And as if his being an active fashion designer-couturier wasn’t enough to keep his position as one of Manila’s top and respected fashion consultants, Bobby even ventured into fashion photography (having done a number of magazine covers, models’ portfolios and posters), talent management (having discovered, trained and managed a lot of new faces for the ramp, TV , movies, ads and beauty pageants), and even chaired Fashion Designers Association of the Philippines’ annual talent search, Bodyshots IV, in 1989.

But at the height of his career, Bobby opted to abandon his business, close shop and pack his belongings as he headed for New Jersey where his family has decided to settle.

That was a 360-degree turnabout for Bobby but the abrupt decision was consoled by the affable support of his three sons (who have all took nursing jobs like their mom) and his ever supportive wife, Venny.

After dwelling in a quandary and deep musing and having adjusted to his new life, Bobby finally realized his childhood dream - that of being an artist. Late though it may seem (his first landscape in oil saw the light of day on an 8" x 12" stretched canvas after his eldest son, Brian, gifted him with an artist’s starter set in the Christmas of 2002, when he was a couple of months short of his 57th birthday), but the mere realization of his magnificent obsession is all that mattered. After all, his outlook in life is never a day older than his youthful dream.

Since the spring of 2003, after he finished his first oil piece ever, Bobby’s artworks gradually accumulated in sizes and grew in numbers. He eventually mastered the use of other painting medium and his romance with his brush and canvas grew more intense with each passing day and every artwork is stamped with such great passion.

And the big break came when he unveiled his first one-man art exhibit entitled "My Life Beneath the Bergen Skies" on March 29, 2004 (at the age of 58) at the lobby of the Philippine Center in New York City. The resounding feedback and the growing patronage of his works gave Bobby the muchneeded encouragement to continue perfecting his craft.

And so, for his second hurrah "Visual Contexts and Fragmented Canticles" (held at the same venue last May 8-20, 2006) proved Bobby’s versatility in both brush and pen, in painting and writing, that is. The visual candidness of the realistic landscapes was painstakingly done with so much attention to details and intricate dimensions that proved his being meticulous and patient.

The prolific outpouring of sentiments and the vivid reminiscences of anguish and heartaches in his free verse poetry undoubtedly revealed his serious side. Bobby’s concept of this show easily displayed the congruous existence of the two arts, which was definitely visually gratifying and emotionally moving.

His recently mounted show, as predicted, was a big success and that, the free verse poetry, like his artworks, was warmly received and garnered encouraging remarks. That gave Bobby the idea of compiling them and publishing it soon.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony of "Visual Contexts and Fragmented Canticles" was formally graced by the Deputy Consul General Melita Sta. Maria-Thomeczek, Mila S. Francisco, art curator Sherryl R. Morantz, and former Bb. Pilipinas-International ‘89 Anthea Robles who were ably assisted by Venny D. Yalong.

The show commenced with poetry-reading with Philippine Center Manager Gavino Abaya Jr. reading "Enticement," DoT official Emma Ruth Yulo dramatically interpreting "Pains of Reminiscence," and Vicky Quiambao, "Summer’s Ghost."

Seen socializing were Dr. Pompeyo Roa-Realuyo and wife, Nora, Philippines legendary jazz singer Annie Brazil escorted by Charles Caruzo, now US-based designer Celia Umali, celebrity make-up artist Imogene W. Raypon, Drs. Leo de la Cruz and I. Constantino, California-based Edna J. Moskarya, Alwin Ampoyo, Rico and Baby Tesoro of Sta. Maria, California, Cynthia R. Tesoro of Los Angeles, Chona Cajanding, Filipino Reporter’s entertainment editor Raoul C. Tidalgo, Nani C. Perlado, Darwin and Liziel Ocampo, Ramon and Janet Arceo, and Charlie and Agnes Opinion.

The ever reliable Helen Latoja, pioneering collectors of Bobby’s arts Adrian and Bheng Cumberbath, and culinary expert Chinky Barron all did a great job to ensure the success of the exhibit.

Bobby’s children, Brian, John and Kenneth (together with their life-partners, Knor, Jasmin and Geraldine, respectively) and wife Venny were all out to support him.

Indeed, as Bobby said, he is on the right path under the guiding light of his Supreme Creator, in the right arena to combat his fears and overcome his frustrations, at the right time to unveil more of his hidden talents, and most of all, above and over the loss of his jilted past, moving surely toward the fulfillment of a cherished dream, and embracing the very soul of his first love - painting!

Incidentally, I’d like to greet Bobby "happy birthday!" on his natal day today, June 7.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, June 7, go to Bert del Rosario, Maria Montes, Bobby Yalong, Bobby Ignacio, Mrs. Ester Legaspi, Mico Salvador, Robert Calupitan, Reynaldo Castaneda, Helen Barsaga, Robert Rabino, Cala Marasigan, Eve B. Sarmiento and Deling Yague–Martinez....Happy wedding anniversary to Anthony L. Almeda and Aurora Raquel Arcega....