Freeway x Carlos “Botong” V. Francisco Collection

This year’s holiday collection celebrates Philippine’s greatest muralist of all time,   Carlos “Botong” V. Francisco, who comes from  the artist town of  Angono, Rizal.  Freeway’s Holiday 2012 Collection of National Artist Collectors’ Series pays tribute to his life and amazing murals. This most anticipated collaboration collection also marks the 100th Grand Anniversary of Botong’s life who was born in 1912.

Botong was the second Filipino to receive the title of National Artist in Painting, after Fernando C. Amorsolo.  He was one of the first Filipino modernists who revolutionized art and deviated from Fernando Amorsolo’s romanticism of Philippines scenes.  His great works include Blood Compact, First Mass at Limasawa, The Martyrdom of Rizal, Bayanihan, Magpupukot, Fiesta, Bayanihan sa Bukid, Sandugo, Portrait of Purita, The Invasion of Limahong, Serenade, and Muslim Betrothaland the famed “Nose Flute” which set auction record of P27.8 million and is now owned by a private Indonesian collector. 

From canvass to fabric, Freeway immortalizes Botong Francisco’s paintings in to a wearable art.  Freeway’s Holiday Collection honoring Botong Francisco consists of beautiful tailored dresses in woven poplins and soft materials like chiffon,   a range of silhouettes of casual and corporate tops, plus fave gift items like accessories, watch, tote bags and more. The 25 piece collection comes in vibrant holiday colors, befitting the color palette of Botong Francisco’s paintings. Like always, an attractive packaging and a biography tag accompanies each item.  The collection hits the stores this October.

Freeway officially launches the 100th year Anniversary of Botong Francisco this October.   There will be series of events and celebrations throughout the year staged by each of the institution of the Botong consortium.  The Carlos “Botong” V. Francisco Centennial Consortium is composed of Angono Artists Association, Ayala Museum, Blanco Family Museum, Botong Francisco Family, Cultural Center of the Philippines, Far Eastern University, Freeway: National Artist Collectors Series, Lopez Museum, Municipality of Angono, Museo ng BSP,   Museum Foundation of the Philippines , Philippine Art Awards, SM Malls,  University of Santo Tomas,  UP Vargas Museum  and Yuchengco Museum.  For inquiries and program updates, email at botong100@gmail.com or check out facebook: Carlos "Botong' Francisco Centennial.

To know more about the collection and Botong’s 100 Anniversary celebration, visit Freeway’s new website www.FREEWAYONLINE.com.ph and get freshest updates at Freeway’s Facebook page (facebook.com/FreewayOnline) and Twitter (twitter.com/FreewayOnline).