The Multidimensional Artist: Elliot

Baguio City is the home of up and coming artist, it is undeniably the  education center in Northern Luzon and is able to attract some of the best and most talented minds the Philippines has to offer.



Elliot, a 19 year old student from Saint Louis University gives us a glimpse of what a silent but creative mind could do.

At an early age, she was already convinced by her parents to start drawing, they wanted her to become a Civil Engineer.

But a friend of hers named Jireh was the one who told her, that she had the makings of an artist and this increased her confidence  to continue.


Most of her works, are inspired by her dreams- the doodles and scribbles are images that visit her, while in a lucid state of dreaming.

The colors in her dreams are vivid and alive, and the images and visions that she sees in her dreams are the ones that are transpired into her doodles and crafts.




Apart from the dream inspired  creations, she is also a writer by heart.

She is fond of Fantasy novels, but she is also  a good observer of daily life, and this is what she is using as a guide for her written work.



There was a point where in,  she was alone during the New Year's Eve, and she took the time to write something about the experience.

List of Firsts

Would you remember?

Where untouched lips disappeared without consent

Where acceptance of at fault without its repent

Where the last breath had faded away

Where words had disappeared without a say

Where the mind was a soundproof place

Where fear had not been courageously faced

Where hope and dreams had been a harsh knife

Where love had turned to strife

Where warmth had turned to ice and coal

Where skin is scarred and a deadly soul

Where pictures flashed but can’t be intervened

Where? Where? Where have those memories been?

The Solace of the Night has a way of  getting her to write- the random spectrum and emotions visit her in time of solitude.



Her writings at times are able to evoke emotions from friends and classmates.

 There was one time when her written thoughts had touched the emotion of a classmate, which led this person to write an entire reaction paper regarding the story that she has written.

Dance of a Puppet

A smile painted on its wooden face

Its backgrounds are the four seasons

Portraying a job on a dead end’s race

Just for pathetic and petty reasons

“Dance my Puppet.” Money says

Easily controlling the puppet’s strings

He looks at you with his plays

“Aren’t you one of my belongings?”

There are also some male friends, who have asked her to write Love poetry for their partner.

 She has willingly done them in the past, but have learned the strength of poetry and no longer writes love poetry for other couples- it has to be properly done, and is not a game to write poetry for others. It involves emotions.


Elliot, is able to set herself  apart from others by wanting to be different. 

As of the moment, she is writing a novel about a teenage girl who is afraid to go against the will of her parents, and a boy who has a code name- 

The title of the novel is " When I met Nicolas Calabash"-

Her works will be featured in a one of a kind Souvenir Shop at Ili likha Village, Assumption Road Baguio City- Basement that will open in February 2016. 

Merkaba

Merkaba is about the darkness that wants to emit light,  it is every little turmoil that does not want to go unnoticed.

Merkaba is a shop for tortured souls, the desperate, the misunderstood- souls that have been trying to express the colors that are inside their world.

Merkaba is for individuals who have discovered their darkness and have turned them into light...

The Philippines is the home of some of the best artists in the world, it is rich in cultural experience as well as spiritual beliefs.

The country's long history of trade with various cultures has made it even richer- and the skills and abilities have been retained in the genetic code of the Filipino.

Merkaba, will be the home of unique and hand made crafts from various artists all over the Philippines, but it will also be open to collaboration works from artists from different parts of the world.

It will focus on one of a kind crafts that contain the spirit and imagination of individuals who want to create a new kind of consciousness-- each of the crafts that are present inside the shop come from meditative experiences.

The shop will be like no other, it shall focus on uniting beliefs, finding the substance that makes us all connected to each other- it will be the shop for the meeting and exchange of minds- its ultimate goal is to establish respect and rapport from various ideologies through art.

The reflection and life work, as well as personal advocacy of artists are reflected in the shop. Artists who value the environment, the creation of independent music and those who carry on a positive message for the community are welcome to install their works inside the shop.

Merkaba is created in an organic way, slowly it is able to incorporate the values and vision of people who are coming it is a collaboration of many energies.
Souls who come from different parts of the country- artists, musicians, writers, dancers, dreamers and poets who are offering new ideas and explorations-

The works that are inside the shop come from the internal desires of artists, the message that they want to share- the ideas that have a hard time getting understood, but need to be expressed into material form.

