“HAPAG NG PAG-ASA”

The painting was in fact a religious painting because of the message that it
wants to convey to its viewers. First it shows that God is not neglecting these
children and that he will dine with them no matter who they are and what are their
state in life. Which reminds us of the concept of The Last Supper that recently bore
controversies due to the surfacing of the popular novel, Da Vinci Code wherein
Dan Brown (the author) was claiming that Mary Magdalene was in the Last Supper
disguised as a male apostle.
Second, it reflects the harsh reality that bluntly crosses our paths each day.
That these children are victims of the poverty, stricken majority who never had
enough chances.
The visual weight is a bit heavy because the dominant colors used are dark.
However, it exudes a melancholic mood. Different stories are etched in their faces
which could be justified because the artist did paint real people. Meaning, the
characters in the painting does exist and he even knows them. Only one character
was purely fictional which is the boy that is eating rice on the floor together with
the stray cats.
 “HAPAG NG PAG-ASA”

"Hapag ng Pag-asa" is a renowned painting by Filipino artist Joey Velasco. The title
translates to "Table of Hope" in English. This painting gained significant attention and became an
iconic piece of Filipino art due to its powerful message.
The artwork depicts a makeshift dining table where several street children are seated
alongside Jesus Christ. The children represent the marginalized and impoverished youth of the
Philippines, and the presence of Jesus symbolizes hope and redemption. Velasco's intention was to
shed light on the issues of poverty and social injustice, especially the plight of street children in the
Philippines.
"Hapag ng Pag-asa" served as a reminder of the importance of compassion, charity, and
empathy towards the less fortunate. The painting struck a chord with many and became a symbol of
social awareness and a call to action to address the challenges faced by underprivileged children in
the Philippines. Joey Velasco's work has had a lasting impact, and it continues to be a poignant
representation of the need for social change and assistance to those in need.
In Joey Velasco's "Hapag ng Pag-asa," several elements stand out and capture the viewer's
attention:
1. *The Children*: The central focus of the painting is the group of street children sitting
at the makeshift table. Their expressions, clothing, and body language evoke empathy
and draw viewers into their world.
2. *Jesus Christ*: The presence of Jesus at the head of the table is a striking element. His
serene and compassionate gaze towards the children is a powerful symbol of hope
and redemption.
3. *The Table Setting*: The meager food on the table, the plastic cups, and the simple
meal are symbolic of the scarcity and challenges faced by the children.
4. *The Dimly Lit Room*: The contrast between the dark background and the softly lit
table creates a sense of isolation and vulnerability, emphasizing the children's plight.
5. *Details*: Velasco's attention to detail, such as the children's dirty feet and worn-out
shoes, adds to the realism of the painting and emphasizes the harshness of their
living conditions.
6. *The Unseen Faces*: The fact that the children's faces are not fully revealed adds to
the universality of their situation. They could represent countless street children
facing similar hardships.
7. *Symbolism*: The painting's symbolism and message as a whole, focusing on the
juxtaposition of poverty and hope, is a standout element that resonates with viewers.

Different viewers may be drawn to different aspects of the painting, but it's the combination
of these elements that makes "Hapag ng Pag-asa" a compelling and thought-provoking work of art.
 “HAPAG NG PAG-ASA”

Hapag ng Pag-asa is a profound and thought-provoking

painting created by Filipino artist Joey A. Velasco. Inspired by
Leonardo da Vinci's iconic artwork, "The Last Supper," Velasco
reimagines the scene with Jesus surrounded by street children
instead of his apostles.
The painting serves as a powerful symbol of hope, compassion,
and the urgent need for society to address the issue of poverty.
Velasco's intention was to shed light on the harsh realities faced by
marginalized communities and to encourage empathy and action.

Background Literature of “Hapag ng Pag-asa”

Each child depicted in Hapag ng Pag-asa has a unique story that
reflects the struggles and challenges they face daily. Velasco shared
the experiences of these children, such as Itok, who grew up in a
community of gangs and criminals, and Emong, who resorted to
catching non-edible fish near a dam to feed his family. Tinay, a five-
year-old girl, was tragically orphaned after her drug-dependent
parents left her with relatives who eventually abandoned her on the
streets. Michael, known as the "chef of a garbage cuisine," scavenged
leftover food from restaurants to provide for his siblings.
The unconventional choice of using a dismantled and
reassembled delivery box as the canvas for the painting adds
another layer of symbolism. It represents the makeshift nature of
the children's lives, their resilience, and the need for society to come
together to provide them with a stable and nurturing environment.
Hapag ng Pag-asa has had a profound impact, sparking
meaningful conversations about social inequality, poverty
alleviation, and the importance of compassion and solidarity. It
serves as a poignant reminder that no one should be neglected or
forgotten, regardless of their circumstances.

