100 Nudes, 100 Years, sponsored by the UP Alumni Association, is the first art exhibit of its kind, honoring UP’s most enduring symbol, the Oblation. Some 79 UP-bred artists, including nine National Artists of the Philippines, have contributed their work for the exhibit. The free exhibit raised close to P4 million in sales of donated art works during its 10-day run. The commemorative book, 100 Nudes, 100 Years, with a limited printing of only 1,000 copies, has less than 400 remaining. Proceeds from the activity will go to UP’s art education and development program.

Encouraged by the large turnout of interested viewers, business tycoon Jorge Araneta who himself is a UP alumnus, allowed the exhibit an extended run at the 4th floor Mandarin Oriental Suites at Gateway Mall, Araneta Center. The exhibit was open to the public.

Among the works featured were from UP alumni: National Artists Napoleon Veloso Abueva, Fernando Cueto Amorsolo, Benedicto Reyes Cabrera, Carlos Villaluz Francisco, Abdulmari Asia Imao, Jose Tanig Joya Jr., Cesar Torrente Legaspi, Vicente Silva Manansala and the sculptor of the Oblation himself, Guillermo Estrella Tolentino.

"For anyone who has ever admired Filipino creativity, supporting this project will be a means to nurturing it to the fullest. We have a number of activities already lined up in support of artistic development in the university," said Lawyer Gari Tiongco, UP Regent and Alumni Association President.

Most recent of these was the first of a series of art workshops. A mix of the young and promising artists, whose works steadily rise in value with every accolade, and multi-awarded alumni artists came together in fellowship. More than a venue for mentoring, the event presented an opportunity for interaction, encouragement and nurturing among kindred artists’ souls.