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WRITE-UPS OF JINGJING ROMERO’S PAINTINGS
TUNISIA: BREKKIE IN TUNIS
“Brekkie in Tunis” was inspired by our first meal in Dar Said Hotel in Carthage, Tunisia. I was ready for a more exotic entree, but I was happy I didn't have to adjust my taste buds to something very foreign so early in the morning in northern Africa. We had breakfast outdoors, in the pool area, where we had a ringside view of the Bay of Tunis. The tall shady trees and bright bouganvillea added color to the white concrete houses with blue doors and windows below us. This was a painstakingly made still life. The croissants took longest to paint.
SPAIN: LIQUID GOLD
Everywhere we went in Europe, each village or country claimed theirs were the best aceites de oliva in the world. I believed all of them considering the delicious meals I had in their dining tables, from aperitivo to dessert. The choices were varied. There were different grades and a lot of these olive oils were infused with different herbs. I had brought home some, usually a small bottle of 100% pure virgin olive oil or flavored, from Barcelona (Spain), Athens (Greece), St. Paul de Vence (France), Marrakech (Morocco), Cinque Terre (Italy), and Dubrovnik (Croatia), and all of them were consumed with much gusto. Infused or not, olive oil has always been our favorite bread dip, pure and simple. But the bragging rights to have produced 45% of the world's supply belong to España.
Did you know that more than 300 million olive trees (out of 750 million trees worldwide) are grown in Andalusia? Each tree produces 15 to 20 kilos of olives or four to five liters of olive oil. Naturally, Spain gets the most number of awards for taste, purity and quality. Eight of the best ten olive oils come from Spain. I must visit an olive farm instead of the usual wineries on my next trip, and taste the difference between picuda and picual extra virgin oils.
SINGAPORE: CRIMSON SUNBIRD
The national bird of Singapore resembles sea eagles and hummingbirds with different color combinations. Crimson sunbirds have weak claws but elongated beaks that make grabbing insects easy.
The Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is a major home for the Crimson Sunbird. They also inhabit woodlands, low lying forests and cultivated lands. On average, the Crimson Sunbird lays three to four eggs in a season. Eggs hatch in 18 to 20 days. They are small, only 11 cm. big, with short wings. They look like they would fit in small bird cages that you can keep at home as an ornament. But why would we restrict their freedom?
SWITZERLAND: ART WALK IN LUCERNE
This is my recollection of Chapel Bridge as I first saw it. The bridge is one of Lucerne's main attractions. It is considered an architectural masterpiece for its wooden construction and iconic covered style. Built in the 14th century, the 670-foot structure is considered the oldest covered wooden bridge in Europe. Crossing the bridge is an experience in itself. In 1989, I viewed over a hundred triangular panels tucked into the ceiling depicting Swiss and local history. Important events and scenes in the lives of the city's patron saints were also on display. These art pieces were set up in the 17th century. Unfortunately, only 28 original paintings survived a fire in 1993. The bridge was promptly restored within the year. The tall water tower beside it has an interesting history, too. It was a torture chamber, a prison, a watchtower and repository of the city's treasures. It is now a private club and is no longer open to the public. On one side of the bridge, you can get a fantastic view of Lake Lucerne against a backdrop of snowcapped mountains. On the other side lies Reuss River.
CHINA: KUNG FU PANDA
Just vulnerable. No longer endangered. My Vegas-based grandkids call this cutie Kung Fu Panda. Thanks to Dreamworks, the lovable black and white creatures are so popular now. No rush to bring the kids to Beijing to see real pandas in action. Nor to certain zoos that
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The Accidental Artist
PR consultant Jingjing V. Romero has assumed many roles in life. From founding a 25-year old PR business, to being mother and grandmother, the spirited sixtysomething has also just faced down breast cancer. Today, she adds “artist” to a profile already full of achievements.
Jingjing is mounting her first solo exhibit titled Postcards from Mamita, paintings created from memories and reflections on her numerous international travels. The exhibit will be held at The Wellington Centre on 32nd and 4th at the Bonifacio Global City starting July 25, 2017.
“Originally I planned to write a collection of travel vignettes for my grandkids to get to know me better when they grow up. I thought it would be a lasting memento for them to show their kids too, to remember me when I am long gone,” she said.
Her children compiled the first paintings into a family photobook dubbed Postcards from Mamita, from which the exhibits gets its name.
Midway through painting, while fighting through the pain and fog of chemotherapy and radiation, Jingjing realized it could be something more. The paintings gained a larger purpose beyond sharing her globe-trekking spirit to her family.
Postcards from Mamita became a commitment to support the Catholic priesthood, specifically, to send scholars from the dioceses of Cabanatuan and San Jose, Nueva Ecija to seminary.
Jingjing traces her roots in Nueva Ecija. She had already sent two scholars through seminary, and one had even graduated to become a Rogationist missionary to Africa.
Jingjing’s cousin, Bishop Oscar Azarcon-Solis, head of the Salt Lake City Catholic Diocese, and a graduate of the Maria Assumpta Seminary in Nueva Ecija, welcomed the project. She likewise gained support from renowned artist Betsy Westendorp, a good friend and art adviser. Willie C. Soong, “the father of luxury car brands in the country,” has generously lent The Wellington Centre for the exhibit which runs for two weeks.
Jingjing began painting only in March this year, fulfilling a long-held childhood dream. She had thought of making 65 paintings before her 65th birthday. But by the end of her show yesterday, she had 80 paintings on exhibit.
On days free of doctor’s appointments, client calls, press events, and flights to other destinations, she paints more remembered things and experienced places. A bird bath in Talinn, Estonia. A medieval castle in Germany. A spring valley in Israel. Her breakfast in Kuala Lumpur. The Polish countryside. A hot-air balloon ride in Cappadocia. Her travels and painting will continue, as will her recovery.
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