Visual artist Kristine S. Lim immortalizes the late environmentalist and children’s welfare advocate Gina S. Lopez in her artwork called ‘Touch the Sky.’
Donated by ABS-CBN Fellowship members in cooperation with Art Lounge Manila, the portrait was unveiled during the 25th anniversary of Bantay Bata 163, in a simple ceremony attended by Gina’s siblings Ernie Lopez and Roberta Lopez-Feliciano, alongside other guests.
Marking a first for the artist, Lim did not use Lopez’s name as the title of her portrait. “I believe that the legacy of Gina Lopez lies in the lives of the people whom she was able to touch. Through her, a lot of people were able to feel that they can ‘Touch the Sky.’ She was the kind of woman who was able to bring heaven on earth,” Lim explained. “She’s not just the kind of woman who did things in a good way. She did them in a godly way. Because of that, she was able to move and transform lives and those lives are her true legacy.”
Aside from being the ABS-CBN Foundation’s former chairperson, Lopez also served as Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources before the Commission on Appointments rejected her appointment. In 2019, she succumbed to brain cancer at 65 years old.
In line with the event, ABS-CBN Music creative director Jonathan Manalo also shared that he and Lim will soon collaborate on a project, wherein part of the proceeds will be donated to the ABS-CBN Foundation and Bantay Bata 163.
