‘Agew na Pangasinan’ Features Mananquil

By Jojo Rinoza

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — Ever wondered who painted the Philippine Independence Declaration scene on the back of the old 5-peso bill?

More of the painter, Romeo Castillo Manan Quil, will be revealed at the exhibition of his works that opened yesterday at the Bengson-Yuson House in this capital town.

Known to fellow artists as “Maestro Manan Quil,” the internationally-acclaimed visual artist has returned home to stage his solo exhibit, dubbed “PangasinanedPusok,” until May 1 as part of the 436th “Agew na Pangasinan” celebration.

“Mananquil’s works are known for his demonstration of filial bond, life, ways and landscapes, most of which are inspired by his sentimental journeys to Pangasinan every time he comes home,” a statement from the Pangasinan Capitol said.

Manan Quil, who is a Pangasinan ASNA awardee for visual arts, traces his roots from the Mananquils of Pampanga and the Castillos of Binmaley, this province.

He started as an illustrator in Liwayway magazine, the oldest and biggest vernacular magazine in the country, and earned his degree in Fine Arts from the University of the Philippines where he graduated cum laude.

In 1985, he and his family migrated to Canada where he did portraits, joined the Pilipino Artists in North America, then organized the Philippine Artists Group of Canada or PAG.

“In 1998, his Philippine Independence declaration scene used originally for the 5-pesos was adapted for the 100,000-peso centennial commemorative note, measuring 8 1/2 ” x 14 “, accredited by the Guinness Book of Records as the world ’s biggest legal tender note,” an excerpt from Mananquil’s profile read.