20 June 2014- At the diplomatic reception held on June 12 to celebrate the 116th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence, the Philippine Embassy in Rome simultaneously honored Filipino creativity, beauty and culture by featuring the works and performances of Italy-based Filipino artists and performers who seek to elevate the Filipino identity by highlighting the unique contribution of Philippine culture and arts in Italy.
RICHARD GABRIEL
Born on 16 December 1964 in Arayat, Pampanga, Richard grew up in a family of politicians and professionals.
Destiny and curiosity would bring him to Italy, starting with his journey to Milan in 1989 where he would visit exhibits and museums, enrolled at the free courses of the Academy ofBrera where his rich imagination and manual ability were first noticed.
In 1997, he was called by Carla Tolomeo as assistant for the construction of her legendary Sculpture Chairs. Since then, Richard appeared on every catalogue of Tolomeo and he was always present at her international exhibits.
Richard also worked for Hermès, Meurice Hotel in Paris, Bluemarine, Puskin Museum in Moscow, Asia Museum in Seoul and for the Sicis Next Art worldwide.
In 2007, he received from President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo the BagongBayani Award for Culture and Art. This award is given to Filipinos who have distinguished themselves for their work abroad.
Mega Star
Richard’s Mega Star sculpture was designed especially for Filipina singer-actress "Mega Star" Sharon Cuneta. The piece is covered in Lampas which is woven in Pontoglio silk with golden thread enrichment. The textile used was from the King of Marocco which was donated by Countess Marta Marzotto. The Mega Star is also enriched with forty cabochon swarovski crystals and two stars in glass mosaic at on the lateral sides personally executed by Richard.
Madame Angel
Executed in 2013 through a mosaic of glass fiber and velvet, Richard wanted to tell through Madame Angel man's endless journey through the heavens (the wings) and continents (the shoe). The piece paraphrases the artist’s long journey from the Philippines to Italy.
EFREN DORDAS
Born on 18 September 1969 in MaayonCapiz (central Philippines), Efren, as a young man, used to help his mother make corsages to sell during graduation. This started his passion for flowers. After finishing his degree in nursing, Efren aspired to go abroad in search of greener pastures to help his siblings who supported him through college.
In Italy, his determination and hard work landed him in all kinds of jobs which he did without complaint. It was while he was working as a barman-waiter in a hotel that his growing passion for flowers developed. He volunteered to do the flower arrangements for the said hotel to the amazement of the owners.
His break came when one warm August day, a bride all the way from Ireland, was desperately looking for a florist for her bridal bouquet as most shops in Italy were closed for summer vacation. Efren gladly accepted the challenge and did the bouquet to everyone's pleasant surprise!
Soon thereafter, Efren fulfilled his dream of opening his own flower shop. Dordas Flowers now caters to several hotels in Rome by supplying their weekly flower requirements. END