NUEVA ECIJA - A local artist literally poured his own blood and sweat to paint images of President Rodrigo Duterte on a white canvas in San Jose City.

Photo by Noriel Padiernos, ABS-CBN News

A montage of Duterte's familiar poses along with the official seal of the president and a Philippine eagle were created using Elito "Amang Pintor" Circa's blood as he believes that using his blood to create works of art signifies life.

"I asked a nurse to extract my blood and place it in test tubes so I could use it to paint," Circa told ABS-CBN News.

"I had to paint fast and keep the blood-filled vials in a refrigerator as the blood will spoil in a matter of days," he said.

Duterte was chosen as Circa's latest subject as he was impressed with the President's performance.

"Bilib talaga ako sa kanya (Duterte). Minsan negatibo siyang magsalita pero parang kaibigan lang 'yan na naiintindihan mo kahit iba pa ang pananalita niya... Marami na siyang nagawa [I really admire him. Though he sometimes speaks negatively, he's just like a friend who you can understand even when he speaks rough. He has already done a lot]," Circa said.

Aside from Duterte, the blood painter has also made paintings of Senator Manny Pacquiao, and members of the Circa family.

He said he does not intend to sell his works as he considers his masterpieces as priceless.