MARIVIC RUFINO

Patrick was a special friend and confidant who touched our lives. He was a true artist who inspired me to paint by sharing his books and photos of butterflies. Thus, I was able to create the “Papillon” series. He was so generous with his time and energy — supporting all my exhibits and book launches by taking black and white and color portraits — for the invitations, announcements, posters and magazine covers.

He was always there for me — to cut the ribbon for my first important show at the InterCon Hotel, and the exhibits at Ayala Museum and The Peninsula.

I organized the elegant wedding reception of Patrick and Eva. I helped carry the big cake when it suddenly rained at the poolside of the InterCon. We were all drenched in our evening clothes but we had a lot of fun.

One memorable incident was at the prestigious “Creative Artists” exhibit at the Artist’s Corner at the InterCon Lobby (1990). He included me even if I was a junior artist compared to the famous, great artists like Arturo Luz, BenCab, Sanso and others. Adrian Cristobal asked Patrick to make him look like Robert Redford. Patrick chuckled and said in his deadpan manner, “I’m a photographer, not a plastic surgeon.”

Patrick was so thoughtful and kind. He wrote lovely, witty notes and sent beautiful gifts — the precious calendars of artists we loved. We spent so much time talking about life and travel, art, jazz and his true love, David.

I will miss you, Patrick. You have left a void in my world but you will always be in my mind and heart.

I really wish you had compiled all your historical notes and written a book. Maybe David can do it for you... one day.