THE ART OF CELEBRATING LIFE

"It felt it was finally time.” declared Betsy Westendorp Brias, the Madrid-born illustrious 91-year-old artist who loves the Philippines so very much—almost to a fault—as she gladly looked back the past year after the release of her eponymous two-volume book of her most significant and beloved works of a lifetime. “I wanted something beautiful and big, something great and wonderful.” she smiled.

And yet, it was not originally her idea. Friend Rita Ledesma took the initiative to suggest the anthology to the De La Salle University Publishing House, with whom she had collaborated on similar projects. The director was undoubtedly familiar with the painter and admired her art. The team immediately buckled to work and off they went to press.

Betsy’s love affair with our islands began when she met the young, dashing Antonio Brias in Madrid, who swept her off her grounded feet – and soon, wedding bells rang. The couple moved to their new home