Ramon Orlina’s glass act: A legacy of 50 years

Ramon Orlina has always stood out with his innovative glass sculptures that have captured the attention of international collectors. His latest exhibit and book launch at the ManilArt in SMX Convention Center, SM Aura drew a standing-room crowd eager to view his latest works and attend the launch of his Visions in Glass book that is hefty in size and weight. Dapper and always well-dressed, Orlina says, “My sculpture starts as a dream, an idea.” He adds, “This book is a compilation of what I did all these 50 years—it’s my legacy.”

Visions and Glass author Cid Reyes explains, “This massive book featuring a lifetime of Ramon Orlina’s works is an encyclopedic collection, from the first beginnings of his career back in the 1960s up to the present, when he is even more active in the autumn of his life. It is a true homage to a great Filipino artist who has given great pride and honor to the Philippines. More than a collector’s item, it serves as a record of his major achievements. We would like this book to be an inspiration to the Filipino youth—a great inspiration for the young Filipino artists who want to achieve things beyond the challenges that confront them.”

Not many are aware that the artist is a generous benefactor to the Philippine Cancer Society as Helen Ong disclosed to us during the launch. “Every year, we are the recipient of a beautiful Orlina glass sculpture that we auction off, and 100% of the proceeds are given directly to the Philippine Cancer Society. We are blessed and honored to have Ramon Orlina as one of our major benefactors for the Best Dressed Ball. Because of him, we have helped so many cancer patients.” 

Since the 1970s to the present, Orlina’s work has captivated art lovers and collectors who cannot seem to get enough of his dazzling and timeless glass art works with prices growing by leaps and bounds. With his lovely and supportive wife Lay Ann, they have set up the Museo Orlina, which is now a must-see and a cultural landmark in Batangas.