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Manila Bulletin devider Lifestyle devider People and Events devider Roy Veneracion headlines first 'Manila Bulletin Compendium' art book series

Roy Veneracion headlines first 'Manila Bulletin Compendium' art book series

'The Manila Bulletin Compendium' series marks its inaugural edition with the renowned Filipino painter

Published Jul 21, 2025 09:10 pm
Photos by JL Abrina
"Compendium" is defined as a concise but comprehensive summary or collection. Creating one is a herculean task—one that requires to step into other’s shoes, discover their lives, uncover secrets, and celebrate their legacy. That is aptly used in the Manila Bulletin’s newest art book series titled “The Manila Bulletin Compendium,” which chronicles the lives and works of artists.
For its inaugural edition, the spotlight is cast on contemporary artist Roy Veneracion.
Manila Bulletin publisher Sonny Coloma, Roy Veneracion, and president and vice chair of Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation Emilio C. Yap III during the launch of 'The Manila Bulletin Compendium' series
Manila Bulletin publisher Sonny Coloma, Roy Veneracion, and president and vice chair of Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation Emilio C. Yap III during the launch of 'The Manila Bulletin Compendium' series
After carefully tracing the life and career of the revered Filipino artist, the art book “Roy Veneracion: A Manila Bulletin Compendium” was officially launched on July 16, 2025, at the Presidential Suite of The Manila Hotel. At the heart of the celebration was Roy himself, joined by Manila Bulletin Publishing Corp.’s publisher Sonny Coloma and president and vice chair Emilio C. Yap III. In addition to insightful essays, reviews, and an intimate interview in the book, an exhibit featuring Roy’s works was also mounted at the hotel’s Art Gallery.
Having grown up in post-independence Manila and becoming a painter during the Martial Law era and the age of globalization, Roy developed an unconventional approach to art. He eventually became a key advocate of Aesthetic Syncretism—a philosophy that blends diverse artistic, cultural, and historical elements through fearless experimentation.
“I have been an artist before I can even speak fluently, write fluently, or read fluently—it has been my life,” Roy said. “My advice to aspiring artists: Don’t mind finances, awards, what society expects you to do, or things like that. Just do what you really want to do and express yourself.”
The Veneracion family (Standing) Dominique, Nathan, Merci, Magnus, Mikhail, Lety Lopez, Roy, Susan, Chelsea and Seth Munger (Seated) Draco, Duccio, and Ian
The Veneracion family (Standing) Dominique, Nathan, Merci, Magnus, Mikhail, Lety Lopez, Roy, Susan, Chelsea and Seth Munger (Seated) Draco, Duccio, and Ian
Roy Veneracion
Roy Veneracion
Ian Veneracion and Alex Seagull
Ian Veneracion and Alex Seagull
Friends, family, and guests raised their glasses to Roy and the new book
Friends, family, and guests raised their glasses to Roy and the new book
Cid Reyes, author of the 'Roy Veneracion: A Manila Bulletin Compendium'
Cid Reyes, author of the 'Roy Veneracion: A Manila Bulletin Compendium'
The launch was attended by Roy’s family and close friends, including his son, actor Ian Veneracion. Filipino artist, art critic, and one of the authors of the book, Cid Reyes, also led the event and shared his thoughts, saying, “It was a great experience and an honor for me to have written about the work of Roy Veneracion, who is regarded as one of the most intelligent artists working today.”
‘Roy Veneracion: A Manila Bulletin Compendium’ is now available via The Manila Bulletin’s Shopee and Lazada stores.

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Arts and Culture people and events Roy Veneracion The Manila Bulletin Compendium
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