Art is everywhere. No matter where you go, you find art even on the smallest things. I myself is a fan of seeing beautiful artworks and nature. If nature is already a good thing to see, how much more if you will also see some artworks, right?
Just recently, we visited FLORENTINO’S-THE ARTHOUSE OF JUN IMPAS located in Balamban, Cebu, Philippines. It is just along the road and you will see this just before BUWAKAN NI ALEJANDRA -BALAMBAN.
If you are from Cebu City proper, the signage can be seen just on the left side, as it has a large font, it is indeed visible in a distance.
When we came here, it was raining. Just look at how the pine trees looked. You can really feel like you are in a different place, somewhere like Baguio.
This is my first time visiting the place, though we have seen this everytime we pass through when we travel from Tuburan to Cebu via Transcentral Highway Balamban. This time, we finally decided to stop and check how’s the view and discover the art works inside.
First, we parked our motorcycle in the parking area. Their parking area is spacious and can accommodate cars and motorcycles.
FLORENTINO’S Operating Hours are Tuesdays to Sundays at 10:30am to 7:30pm and they are CLOSED during MONDAYS.
FLORENTINO’S RULES AND REGULATIONS
✿ Admission fee is ₱100.00.
✿ Small children less than 3 years old have free admission.
✿ The admission fee is strictly nonrefundable, rain or shine.
✿ No outside foods and drinks allowed. Corkage fee is ₱100.00 per item bought.
✿ Florentino’s is pet friendly. Fur babies are allowed everywhere except the Art Gallery. Fur parents are expected to clean up after their pets at all times. A 500php damage fee will be fined.
✿ Pictures are welcome; however touching the artworks is strictly prohibited.
✿ No littering and no picking up flowers.
I have seen some acquaintances post pictures in this art house which got me so intrigued. We then checked in and paid and entrance fee of ₱100.00 each.
This is what the art house looks from the outside. It is really aethetically pleasing and I can't wait to get in!
From the entrance, there are already a lot of good spots to take photos of. I could not count how many times I struck some poses on these areas.
ON CLOUD NINE. I struck a pose on this big picture frame- like structure outside. As you can see, you can really see the beautiful clouds and nature.
If you want to make the most of your ₱100, make sure to bring your best poses and charge your cameras prior to coming here. The place is just beautiful. Everywhere you go is pose-worthy.
Before I check into the art house, I will tell you a little bit about who JUN IMPAS is since he owns this place.
FLORENTINO “JUN” G. IMPAS JR is a Cebuano realism painter and portraitist best known for his works in human figures, significant cultural events and capturing quintessential day to day Filipino scenes.
Here are all the awards and recognition that Florentino “Jun” G. Impas Jr. got.
Here are some sample paintings that can be seen in his art house.
MOTHER’S EMBRACE
His painting showcased how a mother embraces her child, showing unconditional love and care. As seen on the painting, it really looks so real. The characters look like they are alive. If you are interested to purchase the painting, you can scan the price.
LARANGAN
Another painting is this painting entitled Larangan which is a 30x40inches oil on canvas sold for ₱450,000.00 or approximately 7714.66 USD. Larang is a famous Cebuano fish soup dish which consists of any fish added by a numerous amount of tomatoes to set the aroma and flavoring.Larangan is a place where you can buy some larang.
Here are the other paintings you can see inside the art house.
The artworks are not the only things to see when you visit the place but you will be seeing a lot more. One of which is this magnificent view of the house.
Of course, we did not missed the opportunity to take some photos in the area where we can see the beautiful view of nature and the mountains. I can really say that Cebu is indeed such a beautiful province and there is just so much more that Cebu has to offer.
There are also a lot of activities to do here at Florentino’s like the following:
You have the option to paint here, they have a specific painting area and they also have a restaurant if you are hungry after walking around.
FLORENTINO’S PAINTING AREA
Imagine painting while seeing this marvelous view and hearing the sound of the birds, for sure your inner Pablo Picasso will be awakened.
If you are a fan of mirror shots, get your phones up for they have a beautiful mirror area where you can take unlimited shots.
They also have an area where you can read some books or play the Filipino game ”sungka”
Florentino’s Art House is really the place to be if you are looking for an art house within Cebu area. You will not be disappointed by all the amazing art works you will be seeing and a bonus kiss from nature.
This was such a fun adventure and I did not regret we finally gave it a try here. I wanted to try out their foods but we were so full when we went here since we just had lunch. Maybe some other time though.
I will rate the place a nine out of ten. The place will really take you to a whole new dimension and give you a different perspective. Once you get out of the place, you will learn to realize art even more.
Cebuanos are really talented. Not just by dancing, singing, acting but also through painting. Who would have thought that we have such a talented painter like Jun Impas?
This is such a well spent weekend and I can’t wait to visit more places.
To art and nature! Ciao!♡