(Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)

The Association of Women Legislators Foundation, Inc. (AWLFI), chaired by Tingog Party-list Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez opened on Monday, May 8 a three-day fundraising art exhibition featuring gold art paintings by internationally-renowned South Korean artist Kim IL Tae.

Dubbed “Korea Presents Gold Art Paintings in the Philippines", the eye-catching exhibition is being held at the north wing lobby of the House of Representatives in Quezon City.

AWLFI members and officials led by Rep. Romualdez and its president, Bulacan 4th district Rep. Linabelle Ruth Villarica attended the exhibition's launch Monday afternoon.

In a message read by House Majority Leader and Zamboanga City 2nd district Rep. Manuel Jose “Mannix” Dalipe, Speake Martin Romualdez said his chamber “has always been a champion of the arts at the policy level, understanding the quality of the craft to uplift society".

(Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)

“Many House members are themselves patrons of art in all its forms. Today, we are privileged to host a truly a one-of-a-kind form of visual art: paintings using gold as the medium,” Dalipe said, quoting from the Speaker's speech.

“Rare and beautiful paintings are by themselves already valuable. That the paintings we host today are done in gold make these works of art even more precious. However, I daresay that the true value of these paintings comes from the fact that these paintings are displayed and offered for a charitable cause,” he said.

The House leader said art can uplift society, and that the House of Representatives wholeheartedly supports all endeavors towards this noble end.

The Speaker encouraged everyone “to visit this exhibition, admire the craftsmanship behind the technique behind each masterpiece, introspect on the drive and passion of the artist behind the art, and if one or two touch your heart, bring these home with you – knowing that by your generosity, people have been helped.”

(Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)

Speaker Romualdez thanked the AWLFI and the South Korean government for giving the House “this rare privilege to host these beautiful and very precious works of art, and the wonderful opportunity to be of greater help to our fellowmen".

Rep. Romualdez is the wife of Speaker Romualdez.