Merkaba is more than just a Souvenir shop, it is a way for people to heighten their love and appreciation for creative work- it will also be a way for artists to sustain their daily living- 

The shop will be open for events, and workshop collaborations with various artists- there is no limit to what Merkaba will achieve. 

The shop will also welcome independent musicians, and will create events that would promote original compositions from local singers and bands- it will be a new vehicle for thought.

It will be new, and will do things differently- the mistakes of the past will not transpire in this shop- instead it will be a daily growing and enriching experience for anyone who will become a part of it.

Merkaba is the ability of anyone, to turn the negative thoughts, to turn the darkness that is inside everyone's heart--into light, into love--into real transformation. 

The Multidimensional Artist: Elliot

Baguio City is the home of up and coming artist, it is undeniably the  education center in Northern Luzon and is able to attract some of the best and most talented minds the Philippines has to offer.



Elliot, a 19 year old student from Saint Louis University gives us a glimpse of what a silent but creative mind could do.

At an early age, she was already convinced by her parents to start drawing, they wanted her to become a Civil Engineer.

But a friend of hers named Jireh was the one who told her, that she had the makings of an artist and this increased her confidence  to continue.


Most of her works, are inspired by her dreams- the doodles and scribbles are images that visit her, while in a lucid state of dreaming.

The colors in her dreams are vivid and alive, and the images and visions that she sees in her dreams are the ones that are transpired into her doodles and crafts.




Apart from the dream inspired  creations, she is also a writer by heart.

She is fond of Fantasy novels, but she is also  a good observer of daily life, and this is what she is using as a guide for her written work.



There was a point where in,  she was alone during the New Year's Eve, and she took the time to write something about the experience.

List of Firsts

Would you remember?

Where untouched lips disappeared without consent

Where acceptance of at fault without its repent

Where the last breath had faded away

Where words had disappeared without a say

Where the mind was a soundproof place

Where fear had not been courageously faced

Where hope and dreams had been a harsh knife

Where love had turned to strife

Where warmth had turned to ice and coal

Where skin is scarred and a deadly soul

Where pictures flashed but can’t be intervened

Where? Where? Where have those memories been?

The Solace of the Night has a way of  getting her to write- the random spectrum and emotions visit her in time of solitude.



Her writings at times are able to evoke emotions from friends and classmates.

 There was one time when her written thoughts had touched the emotion of a classmate, which led this person to write an entire reaction paper regarding the story that she has written.

Dance of a Puppet

A smile painted on its wooden face

Its backgrounds are the four seasons

Portraying a job on a dead end’s race

Just for pathetic and petty reasons

“Dance my Puppet.” Money says

Easily controlling the puppet’s strings

He looks at you with his plays

“Aren’t you one of my belongings?”

There are also some male friends, who have asked her to write Love poetry for their partner.

 She has willingly done them in the past, but have learned the strength of poetry and no longer writes love poetry for other couples- it has to be properly done, and is not a game to write poetry for others. It involves emotions.


Elliot, is able to set herself  apart from others by wanting to be different. 

As of the moment, she is writing a novel about a teenage girl who is afraid to go against the will of her parents, and a boy who has a code name- 

The title of the novel is " When I met Nicolas Calabash"-

Her works will be featured in a one of a kind Souvenir Shop at Ili likha Village, Assumption Road Baguio City- Basement that will open in February 2016. 

Mr Bab: Inspiring Young Artist in the Philippines

It takes a lot of courage and creativity to stand out and believe in something that will encourage other people to move and do something interesting with their life.

This is what Steven Carl Oraño was able to do in just a short span of time.

How he started?

Steven also known as Mr. Bab was first inspired by his classmate who frequently talked about Bob Marley and his music. 

His friend gave him the idea of creating one of a kind crafts, and this experience allowed him to embody the advocacy of appreciation for colors.




Personal Advocacy:

When he started creating the string inspired art works, his work allowed him to feel aware and motivated.

He was able to appreciate the colors of life and he eventually carried out the belief of wanting to send out the message, that you do not need to do drugs, in order to be able to appreciate or do something with your life.

