A night with BenCab and friends at the Adoro

By Ted Aldwin Ong

It was one of those rare July evenings that stays with you long after it’s over. I found myself in the company of some of the most respected artists—Les Amacio, Alex Española, Joel Ferraris, Ed Defensor—and none other than National Artist for Visual Arts, Benedicto Cabrera, or simply

BenCab. We were gathered for a dinner reception hosted by Ilonggo art collector Edwin Valencia at his elegant home in Prime Estates, La Paz, Iloilo City. It houses one of the most impressive art collections, and home of the Adoro Gallery Museum.

There was no rush, just good company, good food, and thoughtful discussion between artists.  “You all have to sit down either with BenCab or Mark Justiniani and company, and not among yourselves,” urged Ed Valencia, “because this dinner is intended for us to interact with them in a meaningful way.”

At a separate table sat BenCab’s life partner, Annie Sarthou, surrounded by fellow art patrons, artist Charlie Co, Martin Genodepa, and close friends of our host. Beside our table was acclaimed contemporary artist Mark Justiniani and his partner, Joy Mallari, were chatting with a group of Ilonggo artists. It was a beautiful gathering, organized in honor of BenCab and Justiniani, on the eve of their joint exhibition, Rhapsodies & Recollections, at the Adoracion V. Valencia Gallery of the Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art. The show would highlight their stunning bronze sculptures, Reunion and The Debate, respectively.

The evening was warm with conversation, laughter, and shared memories. Having Ed Defensor at our table brought a special energy—especially when he started reminiscing about the last time he and BenCab were together. As it turned out, it had been nearly forty years ago, back when Ed was leading the artist collective Hubon Madiaas.

BenCab, ever lighthearted, smiled and said, “We were much younger then, Ed. I’m 83 now, and I move slower, but I keep making art. It’s what gives us life.” I couldn’t resist teasing BenCab a little. “So you’re at that stage where you just want to sleep more?” I joked. That sparked a round of laughter around the table.

His words struck a chord. There was wisdom in them, a gentle resolve to stay connected to one’s passion, no matter the age.

BenCab carried a quiet presence. He smiled warmly as he gently lifted his spoon to taste the Binakol nga Manok, a comforting local dish of chicken stewed in coconut juice, beautifully prepared by Chef Miguel Cordova of Rustica Catering Studio. He blew on it gently, nodding in approval, and savored the rich, familiar flavors.

As the night unfolded, our conversation meandered through art, life, and legacy. We learned that

La Bulaqueña, the celebrated painting by Juan Luna, is one of BenCab’s personal favorites. It reminded us how artists, no matter how revered, also hold deep admiration for those who came before them.

BenCab, who was conferred the title of National Artist for Visual Arts in 2006, spoke with modesty about his journey. “There was no single moment that defined my path,” he said. “I wasn’t really aware I was becoming a ‘rising’ artist—I was just doing what I loved, making art.” But he acknowledged the significance of the honor: “Being named a National Artist is a big privilege, not just because of the recognition, but for the protection and benefits it brings. It’s an important support system for artists.”

When asked if there had been a defining moment that changed the course of his life, he simply responded, “there wasn’t any. I just kept doing what I was doing.”

We also touched on cultural heritage. He spoke of the Bulol collection at the BenCab Museum, the traditional rice god figures from the Cordillera, which he’s collected and studied over the years. “A friend of mine is actually planning to build a museum just for the Bulol,” he shared. “It started as a rice guardian, a kind of deity. There’s so much meaning behind these pieces and Bulol figures also speak about our traditional culture and history.”

As the night deepened, the conversation turned, naturally, to time, aging, and mortality. BenCab didn’t shy away from the topic. “You accept it. You can’t fight it,” he said with calm acceptance.

“Some people try to buy time, but really, you just have to make wise use of the time you have.

Be thankful for a good life—and keep creating.”

Even at 83, he continues to paint and sculpt. “I’ll keep doing it until the end,” he said. “Like

Hokusai, the Japanese master. He was on his deathbed when he said, ‘I want to start again.’

“We, artists, feel that way too. We evolved, like myself, from paintings, I explored sculptures, but

I continue to paint, everyday, most of the time.”

In that moment, surrounded by artists, laughter, memories, and a shared reverence for art, we understood. For BenCab, creating isn’t just a vocation—it’s a way of life. A way to stay alive, to remain present, and to keep beginning, again and again. It was more than a dinner. It was a celebration of life, memory, and the enduring spirit of creativity. A July night to remember, and thanks to Ed Valencia.