FOR SOME, painting is a hobby. For others, it is a form of healing.
But for a tapasero (sugarcane cutter) from the mountain barangay of Jerusalem in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental, painting is more than an art form — it is also a means of earning a living.
For Arby Villaruz, a high school graduate, painting became a meaningful detour from a life of odd jobs.
Growing up in a poor family, Arby was no stranger to hardship. At only 23, he had already worked as a construction worker, security guard, tricycle driver, and, most recently, a tapasero sang tubo.
But wait. Arby possesses a God-given talent. He is an artist. He can create paintings far beyond what he himself imagined possible. And for him, it all feels quite surreal.
INSTANT ‘SUPERSTAR’
On July 1, Arby became an instant “superstar.”
His thought-provoking artwork, “Paglaum” (Hope), won the grand prize in the Negros Island Region-wide painting competition held in his hometown of Cadiz City.
Arby never imagined he would win — not even in his wildest dreams. But that day belonged to him.
The judges could not ignore his masterpiece. Aside from its meticulous execution, the painting tells the story of a poor girl whose dreams are bigger than her shadow.
Among all the entries, Arby’s obra maestra stood out and earned him the P100,000 grand prize.
Naturally, he was overwhelmed. Tears welled in his eyes as the reality of his victory slowly sank in.
‘SCRIPT OF HIS LIFE’
Understanding Arby’s work makes one appreciate it even more.
It is as though he painted the very script of his own life.
Although the subject of the artwork is a young girl gazing at her humble bamboo house while dreaming of a brighter future, it is, in many ways, a reflection of Arby’s own journey toward a better life.
Simply put, he poured his personal struggles, hopes, and aspirations onto the canvas, making the painting vivid, authentic, and deeply moving.
Every brushstroke and every color reflects perseverance, determination, and the unwavering belief that one day he will rise from the rubble of poverty through art.
JUSTIFIED CONVICTION
Arby is still a relatively new artist. His passion for painting began only four years ago.
What has prevented him from fully pursuing an artistic career is, understandably, a lack of financial resources. Yet fate seems determined to prove that obstacles can be overcome, and luck has finally begun to smile on him.
Even while working as a tapasero or driving a tricycle, he always set aside a small portion of his earnings to buy art materials. It was as if painting had become his true calling.
During his first four years as an artist, Arby experienced more defeats than victories. But every setback only strengthened his desire to paint even more.
Eventually, his perseverance paid off. The championship trophy he received symbolizes far more than victory. It stands as proof of his endurance and unwavering commitment to pursuing what many dismiss as merely a “boring hobby.”
UNHEARD, UNKNOWN STORIES
Cadiz City Mayor Salvador “Bading” Escalante Jr., regarded as the father of the city’s painting competitions that began during the COVID-19 pandemic, was delighted to see another grassroots artist emerge as champion.
The results of the NIR-wide competition reflect how Cadiz’s sustained commitment to promoting the arts has flourished over the past five years.
Beyond serving as a platform for emerging artists from across the country, the city’s painting competitions — held every January and July — have become a stage where unheard and untold stories are brought to life on canvas.
“Really, beyond colors and strokes, participants also paint unheard or unknown stories that tell the beauty of humanity worthy to be told and retold,” Escalante said.
Admirable.
GLOBALLY RENOWNED
Who knows? Arby may one day become the “Vincent van Gogh” of Cadiz.
After all, Arby and the late Dutch master share remarkably similar beginnings. Like Arby, Vincent van Gogh lived in extreme poverty before his masterpieces gained worldwide recognition. For years, van Gogh depended on the financial support of his brother.
He also struggled with mental illness during much of his artistic career.
Yet despite those hardships, he eventually became one of the world’s most celebrated painters.
According to MutualArt, van Gogh’s three most valuable paintings sold at auction are:
• Orchard with Cypresses (1888) — US$117.2 million
• Portrait of Dr. Paul Gachet (1890) — US$82.5 million
• Labourer in a Field (1889) — US$81.3 million
No one can truly predict Arby’s destiny.
Now that he has become a champion, he is undoubtedly inspired to create even more meaningful works.
And through those paintings, he will continue telling stories that many of us may never fully know — stories that only his brushes can bring to life.
For that reason alone, Arby is someone worth watching. As Babette said in “Babette’s Feast”:
“An artist is never poor. We have something, Mesdames, of which other people know nothing.”
Will those words prove true for Arby?
Only time will tell.
Until then, best of luck, Arby./PN
