Category: Philippine Star

That’s what Christ told his disciples, James and John, who, feeling aghast that the Samaritans were not welcoming to Christ, suggested that fire come down from heaven to consume them. (cfr. Lk 9,51-56) Of course, Christ rebuked them, telling them straight that they did not have the right spirit.

The proper spirit is precisely what Christ showed them and to all of us which is that of all-out charity, full of understanding, mercy, and magnanimity. It’s a charity that can continue loving even the enemies and would enable one to continue serving everyone even to the extent of giving one’s life as a ransom for all of us. (cfr. Mk 10,45)

We have to be wary of our tendency to fall into what is termed as bitter zeal. While it’s true that we should try to be always zealous in our life, we have to make sure that our zeal is righteous, holy, and charitable, not bitter, with a clear and proper sense of purpose, not just aimless.

Righteous zeal is always respectful of legal, juridical and, most importantly, of moral standards, especially that of charity and mercy. Bitter zeal wants instant results while ignoring legal and moral requirements, let alone the requirements of charity and mercy. It may pursue a valid cause, working for truth and justice, but without taking care of the appropriate means.

Bitter zeal makes a person hasty and reckless in his assessment of things. It fails to consider all angles, to listen to both sides, so to speak. He is prone to imprudence. In the end, it’s animated by the evil spirit of self-righteousness.

Inflammatory, incendiary words are its main weapons. Being belligerent is its style. It relishes in rousing controversies and sowing intrigues. It’s actually not as interested in looking for the objective truth and justice as carrying out one’s own personal agenda.

Especially when we engage ourselves in matters of opinion, we have to learn to practice restraint and moderation since no one has the exclusive ownership of what is right and fair. Opinions are views that are hardly based on absolute truths of faith and dogmas. They are more expressions of one’s preferences and tastes, and therefore we should expect a wide spectrum of differences, since things depend on people’s different temperaments, backgrounds, cultures, etc.

We have to learn how ‘bear each other’s burdens’ as suggested by St. Paul in his Letter to the Galatians (6,2). It’s the surefire formula of how to live genuine charity, one that is down to earth and easily and abidingly doable.

In this regard, we have to learn how to be magnanimous, knowing how to suffer since suffering is an unavoidable consequence of evil. Magnanimity is part of the charity as described by Christ. ‘Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,’ he said. (Mt 5,44) ‘If anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.’

We need to enlarge our heart, to make it more universal to accommodate everyone and any situation and condition properly. We should evade being caught by the grip of our strong views, and even our positions that we think are so essential that they are not anymore subject to opinion.

We have to see to it that our thoughts, desires, and intentions, our words and deeds are always animated by charity. There should no negative elements in them. We have to have a good grip on our emotions, able to dominate and properly orient our biases, preferences, and other idiosyncrasies that constitute our differences and even conflicts with others. We have to learn to focus more on what we have in common rather than what divides us. We have to learn how to dialogue with everyone.

Monday, Oct. 6, the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, is the Mid-Autumn Festival, the second most important festival for Chinese all over the world (the most important is, of course, the Lunar New Year or the Spring Festival). It is also a festival celebrating the moon, which is at its fullest and brightest on that night.

In ancient agricultural China, the post-autumn harvest was a time of plenty, a time to thank the gods for a good yield of crops. The term Mid-Autumn (zhong qiu or tiong chiu in Hokkien) first appeared in the Confucian classic Rites of Zhou and the custom of the Mid-Autumn Festival took root in the Tang dynasty. It was in the Northern Song dynasty that the date for the festival was fixed on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. The mooncake, on the other hand, first appeared in the following Southern Song dynasty.

Central to the Mid-Autumn Festival is the mooncake (so some people call it the Mooncake Festival), a round pastry filled with lotus paste or bean paste, embellished with a salted egg yolk (or two), nuts and butong pakwan (thus the urban legend of the old aunties on the second floor of the bakery cracking watermelon seeds with what teeth they still have).

A popular legend has it that during the Yuan dynasty, rebel leaders hid messages inside and distributed mooncakes to call on the people to ‘rise up and revolt’ against the Mongol overlords.

These days mooncakes have become quite fancy with flavors like ube, cheese and even truffle and, since these are often given as gifts, come in ornate containers that can double as jewelry boxes. The traditional bakeries still use the old tin boxes though.

