252. THE SANTO COLLECTION OF DOM MARTIN OSB

SANTO BAMBINO OF ARACOELI,

Edgardo Ramon Gomez comes from the prominent Hizon Family of San Fernando, Pampanga who made a name for himself in the Philippine fashion world as "Gang Gomez". The New York-trained Gomez was known for his classic, hand embroidered creations that made him the toast of high society misses and matrons.

No wonder, he was acclaimed as one of the country's top young designers in the 70s,  along with Inno Sotto, Ernest Santiago and Auggie Cordero. But at the peak of his career, Gomez surprised everyone when he closed his Manila atelier to join the Monastery of the Transfiguration in faraway Malaybalay, Bukidnon.

Today, as Dom Martin de Jesus Gomez, OSB, he remains true to his calling as a monk--teaching classes, helping run the affairs of the school. he has also channeled his designing talents to creating vestments using indigenous materials. His religious calling has also prompted him to look again at his sacred art collections, precious reminders of his unwavering relationship with God, now kept at the family's ancestral home in Pampanga.

NINO DE LA NAVIDAD in a basket.

AGNUS DEI on top of a book, perhaps from St. John.

THE HOLY CROSS, used in Good Friday processions.

MATER DOLOROSA, antique ivory in virina.

HOLY CHILD JESUS, carved wood.

CRUCIFIED CHRIST.

SAINT JOSEPH WITH CHILD JESUS, in virina.

THE VIRGIN, STANDING ON A HORNED BASE.

OUR LADY, IN A PRIVATE ORATORY.

IVORY ANGEL, with silver wings