Love Story of Antonio Blanco & Ni Rondji: A Timeless Romance in Ubud
In the heart of Bali, where sacred rivers wind through emerald valleys and centuries-old temples stand quiet guard, a love story once bloomed that would forever shape the island’s artistic spirit. It began in 1952, when Don Antonio Blanco, a Spanish-Filipino painter with a deep passion for romance and color, arrived in Ubud. Drawn by Bali’s mysterious charm and creative energy, he hoped to find artistic inspiration among the island’s landscapes and traditions. But what he discovered was something even more powerful, love.
While exploring the cultural richness of Ubud, Antonio encountered Ni Rondji, a captivating Balinese dancer known for her elegance and poise. She had been trained by the legendary I Mario, whose choreography embodied the soul of Bali. With each movement, Ni Rondji expressed stories older than time, graceful, precise, and deeply moving. Antonio was mesmerized. She wasn’t just a muse; she was a living embodiment of everything he had been searching for. As their connection deepened, she became not only the subject of his art but also his partner in life.
Their love blossomed beneath the banyan trees and within the quiet beauty of Ubud’s villages. In time, they married, blending two cultures into one shared life devoted to art, passion, and family. Together, they built a home and studio that would later become the Blanco Renaissance Museum, a tribute not just to his art, but to their love. Their story lives on in every brushstroke, every sculpture, and every room filled with color and history, a romantic legacy rooted in creativity and soul.
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The Birth of an Artistic Legacy in Ubud
Their love became a cultural bridge. Blanco’s vibrant paintings reflected both passion and Bali’s essence. His artistry caught the attention of King Tjokorda Gde Agung Sukawati, who gifted Blanco a plot of land near the Campuhan River, in central Ubud.
This gesture was more than generous, it was symbolic. Blanco was entrusted with a mission: to share Bali’s beauty with the world. With Ni Rondji by his side, he fulfilled that promise.
Their home became a hub of creativity. Celebrities, artists, and dignitaries visited to experience their unique blend of art and culture. And in 1998, Blanco’s dream became reality with the opening of the Blanco Renaissance Museum.
An Ubud Villa, a Museum, and a Memory
Today, just a few minutes’ walk from the Blanco Renaissance Museum, you’ll find Amora Ubud. Nestled along the peaceful Campuhan Ridge Walk, this boutique Ubud villa offers a serene escape with sweeping views and intimate cultural connection.
Staying at Amora places you within footsteps of Blanco and Rondji’s love story. You’re not just visiting Ubud, you’re living in its legacy.
Ubud: More Than a Destination, a Living Gallery
Ubud is Bali’s cultural heartbeat. It’s known for art, spiritual retreats, lush rice terraces, and rich traditions. The Blanco Renaissance Museum, set high above the riverbanks, is one of the region’s most inspiring sites. It’s a place where creativity, romance, and heritage meet.
Exploring Ubud means walking through open-air galleries, witnessing ceremonial dances, and tasting flavors crafted from centuries-old recipes. It’s a journey through time and love.
Their Story Lives On in Ubud’s Soul
Antonio Blanco passed away in 1999. Ni Rondji followed shortly after. But their story didn’t end there. Their love continues to inspire not only through art but through the spirit of Ubud itself. In every temple offering, in every brushstroke, and in every quiet sunrise above the Campuhan hills, their legacy lives on. So whether you’re exploring the museum or resting at a nearby Ubud villa, you’re part of something timeless.
