Sketching at the University of the Philippines

The sketchwalk for the month of June was held at the University of the Philippines campus in Diliman, Quezon City and rightly so: June is when classes all over the Philippines start. UP and some universities and colleges, however, don't have classes yet in light of their schoolyear transition (we're slowly shifting to an August-June schedule). Nonetheless, it's a fact that can be easily overlooked, seeing as how the Urban Sketchers were very eager to come to 'school' on a Saturday just to sketch.

The group met up at the Quezon Hall behind the Oblation statue, UP's most famous landmark and its iconic symbol. The statue is a bronze replica of the original concrete statue made by National Artist Guillermo E. Tolentino. The 3.5-meter replica was recast under the artist's supervision in 1950, 11 years after the original was made. It's no wonder that many of the sketchers chose to draw the Oblation.

Tancho's sketch of the Oblation, posterior view

Say hello to Nice and her dog Poypoy, who definitely knows what being "cool in school" means.

Nonie braved the scorching sun to sketch the Oblation, the Quezon Hall, and the close to 40 sketchers who came.

The sketchers took on the different views of the Quezon Hall as well as the other structures in UP. Some sketched their fellow sketchers, their taho (a tofu-based  snack with sweetener and small sago pearls), joggers, and anything that got their interest. It seemed that a morning wasn't enough to sketch everything--we're pretty sure many of the sketchers would love to visit the campus again just to draw.

Cherisse and her cup of sweet and warm taho

Erwin drew the sketchers being busy 

Gelo was able to capture the grand facade of the Quezon Hall and the Oblation right in front of it.

Ige went to the Vargas Museum and sketched the Rajah Soliman sculpture by the museum's entrance. The sculpture was created by Anastacio Caedo in 1987.

Another view of the Quezon Hall sketched by Janine. The Quezon Hall was designed by Juan Felipe Nakpil, who became the country's first National Artist for Architecture.

Jj with Rebecca at the back

Rebecca's sketch of the Quezon Hall columns

Cathy and her friends came all the way from Batangas to sketch in UP.

I went for an iced mocha at the Vargas Museum's cafe and decided to sketch the storefront.

Our two youngest sketchers of the day were twelve-year-olds Lennon (in green) and Sam (in gray).

Noel sketched the Hardin ng mga Diwata. The sculpture was made by Napoleon Abueva who became a National Artist for Architecture in 1976 when he was only 46 years old. This sculpture was done in 1994 and is located on the front lawn of the Faculty Center/Bulwagang Rizal.

Sam and Tancho, drawn by Randy

Romina and Rin were just two of the many new members who came to sketch. 

Sketchers having fun while having taho.

Bettina & the taho vendor, who looked perplexed (or curious?) about what the sketchers were up to.

The building's security guard took an interest in what Solo was doing, and came to 'investigate'.

The Philippine sketchers happily showing off their works. It was really a great turnout. Good job, everyone! See you next month!