By Monsi A. Serrano
At 78, the Philippines’ one and only Master Watercolorist, Popoy Cusi, still wakes up each day with a paintbrush in hand and ideas overflowing in his mind. When he recently realized he was just two years away from turning 80, he laughed in disbelief. After all, age has done little to slow him down. He began painting at the age of ten, and nearly seven decades later, he continues to find inspiration in the world around him, a proof that creativity, for him, is a lifelong companion.
Over a post-birthday lunch at one of his favorite restaurants, Popoy was quick to make a distinction about who he is. “I’m not a painter, but an artist,” he said—a statement that at first sounded like semantics. It wasn’t until he explained further that I fully understood his point.
For Popoy, a painter creates to please others, while an artist creates out of love. It’s a philosophy that has guided his vocation and shaped his identity. “Even if not a single piece of my painting is ever sold, I am still happy and proud,” he shared. “Because I know that when my time comes to leave this world, I will feel fulfilled knowing my home—filled with my ‘works of heart,’ paintings born from passion rather than profit—will remain.”
He elaborates further: “It is easy to become a painter, and it’s difficult to be an artist. And as an artist, if I paint figuratively, I don’t paint pictures—I paint characters.” Those words capture not only Popoy’s depth as a creator but also his lifelong pursuit of truth and emotion in art.
“Even if not a single piece of my painting is ever sold, I am still happy and proud,” he shared. “Because I know that when my time comes to leave this world, I will feel fulfilled knowing my home… filled with my “works of heart”. Painting born from passion rather than profit will remain.”
In his words, his house would be a gold mine, not of money, but of meaning—and filled with artworks that are not commercially available or sold in galleries.
Widely regarded as the Philippines’ Master Watercolorist, Popoy Cusi takes pride in being a pioneer of his craft. His mastery of the medium, combined with unwavering dedication and unhampered creativity, has earned him admiration both locally and abroad. He has also been recognized twice in the Who’s Who in International Art (Les Grands et Nouveaux Noms du Monde Artistique d’Aujourd’hui) in Switzerland—a testament to his international acclaim.
“While the majority of my works of heart are in watercolor, throughout my life as an artist, I’ve explored all kinds of media—pencil, charcoal, pen, oil, and acrylic,” Popoy muses. “For collectors of my work here and abroad, my acrylic and oil paintings are considered ‘ultra-rare.’ But for me, they are simply works of heart. As I approach my 80th birthday, I continue to pray to God to grant me the same zest and vibrancy of mind, a steady hand, and good health.”
After nearly seven decades of celebrating the gift of life and God-given talent, Popoy Cusi continues to make waves—on canvas and in life. His colors remain as vivid as ever, and his spirit just as bold—an enduring reminder that true artistry knows no age.
Happiest birthday, my dear friend, Master Popoy Cusi.