Those who bought the paintings of the artist who signs his work “Mang Ben” are fortunate to have the last of his Saipan masterpieces.
Benjie Ganapin, who sold 29 of his 33 paintings during the 2006 Flame Tree Arts Festival, left for Guam at 9:30 p.m., yesterday.
Ganapin sold a total of over 100 paintings on island.
He was not able to join this year’s Flame Tree Arts Festival because his paintings were already sold even before they are framed.
One of his paintings, which fetched a high price, depicted the old lighthouse on Navy Hill.
Ganapin is too young to be called “mang” — which is how the young address the elderly in the Philippines.
So why does he sign his paintings “Mang Ben”?
“I’m looking into the future when I’m already old together with my paintings, which will be investments for those who have them,” Ganapin said.
The proceeds of most of his paintings went to the different ministries of the Grace Christian Church.
During the art exhibit at Joeten Motors, he sold six paintings.
At Grace Christian Academy where he works as an accountant, he sold 20 paintings.
He also sold four more paintings, two of which are displayed in a restaurant in Garapan.
In a telephone interview yesterday, Ganapin said he will continue to paint on Guam.
Those who are interested to see his remaining paintings on Saipan should look for Jay Cabrera of Joeten Motors ot Parker Yobei of Arts Council.
It has always been Ganapin’s hobby to paint.
With the Lord’s blessings, he said, he was able to continue his hobby while doing his job as accountant and coaching high school students in basketball.
He encourages other guest workers to enhance whatever skills and talents they have.
