Friend or Foe? Meeting the Bakunawa in 2026 🐉✨
In our Philippine folklore, the Bakunawa has always been a figure of awe and terror—the great serpent that challenges the heavens. But as I worked on this piece, I couldn’t help but wonder: what if the current generation actually encountered the Bakunawa today? What if, instead of a myth to be feared, it was a majestic part of our natural world that we finally got to see, or even befriend?
The Art Concept 🌅
This “what if” is the heart of the design. I took a photo of a quiet sunset at Sorsogon Rompeolas and imagined a moment where a modern onlooker stands just feet away from this ancient giant.
The artwork merges that original photography with a digital sketch of the Bakunawa—a look inspired by AI and refined through hand-sketching to give it a textured, living feel. It’s a bridge between our ancestors’ stories and our modern perspective.
The Shirt Details 👕
To make sure the legend feels as real as possible, we’ve used:
• Print: High-definition DTF (Direct to Film) for vibrant sunset hues and sharp sketch details.
• Fabric: Premium CVC Cotton, a soft and breathable blend that’s perfect for everyday wear.
Support the Artist & The Community ❤️
Buying this shirt does more than just add a legend to your wardrobe. It directly helps me finance my medical expenses. A portion of every sale also goes to the Folklore Pilipinas group and the amazing person manning our booth at the market.
Catch the Exhibit at Te Arts! 🎨
While I won’t be there in person, you can see the Talinhaga collection at Te Arts! An Art Market for Emerging Artists tomorrow! Folklore Pilipinas is a guest artist at the event, and my work will be right there at the booth.
• 📍 Location: Gimenez Gallery, 111 Roces Avenue, UP Diliman
• 🕙 Time: April 25, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• 🎪 Booth: 37
Stop by, see the Bakunawa for yourself, and help us keep these legends alive.
#Bakunawa #Sorsogon #FolklorePilipinas #TeArts #ArtForACause
In our Philippine folklore, the Bakunawa is the massive sea serpent known for rising from the depths to swallow the moon. It’s a powerful symbol of our ancient myths and cosmic mystery. I’ve always wondered what it would look like if this legend actually appeared in our favorite local spots, which is the inspiration behind this piece.
The Shirt 🐉🌅
This design brings that “what if” to life. I took an original photo of the sunset at Sorsogon Rompeolas and blended it with a digital sketch of the Bakunawa. The dragon started as an AI-inspired concept, which I then hand-sketched and edited to fit naturally into the Bicol skyline. To keep the details sharp and the colors of the sunset vibrant, we’re using DTF (Direct to Film) printing on Premium CVC Cotton. It’s soft, high-quality, and built to last.
Support the Art & The Cause ❤️
By buying this shirt, you aren’t just getting a piece of wearable art—you’re also helping me out personally. Your purchase helps finance my medical expenses. Additionally, a portion of the proceeds will go to the Folklore Pilipinas group and the dedicated person manning our booth. Your support goes a long way in helping both the artist and the community during this time.
Find Us at Te Arts! 🎨✨
Even though I won’t be there personally, you can find this shirt as part of the Talinhaga collection at Te Arts! An Art Market for Emerging Artists tomorrow! Folklore Pilipinas is joining the market as one of the guest artists, and I’m so happy to have my work included in their showcase.
• 📍 Location: Gimenez Gallery, 111 Roces Avenue, UP Diliman
• 🕙 Time: April 25, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• 🎪 Booth: 37
Swing by the booth, grab some merch, and support local creators!
#Bakunawa #Sorsogon #FolklorePilipinas #TeArts #ArtForACause
Slowly and surely. I kept repeating this phrase in my head for a while now. Slowly and surely. Slowly I will continue so surely I will finish this- and I did!
#embroidering #chronicillnesswarrior
Flowers 🌺. One of the things that get me through my chronic illness is making this. I also would imagine if these would be real flowers, how would they smell? I also find the fabric and the threads stitched together interesting, and how there is a whole new world into embroidery than just a satin stitch. It’s about creating layers and texture that cannot be easily recreated, for every hole pierced is from the determination to forget pain. This is my art as therapy. #embroidery #flowers #starterkit
Free Admissions. Exhibit lasts until November 30, 2025.
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Credits to photos from Libby Limoso and the Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art.
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#art #museum #contemporary
😴🎨 Sick, sleepy, but smiling — because art days always heal a little. 💫
I’m so grateful to be one of the exhibitors of Folklore Pilipinas at the Luzon Art Fair 2025! 🌿
Even while feeling unwell, I made it through our Art Talk, and hearing kind words about my artwork and the magazine I designed truly made my day. They said I’m the only one who molds acrylic sheets this way — and that small recognition filled my heart with joy. 💕
Folklore Pilipinas continues the tradition of storytelling — the same folklore, myths, and haunting tales our parents and grandmothers used to tell us. Through art, we keep those stories alive and remind others that heritage can live in every form of creativity. ✨
Here’s to more art, more stories, and more days that heal. 🌸
🗓 Exhibit: October 9–11, 2025
📍 Bulwagang Kanlahi, Tarlac City
🎭 Art Workshop: October 11, 4:30 PM
#FolklorePilipinas #LuzonArtFair2025 #PhilippineArt #FilipinoFolklore #ArtAsHealing #SupportLocalArtists #ArtistJourney #CultureAndHeritage
🌑 Emerging from the Void 🌑
Inspired by the myth of the Black Lady, a ghostly figure said to appear from the shadows—neither entirely gone nor fully seen. She represents the haunting weight of what lingers: grief, fear, and the stories we carry in silence.
On a personal note, this piece also mirrors my own journey. I recently began tapering off my depression medication with my psychiatrist’s guidance, only to be diagnosed soon after with fibromyalgia. It felt like stepping out of one darkness, only to meet another. But instead of surrender, I chose transformation.
“Emerging from the Void” became my quiet revenge—not against anyone, but against the years I lost to pain and illness. Through this work, I reclaim my light.
#EmergingFromTheVoid #BlackLady #FilipinoMythology #MentalHealthJourney #FibromyalgiaAwareness #ArtAsHealing #FolklorePilipinas #PhilippineArt #ContemporaryArt #WomenArtists
