Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

I could call him ‘Miracle Man in Manteca,’ but some would say that would be pushing it. However, after talking to artist Jessie Marinas over the phone, I realized that we all make our own miracles based on our passion and faith. Marinas could very well be the perfect example.

Born in the Philippines, Marinas migrated here in the United States in 1973. Although his passion was art, he had to make sacrifices, being the eldest among 12 siblings. "Nasa akin ang burden, (The burden was on my shoulders)," he said and added, "It was a sad situation, I was born a painter, pero kailangan ko tumigil dahil napakahirap maghanap ng trabaho. (I was born a painter, but I had to stop [painting] because it was hard to look for a job."

And for 35 years, Marinas set aside his talents. Of miracles and motivation

Marinas concentrated on his career in electrical engineering, and during those years, would only paint with his heart and soul in his mind. However, degenerative spinal problems changed the course of his life.

"I thought my life was so miserable," he lamented and continued, "I’m 58 years old, sick and nobody has seen my worked since I stopped painting." He also has had one spinal surgery after the other, the third one nearly killing him and left him confined in the hospital for two months.

"When I was younger, (about 15 years old), I was a devotee of the Block Rosary when I was in the Philippines. I prayed to the Virgin Mary, sabi ko, papuntahin mo lang ako sa Amerika para matulungan at madala ko ang mga kapatid ko, I will devote all my time (I prayed to the Virgin Mary, I told Her, just let me go to America to help and bring my siblings, I will devote all my time)." Marinas was able to build a life in the US and was able to help all his siblings, but being unable to do what he is most passionate about created that void in his life. Now faced with a painful medical condition, he became depressed. He was about to lose faith when the miracle happened.

His condition made Marinas unable to work and it was a blessing in disguise – for this time, he had nothing else to do but paint. "Yes, before nakakagawa ako (ng paintings), pero walang style, (Yes, before I was able to paint, but I had no style)," he said and continued, "But after the operation, it was a different. I know it’s hard to make others believe, pero for me, ito yung miracle na hinihintay ko (I know it’s hard to make others believe, but for me, that was the miracle I was waiting for)."

And at that time, Marinas painted The Passion of Christ using not only the paint brush but also – interestingly enough – a nail. A closer look at the painting, you’d be able to see the nail scratches over the paint. The piece became the defining moment in Marinas’ career as an artist. In fact, he has been offered as much as $50,000 for The Passion of Christ, but he refused, as he wants to leave it to his children as part of his legacy.

Just last year, he agreed to join in a mural showdown against seven other accomplished muralists from Canada, Oregon, Colorado and California. Even though he had not painted a mural as his others competitors had, Marinas took on the challenge head on. His design was approved, but due to the pain and the multiple fusions in his spine, his mobility was limited and he had to use a pulley and gear device for the 5’8" mural.

But then again, his perseverance – and talent – paid off. Marinas produced The Harvest Continues, a mural that depicted grape harvesting, won him first place. In fact, his design continues to earn accolades and awards when he was kind enough to allow some friends to use this to make a quilt. To date, the Harvest Continues in quilt has won 2nd place and two Best in Shows in international competitions.

Marinas still continues to paint in spite of his medical condition. He had a one-man art show, was named Asian artist of the Year, was a featured artist in a gallery in Ferndale, California and has received honorable mention at the 2008 Delicato Art Show. Much recently, the Manteca Mural Society nominated him for the Arts Recognition Award. He is also planning to go home to the Philippines for a one-man art show and possibly paint a mural at the Mall of Asia.

He is also proud to be Filipino, stating that he wants to show that we have a place here in this country. "We are a proud people," he said and continued, "Para sa bayan ang lahat ng ginagawa ko. I want my country, my fellow Filipinos and my family to be proud of me."

Marinas believes that what he is going through is almost short of being a miracle. In spite of the fact that he will still have to undergo more surgeries in the near future, he recognizes pain as his inspiration. "I use reverse psychology. Pero sabi ko nga sa mga tao that I share my story with – those who have cancer and other illnesses – my life is just starting," he said, pausing a moment to think and then added, "It is never too late. I have so much faith in God."

( www.asianjournal.com )

( Published on February 19, 2009 in Something Filipino Magazine p. 2 )