Book Feature: Bisikleta ni Pepe + Exclusive Interview with Author Dexter Baño Jr.

'Bisikleta ni Pepe' is a creative storytelling attempt for young children is a synergy and a merge of timelines between the lives of an ordinary Filipino student, Jose de Jesus, and the young Pepe Rizal. Through the help of a magic bicycle he inherited from his grandfather, Jose de Jesus was able to traverse through time and understand the life of Pepe Rizal.

This book is written by Dexter P. Baño Jr. who is currently finishing his Master's Degree in Business Administration as a full scholar at Quantic School of Business and Technology in Washington DC. He is also the founder of the first commercial spaceflight company in the country, Orbital Exploration Technologies, Inc. As a community-minded individual, he dedicates every Saturday afternoon to teaching math, arts (painting and sculpting), linguistics, music, good manners, and business to students from low-income households. He is also active in waste management projects at both commercial and government levels. He is a prolific poet, essayist, painter, and sculptor.

His mentor, Pedrito "Bobot" Navarro is an active member and a Knight Commander of the Order of the Knights of Rizal, our country's only official knighthood chartered under Republic Act 646. He is also a member of the Knights of Columbus and many other organizations. 

Sharing with you our exclusive interview with Author Dexter Baño Jr.

1. Can you share with us something about the book that isn't in the blurb?

The main character came from a really poor family.

2. What inspired the idea for your book?

I am fascinated by Dr. Rizal since I was a kid. Having an aunt living near Dapitan became an advantage to me. Every time we go to the province, I always request that I shall visit Talisay to rekindle my admiration for our hero. 

For me, Dr. Rizal is an image of a real Filipino. He has a concept of how the Philippines should function and behave. Most of his teachings still remain relevant today. Now, I found it challenging and I still find it challenging to make Rizal relatable to the younger generation. So I decided to make the story child appropriate by making it a bit creative without distorting history.

3. How long did it take you to complete the book?

Took me 2 years to finish, but 9 years before printing.

4. What part of the book was most challenging to write and why?

Oh, the research process. You need to make sure that all the historical accounts are accurate while ensuring that it is being told in a creative way.

5. What do you hope your readers take away from this book?

We need to learn and embrace the ideals of Dr. Rizal. We just know Rizal as one of our National Heroes and maybe the man on one peso coin. In reality, Rizal became a human. He encountered a unique reality during his childhood. Even though he was brought up in a relatively wealthy household, he experienced pain and sorrow like all of us.

6. If you’re planning a sequel or writing the next book, can you share a tiny bit about your plans for it?

I started talking to many experts for the second volume of this series. I acknowledged the fact that the next part will be more serious and mature. I visited one of my hometowns, Talisay in Dapitan where Rizal also stayed during the last years of his life. This will be more thrilling considering that Rizal was so adventurous during his time. Maybe, the two characters could finally meet. I am still unsure.

7. Where can they buy your books or find out more about you?

National Book Store, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Google Play Books, Apple Books

Click here to get a FREE copy of the book via Amazon 

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Thank you, Author Dexter for agreeing to this interview. We are happy to learn more about you and your book and we are looking forward to the second volume of the series. 

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BPI supports artists and art lovers anew in Art Fair Philippines 2023

Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) is back at Art Fair Philippines 2023 with more support for artists and art lovers alike.

BPI, a staunch advocate of Philippine Arts, supports visual artists through partnerships and art lovers through the provision of greater access to artworks in art events such as Art Fair Philippines, which is coming back face-to-face from a three-year hiatus.

“As we appreciate the value of artists and their works, we also see the significance of collecting and keeping great artworks, which is why we at BPI continue to provide our support as well to art lovers who, time and time again, visit Art Fair Philippines and acquire valuable artworks,” said Jenelyn Z. Lacerna, the Group Head of BPI Unsecured Lending and Cards, Product and Sales.

Art Fair Philippines 2023, which is happening on February 17-19 at The Link in Ayala Center in Makati City, will feature over 60 exhibitors from the Philippines and overseas as the art exhibition celebrates its 10th year. It is co-presented by BPI and Ayala Land, among other corporate supporters.

To promote art appreciation and further boost the local art scene, BPI offers complimentary access to cardholders of BPI Visa Signature, Platinum Rewards Mastercard, Amore Platinum Cashback, and Gold Mastercard.

“At BPI, we consider keepers of valuable art works as art investors, as the works they acquire become part of their investment portfolio,” Lacerna said.

BPI has been the caretaker of more than 1,000 artworks by many prominent Filipino artists, such as Fernando Amorsolo, Jose Joya, and Ben Cabrera. Most of these art pieces are the country’s finest expressions of Philippine culture and are reflective of BPI’s inherent values.

“The kind of support BPI gives to art lovers provides them greater access to exclusive events such as Art Fair Philippines, which continues to showcase the country’s vibrant local art scene and helps Filipino visual artists generate support and reach a wider audience,” Lacerna added.

BPI affirms its commitment to recognize and nurture the country’s artistry and talent through its participation in events like this.

One of the many galleries featured in the art fair is Art Cube, which provides a platform for talented young artists to showcase their works before an extensive roster of art collections. The gallery, which will be located on the 5th Level, Booth No. 5, will feature the works of father-and-son Renato and Guerrero Habulan, showing a glimpse of ordinary people: iconic images of the masses, their dignity amid hardship, and as an inspiration. Renato, a post-war and contemporary painter, is one of the most influential and award-winning watercolor artists in the country. Guererro, a recipient of the Thirteen Artists Awards of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, combines different figurative styles and approaches—from hyperrealism to pop surrealism to the “ready-made” images of silk screen printing.

Also featured in this year’s edition of the art fair includes Celine Lee, who has been recognized for her work, including the Juror’s Choice Award of Merit at the Philippine Art Awards in 2020. She has a diverse portfolio that includes paintings, sculptures, embroidery pieces, and multimedia works that show her innovative use of different materials and media.

Art lovers can also check out the works of Winna Go, a finalist in multiple competitions in 2018, such as the LRT Art Competition, Shell National Student Art Competition, Metrobank Art and Design Excellence Competition, and Regional Winner for Philippine Art Awards. In most of her works, she gathers inspiration from the history of the Chinese diaspora, the richness of the Chinese and Filipino culture, her identity and positionality in society, and the beauty of nature.

“We invite the art enthusiasts out there to come and join us at the Art Fair Philippines and discover the country’s artistry and talent. Check out the many participating galleries that showcase Filipino artistry at its best,” Lacerna added.

For more information, please visit the Art Fair Philippines website and follow Art Fair Philippines on Instagram (@artfairph) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/artfairph).