No artist in the world would ever want to be framed! And in the world of artworks, especially those that have to be hung on a wall, every artist wants the best framer. In Manila, there is only one master in the art of framing, Johnny Soriano. I have known and worked with Johnny for more than 20 years and he remains the same Johnny whom I met the in '70s. His good manners are as intact as they can be that every time we do a project together, there would be a pleasant thought lingering in my head: If there is one man in Manila who never gets mad ' who never gets angry, who is always polite and soft spoken and never fails to give an unwavering smile to every situation he encounters - it's Johnny.

Born in Tuguegarao, Ricardo "Johnny" Soriano dreamed of becoming an artist. He pursued this dream at an early age by coming to Manila immediately right after graduating from the Cagayan Valley Arts College and Trade School. In the city he spent a year as a draftsman in an industrial firm only to find himself restless to do something else more interesting. Curious about the trade that involved handling and working with actual works of art, he apprenticed as a frame maker in one of the few frameshops set in Manila in 1972. In the process/ Johnny found himself to be passionate about the craft that he soon realized was his calling. Accepting this as the profession that was going to play a major role in his life, he underwent formal training at the United States Information Service, where he learned many of the intricacies of the trade such as art care/ art preservation, proper use of materials, and archiving.

When Johnny decided to set up his own company, it did not take long before he was swarmed by orders as his clientele grew to the point that he could not keep up with the demand. Johnny explains that the reason for this is not merely not being able to cope with the work. "It was actually because I refuse to bow to commercialization. Artists want a personalized touch when it comes to framing since their works are always unique and each is a work of love. I sincerely try and make the effort to make them as distinctive as possible and I guess I have been able to give them what they want and that makes them comeback".

Given his long curly hair and thick mustache, one would immediately think Johnny to be one of the regular artists active in the art scene. Well, he is. More than he probably aimed to be. He is, as a matter of fact, an artist's artist. Because in his hands lie the final touch to complete an artwork he is entrusted with. "Most especially in cases when a client gives no specifics on what kind of frame he wants, I have to be the one to select what will harmonize with the artwork and make it complete".

Johnny is also known to make "original frames" for many established artists. "Frames have identities too - I make them in such a way that one design is distinguished from the other. For example, Zobel's frames will always be distinguished, as Zobel's and Joya's frames will always be Joya's frames. Each frame is unique to each artist thus, different frames' for different artists".

What is also great about framing with Johnny is the home service he gives to clients since there are indeed delicate works like master paintings and special works of art that he encounters. But put aside all those multi-million paintings that Johnny is handling, he is also one person who cannot say no to old clients who have patronized him for many years. So, Johnny is likely to be running around town on certain days of the week servicing his faithful clients in their own homes. To date, Johnny always feels overwhelmed by the loyalty given to him by artists and clients who, through the years, have also become true friends".

Do you feel fulfilled in your work Johnny?" Johnny gives his trademark shy smile and pensively says, "I cannot complain. My work is not only a business that sustains my family and staff. It is the gift of friendship that is most precious to me. Imagine all these big artists coming to my studio or calling for me and giving me their artworks in the process. I believe I have accumulated a formidable collection that I can be proud of, and these are artworks that will forever remain my priceless treasures."As Johnny continues to explore his craft to the delight of artists and his numerous private, corporate and institutional clients, I am also "gifting" my readers who may need special frames for their homes and offices with his phone number: 802-08-49. Truthfully, I am not sure that Johnny would like that.

- Impy Pilapil