Robert Alejandro’s workspace comes to life in tribute exhibit
Stepping into the Silid Salaysay of Museo ng Pag-asa is like experiencing Robert Alejandro’s personal workspace come to life. Displayed here are some of the late graphic artist’s representative works for the family-owned stationery store Papemelroti, Angat Buhay Foundation, Ang Ilustrador ng Kabataan (INK), and other organizations, as well as select private belongings.
Alejandro, who died on Nov. 5 after years of battling colon cancer, is given a tribute exhibit jointly put together by Angat Buhay and INK. “Hip-Hip-Hoo-RAA” takes a special place in the museum that he helped design as a staunch supporter of former vice president Leni Robredo’s 2022 presidential campaign and the foundation she initiated thereafter to continue their volunteer work.
Aside from the artworks, there are objects associated with Alejandro. A TV monitor plays episodes from the documentary series, “The Probe Team,” which he was part of in the late 1990s. His assignments primarily touched on art and travel. His bike is parked in a corner, just above the poster of one of his books, “Living Food: A Healing Journey.”
The pair of boots Alejandro wears on the cover of the book he wrote with his longtime partner and fellow artist Jetro Rafael is also on display. It belongs to the memorabilia from his travels with Rafael to countries like Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
Adventures
Speaking of travels, there’s a table dedicated to his self-made guides, sketchbooks, and notepads that detail his adventures. An annual planner can be freely browsed by visitors to see how his creativity is expressed in daily life, from running errands to taking medical tests.
In another corner, an assortment of Papemelroti items bearing Alejandro’s trademark quirky, cute, and patriotic designs evokes nostalgia for longstanding fans of the store. He’d proven to be more than just the “ro” in the store’s name that’s made up of the first syllables of the names of the children of store founders Corit and Benny Alejandro. The rest of the brood are Patsy, Peggy, Meldy, and Tina.
The artistic and multitalented Alejandro was also known as Kuya Robert, especially by the young viewers of his 2002 TV program, “Art Is Kool.” He kept the moniker as he continued to teach and encourage budding artists. That’s why there’s a space in the exhibit where visitors can sit down around a low table and use the art materials.
“Hip-Hip-Hoo-RAA,” which opened on Dec. 7, is ongoing until further notice. Museo ng Pag-asa is open from Wednesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., at 84 Cordillera St., Sta. Mesa Heights, Quezon City.
