Next Destination: Last Trip by MADE 2023 Sculpture Grand Awardee Abril Valdemoro

G R A N D   A W A R D E E                                   
Sculpture Program

Abril Dominic Valdemoro
Last Trip

Abril Dominic Valdemoro, the Grand Awardee for the Sculpture Recognition Program, pays homage to the vital roles of jeepney drivers as both public workers and cultural icons in his marine epoxy resin sculpture, “Last Trip.” Valdemoro’s artistry shines through as he skillfully blends local materials with classical visual elements, crafting a relaxed and lifelike figure in the contrapposto style. Notably, he incorporates redesigned jeepney placards, which serve as both armor and a winged headpiece, reminiscent of Hermes, the Greek god of speed and travel. The inscriptions “God Bless Our Trip” and “In God We Trust” echo religious motifs commonly found on public transport vehicles, underscoring our vibrant culture and identity. This sculpture beautifully captures the enduring strength of the Filipino spirit in the face of adversity, symbolized by the jeepney drivers who represent countless Filipinos on their individual journeys, ultimately serving as a heartfelt tribute to their unwavering dedication and commitment on the road. Text by Janine Bernardo of Metrobank Foundation

Hello, Abril! Congratulations again on your MADE 2023 win! “Last Trip” pays homage to jeepneys and their drivers, who are not only cultural icons but also public workers. Could you discuss the symbolism your sculpture, and how it connects to the identity and spirit of Filipino jeepney drivers?

Abril Valdemoro: Thank you! In creating my sculpture, I drew inspiration from local jeepney iconography: you’ll notice the eagle’s wings that decorate the side mirrors of a jeepney, in addition to the stainless-steel band that is usually installed on top of its windshield, bearing the owner’s or the unit’s name. I also took after the character of Darna, a famous comic, TV, and movie superheroine. In my sculpture, I transformed the stainless-steel band into a helmet that protects the figure’s head, signifying not just the speed in transporting passengers and goods, but also the protection it provides from the grueling labor of driving on the pockmarked roads of The Philippines.

Your sculpture artfully blends classical visual elements (like the contrapposto pose) with familiar Filipino motifs. How did you decide on the specific details, like the ripped denim, coin box, and signboard, to capture the essence of jeepney drivers and their enduring dedication?

Abril Valdemoro: The combination of ripped denim and a sando (vest) is a common sight among laborers and drivers. The wear and tear of clothing after years of use, or the lack of a uniform, often leads to this wardrobe choice. The circular rag in the pocket is a handy tool for easy cleanup of spills, mist on mirrors, or even mud. The towel is used to wipe off sweat. The coin box is like a treasure chest for the driver. The signboard with the words “kaunlaran itaas/ibaba” (Progress up/down) and “kawalan ikot toki” (Loss, right round) reflects the typical life cycle of Filipinos, the destination of the jeepney riders, and the direction the country is headed. “God bless our trip” and “In God we trust” are common mottos among Filipinos due to their religious beliefs, but sometimes this can lead to a “bahala na” (come what may) attitude that contributes to their struggles. The driver is wearing flip-flops, not the best footwear for driving, but simply because he cannot afford anything else. The sampaguita blooms under his feet show that the era of adorning and embellishing jeepneys is over, as the routes have decreased. The figure is in David’s contrapposto pose as he prepares to battle Goliath, which is also relatable to our local drivers who have a giant and unbeatable adversary.  

Your artwork addresses the phase-out of traditional jeepneys and the plight of their drivers. How do you hope your sculpture will impact viewers and raise awareness about this significant issue?

Abril Valdemoro: I hope it reminds viewers that even though the jeepney phaseout might be inevitable, we should also realize that there are people losing their means of survival over it; the modern vehicles being bannered as the jeepney’s replacement adds to these drivers’ financial woes because it is something they cannot afford. With the phaseout, larger companies will once again lord it over the less powerful. Personally, I don’t think it is that effective if it intends to destroy our culture by erasing the iconic jeepney from our streets or sacrifice laborers to achieve the “modern” standards decision-makers are chasing after.

You mentioned respected artists (and former MADE awardees) Manny Garibay, Mark Justiniani, and Elmer Borlongan as major influences. In what ways have these artists’ works influenced your own artistic style and approach, especially in tackling themes related to workers and daily life?

Abril Valdemoro: These artists are masters of the mundane and storytelling. They can express the simplest facets of Filipino life in such an affecting manner. I would like my works to create impact and not only spotlight themes of labor, but perhaps help those laborers to see themselves with dignity and pride. Sir Manny’s works for me have very intuitive strokes that flow with the artist’s hand, with imagery that trigger our stock knowledge; Sir Emong’s central images I find are really strong, planned, and precise. Sir Mark’s works are relationships of figures and objects in backgrounds, and situations, and fit like a puzzle only when you see the whole piece.

Winning the Metrobank Art and Design Excellence Awards is a significant achievement. What are your future plans and aspirations as an artist, especially in terms of continuing to shed light on the stories and experiences of workers through your art?

I would like to continue my practice and have more meaningful exhibitions locally and abroad if the opportunity arises. I am also hoping to have my own studio with more generous working space so I can attempt bigger works. I would also like to keep helping my art group in Masbate and give back to my community where I draw so much inspiration from; I aim to help provide continuing education for the young artists there with the help of partners. •

mbfoundation.org.ph.