The painting exhibition of multi-awarded Filipino artist Manuel Baldemor proved to be a crowd-drawer as hundreds of painting fanatics trooped down to Bozar in Brussels to see his several “obra”.

The exhibit entitled “European and Philippine Splendour”, Baldemor and his paintings earned nothing but respect and admiration from guests consisting of Filipinos, Europeans and members of the Belgian diplomatic corps.

Ambassador Christian Tanghe, Director for Asian Pacific of Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs admitted being smitten with Baldemor’s works.

“It’s fantastic to see the work of Manuel Baldemor. He is very unique, very warm, and a very talented painter,” Tanghe said.

Jacques de Baenst, Chief Protocol of the European Commission for his part, admired how culture and places were brought to life by the painter.

“Those paintings are very colorful, very well-thought because the construction is interesting while you see those villages, those cities, those houses. So it’s a discovery for me and really I should congratulate the artist,” he said.

On the other hand, warm reception made Baldemor proud of his works and his roots.

“I believe art is communication. For me, art is borderless. Ang importante lang sa Pilipino, you have to express our culture, yung colors natin, yung identity so madali tayong nag-blend,” he said.

Baldemor added “We have to be proud na tayo’y Pinoy. Pwede tayong umalis ng Pilipinas pero yung pagka-Pinoy natin di maaalis sa atin”.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Cristina Ortega of the Philippine Embassy thanked those who graced the occasion.

“Nagagalak ako dahil ang mga inimbita naming iba’t-ibang ambassador sa Brussels at mga opisyales ng Belgian government at European union nagpunta,” Ortega said.