Alfredo Santos Perez, widely known as Al Perez, was born on March 30, 1947, in Hagonoy, Bulacan, to Raymundo Perez and Leonila Santos. He married the late Marivic Panis Formoso from San Fernando, La Union, and they have a daughter named Rizza. Al was raised by his paternal grandmother, Anda Elyang, who profoundly influenced his artistic and religious life.¹
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He attended elementary and high school in his hometown before earning a degree in Fine Arts from the University of Santo Tomas in 1968. In 1984, he studied at the Art Students League of New York, and in 1996, he attended the School of Visual Arts in New York. He worked in advertising agencies immediately after finishing his Fine Arts degree. During his free time, he consistently created pen-and-ink and watercolor paintings of churches and other rural scenes. He would then bring these artworks to Rustan's Gallerie Bleu. Al Perez later joined his friends at the newly established Ayala Museum as a diorama artist and became a full-time artist after completing the dioramas and designing books. During this period, he traveled with the museum writer Rey Resurreccion around the Philippines to collate data for the book. Perez also had a column in the Manila Bulletin, showcasing his church paintings twice a week. He gained recognition abroad and met Ambassador Romeo Arguelles, who invited him to hold a one-man show featuring Philippine sights and wonders at the Philippine Chancery in Bonn, Germany.²
Since becoming a full-time artist in the 1970s, he has participated in numerous local and international exhibits, frequently representing the country in global art events, most notably the Cuban Biennale in Havana in 1986, the 17th International Festival of Arts in Singapore in 1988, a solo show at the Philippine Center in New York in 1996, and another solo show in Bonn, Germany, in 1988. Perez's influence extends beyond the canvas; he served as the president of Lakan Sining ng Bulacan, a prominent artists' organization in his home province. Additionally, he contributed his expertise as a member of the Board of Trustees for the Dangal ng Bulacan Foundation, Inc., further solidifying his legacy in the arts and community.
Perez is widely recognized for his paintings, drawings, and sculptures of churches. His passion for capturing the aesthetics and architecture of these sacred buildings has taken him across the country. This profound admiration for churches and their intricate designs began in his childhood, accompanying his grandmother to church. One of their frequent destinations was Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish in Malolos, famously known as the Barasoain Church. Renowned as the "Aquarelle Master of Philippine Churches," his works are featured in numerous museums and private collections both in the Philippines and internationally.
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Perez was also known for his depictions of the landscapes and scenes of Hagonoy, and often painted fishponds, old houses, and the local flora and fauna—which are still present in his work much later in his life.
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In 1976, he was recognized as one of the thirteen most promising artists by the Art Association of the Philippines. He was also awarded the Dangal ng Lipi "Most Outstanding Bulakeño in the Field of Painting" in 1980, receiving the "Outstanding Citizen Award" from Hagonoy in 1985, and being honored as a "Cultural Awardee for Visual Art" during the 1989 Araw ng Maynila celebrations.
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In addition, he was featured in the 1995 edition of Who's Who in International Art, published in Lausanne, Switzerland. In 2022, the Cultural Center of the Philippines honored him with the Hiyas Award, recognizing outstanding artists, cultural organizations, and cultural workers in Luzon.
Al Perez in his home studio, 2009
His work has been featured on Philippine postal stamps, with his most recent stamp, "Pasko 2023," being part of a special Christmas collection showcasing his classic Mother and Child paintings. Al Perez's dedication extends beyond this holiday tribute; he is also a major contributor and valued member of the Philippine Tuberculosis Society Inc. (PTSI) TB Seal Committee. His artwork is included annually in the TB Seal Stamp campaign, a significant fundraising initiative that supports outreach and advocacy programs.​
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Al treasured his daughter Rizza, who is an artist in her own right. Her painting, "Mother and Child," was included in the Philippine Tuberculosis Society Inc. (PTSI) TB Seals in 2019, 2020, and 2022. Marivic, Al's wife, also practiced art and had a painting included in the TB Seals in 2012, 2022, and 2023.
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Throughout his career spanning over half a century, Al formed friendships with esteemed Filipino artists such as Cesar Legaspi, Mauro "Malang" Santos, H.R. Ocampo, and Onib Olmedo. He also cultivated friendships with Tam Austria, Jose Joya, and Vicente Manansala through the Tuesday and Saturday Group, with Joya eventually becoming his closest companion.
Al Perez dedicated his entire life to preserving cultural heritage through his art. Even in his final year, he remained deeply involved in the art community and was preparing to have another one-man show in March 2024. Despite his age, he remained active in the art world, judging art contests, participating in group exhibitions, and supporting fellow artists. He also mentored young artists, who affectionately called him 'Maestro.' His presence at art events was a constant source of inspiration and encouragement, deeply affecting everyone he met.
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On February 28, 2024, Perez’s vibrant life was abruptly cut short by a sudden heart attack. His passing marks the end of an extraordinary artistic journey, but his legacy shines brightly in Philippine art. His paintings, which vividly capture the essence of cultural heritage, continue to resonate with audiences. Al Perez’s influence as a mentor and advocate for the arts ensures that his memory will be cherished by those who knew him and admired by future generations of artists inspired by his commitment, passion, and love not only for his hometown of Hagonoy, Bulacan, but also for his Philippine heritage.​
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The Professional Art Restorers Society of the Philippines and Asia, Inc. (PARSPA) passed a resolution in June 2024 endorsing the posthumous nomination of Al Perez for the Order of National Artist Award for Visual Arts.​
Al Perez in his home studio, 2023, Photo by Al Benavente
​​References:
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Cariño, Ambassador José Maria A., Reyes, Cid P., Sembrano, Edgar Allan M., Servigon, Eugene Sumakwel T. Al Pérez: Sacred and Profane. Kawayan Press
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Ong, Nestor. “Al Perez Pintura Iglesia.” Filipino Artists Magazine, Chapter 5, 26-28