King of Miniature Castles

Jaime Ibanez, The Miniature Visual Scenic Themepark Artist

2011-08-31T01:53:00.000-07:00

Thanks to GMA-7, ABS-CBN 2, TV-5, net 25, ABC-5, Qtv 11, Studio 23, Pinoy TV, TFC abroad, Manila Bulletin, Philippine Daily Inquirer and Philippine News Explorer Globally for helping me expose my talent to educate and inspire people from different places here and abroad and to show everyone God's creation by means of my artworks and masterpieces.

Thank you for the 15 magical years of hardworking at Enchanted Kingdom

2011-08-30T09:06:00.001-07:00

The Magical Enchanting Palace

2011-05-19T01:42:00.000-07:00

Jaime's Magic Book

2011-05-17T02:50:00.001-07:00

One of the Famous Historical Churches in the Phil. Malolos Bulacan, Barasoain Churches And used as a photo in 10 peso bill in Phil. currency

2011-05-16T01:47:00.000-07:00

Miniature artwork

2011-05-16T01:41:00.000-07:00

The Rainbow Palace

The Magic Fantasia Palace

The Treasure Palace

The Phil. Ancestral House Facade Miniature 2D Own Concept Design

One of a Kind miniature Art Collections.

The Phil.Residencia Old House Facade 18''24 inch.

The Phil.Spanish Ancestral House Facade Miniature Artwork 5'7 inch

Own Concept Design.

The Futuristic Palace own Concept Design 3D

The Castle of Darkness own Concept Design 3D

The Phil.Ancestral House Facade Own concept Design 2D

The Miniature Of Burj Al Arab The Famous 7- star Hotel Dubai 2D

Miniature artwork,World Heritage Site Paoay Church,Phil.

Miniature Artwork for Anthurium Hotel Lobby (Cebu)

2011-05-16T01:30:00.000-07:00

The magic begins on GMA-7 (Grazilda)

2011-05-14T19:33:00.001-07:00

The Magic Begins in GMA- 7 The One of The Famous Fantasy Teleserye Phil. (GRAZILDA)

Used in Fantasy Serye in GMA-7 (Grazilda) Jaime's own concept design castle

Jaime S. Ibanez "The Miniature Castlemaker" theme park scenic theming visual artist

2007-06-30T23:36:00.000-07:00

My Final Touch Theming and Desgn of miniature of Enchantd Kingdom

2007-06-03T01:07:00.001-07:00

Fantasy Palace (Front view) 4d miniature artwork
own concept design

Fantasy Palace (top view)

Fantasy Castle "The Making"
3x5 inches Own concept design

more artwork pics

2007-05-23T23:07:00.000-07:00

The Making of Miniature Of Bulj al arab, The Famous 7 star hotel in Dubai.

Digi Castle 3d own concept design

Futuristic Palace 4d 12 in. high
own concept design

Futuristic Lampshade w/ blue lights 27 in. high
own concept design

Miracle Palace (side view) 4d 9 in. high w/ wood frame
own concept design

Miracle Palace 4d 9 in. high w/ glass & wood frame
own concept design

Brooklyn place 4d 5 in.high
own concept design

Brooklyn place (close-up) 4d 5 in. high
own concept design

Magic Palace 2d 3 in. high
own concept design

Fantasia Palace 16 in. high 2d
own concept design

my artworks for sale

2007-04-25T20:34:00.000-07:00

Miniature Spanish Old House Facade
8x10 in. w/ old wood frame
own concept design

Haunted Medieval Castle 2x3 ft. 2d
Own concept design

Kinglord medieval castle 4d 16x10 in.
own concept design

Scandinavian Medieval Palace 2d 12x16 in.
Miniature own concept design

Miniature Victorian House 2d 10 in. high w/ frame
own concept design

Small Castles 2d own concept design

Rainbow Palace 4 in. 2d own concept design

Mini Palace 3 in. 2d own concept design

Crete Palace 31/2 in. 2d own concept design
miniature artwork

Rainbow Palace 2d 4 in. high
own concept design

Knight's Castle 2d miniature castle
20x15 inches

Interviews and Publicity

2007-04-25T19:54:00.000-07:00

TV interview
ABS-CBN Corporation the largest TV network in the Phils. - Alas Singco Y Media" (TV show) - preview of my miniature castles master piece
Jan. 2002

TFC - The Filipino Channel Show my Interview to north America, Middle East and Europe preview of my miniature castles master piece

