Jay Ruiz marks birthday with art exhibit at Sentro Artista

Broadcast journalist Jay Ruiz partnered with Quezon City First District Rep. Arjo Atayde, businessman Joseph Lumbad and councilor Geleen Lumbad in putting up an art gallery to support local artists.

Sentro Artista, located at The Arton Strip by Rockwell along Katipunan Ave. in Quezon City, aims to nurture and celebrate the country's finest in visual, performance, literary and culinary arts.

Ruiz putting up an art hub along with his wife Marjorie and their friends is not unexpected. He is just coming back to his first love before taking a side trip to journalism for more than two decades. He retired from ABS-CBN in 2016 to work for the office of the Senate President. Now he ventures into the local art scene as a patron and supporter of local artists.

From left are Chess Hall of Fame Grandmaster Eugene Torre, Quezon City First District Rep. Arjo Atayde, Jay Ruiz, his son Gab and wife Marjorie Fe at the Sentro Artista Art Hub in Quezon City. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

«Art has held a special place in my heart since I was young. But because of circumstances where I was in search of purpose and meaning, it has taken a backseat for sometime. Now that I'm blessed with friends and family who never cease to support my passion, I'm able to do things that give me fulfillment,» Ruiz said.

To celebrate his 50th birthday, Ruiz will spearhead an art exhibit at Sentro Artista from April 20 to May 10 featuring notable contemporary artists Fidel Sarmiento, Jojo Dela Cruz, Justine Velasquez, Marc Salamat, Archie Sumilang, Bryan Apolinario, Del Torano and Dhennis Sigua.

The exhibit, dubbed as «Forward,» will also serve as a milestone for Sentro Artista because it will be the 20th exhibit hosted by the gallery.

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Ruiz, who grew up in Sarrat Ilocos Norte but took his high school education in the United States, holds a degree in Speech and Drama from the University of the Philippines in Diliman. He dabbled in theater before discovering his passion for journalism.

In January 1999, he joined ABS-CBN as a special reports group researcher. He eventually joined the news department's reportorial team.

The Covid-19 pandemic rekindled his passion for broadcasting as he hosted a local news