He viewed Reggae colors, as a way to express freedom, it is something that expresses the soul.

A lot of younger people right now, know the name of Bob Marley and use his images to decorate their rooms, and their shirts as well as bags, but very few people understand the principles of this great man.

He started creating various crafts like bracelets or what is called as string art, as a way to connect.

 Every color is a bringer of a happy  message. 

 The younger generation need to understand the inner message of Bob Marley.

Each time someone wears his work- they will feel the good and positive energy that is present in every piece he has ever done.

What he feels when he is creating?

" Creativity helps you get closer to the divine experience"- Osho

Whenever he is absorbed in his craft, he feels relaxed, it is a form of meditation that allows him to forget his daily worries in life.
While he creates the art works, he listens to Reggae music.

His art enabled him to meet a lot of people, due to concentration, focus and perseverance he was able to attain a wide network of friends with same interests and likes and this has allowed him to expand his point of view in life.

Bab was able to connect with other people in in various parts of the Philippines like Isabela, Manila and other cities like Sagada- 


This is expected to increase over time, as more and more people will begin to value and appreciate hand made art. 

His works will be featured in a one of a kind Souvenir and Events place shop at Assumption Road, Ili likha-artist Village,  located at the basement.

The shop will open in February 2016, and is set to attract tourists and avid art lovers all over the world.

If you are interested to get hold of some his works, contact 09054043363.

7 Reasons why you need to buy handmade products by Philippine artists

Everyone has the heart of an artist, when we were younger, many of us wanted to be painters, sculptors, dancers and singers but not everyone is able to fulfill their  life-long dream due to practical reasons.

A lot of individuals, had to give up their own ambitions to support their families, a lot of people had to sacrifice what they wanted out of life- in order to fulfill their parents’ wishes.

*Smorgasboard

The current economy that we have right now is not forgiving, many individuals are forced to take jobs that they do not feel they belong to, and many still have the longing in their heart to continue what they love to do.

We need to buy locally made products by Philippine artists, in order to shift this type of market economy.

To purchase handmade products by artists who continue to dream and take on the challenge says a lot about what we want for the future.

#1. Purchase local made products in order to contribute to establishing a new economic model

Instead of purchasing gift and items that are mass produced, we can support Philippine artists who continue fighting for their craft.

We can bring a spark, a positive statement for artists to continue- in every product that we purchase—we are supporting creativity.

#2.  Crafts people have a higher tendency of using recycled materials.

  By using handmade crafts you can effectively reduce pollution and contribute your energy into transforming your local community into a better place.

#3, Philippine artists enjoy creating their crafts, there is thought and energy put into it, and it is a form of meditation for them, unlike the products that are mass produced from factories.

 The materials that artists produce contain positive energy and by purchasing them, you invite good energy into your home.

*Origami Pilipinas

4. Support creativity- if you want to change the world you have to put your financial resources and direct them to causes that you believe in.

Philippine artists need encouragement, by purchasing their craft you tell them that their work has value, and that they are contributing something positive to this world.

5. The value of handmade and locally made products by Philippine artists is definitely worth more than the mass produced items.

*Origami PIlipinas ( Arca's Gallery- Baguio City)

Even, if they will cost more, it is definitely worth every penny, the item has been made with love, care and attention, and this is what the receiver of your gift will see once they get to have the item as a present coming from you.

#6 You are making a personal connection with the artist who has created it, you get the chance to spread the ideas of the artist who wants to share something to the world.

By purchasing the locally produced items, you empower Philippine artists and you help pave the way for creative and sustainable means for everyone.

Artists all over the world, help us get inspired. For who are we without new ideas, imagination, new songs, new dreams.

By giving respect to locally made materials and products by local artists-we are slowly but effectively changing how artists are viewed.

And lastly

#7 Support the dream that is inside you—each of us have always wanted to express ourselves—while not everyone can continue in this life journey of creativity—we can help live it- through the work of our fellow artists.

Pictures featured in this blog are handmade products by various local artists in the Philippines.