Criteria of “Hapag ng Pag-asa”

The criteria for Hapag ng Pag-asa are based on the artist's
intention to raise awareness about poverty and inspire compassion
and action. Here are some key criteria that define Hapag ng Pag-asa:
1. Depiction of Street Children: Hapag ng Pag-asa portrays Jesus
surrounded by street children instead of his apostles. The
painting aims to highlight the plight of marginalized
communities, particularly street children who face numerous
challenges and struggles.
2. Symbolism: The artwork utilizes symbolism to convey its
message effectively. The use of a dismantled and reassembled
delivery box as the canvas represents the makeshift and
uncertain lives of street children. It serves as a powerful
symbol of their resilience and the urgent need for society to
provide stability and support.
 3. Individual Stories: Each child depicted in Hapag ng Pag-asa has
a unique story that reflects the harsh realities they face. Their
stories shed light on the various circumstances that lead
children to live on the streets and emphasize the importance of
understanding their experiences.
4. Social Commentary: The painting serves as a social
commentary on poverty and social inequality. It aims to spark
conversations and raise awareness about the need for empathy,
compassion, and collective action to address these issues.
5. Emotional Impact: Hapag ng Pag-asa evokes strong emotions
and invites viewers to reflect on the realities faced by street
children. It encourages empathy and challenges societal norms
by presenting a different perspective on the traditional
depiction of "The Last Supper."
These criteria combine to create a powerful and thought-provoking
artwork that challenges viewers to consider their role in addressing
poverty and supporting marginalized communities. Hapag ng Pag-
asa has successfully captured attention and sparked meaningful
discussions on important social issues.

Maroine Charity R. De Roy

12 Amber

Sources
1. https://www.philippinesbasiceducation.us/2013/03/hapag-ng-
pag-asa-table-of-hope.html
2. https://www.ucanews.com/news/a-table-of-hope-a-modern-
day-depiction-of-the-last-supper/89340
3. https://www.scribd.com/document/403299722/Hapag-ng-Pag-
asa-reflection-docx
 “HAPAG NG PAG-ASA”

Background Literature of “Hapag ng Pag-asa”

Joselito Velasco, a painter-turned-author, and his experiences
with 12 street kids whom he painted in a Manila slum "last supper"
canvas titled "Hapag ng Pagasa" (Table of Hope). The painting
gained attention, sparking discussions on poverty and societal
issues. Velasco went on a mission to find the kids in the painting,
revealing their challenging lives and dreams through post-painting
interviews. The stories include Nene, who lives in a cemetery;
Emong, a "kalkal boy" who scavenges for a living; and Michael, a
scavenger from Payatas. The narratives shed light on the struggles of
these children and the harsh realities they face, emphasizing the
need for empathy and understanding. Velasco's book, titled "They
Have Jesus: Stories of the Children of Hapag," captures these
poignant stories and invites readers to reflect on the lives of the less
privileged.
Criteria of “Hapag ng Pag-asa”
 Inclusion and Equality: The artwork promotes the idea of
inclusivity and equality by depicting street children alongside Jesus.
It challenges societal norms and emphasizes the worth and dignity
of every individual, regardless of their social status or background.
Call to Action: Hapag ng Pag-asa aims to inspire viewers to take
action and make a difference in the lives of marginalized
communities. It encourages individuals to extend a helping hand,
support organizations that work with street children, and advocate
for policies that address poverty and inequality.
Community Engagement: The painting fosters a sense of
community engagement by highlighting the importance of collective
responsibility in addressing social issues. It encourages viewers to
come together, collaborate, and create positive change in their
communities.
Empowerment: Hapag ng Pag-asa empowers street children by
giving them a voice and representation through art. It acknowledges
their strength, resilience, and potential, and seeks to empower them
by raising awareness and providing opportunities for support and
growth.
Education and Awareness: The artwork serves as an
educational tool by shedding light on the realities of poverty and the
challenges faced by street children. It aims to increase awareness
and understanding of these issues, fostering empathy and
compassion in viewers.
 “HAPAG NG PAG-ASA”

Background Literature
Joey A. Velasco became a renowned artist in the Philippines
after creating the painting "Hapag ng Pag-asa" or "Table of Hope,"
depicting Jesus with street children. Velasco, an entrepreneur turned
artist due to a kidney problem, learned painting by studying under a
retired fine arts teacher. His inspiration for the famous painting
came from his children's eating habits, intending to visually remind
them to appreciate life's blessings. The artwork became a symbol in
the fight against extreme poverty in the Philippines.

Criteria of Hapag ng Pag-asa

Inclusion and Equality: The artwork promotes the idea of
inclusivity and equality by depicting street children alongside Jesus.
It challenges societal norms and emphasizes the worth and dignity
of every individual, regardless of their social status or background.
Call to Action: Hapag ng Pag-asa aims to inspire viewers to take
action and make a difference in the lives of marginalized
communities. It encourages individuals to extend a helping hand,
support organizations that work with street children, and advocate
for policies that address poverty and inequality.
Community Engagement: The painting fosters a sense of
community engagement by highlighting the importance of collective
responsibility in addressing social issues. It encourages viewers to
come together, collaborate, and create positive change in their
communities.
Empowerment: Hapag ng Pag-asa empowers street children by
giving them a voice and representation through art. It acknowledges
their strength, resilience, and potential, and seeks to empower them
by raising awareness and providing opportunities for support and
growth.
Education and Awareness: The artwork serves as an
educational tool by shedding light on the realities of poverty and the
challenges faced by street children. It aims to increase awareness
and understanding of these issues, fostering empathy and
compassion in viewers.