First released in 1997 to celebrate the International Year of the Reef, it is a classic collection of environmental art and a pioneering effort in how artists can contribute to ecological concerns.

With the first edition, Cusi teams up with independent publisher Marlene Aguilar. The book was Aguilar’s initial venture in the book industry and her first collaboration with the painter.

"He mentioned how he had wanted to compile some of his artwork into a book, but there were few local publishers who were willing to take a risk with such an expensive venture. I told him that I would do all I could to make his dream come true," says Aguilar.

Both the artist and the publisher learned the ropes of producing a book by trial and error. "We both have strong and eccentric personalities that fiery debates cannot be avoided. But at the end of the day, we both know that we are working for a common goal," Aguilar said.

Since 1997 was declared by the United Nations as the International Year of the Reef, they decided to create a collection that would pay tribute to the beauty of natural aquatic resources. The book got the 2000 European Art for Environment Award.

Cusi reveals that he drew on the wealth of his own personal experience growing up in a coastal area and spending countless days by the sea. "Life was simple then. We fished, we farmed. We depended on Mother Nature for everything we needed and tried to take care of her to the best of our abilities. Things are not as simple now. Man’s greed has overtaken his needs. And because greed has no limits, destruction soon follows," he said.

Despite his strong sentiments on environmental degradation, the Mindoro born artist avers that his renditions of social realism still follow the transcendent artistic style he has been known for. Schools of multi-colored fish glide placidly through coral reefs, seemingly unmindful of the blasting that occurs a few miles away. Anemones sway to the swirling brushstrokes of underwater currents; mollusks blow bubbles as they breathe; and crustaceans crawl gingerly over hard corals hoping to evade predators. The idyllic life under the sea continues, innocently – and pitifully – oblivious to the decimation that threatens its very existence, wrought by human beings.

"When we launched the first edition, environmental awareness was just a growing buzzword in the Philippines," says Aguilar. "A decade later, it has become the focus of both our local and international policy-making bodies. The aggravation can no longer be ignored. We are already suffering greatly under the strain of global warming and this can be felt all over the world. This is why we felt it was only proper to celebrate the 10th anniversary of this book with this Diamond Edition, which we hope will help stir more emotions to participate in the crusade to save the planet."

The Philippine Coral Reefs in Watercolor Diamond Edition will contain over a hundred watercolor pieces by Cusi as well as underwater portraits by photographer Scott Tuason.

Additional information on the world’s most crucial environmental concerns – the coral triangle, spanning the Philippines, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Timor-Leste are also included in the book. The coral triangle is the marine equivalent of the Amazon and is the sanctuary to the world’s richest variety of corals and sea life. For more information, visit www.marleneaguilar.com.