Studio 23 ABS-CBN Breakfast show - live interview TV guesting exposure of miniature castle masterpiece
Sept. 2004

Art Kidz Show ABC-5 - The 10th Anniversary of enchanted kingdom
March 2006

Art Is Kool - ABC-5 - interview with the castlemaker
March 2007

Q TV channel 11 Sapulso Show entitled The Castlemaker
March 2007

My Latest T.V. guesting (Sweet Life - Qtv 11) 10-08-10

Sapul 5 My Latest T.V. Guesting T.V. 5 Kapatid (Nov. 5, 2010)

Tribe show net 25 - the best of 10 episodes of year 2006 of tribe show
one my tv interview w/ miniature masterpiece
january 2007

Mel & Joey show GMA 7 March 18. 2007
The Castlemaker

Mel & Joey Show my t.v. interview w/ host
Joey De Leon and my artwork

My t.v. interview (Behind the scene) Qtv 11 Sapulso Show
March 2007

My T.V. interview The Beat Show on Qtv 11
(Behind the Scenes)My Miniature Art Collection
June 30, 2008

My T.V. Interview ABC 5 That's My Job Show
July 12, 2008

Manila Bulletin Sunday Leisure "The Castle maker Of Navotas
June 30, 2002

Asian Newspaper - Philippine News Explorer
May, 2006

Philippine Sunday Inquirer

Latest Interview Studio 23 man n machine show
August 2008

Manila Bulletin 2004

2007-04-09T19:19:00.001-07:00

The ‘castle’ maker of Navotas

By LAI SUAREZ-REYES

He started tinkering with busted light bulb, transforming it into a 3-inch robot when he was five years old. At 6, he was building miniature castles out of folders and molding clays. By the time he was 8, Jaime Ibañez’s works became more detailed and realistic…far more sophisticated then one might expect from a child his age.

His bedroom has become a “Universal Studio” with matching light effects to boot. There you’ll find the mini versions of Disneyland, “Beauty and the Beast” castle, Queen Amidala’s Theed Royal, a futuristic peace castle, and his favorite…the Ibañez’ Medieval Castle.

Jaime’s works are inspired by the fabulous castles found in fairytale books, and of course, Disneyland…his dream place. At 29, this miniature artist still does what he loves best…painting and creating medieval castles but on a larger scale now.

Jaime is one of 29 Filipino commercial artists tapped in 1994 by the Landmark Entertainment Group who did the conceptualization and construction of Enchanted Kingdom, the country’s first theme park. Landmark is a Hollywood-based design and entertainment company considered as the world’s largest independent theme park designer and developer in the industry. It’s the same company responsible for putting up spectacular attractions such as MCA/Universal Studios, Six Flags and Caesar Palace in Las Vegas.

Call it a stroke of luck if you may, but it was a dream come true for Jaime who was so desperate to find a job at that time. “I had dropped out of college. My sister, who was then managing a boutique in San Pablo, Laguna, hired me as a window display artist. No one appreciated my art except my family. For most people, my works are simply trash, “ he laments.

A native of Navotas, Jaime browsed through the classified ads of a major daily when he spotted the Landmark ad.

“I cut out the ad and rushed to the Landmark store in Makati to submit my resume. I was so disappointed when the guard told me I missed it all because I was five minutes late. I argued with him but to no avail. I was on my way home when I took the ad from my wallet and found out that I had gone to the wrong place. It was the Landmark store pala not Landmark Entertainment,” he said with a laugh.

The rest is history. Jaime trained under Bob Dennis, project art director of Landmark Entertainment Group.

According to Jaime, the eight-week course was an experience of a lifetime.

“We were taught how to mix paint and the secret of effectively portraying everyday scenes and objects down to the last detail with amazing exactness. They refer to the work as ‘scenic art’, “he explains.

Bob Dennis also taught the artists “tromp ‘l oeil,” a French word meaning to “fool the eye.”

It is a style of painting in which objects are depicted with realistic details. This technique is usually done on bare walls,” he elaborates.

The walls usually portray different simulations of wood, stone, and other mundane objects. The technique paved the way for Enchanted Kingdom’s themed attractions.

Jaime recalled that the training site was a nearby field in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, where Enchanted Kingdom now stands.

