Being physically on American soil, nationalist fervor was even at its highest. Esquillo’s task was to do commentary portraits he is versed with, of well- known imperialist personalities during that historic period. Esquillo frequented the Los Angeles library where he was able to have access to a high resolution of a fiercely looking US President William Mckinley. He also chance upon a cuddly Victorian portrait of a Mother and Child. After three days, Esquillo as a creative respite, saw an opportunity to merge two images by doing a window cutout with the face of President Mckinley peering out while clasping by his colonial claws upon a Filipino baby in his tow. Esquillo produced what would become one of his signature masterpieces, MaMcKinley was created.

-Jay Bautista