I remember the time after I had an eye surgery. I was 5 or 6 years old (I can’t remember well), and after teased of being blind and crosseyed because of my condition, I finally had this surgery where I had half the heart to go. After the surgery I remember a man (I don’t know who exactly) who gave me these magic water colouring books. I sat on his lap and he taught me how to use a brush and watercolor. I didn’t know it then, but I loved watercolour now because of that.

Now, my eyes will never be the same as any normal person would be. It is my greatest insecurity but it is also my greatest strength. I had two eye surgeries, my eyesight is 20-20 in distance but I still need glasses as I became so sensitive to light to the point that I couldn’t see clearly sometimes. My other eye also could not see letters well when it is near, and because of this it has been always a challenge to put on an eye liner on my other eye. However my physical condition is not a hindrance, it is a challenge I constantly loved to accomplish. Because without my eyes, I wouldn’t be able to study and do what I love. 

It still feels surreal that weeks ago I graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor Degree of Fine Arts Major in Painting and Minor in Graphic Design, and how I delivered a speech on behalf of all of the graduates of the college. Now, I am now part of Kasibulan, a group of women artists, and today was the first time I had this Portrait Workshop and meeting with them. I am also looking forward in having an art exhibit with them soon where I will work hard for it along with my part-time work as a gallery assistant. Honestly, too, because of all of these, I couldn’t help but be grateful and feel so blessed and lucky. 

*Last photo is Architect Raj Bustamente's Portrait of me