Interview by Violi Calvert

Violi Calvert is glad to share a brief update interview of Mr. Alfredo “Ding” Roces, a veteran journalist/ columnist, author of 22 books, painter and photographer. At the age of 91 years, Ding does not have “retirement” in his vocabulary and in fact is as prolific as ever. He recently mastered the use of technology, which he confidently uses to share his artistic talents. He has published a book of Still life catalogue in 2019; a book of digital paintings in 2022 and a book which will serve as his memoirs “Selfie with Words” to be published in early 2024.

For a bit of background on Ding, highlights of his journalist’s life include: Daily Columnist, Daily Mirror, 1958 Daily Columnist, The Manila Times, 1959-72 Editor in Chief, Filipino Heritage, 10 volume set, 1972-78 In Australia: Editor, Geo, Australasia’s Geographical Magazine, 1978-90. He has several awards as an author and was a recipient of a Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) in humanities, 1961 award. Examples of sis major solo exhibitions: 20-year Retrospective: Drawings. Cultural Center of the Philippines, 1974 19 one-man-shows in the Philippines, including at the National Library (1963), Cultural Center of the Philippines (Small gallery, 1992), Ayala Museum (1992, 1993, and 1994). In Australia: One Man show at the Philippine Consulate, Sydney, 1982 and a 5-Lands Walk earthwork exhibit in collaboration with Aboriginal artist Kevin Duncan at Terrigal, Gosford, NSW in 2009.