There are artists who seek recognition, and there are artists who quietly build a lifetime of work that becomes recognition itself.

For nearly seven decades, master watercolorist Popoy Cusi has carried Filipino watercolor beyond our shores — disciplined, uncompromising, and deeply rooted in identity. At 79, he speaks not of awards but of responsibility.

“When God calls me home, I will not leave behind my paintings — I will leave behind my legacy of what a Filipino artist should be.”

That legacy is anchored in mastery. Watercolor — a medium known for its unforgiving nature — has been his lifelong discipline, allowing no easy correction or revision. Every stroke demands clarity of vision.

“Watercolor does not forgive. You must already know what you want to say before you paint.”

Cusi chose not the easiest path, but the most exacting one. He even lived in Europe for some time and was offered residency status in the United Kingdom which he politely declined. He explained that his loyalty lies with his homeland:

“I believe in “galing ng Pilipino (the excellence of Filipinos),” he said during a recent painting exhibition at the German Club Makati.

The renowned master watercolorist urges fellow Filipino artists to cultivate their talents and show them to the world with pride.

He emphasized that Filipino artists are admired and respected on the global stage when they embrace their identity confidently.

As a member of the Mangyan indigenous community, his journey carries a deeper national meaning. He did not emerge from the country’s most dominant academic institutions. His path was shaped instead by perseverance, cultural consciousness, and devotion to craft. His work reminds us that artistic excellence in the Philippines does not belong to one school, one network, or one pedigree — it belongs to the nation in all its diversity.

Internationally, his contributions have long been affirmed. He has twice been recognized in Who’s Who in International Art (Les Grands et Nouveaux Noms du Monde Artistique d’Aujourd’hui) in Switzerland — a rare distinction placing him among respected artists on the global stage. His works are collected abroad, securing his reputation worldwide.

And yet, the measure of a great artist is not merely where his paintings hang, but what they represent. Cusi has consistently championed Filipino identity in art.

While acknowledging the influence of European masters such as Van Gogh, Picasso, Raphael, and Germany’s Franz Marc, Emil Nolde, and August Macke, Cusi insists that Filipinos must also honor their own identity.

“These great artists inspire us, but we must nourish our own talents and show them to the world with pride. When we embrace who we are, the world begins to listen.”

The Order of National Artists is conferred upon those whose body of work contributes significantly to the cultural heritage of the nation — whose art shapes identity, deepens consciousness, and endures across generations.

In Popoy Cusi, we see a lifetime of sustained artistic excellence, mastery of a demanding medium elevated to global standards, cultural representation deeply rooted in his indigenous heritage, international recognition that affirms Filipino artistry, and a steadfast philosophy of art as stewardship rather than mere commodity.

His story is not one of entitlement. It is one of quiet endurance.

Text and photo by Jay Luna

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has acknowledged the infrastructure lag in the present aviation situation in the country saying that the Duterte administration has been seriously finding ways and implementing programs to resolve the issue to ensure mobility and comfort for all travelers.

Speaking before the participants to the monthly German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (GPCCI) Economic Forum at the German Club in Makati City, Thursday evening (June 20), CAAP Director General Capt. Jim C. Sydiongco said that the government is catching up with the challenges in the sector.

“The infrastructure in the Philippines is 20 years behind and what we’d been doing in the past three years is to catch up… our issue now is the imbalance between the capacity and the demand. We build a passenger terminal today and a few months later it’s over capacity. We need to plan ahead.” Sydiongco said.

The CAAP Chief underscored the important role of the private sector in realizing the President’s thrust which is to provide comfort to all travelers.

“The government under the Duterte administration is working tirelessly with the private sector in enhancing connectivity and mobility for all,” Sydiongco said.

“On behalf of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, I am thankful for the continuous support of the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry to the Philippine Aviation sector, let us be partners in realizing the president’s aspiration in keeping Filipinos comfortable,” he further noted.

Dr. Martin Henkelmann, executive director of GPCCI, for his part, explained the rationale of conducting the economic forum and other activities that focus on development and progress for all sectors in the country.

“Our monthly economic forum always focuses on topics that are of most importance to the Philippine-German business community… we look on different sectors which are important to the bilateral economic relations. Today’s economic forum focuses on aviation,” Henkelmann said.

“Aviation is such an important sector, we have a great success story with Lufthansa Technik employing more than 3,000 people. Lufthansa will discuss here with the Philippine government how this sector will develop not only as a sector of flying connecting the islands but also how we can strengthen the sector as an economic carrier in the Philippines,” he added.

Lufthansa Technik CEO: Support investors

Meanwhile, Elmar Lutter, president and CEO of Lufthansa Technik Philippines, called on the Philippine government to continuously support foreign investors in the country that consequently create more economic opportunities for Filipinos.

“This (Philippine) government is doing so much in enhancing the infrastructure especially in the aviation sector. Lufthansa Techniks Philippines is here because of the people… and I encourage the government to support our business, all businesses in terms of various aspects that’s about customs, traffic, incentives, duties and the whole context in the ease of doing business,” Lutter said.

“I also encourage the government to do more for the export businesses as they are all in the international competition,” he added.

GPCCI: PH has undiscovered potential

The monthly economic forum is organized by GPCCI in cooperation with the German Embassy Manila, and the German Club.

The Philippines is considered as one of the upcoming, largest and fastest growing economies. The GPCCI said it sees an undiscovered potential here.

The GPCCI promotes bilateral trade by supporting the market entry of German companies and represent Germany as strongest economic partner from Europe. Its mission is to serve as a working platform for the German business community and promote German companies, products and services.