Bong Revilla cuts ribbon, delivers speech at opening of art show by showbiz artists

Initially, Richard Gomez–now Representative of the 4th Congressional District of Leyte Province–signified his confirmation of joining the collective art exhibit of artists in show business dubbed as “Screenscapes.”

It was 1982 Binibining Pilipinas-Universe and actress Maria Isabel Lopez who sent a press advisory of the complete and confirmed participants in the show with Richard singularly addressed as Congressman.

In an unexplained circumstance, Richard’s name wasn’t included in the poster.

The recent opening of “Screenscapes” went just the same at the White Room Gallery of the SEMEO INNOTECH along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City with special guests Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr., ex-DepEd’s secretary Leonor Briones and National Artist for Film Ricky Lee who all cut the ceremonial ribbon.

Senator Revilla, Jr. spoke of the significance of the artistry of his colleagues in the screen acting field.

“Sana, makapag-paint din ako (I hope I can also paint),” chuckled Bong who went around the gallery to view and savor the beauty and meaning of the canvasses the artists artfully created.

The participating actors and actresses in the art exhibit aside from Maria Isabel are Shamaine Centenera Buencamino, Dranreb Belleza (the main organizer of the show with Maribel Lopez), Melissa Mendez, Sandino Martin, Ernie Garcia, Cris Villanueva, Nina Ricci Alagao-Flores, Elizabeth Oropesa, Jao Mapa, Jeanette Kamphuis, Lotlot de Leon, Evangeline Pascual, Jet Rai (the former Jet Alcantara) and filmmaker Louie Ignacio who were present during the kick-off.

John Lloyd Cruz, Baron Geisler and Epy Quizon didn’t show up in their show.

Revilla was impressed by the installation art of actor John Paul Duray who wasn’t around as well during the launch.

“Ibang klase (Different class),” Bong quipped of Duray’s sculpture of a faceless human figure with a piece of banana on top.

Young actress Janine Gutierrez was around to give spuritual boosts to her mom Lotlot.

Lopez’s son Ken Yokohama arrived late with girlfriend Nicole Belmonte while Shamaine’s actor-husband Noni Buencamino came just in time when his wife’s name was called by Prof. Ruben “Dodo” Defeo, curator of White Room and former assistant dean of the University of the Philippines (UP) College of Fine Arts.

“Screenscapes” is available on display in the gallery until February 17, 2024.