Since the Tsinoy community is predominantly Hokkien from Fujian province, the dice game or pua tiong chiu has taken root here. The game supposedly dates back to the 1600s, invented by Koxinga (an honorific title meaning ‘Lord of the Imperial Surname’ given to the general Zheng Chenggong) to boost the morale of his homesick troops during the Mid-Autumn Festival, since they were stationed in southern Amoy (now Xiamen, in Fujian) to retake Formosa (Taiwan) from the Dutch.

When we were kids we’d hie off to my Amah (grandma)’s house to pua tiong chiu. The game involved six dice and a large bowl (if one of the dice jumps out of the bowl you lose your turn), and a rule book tells you what dice combinations get you what prize. Traditionally, prizes were different sizes of hopia mongo, starting from the smallest at about an inch and a half in diameter to the full 12-inch one. A set consists of 63 hopia in increasing sizes – 32 of the smallest, then 16, eight, four and two, until the Big Kahuna or tsiong guan.

The problem was what to do with all that hopia after the game; the entire household had hopia for merienda for two days (by the third day the mongo filling became dry and hard). So the modern iteration of the game involves prizes other than hopia – anything from candy, toys and trinkets to appliances (I once won a toaster oven) and jewelry to cash. But I haven’t yet heard of any family or group that had a suitcase full of cash as the tsiong guan – but then I don’t move in the circles of contractors and congressmen.

The sums are jaw-dropping. It is mind-boggling how amounts like P125 million, P3.6 billion are so casually thrown around, like P36 or P125. So even if their share is only – ONLY – two percent, it’s still a pretty penny. No wonder they can afford Rollses and Lambos, Ferraris and Benzes – paid for in cash – while the salaried worker has to shop around for the best financing deal to buy a Toyota, which will not be able to go through the lampas gulong floods because the pumping station is not working and the obstructed creek was not dredged and has overflowed.

I still can’t wrap my little round head around how P457 million can be withdrawn from one bank in one day – how many Rimowa suitcases or duffel bags and how many vehicles did it take to transport all that moolah to.whose house? Or shouldn’t I ask?

At the rate top government officials are being implicated in this grand thievery – where there’s smoke there’s fire, right? – the ranks of government, especially the legislature, could be seriously depleted, which might actually be a good thing, one positive to come out of this gargantuan mess.

Although, of course, at this point nobody is guilty; all of the accusations are baseless, politically motivated demolition jobs meant to tarnish reputations. And all charges will be answered in due time, at the proper forum – which I interpret as guilt-speak for ‘give me time to come up with a plausible explanation as I consult my highly paid crisis PR consultant and lawyers.’ There are a few mea culpas – undersecretaries, district engineers – but I’m waiting for the catch of the day, the Big Fishes.

These shenanigans have been going on for years, decades even, with the cast of unsavory characters changing with each change of administration (tenured civil servants are not affected by such changes). Many have said the problem is systemic, meaning it’s ‘rooted in the fundamental structure of the organization or society, such as a corrupt government system, rather than being a problem caused by a few bad individuals.’

Thing is, it’s looking like ‘bad individuals’ have infiltrated the entire system, controlling large parts of it in fact. So who’s going to fix the system? How do we fix the system? The ‘bad individuals’ will corrupt any system that’s put in place; we got rid of PDAF, only for it to be replaced by congressional insertions.

The Queen of Hearts – from Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland – may have a solution: ‘Off with their heads!’

A Mandaluyong court has issued an arrest warrant for former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office general manager Royina Garma and four others over the 2020 murder of PCSO board secretary Wesley Barayuga.

In a warrant dated Sept. 13, Regional Trial Court Branch 279 ordered the arrest of Garma, former National Police Commission commissioner Edilberto Leonardo and police officials Jeremy Causapin, Santie Mendoza and Nelson Mariano.

The suspects are facing murder and frustrated murder charges.

Barayuga was gunned down inside his car by a motorcycle-riding assailant in Mandaluyong on July 30, 2020.

His driver survived the attack.

Of the three police officers implicated, one has been dismissed from service, one is under the Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit and the other has resigned, according to the Philippine National Police.

The PNP is coordinating with the Bureau of Immigration to verify reports that some of the accused may have left the country, PNP public information office chief Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuano said yesterday.

Garma’s ICC testimony

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said the arrest warrant for Garma will not affect her testimony against detained former president Rodrigo Duterte before the International Criminal Court (ICC).

