun an illustrious career as a painter and art teacher for more than 50 years. He has flown to New York for the current exhibit.
Seeing Beyond is a must see for every artist and art lover. Exhibit runs till the end of June 2015 and is put together by the Philippine Consulate General New York and the Department of Tourism Philippines.