President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. was filled with glee after receiving a portrait of himself from renowned Filipino artist Alvin Hipolito.
In a Twitter post, Marcos was visibly elated after unveiling the portrait. The turnover took place in Malacañang on Friday afternoon, October 21.
In his tweet, Marcos thanked the portrait artist for the gift, which he described as "world-class."
"Another example of Pinoy creativity. Thank you, Alvin Hipolito, for this beautiful work of art. World class!" he wrote.
Another example of Pinoy creativity. Thank you, Alvin Hipolito, for this beautiful work of art. World class! pic.twitter.com/yoVPJXwFgD
— Bongbong Marcos (@bongbongmarcos) October 21, 2022
According to Malacañang, the President expressed his gratitude to Hipolito after receiving the artwork.
Radio Television Malacañang (RTVM) said Marcos has expressed his appreciation for the portrait, even pointing out the intricate details.
"The Chief Executive expresses his appreciation for the 30x40-inch masterpiece, carefully created for a month in oil on canvas by the native Caviteño portrait artist, citing the intricate details of the painting that reflected the skill and talent for arts of Filipinos," it wrote.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos receives a painting from Portrait Artist Alvin Hipolito at the Study Room in Malacañan Palace on October 21, 2022. pic.twitter.com/6plsbcM58O
— RTVMalacanang (@RTVMalacanang) October 22, 2022
Hipolito is the son of the late visual artist Dante Hipolito, who was known for his painting "Salubong," which portrays Pope Francis with some Filipino celebrities in a rural setting.
Among those featured in the painting with the Pope were media personality Kris Aquino, actress Vilma Santos, singer Gary Valenciano, and movie stars Marian Rivera, Dingdong Dantes, and Coco Martin.
Hipolito is the official portrait artist of former president Rodrigo Duterte. He hails from Bacoor City, Cavite
He participated in various group shows and immersed himself in his first solo exhibit in 2008, which was sponsored by Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, a bishop by then.
Based on his website, Hipolito has created two portraits of Duterte. He also made portraits of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei Darussalam, former Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, business tycoon Lucio Tan, and Senator Bong Go.