Armed with his determination and new skills, he started winning competitions in the provincial and regional levels. He even became a representative of the Cordillera region in the National Olympics of Abilities of People with Disabilities or the "Abilympics" in Davao and in Pasay.
Aside from being the region’s pride, Amado, despite being handicapped, is the bread winner of his family. He was able send his three children to school with the money that he earned from the competitions he joined in and from his small business.
“Painting helped me a lot especially in the education of my children. If I am able to sell a few of my works in a month then I have enough money for my children to use,” he said.
A small hut in Poblacion, Tayum serves as a creative space where he usually turns blank canvasses to eye-catching art works. Aside from painting, he is also an expert in t-shirt printing. In fact, most schools around town get their uniforms printed in his little shack.
He is sought after in different areas in the province for the mural paintings he does for churches and basketball courts, among others. Students, teachers’ associations, and schools around Abra also come for his expertise in various work of arts.
“I sell the 18 by 24 portrait painting for P5,500. The price also varies depending on the size of the canvass to be used,” he said.
From uniform printing, mural painting, portrait drawing to canvass painting, Amado gladly accepts requests as he earns extra cash from these.
An image of a lady looks like a photograph that came from one of the film cameras, but this is a portrait painting by PWD, Amado Balneg. (CAGT - PIA CAR, Abra)
Looking at the brighter side of life
Robbed of opportunities when he was young, Amado’s determination and creativity remained.
“When I was amputated, the thought of giving up did not cross my mind. What I was thinking was I can still draw so I started making greeting cards,” he said.
He hopes his work of arts will inspire people to look beyond the surface and see what's truly beautiful underneath.
Amado might not have his hands, but he is overflowing with determination and a positive outlook to be a role model for people who are facing challenges to push themselves to conquer and overcome their limits. (CAGT - PIA CAR, Abra)