“We walked around the 13-hectare property that was once a ricefield. The place reminded me of a desert in Fernando Poe, Jr.’s ‘Ang Panday’ movie. But there was this urge to prove something. I told myself that this is the break I’ve been waiting for,” Jaime said.

Jaime’s first assignment was to do the front gate concept façade of Enchanted Kingdom.

“I was given a blue print of the façade. I toyed with the idea of using blue as the dominant color but Bob discouraged me because it would look just like Disneyland. So I used green instead and it turned out just the way we wanted it,” he adds.

In January 1995, Jaime together with 28 artists mounted as exhibit at Glorietta, Ayala, Center, showcasing their artworks’…the finish products of their 8-week training with Bob Dennis.

The other artists were Kimson Abad, Reycelyn Abaya, Melvin Ante, Anthony Bartolome, Ronwell Bete, Genalyn Bocar, Rey Frafil Bocar, John Paul Cardenas, Ester Crisostomo, Joanne de Lara, Alvin Gonzales, Jose Hombrebueno, Roasuro Inocencio, Danny Javier, Alex Marquez, Marlene Mendoza, Ernesto Ortiz, Danilo Peroño, Ruel Rillarosa, Edmon Saldaña, Roberto Sarmiento et. al.

“I was so happy when my 2-dimension castle painting was bought by an art collector for P30,000.Now. I’m more confident about myself. Opportunities started knocking on my door,” Jaime notes.

Jaime has been the scenic artist of Enchanted Kingdom for eight years now. on the side, he stil makes 2-dimension miniature paintings for his growing clientele.

“Aside from going to Disneyland, one of my dreams is to mount a solo exhibit in a popular museum,” he enthuses.

Although Jaime is still saving his hard earned money for his Disneyland trip, he takes pride in being part of the “magic” that is Enchanted Kingdom.

Inquirer Headlines/Metro

2007-04-06T10:27:00.000-07:00

Castles in the air turn real for Navotas artist
By Nancy C. Carvajal
Inquirer
Last updated 04:40am (Mla time) 03/11/2007

MANILA, Philippines -- As a child, Jaime Ibañez had many dreams. One of these was to live in a castle or failing that, to go to Disneyland California and see its famous
attraction: Sleeping Beauty’s castle.

The young boy was resigned to the fact that his dreams would remain just that—dreams.

So when Ibañez grew up, he did the next best thing: He built his own castles—small palaces that were perfect to the tiniest detail—from the highest turret to the drawbridge surrounded by a moat.

“I can’t go to Disneyland or Europe to see real castles so I’ll bring them to me through miniature art and share them with others who also dreamed of those things,” the 34-year-old artist told the Inquirer.

Ibañez was recently named by Navotas Mayor Toby Tiangco as one of the town’s outstanding citizens during its 101st foundation day.

He was hailed as the country’s “acknowledged castle maker” for his contribution to the design and creation of fairy tale castles and the motif of a popular theme park in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

An architecture graduate from New Era College in Quezon City, Ibañez is the concept and theme design artist of Enchanted Kingdom.

He designed the castle-like entrance of the theme park.

“I am happy to be part of the team that transformed a barren land into a tourist spot,” he said.

He was just 6 years old, Ibañez recalled, when he started building castles and robots from folders, glue and discarded materials.

“Both my parents, though not known painters, loved to draw. Maybe I inherited my skill from them,” he said.

Over the years, his interest in building fairy tale castles expanded to historical churches and heritage architecture houses.

He also added futuristic designs to his work, using latex paint, illustration boards and of course, scrap materials.

“You have to keep up with the times,” Ibañez said.

He is hopeful that one day, miniatures will be considered part of contemporary art.

“I dream of having my own showroom where kids can come and design their own palaces,” he said.

He added, “I intend to work for a foundation for free, teaching children miniature art.”

Miniature art, according to Ibañez, is good for children because it teaches them concentration.

“Like any art, miniatures need a lot of patience and skill. It can help them focus on what they are doing and can improve their creativity,” he said.

Another plus: “Materials for miniature art are also easy to acquire. One just has to know how it is done,” Ibañez added.

Best of all, even though it may be intricate and require tremendous concentration, miniature art is fun to do.

He may be all grown up but the artist who remains a boy at heart still has not given up on his dream of one day going to Disneyland.

But until then, he will go on building his own castles.

