Remember the student from Davao de Oro whose works using ballpoint pens became viral?
In a Facebook post on Wednesday, Feb. 24, James Abayon Lolo shared that someone just sent him a box of assorted pens!
“Sobrang saya ko po. Sobrang thankful ko po talaga lalo na sa Panginoon dahil sa blessings na ito (I am so happy. Very thankful to the Lord for all these blessings,” James told the Manila Bulletin.
James said that he was surprised when he started receiving random messages from people he did not know. They would ask for his address, among other information, and later on, he would be receiving materials that he can use for his artworks.
“Kadalasan nanghihingi lang sila agad ng address at ibang details ko po tapos di ko po alam na sesendan nila ako ng stuff (Most of the time, they just ask for the address and other details. I didn’t really expect they would send me stuff),” James shared.
So far, James has already received two packages. One of which is a package from a stationary shop containing assorted pens and were sent to him as a “complimentary gift.”
James artworks using ballpoint pens - especially those drawn on receipts - continue to make rounds online.
In an interview earlier this month, James said that after he gained much online attention, his schedule was filled up for commissioned works. He plans to resume accepting commissioned works around March or May.
James is a 21-year-old student from Anibongan in Maco Davao De Oro. He is currently taking up Bachelor of Technical-Vocational Teacher Education (BTVTEd) at the University of Southeastern Philippines in Tagum.
He originally wanted to take up a Fine Arts course but his family’s financial issues stopped him from doing so. However, he intends to send himself to a Fine Arts school once he earns enough money for him and his family.
With his father currently unemployed, James’ artworks serve as his family’s bread and butter. He would earn as much as P20,000 or more a month which, he said, is “very big help so we can buy food.”