BIENVENIDO “Boi” Sibug, a UST advertising arts alumnus and acclaimed portrait artist based in Los Angeles, passed away on Oct. 13 after battling leukemia and bone marrow cancer. He was 77.
The UST Atelier Alumni Association Inc. announced his death in a Facebook post.
Sibug graduated in 1967 with a degree in advertising arts from the old College of Architecture and Fine Arts.
In 1992, he and his family relocated to Guam after being offered an advertising job there.
Proficient in oil, watercolor, pastel, and charcoal, Sibug had held over 100 art exhibits across Manila, Guam, and California, many of which highlighted Filipino culture and traditions.
In Los Angeles, he became a member of the Filpino painters group “Barkada Artists.” He participated in weekly group sketching, portrait, nude, still life, and plein air sessions.
In 2012, Sibug was named Artist of the Year by the Torrance Artists Guild in California. His works had also received accolades in local art competitions, such as those organized by the Cypress Art League and the La Habra Art Association.
Sibug often shared his sketches and prized works on his Facebook page.
Asst. Prof. Mary Ann Bulanadi, chair of the UST Department of Interior Design, recalled receiving unexpectedly a portrait from the artist.
“Eight years ago, I was surprised with this portrait mailed from [the] US by a stranger artist, who had just been following my post and had felt at home because I curate for Thomasian artists.” Bulanadi wrote in a Facebook post.
“You are one of the best portrait artists of your time. I am saddened by your loss,” she added.
Sibug’s wake will be held on Nov. 5 at Rose Family Funeral Home. Cremation will be in Simi Valley, California, with a funeral Mass scheduled on Nov. 6 at St. Peter Claver Parish Church. Sophia Andrea T. Reyes
