Come catch the Last Full Show
By Recah Trinidad
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 10 Dec 2016
THERE?S a color portrait of the late National Artist for Literature Franz Arcellana, sparkling in its uniqueness, that will be worth digging for in the Last Full Show retrospective exhibit of the premier multi-awarded painter Danilo Dalena that opens today at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.
Curtain call is 4:p.m. but the poet-novelist Erwin Castillo, a collector and dear ally of Dalena, has promised to show up early. Just like members of the Arcellana family, Castillo never had the luck of laying eyes on the red-and-white portrait, done in a single seating one afternoon at the University of the Philippines campus.
Dalena has never bothered to display that portrait, so with the one he did, also in a single seating, of the amiable writer P.A. Zapanta, a war veteran with a perpetual smile and the Star of David tattoo on his left Ilongo forearm.
**
The two portraits, full-fledged masterpieces, could easily get buried in the truckload?make that read shipload?of great works that will trace and bare Dalena?s noble 50-year artistic odyssey. The frames, numbering close to a hundred, will illuminate the walls in the 3rd and 4th floors of the CCP main and small gallery. The show runs through February.
Too bad that the masterpiece Tres Seis Dehado, which topped the Art Association of the Philippines contest in the mid-70s, will not make it to the opening. Its whereabouts has remained a secret following a tug-of-war between two parties, the sponsoring bank and the family of the bank?s late president, on who rightfully owns it. That priceless frame touched off Dalena?s celebrated Jai-Alai series
**
Do look for the Maninilip, a canvas on Cubao?s thirsty and tired side-street peeping toms, whose only after-work solace was to steal through wooden window slats of the dark, sleazy Alibangang beer parlor for a glimpse of gleaming, half-naked sexy female dancers. That rare work, bathed in mystical light, and which was reportedly abducted from a gallery by the family of a top government official during the Marcos dictatorship, rivals the jai-alai series anchor frame in depth, relevance and magic.
What promise to steal the limelight are the classic political and editorial cartoons, done in unerring pen and ink. These are stark and fearless commentaries against the wrath and tyranny of the Marcos regime.
Dalela, who has grimly refused to play art salesman by avoiding the cheap publicity mill through the years, has generously agreed to show the anti-Marcos works for the enlightenment of the innocent younger generation.
Of course, this can?t be the last full show; there are, in fact, early cries for an encore. More, more!
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Recah Trinidad.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
INDIGO FIGHT NIGHT RESULTS AS GIORGIO VISOLI OVERCOMES TOUGH JOE HOWARTH – AND TIAH-MAI AYTON WINS AGAIN
Thu, 18 Dec 2025Weights From ProBoxTV’s ‘Merry Fistmas’ at War Memorial Auditorium in Fort Lauderdale, Tomorrow Night at 7 pm ET
Thu, 18 Dec 2025Undefeated Jose Tito Sanchez Returns to Face Jesus Ramirez Rubio in Super Bantamweight Main Event on Friday
Thu, 18 Dec 2025Three boxers aim for finals
By Joaquin Henson, Wed, 17 Dec 2025BOOM! Terence Crawford Stuns the World with Retirement at 42-0
By Dong Secuya, Wed, 17 Dec 2025Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua: The Biggest “Crossroads” Fight Ever!
By Ralph Rimpell, Wed, 17 Dec 2025Donaire ready for Tsutsumi
By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 16 Dec 2025INDIGO FIGHT NIGHT: WEIGH-IN RESULTS AND RUNNING ORDER CONFIRMED AS CONNOR MITCHELL GETS READY FOR HIS PRO DEBUT
Tue, 16 Dec 2025THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION DECEMBER 15 DECEMBER 2025: Gassiev KO Pulev in 6; Mikaeljan Beats Jack for WBC Cruiser Title; Pacheco Outpoints Sadjo
By Eric Armit, Tue, 16 Dec 2025Sumalinog, Castanol rule Senior, PWD fun run
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 16 Dec 2025Vargas urges boxers to defy odds
By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 16 Dec 2025GIORGIO VISIOLI SETS OUT MISSION TO LAND MAJOR TITLES AFTER TENSE FIRST FACE-OFF WITH ENGLISH TITLE RIVAL JOE HOWARTH
Tue, 16 Dec 2025Kevin Brown and Yoenis Tellez Shine at Boxlab Promotions’ “Night of Champions XIII” During the 104th Annual WBA Convention
Tue, 16 Dec 2025TRAINING CAMP NOTES: Justin Cardona Shares Insights Ahead of December 19 Showdown Against Avious Griffin
Tue, 16 Dec 2025JAS MATHUR JOINS MANNY PACQUIAO PROMOTIONS AS CEO TO LEAD STRATEGIC VISION, CREATIVITY AND GLOBAL GROWTH INITIATIVES
Tue, 16 Dec 2025