By Marinel Peroy
In a rare public appearance, renowned Filipino artist Rafael “Popoy” Cusi took part in the 4th Embassy Night on April 3, 2025, at the Hotel Okura Manila, where his evocative painting Labuyo captivated diplomats, business leaders, and guests from around the world.
For those who know Cusi, this moment was a departure from his usual preference for privacy. “Popoy is a low-key artist, revered internationally but happy to remain in his studio,” says Monsi Serrano, founder of THEPHILBIZNEWS. “He’s not the type to seek the spotlight. For him, it’s always about the art, not the attention.”
Convincing Cusi to attend the event required some persuasion. “I had to wake up early on April 3 and ask him to meet for coffee,” Serrano recalls. “He was reluctant, but I told him it would be the perfect birthday gift for me. And so, he agreed.” It was a special request, indeed, as the event not only celebrated art but also bridged cultural connections, offering attendees the chance to meet the artist behind the masterpiece.
Cusi’s Labuyo, a watercolor painting measuring 22 by 30 inches, was no ordinary piece. For Cusi, this creation had been more than two decades in the making. “I’ve always dreamed of painting the labuyo,” he shares. “But everything happens in God’s time. It was only at this moment, with the prestigious gathering of ambassadors and business leaders, that I felt it was the right time to bring this vision to life.”
The labuyo, or red junglefowl, is not just any bird. It is a symbol of the Philippines’ rich natural heritage and a call for conservation. “The labuyo is in danger of extinction,” Cusi explains. “I wanted to raise awareness, especially among the younger generation, about this beautiful creature. It’s small, almost like a chicken, but it thrives in the dense forests and hides in the trees to avoid hunters.”
Creating the painting was a labor of love. “It took me over a month,” Cusi says. “There are several layers of detail that need to be built up. It couldn’t be rushed; otherwise, it wouldn’t have captured the vibrancy and detail you see now.” The artist, working from his home studio, describes the process as nostalgic. “Every morning, I’d wake up and stare at the painting, adding little touches until it felt complete. It took me back to my childhood, chasing these birds from tree to tree, appreciating their agility.”
Interestingly, Cusi revealed that the Labuyo painting at Embassy Night is part of a series. “I’ve done two other Labuyo pieces,” he says. “But this one is different. I signed it with the full title to make it even more special. The occasion called for it.”
The painting not only drew admiration from the crowd but also sparked deep reflections. British Ambassador to the Philippines, Laure Beaufils, was fascinated by the bird. “I didn’t even know the Philippines had a bird like this,” she marveled. Meanwhile, Archbishop Charles John Brown, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, asked Cusi why he chose the labuyo over more traditional subjects like mountains or flowers. Cusi’s answer reflected the symbolism behind his choice: “The labuyo represents freedom. It moves freely in the jungle, unburdened and strong. I wanted to capture that spirit of liberation.”
Japanese Ambassador Kazuya Endo, also struck by the painting, inquired about the preservation of the labuyo. Cusi was hopeful, “With community awareness, government action, and support from lawmakers, we can save it. The extinction threat can be mitigated if we protect the environment and biodiversity.”
For Cusi, this Labuyo painting holds more than just artistic value. It is a powerful statement about nature’s fragility and the need to protect it. The labuyo, revered by the Mangyan tribes of Mindoro as sacred, symbolizes power, agility, and the spirit of freedom. Through his art, Cusi calls for both appreciation and preservation of the beauty that lies within the heart of the Philippines’ tropical forests.
“I felt so proud of how the ambassadors and other distinguished guests appreciated the Labuyo. In a way, I expected them to have many questions on their minds. At one point, one of the guests even approached me and offered to buy the painting for ₱2 million, but I politely refused and explained that I am not selling it. It’s a special gift to my dear friend that I promised to paint eight years ago,” Cusi said. Then there was another guest who expressed interest in buying the Labuyo to give to his father, a cockfighting aficionado. But I smiled and told him that the Labuyo is not for sale.
This rare glimpse into Popoy Cusi’s world reminds us that art, much like nature itself, is a precious thing and priceless one at that — meant to be admired, protected, and cherished for generations to come.