‘If she’s abroad now, then she wouldn’t be returning. She’ll go straight to The Hague,’ he said.

Garma earlier flew to Malaysia to meet with ICC representatives to prepare for her testimony in Duterte’s crimes against humanity case.

Remulla said the government is providing some protection to Garma by allowing her to meet with the ICC in Malaysia, noting that her life could be in danger in the Philippines.

Negotiations between Garma, former senator Antonio Trillanes and the ICC had been ongoing while she was in the United States and the DOJ was made aware of its developments, Remulla said.

Garma, a retired police colonel, had blown the whistle on a reward system in Duterte’s bloody drug war.

The National Collegiate Athletic Association hopes to pick up from where it left off last year as it ushers its 101st season on Wednesday, October 1, beginning with the centerpiece event of basketball at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Teams that played in last year’s Final Four will have a rematch right away on opening day as defending men’s champion and host school Mapua battles Lyceum, and College of St. Benilde clashes with San Beda University.

The Cardinals-Pirates tussle is set at 2:30 p.m. followed by the Blazers-Red Lions match at 5 p.m.

An elaborate opening ceremony starting at 12 p.m. precedes the double-header, with performances to be provided by songstress Thea Astley, Hannah Precillas, Naya Ambi and Aicelle Santos.

Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick ‘Pato’ Gregorio will serve as guest speaker when the country’s grand old collegiate league ushers its next 100 years.

‘Madaling tandaan. Season 101. And we’ll open on October 1. 10-1. So things like that. And with this year’s theme ‘Building Greatness,’ I’m sure for the past 100 years of NCAA, you’ve seen student-athletes rose to the elite level. So in the next 100 years in coordination with the PSC and member schools, we hope to sustain our contribution to the national training pool,’ said Jose Rizal University athletic director Paul Supan in Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

Emilio Aguinaldo College Vice President for Administration Dr. Lorenzo Lorenzo appeared with Supan in the session presented by San Miguel Corporation, PSC, Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO, Smart/PLDT, and the country’s 24/7 sports app ArenaPlus.

In line with the NCAA’s goal of providing the national training pool with potential members, Lorenzo said the collegiate league is introducing the Olympic sports of gymnastics, weightlifting, boxing, and golf in this year’s calendar of events.

All four sports will initially be demonstration in nature to be played in the second semester.

‘The NCAA and PSC ay nagkaroon ng partnership in terms of training and developing these grassroots athletes,’ said Lorenzo.

Supan said under NCAA rules a demo sport that has been played for three straight years can be elevated to regular status subject to certain conditions.

Weightlifting and gymnastics provided the three gold medals won by the country in the Olympics, including the breakthrough gold provided by lifter Hidilyn Diaz in the women’s 55 kg category. Incidentally, the 34-year-old Diaz is an alumnus of NCAA member school College of St. Benilde.

New format will also be adopted in the event of basketball, whose games will be played in the NCAAs original home at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

‘This is our home and most of us will acknowledge, dito talaga nagsimula ang NCAA,’ said Supan, noting the juniors basketball that kicks off on Thursday, October 2, will already be played at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium between Mapua-Lyceum and St. Benilde-San Beda.

‘The direction really is to eventually ensure that all of the games in the eliminations and semis, basically, were going back to our home base,’ added Lorenzo.

Other sports to be played at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila include taekwondo, swimming, lawn tennis, and hopefully, football, while track and field will be staged at PhilSports in Pasig.

Reducing the value-added tax (VAT) rate to 10 percent from 12 percent could cost the government roughly P330 billion annually, derail fiscal consolidation efforts and disproportionately benefit high-income earners, the Department of Finance (DOF) warned.

While the proposal to cut VAT rate to 10 percent has gained public attention, Finance Undersecretary Karlo Adriano said the reduction is equivalent to one percent of gross domestic product or around P330 billion a year on average.

‘If we have a target of 5.5 percent fiscal deficit this year, with the reduction of VAT to 10 percent, our fiscal deficit will be at 6.5 percent. So definitely, we will not be able to do fiscal consolidation because our fiscal deficit last year was only 5.7 percent,’ Adriano said.

Adriano warned that a wider deficit could weaken the country’s creditworthiness and raise borrowing costs.

‘If we cannot show that we are capable of fiscal consolidation, what will happen? Interest payments will also increase because our credit rating will be lower. When it gets worse, all our debts will increase. And that’s a cycle of more debt,’ he said.

