Joey Velasco is a Filipino painter who has become famous for painting the “Hapag ng Pag-ibig” which can be translated in English as “Table of Love”. This is Joey’s interpretation of the Lord supper showing Jesus eating supper with 12 poor children.

It all began when Joey was diagnosed with a serious kidney disease. There was a big mass that grew on his kidney which was taken out by surgery successfully. But Joey fell into depression that he became recluse refusing to get out of his room to the point of not shaving and bathing anymore.

One day in 2005, he finally decided he wanted to paint which he has not done before and started with painting ears, nose, and face. He became enthusiastic when he learned that he can actually draw. The first painting he painted was a portrait of his wife, then his mother and then followed by pictures of his children. He did not stop; he even painted the nanny’s and the pets in their house thus filling the room with his paintings except for their dining area.

While thinking of the next picture to paint for the dining area, he remembered his children always complaining about food. The idea was to paint a picture that would remind them about God’s blessings. To find some inspiration for his topic he visited depressed areas, garbage dump site called Payatas, cemetery and even under the bridges where he met 12 little children who he became friends with.

He took still photos of the 12 children and then he started painting the “Hapag” and took him 6 weeks to complete it. The paintings became famous and Joey is now helping the Gawad Kalinga Foundation from his works.

His latest work is called “Sa kambas ng Lipunan”. You will also see his paintings at www.joeyvelasco.com.