For Guillermo Ibañez, versatility has both been a boon and a bane. A born thespian, skilled writer, and gifted artist, he was, alas, sidetracked from full-time painting, after his graduation from the U.P. College of Fine Arts, by the lure and lucre of advertising. It was in advertising, however, where he enjoyed the full flowering of his communications skills: as commercial writer, TV actor, radio talent and public speaker. A bass-baritone, Bill has also lately been singing at weddings, funerals and other joyful gatherings.

The muse of painting, in the end, cannot long be denied. Having allowed him to cavort with other dalliances, painting beckons as his one true love. Now, Bill is back with a vengeance; painting furiously in preparation for his first major show sometime next year. Advertising’s loss, the art world’s gain.

Bill, as he is better known, is currently living with a bank executive, with whom he has four children.