By Raquel P. Gomez

A big number of portrait paintings of Filipino tycoons and entrepreneurs were exhibited at the Rigodon Ballroom of Manila Peninsula last September 6 as part of the 40th anniversary celebration of Hi-Cool Engineering Corporation. The company commissioned a total of 55 paintings to give honor and recognition to Filipino entrepreneurs who have contributed greatly to the Philippine economy and effected positive change. The portrait paintings, each measuring five feet by four feet, was done by Celeste Lecaroz, a Filipino painter who does acrylic portraits in the style of spontaneous realism as popularized by the European artist Voka.

With 60 years involvement in the air-conditioning industry, Engr. Conrado Acedillo Sr. chairman of Hi-Cool Engineering Corporation, has personally witnessed the tremendous contributions of Filipino entrepreneurs to the Philippine economy. Acedillo recalls having provided the airconditioning needs of some SM Mall branches and Rustan’s back in the day when he was still employed. He remembers with fondness his meetings with SM Group’s patriarch, the late Henry Sy Sr.

For the past 40 years, his company has been supplying efficient and cost-effective air-conditioning solutions to some of the buildings, malls, restaurants and establishments, properties and development done by these businessmen. Because of the limitations of the venue, only 40 of the total number of portrait paintings commissioned by Hi-Cool Engineering Corporation were exhibited at Manila Pen’s ballroom.

The anniversary celebration was also a gathering of who’s who in the business sector as subjects of the portraits, and their representatives were present in the venue. During the unveiling, guests marveled at the portraits near perfect resemblance to the subjects, and the artist’s distinct style of applying vibrant colors that make the portraits seem animated. For a relatively newcomer in the local painting scene, Lecaroz has already put up her first solo exhibit at the Gateway Gallery at the Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City, entitled “Lecaroz Spontanrealismus” in May 2018.

For its 40th anniversary celebration, Hi-Cool Engineering Corporation is also giving focus on sustainability solutions and promotion of good practices that help reduce carbon footprint.

“If you save on electricity, you are helping mitigate global warming. For every kilowatthour you save, there is a corresponding reduction in carbon emission,” said Acedillo. Hi-Cool Engineering has been providing the local market with air-conditioning solutions that help companies save on electricity costs.

The company is a leading provider of packaged and centralized air conditioning and ventilation systems for different institutions. Its solution has been considered green technology, as it provides several benefits such as compact design, efficient use of energy, healthier air, and less carbon footprint. Its current roster of clients includes shopping malls, high-rise buildings, theaters, supermarkets, manufacturing plants and the like, which have been enjoying significant savings in power consumption. In fact, some of them have been bestowed the Don Emilio Abello Energy Efficiency Award by the government.

Hi-Cool is the exclusive distributor in the Philippines of Hitachi Water-Cooled Large Capacity Screw Type Packaged Air-Conditioning Equipment fully manufactured in Hitachi Shimizu, Japan. As a brand, Hitachi is synonymous with quality, reliability and durability worldwide.

“Up to now, I don’t consider myself to be successful,” said Acedillo in humble tone. “What I really want to accomplish is to educate organizations to always opt for sustainable solutions.” -INQ

See official special feature release through this link:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B_EqBVBgjeL-MHhQZ1Jpb1U3YWgwRmpEaEN5NDRjcmpINGlr