When RC Manrique-Santos and her then-boyfriend—now husband—were still dating, they would frequent Robinsons Galleria in Ortigas to hang out, catch the latest movies or grab a bite to eat. Many years later, the couple has been blessed with three children and RC has returned to painting, a childhood interest that her mother encouraged and helped cultivate.
“I was in primary school when I discovered my love for art. My Mom taught me how to draw. I remember loving her drawings and copying them,” RC said.
In high school, she began sketching houses (“I love interior design”), faces and religious images like the Holy Family. “I would paint the face of Jesus Christ every Good Friday.”
At the Philippine Women’s University in Manila where she went for college, RC took up AB Communications as well as several Fine Arts units. Her mother supported her daughter’s creative pursuits and would remind her to always take care for her hands.
“She wouldn’t let me do house chores after school because she believed in ‘pasma’—unfortunately for my other siblings [who took up the slack]. My mother loved and appreciated all the pieces I made even if I felt insecure about some of them,” RC said.
Two years ago, her mother passed away. “She was my No. 1 fan. I am so sad she’s not here to witness my first solo show but I know she is proud of me, watching from above.”
RC’s abstract paintings share a common theme. She starts by painting a cross on the canvas and allows her whispered prayer to take flight.
“I just paint how I feel. What I love about abstract painting is the result, and how certain strokes make something so real and genuine. It is always a surprise to me how I finish a piece in a certain way,” she said.
RC chose the title “Spes in Cruce” (Hope in the Cross) as a way to give hope to those who are going through a tough situation at this point in their life, adding, “It is also my way to show gratitude to Him who gave me the talent to paint.”
Of her month-long exhibit from Dec.1 to Jan. 2, 2024, RC said she’s excited and a bit nervous.
“I’m so grateful that God answered my prayer to have my first solo show. This is a dream come true for me. It is amazing how my dreams are now becoming a reality.”
Visitors can look forward to her paintings that depict hope and “remind [viewers] of God’s unconditional love especially now in this season of Christmas.”
Holding her first solo show at Robinsons Galleria is like coming full circle for RC.
“It’s a sentimental place for us but more importantly, I’ve heard from other artists that ARTablado is one of the best galleries as it is very generous in supporting artists, whether amateur or professional. ‘May puso ang ARTablado sa bawat artist.’”
