“When was the last time you wrote something down?” was the question that echoed throughout the four walls of the room, as guests gathered for the launch of the first edition of Montblanc’s Masters of Art collection. Those words lingered and stung my ears, hitting me with the ugly realization that has gnawed at me for days. Regrettably, it’s been a while for me.

I’m sure I’m not only speaking for myself when I say it is quite difficult to truly come to terms with straying away from the habit. After all, although the art of handwriting is slowly turning into a practice more rare than customary, it maintains its value being an underrated means of self-expression. With each stroke of the pen unique to who had scribbled it, each word almost impossible to rewrite in the exact same way, there is something so raw and sentimental about the act of a pen gliding onto paper.

With Montblanc’s long history of manufacturing quality writing instruments, people continue to hold such high regard for the brand. Since 1906, when the Maison revolutionized the culture of writing, the company has prided itself on its excellence in craftsmanship and design. And perhaps, the luxury goods company might just be part of the backbone that keeps the art of ink on paper still alive.

Montblanc officially launched its Masters of Art collection late last month in Metro Manila. A crowd of individuals such as art enthusiasts and collectors flocked to the event, beaming with excitement as they admired the newly released limited-edition pens. But what about this collection was so special, really?

As the successor to their 30-year-long Patron of Art collection, the Masters of Art aims to immortalize well-renowned artists from all over, as well as to honor their quest for artistic perfection.

To debut this collection, Montblanc features late 19th-century Dutch artist, Vincent van Vogh. In cooperation with the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, this drop showcases five designs that allude to the works and life of the post-impressionist painter.

The pens, though merely half a foot long, had been crafted with such great attention to detail. In fact, the intricacy of the designs quite literally paints a picture of the mind of Van Gogh and his creative expertise as an artist, each piece an attempt to fully encapsulate the true essence of his art, each piece an individual story, an ode to every step in his own journey of the human experience.

Van Gogh’s existence, in all its complexity and color, is one that continues to be a legacy. Though his artistic career was short, having only lasted about a decade, he was able to capture in his paintings and sketches a kind of sublimity that lives forever.

Akin to the timelessness that is Vincent van Gogh, Montblanc ceaselessly holds its prestige in the industry and among the people. By honoring the Dutch painter through what seems to be a coveted release of the Masters of Art collection, the luxury German brand persists to impress, time and time again. www.montblanc.com | www.rustans.com