Manuel Baldemor is a multi-talented Filipino. He is a painter, sculptor, printmaker, writer, and book illustrator. “Manny” as he called, hails from the artistic town of Paete in Laguna province known for its woodcarvers. Paete is the Philippine version of the famous town of Ubud in Bali. You may not be aware of it but the UNICEF Christmas card which you might have purchased and sent because it captured the essence of the holiday spirit, has been designed by this gifted but humble Filipino. And for 15 unbroken years, UNICEF has continously chosen.
Baldemor’s works – a remarkable feat considering the many other works throughout the world for UNICEF. So far, Baldemor has had 40 one-man exhibitions from London to Tokyo to Beijing, received 18 local and international awards and grants, and has been chosen artist-in-residence in Israel, Portugal, Switzerland, and Chile. And yet, Baldemor continues to evolve-driven with a child-like curiosity and an insatiable thirst to explore our world, which up to now, continues to fascinate him.
On a personal level, Manny Baldemor does not exhibit any aura at all of any superior artistic airs; but rather, conducts himself a quiet, folksy manner. Such is his humility and selflessness, as chairman of the anti-tuberculosis (TB) seal for their postage stamp campaign; he only included one of his designs so that the works of other talented Filipino artists can be highlighted. Manny Baldemor-accomplished artist and a very, humane individual.