Davao-based artist Mart Henry “Macky” Bongabong has been chosen to paint the official presidential portrait of President Rodrigo Duterte.
The 31-yer-old son of a fisherman did not expect that he will be given the honor of painting the president’s official portrait in Malacanang.
“Na-inspire lang ako sa mga books, magazines, sa paligid ko. I consider myself not as the best but I try my best,” Bongabong told ABS-CBN News in a phone interview.
At a young age, Bongabong was already aware of life’s struggles as the family of eight depended solely on his father’s catch for the day, while his mother, a housewife, looks after Bongabong and his five siblings.
“My late father Alberto Bongabong was a very hardworking papa. He would teach me how to sew nylon fishing nets that later became my part-time job during high school. Saturdays and Sundays were my bonding time with him as we would sit together near the port and sew as many nets as we can,” Bongabong wrote in a story he posted online.
Originally from Zamboanga City, Macky moved to Davao in search for greener pastures, is a self-taught artist and had not received any formal training in painting or drawing.
Eventually, he was able to set up his own shop in one of the malls in the city. He also offers painting classes for aspiring artists, as well.
It was here that a woman passed by his shop and handed him a piece of paper. Macky was surprised after calling the number written on the paper, that the Office of the President had commissioned him to work on the presidential portrait.
Macky worked on the President’s portrait for a month but it was worth it, especially after Duterte praised his work when they met at the Davao airport.
“Personal talaga siya. Nagustuhan talaga niya. Nag-joke pa nga po siya sa akin na ‘pagawa pa ako sa ’yo ah.’ Sobrang overwhelming lang po talaga,” Bongabong gushed.
The young artist was left in tears with the experience of meeting the President whom he also described as “very soft-spoken,” in contrast to the usual fiery Duterte we see on TV.
Asked about the President’s critics, Bongabong said he does not believe the negative things being said about Duterte.
“Nakita po naming ‘yung ginawa niya sa Davao. Ang galing niya po talaga in action pero ‘yung words niya, eh lahat naman po tayo nagmumura ‘pag may di magandang nangyayari minsan. Ang kaibahan lang po siya, all eyes are on him,” he said.
Now, the work of a fisherman’s son with simple dreams, hangs in the halls of power for all the world to see.
