In “Flow of the Gentle Ink: Storytelling in Calligraphy,” retired Filipino-Chinese businessman Ong Bun Han pays homage to the pre-Tang dynasty poet Tao Yuan Ming with a calligraphic rendition of one of the latter’s more famous poems.

In swift, graceful strokes, Mr. Ong brings onto paper the poem “Returning Home,” in which Tao notes the pleasures of living in the village, his resolve not to get involved with corrupt politicians, and his reflections on submitting to divine will and being content with one’s lot.

Now 81 years old, Mr. Ong learned the art of calligraphy when he retired in 1990. This full-blooded Chinese was born in Zhejiang province in mainland China and came to the Philippines in the 1930s to work in his uncle’s grocery. His hard work paid off, as he later became the education director of the Philippine Chinese Elementary School and founded the Extraco Taxi Co. and the Far Ocean Shipping Co.

Mr. Ong has contributed heavily to culture and sports exchanges between the Philippines and mainland China, with his affiliation with the Philippine National Ping-Pong Association, the Philippine National Bicycle Association, and the Oriental Sports Club.Mr. Ong’s calligraphy is highly praised. He has exhibited in the mainland, Japan, Singapore, and South Korea.

“Flow of the Gentle Ink” runs at the Yuchengco Museum until May 10.

Yuchengco Museum is open on Mondays to Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission prices are P100 for adults, P50 for students 15 years and above, and P25 for children and senior citizens.

Flow of the Gentle Ink
Until May 10, 2008
Yuchengco Museum
GF RCBC Plaza
Ayala corner Gil Puyat Avenues
Makati City