On its 18th year, children’s illustrators group Ang Ilustrador ng Kabataan (Ang INK) launched its annual exhibit for 2009: “FOReveRENEver,” a tribute to the late children’s writer and playwright Rene O. Villanueva at the CCP Little Theater Lobby.

With the support of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Lampara Books, Anvil Publishing, Tahanan Books, Adarna House, and Goethe Institut, Ang I.N.K. pays tribute to one of the most celebrated figures in the landscape of Filipino children’s books.

“Rene Villanueva’s literature has showcased Ang INK illustrators’ works for several decades now,” reveals Ang INK president Conrad Raquel. “We felt that it was the right occasion to show our appreciation as illustrators, and at the same time, ensure that his legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of future generations of Filipino readers.”

A writer like no other

“FOReveRENEver” is a showcase of 47 artworks that bring to life Rene’s never-been-illustrated literature – a collection of stories from his daily column in defunct periodical Diario Filipino, entrusted to INK for this exhibit by Ann Villanueva, Rene’s wife.

Ann Villanueva graced the exhibit opening, and explained that these stories were often spur-of-the-moment works, as a daily column required him to constantly churn out unpublished stories.

“The people he worked with often likened him to a vending machine,” she narrates. “Insert some coins, and presto, you get a story. He took inspiration from people – their experiences, their names, their characters.”

Rene Villanueva (1954-2007), is best known for his work on children’s television show Batibot; the play “Tiktipak-long”; and memorable children’s stories such as “Ang Pamilyang Ismid,” “Ang Unang Baboy sa Langit,” “Sina Elephas at Estegodon Noong Unang Panahon,” “Si Inggolok at ang Planeta
Pakaskas,” and many others.

Villanueva received many awards in his lifetime, such as TOYP, New York Film and TV Festival, First Latin American Video and Film Festival (Columbia), Japan Prize (Preschool Category), Prix Juenesse Winner (Germany), TOYM, CCP, Gawad Collantes, Gantipalang Quezon, National Book Award, and Palanca.

Children’s writer Augie Rivera, who was both a friend and colleague to Rene, noted that he had a unique way of description.

“Natutunan ko kay Rene na sa paglalarawan, di uubra ang pangkaraniwan lang. Sa kanya lang ako nakarinig na pwedeng maglarawan ng taong ‘mukhang langib.’ O kaya’y ‘mukhang pusit!’ At higit sa lahat, ‘mukhang pusit na de-lata’.

Biruin nyo, pusit ka na nga, hindi ka pa fresh… processed at may preservatives ka pa.” (I learned from Rene that ordinary description won’t do. It was only from him that I heard a person described to look like an abscess! Or a squid! Or even canned squid! Just think, you’re already a squid to begin with, but you’re not fresh… You’re processed, with preservatives to boot!)

A grand showcase

“FOReveRENEver” features Rene’s folk tales, legends, and children’s stories, such as “Awit na Di Malimot-limot,” Ang Ibon at Ang Matsing,” “Aklat, Aklat, Aklat,” “Ang Mutyang May Pakpak,” Sungay ng Kapitan,” “Bayaya: Batang Walang Katawan,” “Ang Bibingka ng Dalawang Kuting,” “Si Matabagka at ang Diwata ng Hangin,” “Si Lolo Andong at ang Mga Bituin,” “Komadronang May Matinis na Tinig,” “Ang Malungkuting Bata,” “Ang Engkatadong Tsonggo,” “Ang Butiki at Ang Uwak,” “Amihan at Habagat,” “Utos ng Hari,” “Mga Anghel ng Kwento,” and “Okaka.”

Among the roster of artists participating the exhibit are: Nina Garcia, Bing Laquindanum, Nica Silva, Mado Obusan, Lady Mendoza, Liz Jocano, Ray-ann Bernardo, Kristin Garanchon, Blooey Singson, Joel Chua, Jhoan Medrano, Aldy Aguirre, Maurice Risulmi, Ivan Reverente, Zeus Bascon, Domz Agsaway, Arian Gallegos, Leo Alvarado, Philip Reytiran, Jandy Carvajal, Tinay Sison, Jomike Tejido, Jill Posadas, Jasmin Lacay, Pergylene Acuña, Ang Malungkuting Bata, Rev Cruz, Nonay Rivera, Yas Doctor, Gigi Lapid, Chalk Zaldivar, Ang Engkatadong Tsonggo, Isa Natividad, Brent Sabas, Will Peneyra, Ray Sunga, Ariel Santillan, Iyo Agtuca, Jem Basilio, Abi Montana, Karen Lantin, Liz Rañola, Greco Malimbiling, Rommel Joson, Abi Dayacap, and Nicole Lim.

“We are deeply honored by this tribute to Rene’s memory, and we appreciate the effort of Ang INK in keeping his literature alive,” Ann Villanueva notes. “No doubt Rene is watching, ecstatic at the celebration of the stories he wrote.”

FOReveRENEver runs until Nov. 29 at the CCP Little Theater Lobby.

(The writer is currently the vice president of Ang INK. She blogs about books at http://sumthinblue.com. Ang INK is an association of artists committed to the creation and promotion of illustrations for children founded in June 1991. Ang INK’s membership of over 100 members includes full-time freelance illustrators, graphic designers, painters, writer-illustrators, teachers as well as students in visual arts, and artists working in publishing companies, design-related firms and advertising agencies.

Ang INK continuously works towards setting up an effective linkage and communication network among and between artists, writers, publishers and educators through monthly general meetings, regular newsletters, annual catalogs and yearly exhibitions. The networking has also helped its members to be more aware of their rights, as well as the ins and outs of the industry.)