felt sad upon learning the news that, Joey Velasco, heartist painter and Gawad Kalinga (GK) advocate, recently passed away caused about by his kidney ailment that he suffered for five years now. It was sad that I never got the chance to meet him personally even though we had worked on the same GK Foundation. My brother was lucky though when Joey visited their school for an inspirational talk.
I first learned of Joey when I learned of the his painting, "Hapag ng Pag-asa" (Table of Hope), which I read on our community's Ugnayan magazine some years ago. The painting struck me not because of it's creativity and originality but the simple message that Christ continues to call and be with us even in the most desperate times of our lives. This was the same painting that led Joey to serve in Gawad Kalinga - a community dedicated to uplift and bring back the dignity of the poor.
The video below shows the story behind this great masterpiece... He tells of his reflection on each of the children he painted in this artwork.
Eventually, his work for the poor led him to paint the, "Hapag ng Pag-ibig" (Table of Love). Another masterpiece about hope and love. This time, Christ shares the table with the same children in an abundant and joyous meal.
His other paintings are best shown on this video:
We may have lost one good soul on earth but heaven rejoices more as God welcomes him into His place. To Sir Joey, I'd like to thank you for the inspiration you have shared to thousands and millions of people through your countless artworks and those whom you served on those GK Villages.
As i put it on my Facebook status, "for all the things you've done, for the life you gave, for the inspiration you've shared... a true Christian in words and actions... Now that you have gone back to the house of the Father, you will be greatly missed, Mr. Joey Velasco.... everything you've done will never be forgotten.."
My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
- 2 Corinthians 12:7-9.
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