Victor Cantal, resident artist in the Netherlands
Fun Map of the Philippines
digital art
Unlike any traditional map where the purpose is direction, this one takes the viewer to an emotional journey around the archipelago. A kind of trip marked by local stories, myths, traditions, food, and to some, nostalgia. online store: torbik.bigcartel.com
The Philippines
The Republic of the Philippines is a sovereign state in archipelagic Southeast Asia, with 7,107 islands spanning more than 300,000 square kilometers of territory. It is divided into three island groups: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The Philippines was named after Prince Philip (later King Philip II) of Spain, by the Spanish explorer Ruy Lopez de Villalobos during his 1542-1546 expedition to the islands.
The Philippines is a unitary presidential constitutional republic, with the President of the Philippines acting as both the head of state and the head of government. It proclaimed its independence from the Spanish Empire on June 12, 1898, following the culmination of the Philippine Revolution.
It is a founding member of both the United Nations (UN), and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). It has embassies and consulates in 62 countries around the world. Read more about the Philippines @https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/about/philippines/
Fun Map of Cebu
Poster / digitized art
Inspired by Yoyoy Villame’s song, “Philippine Geography”. A caricature of the folk singer- historian can be found on the upper left of the map. Featured here are some of Cebu’s local heroes like Lapu-Lapu, Leon Kilat, and Rafael Tabal; popular historical sites like Magellan's Cross; Cebu's patron, Señor Sto. Niño; the beach and the diving scenes; and the lechon, where Cebu is popular for. online store: torbik.bigcartel.com
The Queen City of the South
Cebu City is the capital city of the province of Cebu and is the second city of the Philippines. It serves as the center of a metropolitan area called Metro Cebu, which includes the cities of Carcar, Danao, Lapu-lapu, Mandaue, Naga, and Talisay.
A peek at history
On April 7, 1521, Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan landed in Cebu. He was welcomed by Rajah Humabon, the king of Cebu, together with his wife and about 700 native islanders. Magellan, however, was killed in the Battle of Mactan, and the remaining members of his expedition left Cebu soon after several of them were poisoned by Humabon due to threats of foreign occupation.
On April 3, 1898, local revolutionaries led by the Negrense Leon Kilat rose up against the Spanish colonial authorities and took control of the urban center after three days of fighting{. The uprising was only ended by the treacherous murder of Leon Kilat and the arrival of soldiers from Iloilo.
The signing of the Treaty of Paris at the end of the Spanish-American War provided for the cession of Cebu along with the rest of the Philippine islands to the United States until the formation of the Commonwealth Era (1935-1946). On February 21, 1899 the USS Petrel (PG-2) deployed a landing party of 45 men on the shores of Cebu. Cebu’s transfer to the Commonwealth government was signed by Luis Flores, although others, most notably, Gen. Arcadio Maxilom and Juan Climaco, offered resistance until 1901. Cebu only became a chartered city in February 24, 1937. Read more about Cebu @ https://philippinescities.com/cebu-city-cebu/
Olongapo
Watercolor
Just another day in Olongapo City
A peek at history
Olongpo was a small fishing village of Subic with the majority of the people getting their livelihood through it. When the Spaniards came and conquered the town in 1884, they made it as their navy settlement. King Alfonso II declared Subic Bay as Spain’s stronghold in the Far East because of its notable deep water harbor and the protection provided by the mountains surrounding the place against strong winds.
After 14 years of Spanish-American War, Admiral George Dewey took Olongapo and Subic Bay, making the bay area and the whole Olongapo as U.S. Military reservation. Millions of dollar was spent converting the base. Estimated cost spent was $170 million.
After 8 years, Filipino citizens demanded that Olongapo be returned to the governance of the Philippines. Thus in December 7, 1959 Olongapo was turned over to the Philippine government and changed into a municipality by virtue of Executive Order No. 366 by issuance of President Carlos P. Garcia.
Seven years later, President Ferdinand E. Marcos signed Republic Act No. 4645 on June 1, 1966 making Olongapo a chartered city. In 1983, Olongapo City became the highly urbanized city in Central Luzon.
On June 15, 1991, Mount Pinatubo erupted causing extensive damage at the U.S. Facility and in Olongapo City. It was also noted that in this year, the Senate of the Philippines rejected the Treaty agreement between the Republic of the Philippines and the United States of America.
A year later, President Corazon Aquino signed R.A. 7227 creating Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority and appointed Mayor Richard J. Gordon as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
On November 24, 1992, the U.S. Naval Facility was turned over to the Philippine Government, and Subic was turned over to the governance of Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA). Read more about Olongapo @https://philippinescities.com/olongapo-city-zambales/
Tribute to Pag-asa
Watercolour
“Pag-asa”, which means “hope” in English, is the name of the Philippine eagle that became a conservation icon in the country. Pag-asa’s home is in Davao City, a place known for its colourful indigenous sculptures, rich cultural tradition, and Mount Apo, the country’s highest peak. Pag-asa passed away on January 6, 2021.
Victor Cantal is a contemporary realist painter, an award-winning illustrator and designer. His art is largely influenced by a fondness of punk rock music, which means that it can look upbeat and discordant. But he also has sober moods owing to a high regard of the rigid academic discipline. He seeks beauty in everything—from a mundane still life to a mother and child picture, a portrait, landscape, or an array of flowers.
As an artist, he believes he has an active role in society, that is why his works often depict socio-political themes. He holds the belief that one cannot abandon the duty to seek the truth and expose it.
Victor is a graduate of Fine Arts from the Philippines, and a resident of the Hague. Visit his online store: torbik.bigcartel.com