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Celso Pepito, one of the most passionate and hardworking of local artists today, is this year’s recipient of the prestigious Sugbuanong Bahandi Award, an honor he shares with National Artist for Literature, Resil Mojares.  Celso Pepito, 2024 Sugbuanong Bahandi Awardee "Sir Cels", as most of us call him, is a devoted husband, a loving father of three, and a proud grandfather of six. His wife, Ma'am Fe Madrid, also an artist, stands beside him through the ups and downs of life. The couple, much like yin and yang, complements each other, always striving to make each other better.  Artists Celso Pepito and wife, Fe Madrid Pepito Sir Cels’s deep love for family is evident not only in his life but in his art as well. He believes that positive change in society starts with the family, and his paintings often reflect themes of spirituality, strong family bonds, respect for elders, and the preservation of Filipino values and identity. Hard work and passion are central to his character—qualities that his friends and family know him for.
Even at 67, Sir Cels remains committed to his craft, dedicating long hours to painting every day. “When I don’t have errands, I paint all day. If I have meetings, I start in the afternoon and work until midnight. On days when I’m busy, I usually start painting at 7 p.m. If I’m really inspired, I can go on until 3 or 4 a.m. What I love about working at night is the silence, allowing me to paint uninterrupted.”  When asked how many artworks he creates in a week, Sir Cels replied, “It depends on the sizes. Last week in Davao City, I completed 9 pieces at 11"×8", 2 pieces at 20"×16", and even did some on-the-spot sketching.”  His advice for artists experiencing artist blocks? “One motivating factor for me is having a clear direction as an artist. I have a visual advocacy and have come to realize that being an artist is fulfilling because it allows me to find my relevance in society. By using my art, I feel that I am helping to build a better world.”  Sir Cels emphasizes that his art serves a higher purpose. “I hope to help people appreciate the role of God in our lives. I want to use art to remind people about the importance of our own families. I believe that if families are strong, they contribute to a stronger society.”  His final advice to young Cebuano artists: “First, hone your creative skills so you can properly visualize your ideas more effectively. Second, define your direction with your art. Third, work on improving your communication skills. Lastly have a personal advocacy. That will guide and direct your creative journey.
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