Sabel, the National Artist Bencab’s most iconic figure, is set to appear in many a collector’s heads soon as Secret Fresh Gallery, together with New Era Cap Philippines, launches its limited edition caps this weekend. Bigboy Cheng, the famed toy and sneaker collector, head honcho of Secret Fresh, orchestrated the collaboration. 

The caps, which come in a set of three, employ the colors of the Philippine flag and has the image of Bencab’s Sabel figures at its center. The caps are made of brocade fabric, and has an attached Secret Fresh metal insignia in gold, and Philippine flag pins.

This is not the first time Cabrera and Cheng have joined forces. They have collaborated on a series of sculptures before, depicting the artist’s famous women figures.

Cheng is an avowed fan of Cabrera. They met in the artist’s museum in Baguio. “Lagi akong dumadalaw doon,” Cheng told ANC-X in August. “I really wanted to work with him because it was my dream. Bata pa ako, idol ko na siya." The fan invited Bencab to grace one of Secret Fresh’s openings. “We’ll have a toy project one day,” Cheng told his idol. For three years, Cheng would visit the Bencab Museum, until Bencab showed up at the Ronac Art Center, Secret Fresh’s address, and their collaborations began. One of the most important pieces in Cheng’s toy- and art-filled home is a Bencab, especially done for the Chengs. Cheng considers it his most prized possession.

This set of Bencab cap collectibles is in a limited run and are available on a first come, first served basis. The launch event, which is open to the public, will be at Secret Fresh, Ronac Art Center, Ortigas Avenue this Sunday, September 30 at 6PM.