When he is not busy patrolling the GSIS building in Pasay City, he is creating marvelous works of art.
Medardo Olaco is not just a dedicated security guard but is also a talented painter who produces exceptional art pieces.
Mr. Olaco says he grew up in poverty in Guindulman, Bohol but emphasises that his financial situation did not stop him from pursuing his dream of becoming a painter.
"Ang gusto ko talaga ay kumuha ng architecture o fine arts pero sa hirap ng buhay ay hindi ako nakapagtapos ng high school kaya gumawa ako ng paraan kasi gusto ko talaga marating ang pangarap ko."
Because his parents had no money to provide for him and his other six siblings, he decided to look for ways to earn.
When he was in grade school, he would create the school projects of all the other students in his school in exchange of a small compensation.
He adds he was not only able to buy food from his gig but also discovered that he had a creative skill.
"Nadiskubre ko po [na marunong akong magpinta] noong nasa elementary ako. Lahat ng projects ng mga schoolmates ko mula grade 1 to grade 6 ako ang gumagawa. Humihingi lang ako ng [konting bayad] para pambaon ko."
Determined to succeed in life and chase his dream although not finishing high school, Mr Olaco tried many jobs when he moved to Manila.
"Pumasok din ako sa construction work para makabili ng gamit sa pagpipinta, naging pintor din ng mga bahay at apartment at nag-gwardiya ng anim na taon. Kapag may obra akong naggawa ay binibenta ko ng mura. Ang mahalaga sa akin ay makabili ako ng gamit sa pagpipinta."
Mr Olaco has produced various artworks from realism, mural to abstract, even sculpture and is now learning to be more authentic by discovering his own personal style.
Mr Olaco has produced various artworks from realism, mural to abstract even sculpture and is now learning to be authentic by discovering his own personal style. Source: SBS Filipino
"Realism, mural at abstract ang mga obra ko at nag-sculpt din ako. Hinahabol ko din ngayon ang sarili kong style kasi mahalaga bilang artist na makilala ka ng tao sa pamamagitan ng obra mo.
He says that he is also fortunate that his pieces are being purchased by lawyers and corporate executives.
"Ang mga bumibili ng obra ko ay attorney, senior vice president at presidente ng GSIS. Minsan pinapa-sketch muna nila bago aprubahan yung gusto nila."
Despite not finishing any degree in arts, he is working very hard to produce world class pieces and is also actively joining a number of art exhibitions so he can share his art and inspire others.
"Sumali ako sa GSIS art club, nag-solo exhibit din kami sa GSIS, University of Manila, Adamson University at sa mga SM Manila at Mall of Asia."
ALL for his family
Mr Olaco has produced various artworks from realism, mural to abstract. Source: SBS Filipino
Mr Medardo Olaco believes that the only legacy he can pass on to his children is a good education which is why he is working hard day and night to provide the needs of his family.
"Ayaw ko matulad sila sa akin na hindi nakapagtapos. Lahat ng mga magulang ay pangarap na makapagtapos ng pag-aaral ang anak. Wala akong maipapamana sa kanila [kundi edukasyon]. Wala akong bahay, lupa, pera."
Mr Olaco says most of his money goes to the family savings and his two daughter's school tuition.
"Dalawa ang pinupuntahan ng kita ko. Kapag makabenta ako ng painting, nasa mga pitong libo sa maliit na painting. Yung anim na libo [ay iniipon ko] ang isang libo ay idadagdag sa gastos ng mga anak ko. Ang importante sa akin ay ang mga bata na makaahon sila at makpagtapos sila ng pag-aaral. Sinisikap ko talaga na hindi sila magutom."
Poverty is not a hindrance to success
Mr Olaco believes that the only legacy he can pass on to his children is a good education. Source: SBS Filipino
Mr Olaco is a firm believer that poverty is not a hindrance to a person's success.
One only needs to dream and hope.
"Sa lahat ng pangarap hindi hadlang ang kahirapan. Para sa akin tuloy pa rin ang panagarap. Huwag ka lang magnakaw, huwag ka mandaya sa ibang tao at huwag kang magsinungaling. Mangarap ka. Wala naming mawawala kung mangarap ka. Abutin mo ang kaya mong abutin. Huwag ka mawawalan ng pag-asa."
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