To offset the lost revenues, the government would either have to slash expenditures by the same amount, around P330 billion a year.

‘That means less government programs of around P330 billion every year. So those are the things that need to be considered given this proposal,’ he said.

Adriano also pushed back against the notion that the VAT system is regressive.

According to Adriano, all income groups pay the same percent, citing numerous exemptions such as those on food, which accounts for about half of the spending of the poorest households.

Because the poor already spend mostly on VAT-exempt goods, a rate cut would largely benefit high-income earners.

‘If we actually decrease the VAT rate, the ones who will benefit the most are the high-income (earners) because they are the largest consumers,’ Adriano said.

Adriano also acknowledged the struggles of middle-income earners who are not poor enough to qualify for subsidies but are burdened by rising costs.

While the personal income tax system is already progressive, he underscored the need for more efficient government spending to free up resources for programs that could assist the middle class. He cited leakages in social aid programs, including free college tuition, which sometimes benefit wealthier families.

‘As much as possible, the high-income classes don’t need a single peso. Channel all this peso that the high-income classes receive to the middle-income,’ he said, adding that conditional cash transfers have proven effective in reducing poverty and should remain targeted.

The DOF official also discussed other tax-related measures, including the extension of the estate tax amnesty, which Congress recently moved to prolong until 2030.

Adriano said this would be the third extension since the measure was first introduced under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law in 2019.

‘It was extended the first time because of COVID. and then I believe it was extended again because there are many people who still want to avail of the amnesty,’ he explained.

On the proposed 12 percent VAT on digital service providers (DSP) such as Netflix and Spotify, Adriano said the levy could generate around P35 billion annually, though this is a conservative estimate.

More importantly, he said the measure is intended ‘to level the playing field between local DSPs and foreign DSPs,’ since domestic providers are already subject to VAT.

San Sebastian College-Recoletos showed its might right away by dumping Immaculada Concepcion College, 85-64, in the opening of the PG Flex Invitational Tournament 2025 Quintana Cup on Monday, September 29, at the Paco Arena.

Axl Ross Taporco led SSC-R’s mighty assault in the second quarter, coming through with daring drives to spark the Stags’ decisive breakaway.

The 5-foot-11 Taporco led a balanced SSC-R attack with 17 points, while Jew Hinoquin and Renz Robin Bernardo added 16 points. Four other players, including Josemaria Gomez De Liano – younger brother of PBA players Juan and Javi – added six points or more.

The opening of the preseason tournament, which has the backing of Smart Sports, Crane, Topflite, Hapee, Gerry’s Grill, Spalding, Mighty Bond and Best Options, was graced by PG Flex Linoleum owner Nelson Guevarra, Manila Councilor Jefferson Lau and UCAL Director Bong Nebrija.

In the other game, Letran needed a late game heroic from Neil Narvaez to survive the spirited challenge of Diliman College, 74-72.

Protecting a slim 69-67 lead, Narvaez made the Blue Dragons pay dearly for leaving him slightly open by draining a 3-point shot – his lone field goal for the night. He also made his both free throws.

Diliman had several chances to snatch the lead back but it misfired.

Denzil Sison-Walker showed what he’s capable of doing after posting significant numbers of 21 points, 5 boards and 1 assist in almost 28 minutes of action.

Meantime, reigning UCAL champion Olivarez College launches its bid for another title when he battles Gardner College in another 3-game schedule that will see the Knights going for their second win against ICC and Centro Escolar University taking on Manila Central University.

MREIT Inc. is considering the infusion of mall and retail assets from its sponsor, Megaworld, to diversify its portfolio, which is targeted to reach one million square meters of gross leasable area (GLA) by 2027.

The infusion of mall assets seeks to capture the continued growth in consumer spending and the strong momentum in mall leasing, complementing MREIT’s established base of high-occupancy office assets.

‘Our goal is to diversify our portfolio and expand our revenue base. So while the country is experiencing an impressive growth in consumer activities, we want to tap into these opportunities. This will enable us to deliver both growth and diversification, keeping our portfolio resilient and relevant for the years ahead,’ MREIT chairman Kevin Tan said.

MREIT said that property giant Megaworld continues to hold a substantial portfolio of income-generating assets, including around one million square meters of office GLA and 500,000 square meters of retail GLA that may still be infused over time.

