Life is a continuous cycle. This is the philosophy of man who was dubbed as “Hair and Blood Artist of Nueva Ecija” named Elito V. Circa who believes in the process of reincarnation.

The 46-year-old painter, residing in Brgy. Sto. Tomas, San Jose City, is a father of two, and the husband of Mrs. Teresita Circa, Head Teacher of Caanawan High School (CHS).

Circa, also known as “Amangpintor” is the artist behind the “A Thousand and One Lives” mural painting project of the Department of Education (DepEd), Division of San Jose City, wherein more than 1,000 of its employees and other individuals donated strands of hair and drops of blood mixed with oil paints to be incorporated in the mural.

The said painting was the first artwork created with the combination of hair and blood which depicts the employees’ sacrifices, commitment and dedication for the DepEd Division of San Jose City.

Recently one of his artworks became viral in social media and was featured in different TV shows for painting images of President Rodrigo Duterte.

A montage of Duterte’s familiar poses along with the official seal of the President and a flying eagle was created using Circa’s blood as he believes that signifies life.

According to him, he chose Duterte as his latest subject because he was impressed with the President’s performance and the way he managed to unite the Filipino people.

The painting was entitled “Duterte at the Center of the Triangle” wherein the triangle symbolizes neutralizing three main problems corruption, drugs and interference of United States of America, which were part of the President’s Advocacy.

Asked on how he manages his tie for the family and work, the artist said. “I always find time to bond with my family by dining out together and catch up with one another. I also join them in doing my artworks. Yes, we paint together as a family.

“I still go to work, five days a week, eight hours a day. This talent is also helpful in my job and advocacies of our agency.

Circa works as an Information System Analyst at the Philippine Center for Postharvent Mechanization and Development (PhilMech) based in Science City of Munoz.

The said painter once served as the resource speaker and trainer of aspiring editorial cartoonists in the Interschool Campus Journalism hosted by CHS.

Amangpintor also shared his appreciation in the arts through a painting workshop participated by all CHS students and teachers.

Source: Anahaw Newpaper of Caanawan High School, December 2, 2016