A Filipino artist residing in Negros sells art for charitable purposes, intending to use the funds to teach art in their hometown.
In the heart of Cadiz City, Negros Occidental, a humble street vendor once dreamt of a life beyond the confines of his hometown. Little did he know that this boy selling lemongrass to buy art supplies would one day become an internationally acclaimed artist, and a beacon of philanthropy.
Hill Benitez, a 64-year-old artist, left for Saudi Arabia as an overseas Filipino worker, but instead of pursuing engineering, he rediscovered his love for painting in the middle of the desert. His journey led him to success in the international art world, with his name echoing in art circles across Europe and the Middle East. His work has been exhibited in countries such as Kuwait, Lebanon, France, and the Netherlands.
Despite his success, Benitez has shifted his focus towards philanthropy. He has turned away from the glossy art market to focus on giving back to his community. A 16x20-inch painting by Benitez sells for $500, with the proceeds going towards building shelters for the homeless and repairing homes.
In two years, Benitez has helped build or repair over a hundred small homes. One of his most notable contributions is the support he provides to people living with HIV/AIDS in his province.
Benitez's charity work includes the Hill Benitez Art Foundation Incorporated (HBAFI), a grassroots initiative that has taught over 2,000 underprivileged students in Negros and Panay the basics of painting. Each outreach session includes a one-hour lecture and another hour of hands-on painting practice, with all materials provided free of charge.
The Cadiz City government has institutionalized painting competitions held twice a year, inspired by Benitez's legacy. One of Benitez's works, a 4x8-foot painting depicting the historic beaching of 12 giant sperm whales along the Cadiz shoreline, is now on display at city hall. The painting serves as a reminder to Cadiznons of the origin of their annual 'Dinagsa' Festival, named after that historic event.
Benitez was honoured as one of the 10 outstanding Cadiznons during the city's 51st Charter Anniversary in 2018. His accomplishments in the field of visual arts have been recognised by the city government.
However, if Hill Benitez engages in specific philanthropy or art-based charitable initiatives in the Philippines, it appears that such information is not currently documented in major publicly accessible sources or did not surface in these search results. Additional specialized or direct sources might be needed to obtain comprehensive details on this topic.
Despite this, the impact of Benitez's philanthropy is evident in the lives he has touched. Elsie Jalandoni, a 76-year-old widow from Cadiz City, received a small house from Benitez after her home was destroyed and she had no savings. Jalandoni only receives P1,000 a month from the government's social pension program.
Benitez now resides in the US, but his heart remains in his hometown. His story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, the transformative power of art, and the importance of giving back to one's community.
- Hill Benitez, the internationally acclaimed artist, has shifted his focus from a lucrative career in the art market to sustainable living, promoting education and self-development in his hometown through the Hill Benitez Art Foundation Incorporated (HBAFI), which teaches underprivileged students the basics of painting.
- In line with Benitez's personal growth and career development, he has embarked on a philanthropic journey, dedicating his efforts to improving his community by building or repairing over a hundred homes and providing support to people living with HIV/AIDS.
- Beyond the realm of home-and-garden and lifestyle, Benitez's story underscores the power of art as a tool for personal growth and community development, inspiring not only aspiring artists but also those in need of hope and a home.