The company said that this deep pipeline provides flexibility and underscores the long-term growth runway as MREIT accelerates toward its one million square meter target.

In terms of Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, foot traffic and sales across the country have already surpassed pre-pandemic levels, with strong leasing activities from both global and homegrown brands.

Mall occupancy has also reached a record 93 percent as of end-June.

‘This favorable environment underpins MREIT’s strategy to bring in more retail assets in the future, ensuring that its portfolio captures both the growth of business process outsourcing and the resurgence of Philippine consumer spending,’ the company said.

MREIT’s current portfolio spans across Megaworld’s key townships, particularly in Eastwood City, McKinley Hill, McKinley West, Iloilo Business Park and Davao Park District, with occupancy consistently among the highest in the industry.

The company remains focused on expanding its portfolio through accretive acquisitions, while maintaining strong dividend payouts to investors.

Former World No. 1 and two-time major champion Dustin Johnson is set to bolster an already formidable field at the International Series Philippines, which fires off on October 23 at Sta. Elena Golf Club in Laguna.

Johnson, whose resume includes an undefeated Ryder Cup record over five appearances – highlighted by a dominant 5-0 showing at Whistling Straits in 2021 – joins a stellar lineup that makes this event the most high-profile golf championship in the country since the Johnnie Walker Classic in 1995 at the Orchard Golf and Country Club.

He will be joined by fellow major winners Bubba Watson, Patrick Reed, Charl Schwartzel and Louis Oosthuizen, alongside international standouts Dean Burmester and Marc Leishman. With a $2-million purse, the International Series Philippines promises top-tier competition and world-class shotmaking from the opening tee shot to the final putt.

Now a leading figure with LIV Golf’s 4Aces GC, Johnson last played on the International Series circuit at the PIF Saudi International in 2023. His return to Asia and debut in Manila is expected to energize fans and draw new attention to the sport locally.

‘What I love most about the game is that it takes me to places I might never have gone otherwise – and the Philippines is one of those places,’ said Johnson. ‘To be able to play in front of new fans, experience a different culture, and share the excitement of world-class golf in a country that’s still discovering the sport – that’s really special for me.’

Johnson captured the US Open title in 2016 and delivered a record-breaking performance at the 2020 Masters, winning with a tournament-best 20-under-par total. He first reached world No. 1 in 2017, holding the top spot for 64 consecutive weeks – the fifth-longest reign in history – and has spent over 130 weeks in total atop the rankings.

But despite his illustrious achievements, the upcoming International Series event holds special meaning.

‘The International Series is a perfect fit for where I’m at in my career,’ said Johnson. ‘Even though the LIV Golf season is over, I still want to compete, stay sharp, and challenge myself against some of the best players out there.’

Beyond personal goals, Johnson emphasized the broader impact of competing in events like this one: helping to grow the game in emerging markets.

With his addition to the field, the International Series Philippines is shaping up to be one of the most competitive and captivating events on this year’s global golf calendar.

The tournament is the sixth of nine elevated events in the 2025 Asian Tour schedule, offering players from around the world a direct pathway into the LIV Golf League through its season-long rankings race.

A child’s birthday is a cherished memory, especially when they can freely run around and share the fun with friends and family in a space built just for them.

Located on the fourth floor of The Podium in Ortigas, Kinetix Kids is a play-gym, activity, and specialized training center. It is a one-stop shop where kids can play, enroll in special classes, and celebrate important milestones.

Since opening in November 2024, the place has become a popular venue for children’s parties. It has become an ideal party place in Ortigas that offers flexibility for family celebrations.

The event hall can accommodate up to 120 guests and offers flexible options for shared or exclusive access to the amusement area. The smaller hall can accommodate around 60 guests. Tables, chairs, and a basic sound system are included with the venue.

According to marketing manager Shalla Yu, a wide variety of party themes, from “outer space adventures to jungle explorations, and of course, the ever-popular character-inspired parties” were already held in the venue.

“What makes it fun is watching how kids fully dive into it and turn our space into their own little world,’ she added.

The place can host more than just birthdays; families can also celebrate graduations, christenings, Christmas, Halloween, or any other themed parties they can imagine. The venue can also accommodate organized playdates for groups of 10 or more children, with optional catering for snacks and desserts.

The establishment offers food and beverage services through its own arm, Kinetix Kitchen. They also have accredited food suppliers.

