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I created this piece for our Art Summit: Trashion Show back when I was in 11th Grade. The category was “Plastic Eleganza”, and I chose a siren as a symbolism and added pearl accesories to represent the beauty of the Philippines as the “Perlas ng Silanganan”. I won this category despite only having 2 days to make it because I had other pageants to compete in.

“Our gown in here is called “OCEAN OBSESSION”.

This gown’s main color is blue which represents ocean and symbolizes serenity, stability, inspiration, and wisdom.

The ocean’s treasures have always offered great riches to humanity.

The pearls in here represents the Philippines that is renowned for cultivating South Sea Pearls, but also produces lovely varieties of white and freshwater pearls. And pearls serves as our national gem. Imbued with a strong spirit of harmony and community.

There are (4) pearls in here representing 4 bodies of water that surrounds the Philippines. West Philippine Sea, Pacific Ocean, Sulu/Celebes Sea, and Bashi Channel.

Research said that ocean trash mainly comes from China, Philippines, and Indonesia. The green net represents ocean trash which is a general term for all the human-created debris that makes its way into the ocean from a variety of methods. About 90 percent of the trash found in the ocean is plastic, and the large amounts of trash are having an impact on marine life and marine ecosystems.

Mermaids/Sirens are another great aquatic form of fashion fodder, whether cartoonish or representing deadly seduction. SJ (model) in here, represents aquatic bodies that are deeply affected by ocean trash.“

Watch Trashion Show video here: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/HHDugZBZy5dySJZZ/?mibextid=oGgwdE

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I used one of Amber Emmi’s paintings as a reference because I greatly admire her work. I am particularly drawn to how she often explores various forms of water in her art. I painted this during a period of struggle, when it felt as though I was drowning and unable to resurface.

“I have always perceived myself as the vast ocean: the crashing waves being my emotions, and the storm as the calamity that blocks me from attaining my peace. With just a single touch, the water will move, faced by misery, and I will be moved. One major fact about me is I feel everything deeply; I am in deep waters.

The only thing they see are the waves crawling gently to the shore–-it is shallow, it is clear–as if all that has been happening offshore is being filtered. Because the darker the colour, the deeper the water is, and that is where all of my tragedies are kept. How I wish to have my own weather forecast to foresee every catastrophe that might enter the waters. When the storm comes, I feel all shades of blue: when it rains it pours, but I have always wondered when will I ever experience the peace and tranquillity side of the colour, since it always has been the sad bit of it. I do not seek for help, I am not able to, it is like I am underwater: my voice is muffled, the water blurs out my vision and clogs my ears. How come that I am the ocean but I am in the ocean as well? Sure, there are days when the water is calm, but I can never be at ease because that period is when it all starts, the calm before the storm, they say.

I can also be still, but still waters run deep. As scary as it may seem, the ocean is not always full of rage, rather it is one of the most beautiful things in the world to ever exist as well as my whole being.”

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Bedazzled by the City Lights (Impressionism)

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Bedazzled by the City Lights (Impressionism)

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During this period of time, I was clinically diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). I didn’t understand what was happening to me, all I ever wanted was to end it all, all i ever see was darkness. I found peace when the clock strikes 12, because I didn’t have to hide my misery, the night is my witness.

“The sound of busy streets with the night breeze brushing through my skin while taking a late night walk never ceases to pamper me, what a pleasant way to unwind. A city that does not sleep to keep an eye on its people is something to be treasured dearly. Moonlight that keeps me sane, city lights that remind me of a vast ocean of dazzling stars, and with them, you will never feel alone at hours of darkness.”

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Ever since I was a child, I have always been fascinated by the art and beauty of medicine and how our bodies work. I aspire to become a general surgeon in the near future, but I have also considered becoming a veterinarian or marine biologist.

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The idea of examining specimens under a microscope excites me, as I get to see all the life unfolding in tiny forms.

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The essential building blocks that come together to create the complex structures and functions of living organisms. From the protective layers of skin to the specialized cells of muscles and organs, each tissue type plays a crucial role in maintaining health and enabling the dynamic processes of life.

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Has it ever occurred to you just how fascinating the idea is of how life forms from a small cell?

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To my boyfriend who searched every flower shop in Pampanga for Stargazers (my favorite flower) but didn’t find any so opted with anything with roses since it is my second favorite flower. But what he didn’t know is that my favorite flower is anything that is from him.

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As most Lilies face downward, I found a liking to Stargazer Lilies as they stare heavenwards, where the sea of stars are constantly twinkling.

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Strolling through Burnham Park hand in hand while feeding each other strawberry-flavored ice cream and taho—how could my day be bad when I’m with you?

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The one who pulled me out of the dark abyss, the sunshine to my storm. I miss sharing after school moments with you; you’re my favorite twin.

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Portgas D. Ace will always be my favorite character in the One Piece world, even though he died during the Paramount War at Marineford. He was the one who got me into watching the anime series.

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Monkey D. Luffy is the main protagonist in One Piece and the youngest of the ASL brothers, with Ace being the oldest. This is him in Gear 5, showcasing his awakening.

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I told my mother that I would prefer to celebrate my 18th birthday by traveling rather than throwing a huge party with people I barely know. I suggested we go to La Union, but a week before my birthday, she surprised me with a plane ticket to Coron, Palawan.

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Welcoming my adulthood in this place will forever be engraved in my soul; it healed a part of me. I felt as if the experience cleansed my spirit, assuring me that I am now ready to take the path I wish to follow. It was beautiful, and my heart was at peace.

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I love sharing beautiful experiences with the people closest to my heart. That’s why I bought matching shell necklaces and keychains for my friends—to remind them that they will always be a part of me.

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A lone frozen rose in the middle of the ocean—
Just when will she ever be chosen?
Quick! The time is running;
Hoards of sea monsters are fast approaching.

“Shall I worship Medusa?” she uttered,
such a beautiful maiden who has suffered.
Mirror, mirror, I see her:
a girl whose past tastes bitter.

Emotions as deep as the vast blue sea;
All she ever wanted was to break free.
At last, a sailor who’s oh so worthy—
He who handles her untamed waves dearly.

“Come, my love,
Let us work our way above.”
Sail through the storm of waves,
a slave of the past that needed to be saved.

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Hiss, hiss, hiss…
Don’t you think something’s amiss?
A girl who has taken a liking to snakes—
That thought makes their bodies shake.

Creatures born from people’s mischief,
the symbol of evil and death, said their belief.
Cast, condemn, burn—
A soul that always mourns.