For radiologist Orestes Monzon, finding new life for his bellowed photographs is a joy that further feeds his passion.
Dr. Orestes Monzon, or Resty as many have come to call him affectionately, has a heart overflowing with tender affection for all things beautiful. Whether it is an arresting stroke in a stunning painting, the angelic harmonics of a song, or the silent magnificence of everyday objects, the beautiful expression of life has always fascinated him. A doctor by profession but an artist to the core of his being, Resty has dedicated himself to studying images in his medical career and actively creative lifestyle.
A proud graduate of the University of Santo Tomas, both in his college and medical studies, Resty now serves as the head of the Radiology Sciences Department in his alma mater, where he also serves as faculty, teaching bioethics and radiology.
Undeniably gifted with an open eye that can see not only what could be but what lies beyond, Resty’s specialization did not come as a surprise given the visual nature of his occupation.
I based my purchase only on my perception or if I could afford it. Little did I know that they would become well-known artists.”
“Radiology is the art of reading films, reading photographs,” explains Resty. “I was fond of taking pictures in medical school, nothing professional. But that oriented me to understand photographs, films, and paintings. In radiology and as a photographer, you develop the eye when looking at a picture. Sometimes the area doesn’t have any message for you, but the photograph says something else. We, as radiologists, interpret the photographs.”
This unique eye, a natural element of his inherent skills, was further refined as a young man when he excitedly explored the thriving art and culture scene all over the metro. “When I was a resident, I had friends who go to musicals, galleries, and plays,” Resty recalls. “Every play or if there were a change of exhibit, we would go. We would attend numerous concerts and spend our time in the theatre. We would also frequent bookstores. I was in that kind of group, and we were very young, just in our early twenties. We would take the jeep, and after exams or after five pm, we would rush to the Cultural Center of the Philippines and Manila Theatre Guild.”
“I started buying little things in galleries, even by installments,” Resty says. “When you are a student, you don’t have much money, and I was in medical school. At the time, the artists are unknown. I based my purchase only on my perception or if I could afford it. Little did I know that they would become well-known artists.”
His unique and discerning sense and authentic desire to support the local art scene have paid off. We see works of art in every corner of his tastefully decorated home with celebrated artists.
“I was amazed. Here I am, a little photographer who takes pictures here and there, and now my little photograph has become a painting.
Having an insatiable appetite for art, his time as the chief of Nuclear Medicine at the Philippine Heart Center served to satisfy his cravings because he held exhibits for many notable artists in the hospital gallery. Being surrounded by the creations of the most brilliant artists further strengthened his resolve to promote local artists and explore his creativity.
In 2010, during one of the many exhibits he attended, he encountered artist Jo Florendo, whose works he had previously noted to be particularly enjoyable. Jo had asked the doctor what he did outside his practice upon their encounter. “It was ironic because that’s what I ask my trainees,” Resty recalls smilingly. “I told him I take pictures here and there.”
Taken over by humility, the doctor did not mention that he already had four exhibits to his name. As he showed his photographs to Angelito Florendo, the artist asked permission to borrow one picture as a subject for a painting inspired by Resty’s visuals.
After one month, Jo returned with a painting, “I was amazed. Here I am, a little photographer who takes pictures here and there, and now my little photograph has become a painting. Our tandem now gave my art another dimension.” Just like that, a partnership was born.
In just a matter of months, they debut an exhibit featuring twenty of Resty’s photographs, as interpreted in paintings by Jo Florendo in a show entitled Feeding the Doves. Their tandem, producing Paintographs, has now accommodated the input of Bernard Laya. Seeing each other’s passions, the trio pushed their artistic boundaries in an exhibit entitled “Botika sa Hardin.”
Aside from keeping busy with his artistic endeavors, Resty continues to do his part in elevating the local art scene and market, just as he did when he was only a medical student. “If a painter tells me he has no money for his children’s tuition or electricity, how can I say no? I met many artists over the years, and my collection has grown so much.”
Having amassed such an extensive collection on his 65th birthday, Resty has decided to put together a fundraising exhibit from his collection to raise money for several charitable organizations and, at the same time, promote the circulation of art.
Since then, his annual fundraising raffle has become a tradition. Now in its third year, it continues to use art as a vehicle for change in the community and its commendable supporting organizations. “My circle of influence is now into acquiring art and cultural education. I am happy with the development, and they often come here to listen to the music.”
They are going to have their interns and residents involved in the exhibitions. Resty’s passion has genuinely opened many people’s eyes to the possibility of art being part of their everyday lives, as it has been part of his. Dr. Orestes Monzon, a modern patron of the arts, is a valuable facet of the Philippine art scene.
Hannah Jo Uy
Bravo Filipino Magazine Vol 3 No 13
Captivating Moments
Monzon Art 
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