For an even more magical party, it has its own mascots, Aki, Ava, and Tobi.

“Just let our events team know in advance if you’d like them to make an appearance, and we’ll be happy to include them in your party package,” marketing head Shalla said.

Events director Albee Barretto emphasized the “mix of fun and convenience” that the play-gym provides.

“Parents don’t have to stress, and kids get the celebration of their dreams,” he said. “Plus, the space itself is designed to keep the energy high and the kids fully engaged. When you celebrate here, you get both peace of mind and a party that stands out.”

Two years after his first solo show, businessman-turned-artist Marco Santos is back with a second exhibit that channels fury as much as form.

Santos, who goes by MYSAN (after his initials and first three letters of his surname), debuted in 2023 at La Fuerza with ‘Persistence of Passion.’ Then 53, he was exuberant-‘a firecracker,’ as he once described himself. Now 56, he still fizzes with energy, but his art has grown darker, literally and figuratively.

His new show, ‘Man-hole,’ at Underground in Makati Cinema Square, pares down to nine works from the 12 mixed-media pieces of his debut. Where his earlier works leaned on pale plywood etched with burnt markings, this collection is heavy with char, holes, and voids.

When asked what it felt like to drive a hole into a painting on display at the iconic Makati destination known for its “ukay-ukay” (pre-loved clothing), Santos exclaimed: ‘Masarap!’

Rage, frustration, and fire

Curator Vien Valencia, a 2024 CCP Thirteen Artists awardee, selected the nine works from a stockpile of about 100 Santos has produced since leaving the business world behind.

The pieces grew out of rage and frustration, he admitted. A trip to Naoshima, Japan’s famed ‘Art Island,’ left him envious of its permanence and reverence. There, works of Claude Monet and Yayoi Kusama are housed on an island of beauty, history and creativity.

‘Why can’t we have this in the Philippines? We have 7,107 islands,’ he recalled, before correcting himself: ‘7,641.’

‘As an artist, you’re looking for your voice. Sometimes you never find it. But here’s a chance for me to help the country. Help more artists. And then I realized. Matagal ‘to. It will take forever.’

When the dream of building such a haven at home felt impossibly out of reach, he smashed his own canvases.

‘Every painting I saw in the house, I fucking smashed. I put a hole. Sa galit, sa galit.’

Some of those torched works even sat in his swimming pool before being dried “for texture,” he said.

Holes, keys, and heat

Visitors entering the gallery encounter stark contrasts of black and white. The burned surfaces and punctured gaps demand attention against the white walls.

Art is subjective, so they say. Even Santos admitted that sometimes he simply looks at a piece as a beautiful creation and that is it. No deeper meaning, no subtexts – just an eyecatching artwork.

But his pieces spur conversation.

One standout, Kagi-Japanese for ‘key’-uses string to bind the surface, with a silver key fixed inside a lone cavity. ‘When you make a lot of holes and you’re tied up, you can’t really get out. But if you have a key, you get out,’ explained Santos, who used to live in Japan.

Another piece arranges 36 blackened boxes with a lone red one, Everything else in the collection but this one is charred using high heat, but this brings the temperature down to the body’s normal temperature, thus its title “37 Degrees.”

Even the benches are part of the show. Made from World War II-era Marston Mats-perforated steel planks once used for runways-Santos coated them with acrylic to become functional artworks. Like jeepneys, he noted, the mats were abandoned by Americans and reinvented by Filipinos.

Nakedness and metaphors

Santos’ art took years before it found its right avenue. It was perhaps a spur-of-the-moment, a surge of emotions, but it was not rushed. It cannot be rushed. As he said about the painstaking process of punching a hole, torching with fire, submerging in water and air-drying for texture, his art found its place at the right time.

And Santos doesn’t shy away from blunt metaphors. ‘Having an exhibit for me is being naked,’ he said. ‘If you can be naked and accept the fact that people say, ‘ang liit ng titi mo, fuck you’-you can be an artist.’

The show’s title, ‘Man-hole,’ came after rejecting a more risqué option-‘As A Hole’-that he feared might alienate audiences.

As for the works themselves, they testify to a process of burning, breaking, soaking, drying. Santos’ art is less about control than surrender: to rage, to destruction, and finally, to form.

‘Man-hole’ runs at Underground in Makati Cinema Square through Oct. 1.