Jay Ruiz marks birthday with art exhibit at Sentro Artista

From left are Chess Hall of Fame Grandmaster Eugene Torre, Quezon City First District Rep. Arjo Atayde, Jay Ruiz, his son Gab and wife Marjorie Fe at the Sentro Artista Art Hub in Quezon City. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Broadcast journalist Jay Ruiz partnered with Quezon City First District Rep. Arjo Atayde, businessman Joseph Lumbad and councilor Geleen Lumbad in putting up an art gallery to support local artists.

Sentro Artista, located at The Arton Strip by Rockwell along Katipunan Ave. in Quezon City, aims to nurture and celebrate the country’s finest in visual, performance, literary and culinary arts.

Ruiz putting up an art hub along with his wife Marjorie and their friends is not unexpected. He is just coming back to his first love before taking a side trip to journalism for more than two decades. He retired from ABS-CBN in 2016 to work for the office of the Senate President. Now he ventures into the local art scene as a patron and supporter of local artists.

“Art has held a special place in my heart since I was young. But because of circumstances where I was in search of purpose and meaning, it has taken a backseat for sometime. Now that I’m blessed with friends and family who never cease to support my passion, I’m able to do things that give me fulfillment,” Ruiz said.

To celebrate his 50th birthday, Ruiz will spearhead an art exhibit at Sentro Artista from April 20 to May 10 featuring notable contemporary artists Fidel Sarmiento, Jojo Dela Cruz, Justine Velasquez, Marc Salamat, Archie Sumilang, Bryan Apolinario, Del Torano and Dhennis Sigua.

The exhibit, dubbed as “Forward,” will also serve as a milestone for Sentro Artista because it will be the 20th exhibit hosted by the gallery.

Ruiz, who grew up in Sarrat Ilocos Norte but took his high school education in the United States, holds a degree in Speech and Drama from the University of the Philippines in Diliman. He dabbled in theater before discovering his passion for journalism.

In January 1999, he joined ABS-CBN as a special reports group researcher. He eventually joined the news department’s reportorial team.

The Covid-19 pandemic rekindled his passion for broadcasting as he hosted a local news program for the Department of the Interior and Local Government called “Kuwentuhang Local” in DZMM Teleradyo.

The end of the global health crisis inspired Ruiz to put up Sentro Artista.

“I might have taken a longer route, but I’m so grateful that my journey has prepared me to pursue further my passion in advancing our culture,” Ruiz said.

As an added feature on his birthday celebration, Chef Melissa Rocha will also be featured.

Rocha, known for her gastronomic wonders and heirloom dishes with signature twists, is the first chef to be featured at Sentro Artista. She is expected to bring out her Kapampangan, Cebuano, Boholanon and Visayan inspired cuisines to complement Sentro Artista’s vibe that exude culture, love and access to prominent and upcoming artists.

Reception for the “Forward” art exhibit will be held at 5 p.m. on April 26 at Sentro Artista.

For complete details of the event visit Sentro Artista’s Facebook (Sentro Artista Philippines) and Instagram (sentro_artista) online accounts.