Art Exhibit at Shangri-La Mall EDSA plaza
March 2005

Art Exhibit Philippine Heart Center
Oct. 24 - Nov. 2005

Miniature of enchanted kingdom 10th year anniversary and one man exhibit Shangri-La EDSA plaza mall lobby
March 10-13 2005

Awarding of Recognition Award and One Man Exhibit
for being castle maker in main lobby entrance
of municipality of navotas by Mayor Toby Tiangco
January 2007

Recognition Award

My Art Exhibit w/ Mayor Arlene Arcilla of Sta. Rosa, Laguna
Aug. 23, 2007 - Municipal Hall of Sta. Rosa, Laguna
Dibuho Art Group

My Art Corner Exhibit w/ background
Newspaper Article Publicity

My Paintings

Circle of Life

A.

B.

My Painting And Table Set-up design

C.

D.

E.

My Paintings and I - corals (right) 3x3 ft. and
flowers (left) 2x2 ft.

"Imagination" 3x3 ft. abstract painting

"Summer Beach" 3ft by 4 in.

"Sea Floor" 17x25 in.

"The House" 8x10 in. painting

Hand-painted theming and Design

Hand-painted wall scumbling effects

Hand-painted wall room design scumbling effects

Hand-painted wall magical design
scumbling effects enchanted kingdom
(1994 up to present)

Hand-painted pillar scumbling effects
Midway Zone Enchanted Kingdom
(1994 up to present)

Hand-painted pillar and window frame
scumbling effects Midway Zone
Enchanted Kingdom
(1994 up to present)

Hand-painted wall bricks design
Enchanted Kingdom cast member chapel
(1994 up to present)

My painting at flying fiesta ride at
Enchanted Kingdom

My color concept design front gate of
Enchanted Kingdom the Philippine's
first and only world class theme park
(1994 up to present)

Front Gate Ticket Sales my color concept
design(1994 up to present)

Stroller Rental Signage Victoria Park
My Color Concept Design

Hand-painted bricks color design of The Grand Carousel
Victoria Park Enchanted Kingdom(1994 up to present)

Midway Boardwalk Hand-painted building facade
Scumbling effects Enchanted Kingdom
(1994 up to present)

Hand-painted arcade building facade scumbling effects on pillar
Midway Boardwalk Zone Enchanted Kingdom(1994 up to present)

Hand-painted signage brooklyn zone
Enchanted Kingdom (1994 up to present)

Hand-painted building facade, theming,
aging, bricks design
Brooklyn Zone Enchanted Kingdom
(1994 up to present)

Hand-painted building facade, theming,
aging, bricks design
Brooklyn Zone Enchanted Kingdom
(1994 up to present)

Hand-painted pizza store signage
Brooklyn Zone Enchanted Kingdom
(1994 up to present)

Jungle Outpost Zone Hand-painted building and signage
w/ wood grain, stone sponging and aging effects
Merchandise and food store Enchanted Kingdom
(1994 up to present)

Hand-painted signage jungle log jam ride entrance aging effects
Jungle Outpost Zone Enchanted Kingdom
(1994 up to present)

Hand-painted log pillar w/ wood grain effects
Jungle Log Jam Ride Enchanted Kingdom
(1994 up to present)

Hand-painted stone sponging and aging effects
Band Stand Burger Store Jungle Outpost Zone Enchanted Kingdom
(1994 up to present)

Amazon Restaurant Hand-painted Stone Effects and Signage
Jungle Outpost Zone Enchanted Kingdom
(1994 up to present)

Amazon Restaurant Hand-painted Stone Effects
Jungle Outpost Zone Enchanted Kingdom
(1994 up to present)

Crane Artifact Hand-painted and aging effects design
Jungle Outpost Zone Enchanted Kingdom
(1994 up to present)

Olmec head hand-painted aging design
Jungle Outpost Zone Enchanted Kingdom
(1994 up to present)

Hand-painted Electric Metal Box Wood Grain Effects
Jungle Outpost Zone Enchanted Kingdom
(1994 up to present)

Jungle Burger Store signage
My own concept design

Portabello Zone Hand-painted wall marbling design
Enchanted Kingdom (1994 up to present)

Hand-painted wood grain and stone effects
Boulderville Zone Enchanted Kingdom
(1994 up to present)

Hand-painted stone building facade
Boulderville souvenir merchandise store Enchanted Kingdom
(1994 up to present)

Hand-painted signage boulderville ride
(1994 up to present)

My own hand-made costume
(Marvin the Martian)
Enchanted Kingdom Christmas Party 2006