MANILA, Philippines ? Living legend Federico Aguilar Alcuaz has opened a retrospective of 24 ?Distinctive Portraits? in White Cube Gallery at the Metropolitan Museum.

In a pensive pose was President Ferdinand Marcos, nearby was a smiling Cardinal Sin, and in between was an emotionless President Cory Aquino, (not in yellow but a flaming-red outfit).

The series was part of a project called ?100 Filipinos? 30 years ago. It was not completed: Alcuaz painted only 60 portraits and abandoned the project for what he called ?a lack of potential subjects.?

My favorite portraits were of the young Ching Cruz and of National Artist Nick Joaquin. Alcuaz?s hallmarks were swift, sure brushstrokes, the streamlined surfaces comfortably left unfinished. These tell-tale signs explain his persona as a Filipino artist: Intensely creative, dexterous and rascally playful.

The compelling body of work of famous sitters, noticeably interacting with the painter, presents a dialogue between the subjects and the artist, an intimate soul-baring moment frozen in time forever.

The Alcuaz retrospective is part of the National Heritage Month celebration.