Check the link for further information:

https://www.facebook.com/Origami-Pilipinas-193473777495646/?pnref=lhc

https://www.facebook.com/smorgasbord00/?fref=ts

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ili-Likha/555594861166052?fref=ts

For further information contact: 09054043363

On Giving Freedom In Love

I have been pondering the question of relationships for a very long time.

 I have been observing married couples and how they conduct their daily life, conversations and arguments. I also compare the relationships that I see from new couples and how they respond to each situation.

Most of the time, there would be competition, if not competition or a series of dominating their partner's choices--it would fall into a comfortable routine.

 When I was younger I was in a relationship with a guy whom I was not compatible with.

Every day was a series of power play between the two of us, it was filled with insecurity. 

 This was mostly because I didn't know what I wanted from life- yet ( I will not recommend that teenagers have kids or to get married at an early age) 

The relationship would have succeeded, if I knew what I wanted out of life during that time, but a 21 year old hardly has any grasp of what they want out of life.

 This is the reason why I traveled, volunteered my time, joined as many travel expeditions as I could and made friends will all sorts of people-- it helped me heal.

Being in a relationship when you have remaining issues with your family members, and you are still not sure of what career you want to be in-- is a hard journey to be in--while some people come out alive- most people just bear the days- the routine, the unsolved questions.

It is a must for everyone to travel on their own, to travel with friends, go overseas--explore before they jump into a series discussion about commitment. 

There will be days inside a relationship, where everything would be total high, and the next day would be hell- and if you do not have a strong sense of what you want from life, and if you yourself have not enjoyed being alone- knowing your priorities- you would most likely depend on another person to make you feel fulfilled or happy.

You would become clingy, dependent and insecure- and when insecurity comes in-- love, or the ability to see everyday as fruitful and happy with your partner becomes hard to do. 

I always thought relationships should be like this, that they should be hard, that I have to win over it every day.

But are relationships meant to be draining? must you prove your jealousy and insecurities all of the time.

 Must it always be a battle of who is going to text who?

This was an energy draining experience, which is often present in most relationships that I know.

 So when I encountered the words of Osho,  with regards to relationship, it struck a chord in me. This was what I was exactly aiming for.

Can we love without asking for commitment and can it be about friendliness?

Most of the love that I know and the relationships that I see, is about possessiveness. 

I have observed that despite being married for more than 20 or 30 years a lot of married couples still have a sense of insecurity and wanting for security despite being with the same person for the rest of their life.

This means that you can be with a person, and you can live with them, sleep in one bed and do everything together and not feel secure-- if Marriage was supposed to provide that- why isn't it present in a lot of marriages nowadays.

And is security something to aim for?  Why do we want to have security- when the world is a series of passing experiences-- nothing remains the same--nothing ever will.


And so, thus began the need to  understand,  how does one arrive at Unconditional love.
What does it mean to love someone unconditionally?
 And what is Unconditional love vs. sick Relationships

Most people believe that if they are jealous and if someone is jealous in the relationship- that the relationship is healthy?

Does it mean, that it is healthy to be jealous that someone or some other person admires the one you love? Is it healthy to feel jealous when the love of your life is having a good time, even if it is not with you?

In order to be able to have a full realization of this, I became single for about five years.

I have discovered that there is depth and beauty to being single. 

Not single in a very alone and abandoned way- but single in the sense that you have remained available to your community- 

To the people around you- you do not view love as something that is closed--rather, every person you encounter in life-- is a part of your love extension to the world. 

In the process of changing and meeting myself,  I am able to flourish and respond well- when I was given the chance to meet a new person- I am able to welcome a man who can be a part of my happiness.

There is really nothing different, and we are not even at the point of committing- with us there is no sense of security but the love is alive. 

Most of the people we date immediately ask us to merge their life with us, we tend to compete and tend to want more.

When we give something, we want it returned and when it is not reciprocated we feel vengeful. We start competing, we start plotting on how to win the relationship war, and this is what drains us.

So, when I started relating with this man, when I  started connecting with him without any promise of security, loyalty or reciprocation--

A change came over me-- I felt free. Freer than ever, for the love felt organic and flowing.

 I removed all of the so called rules and standards of society of what a relationship should be. I just freely gave him what I wanted to give, without hindrances and without holding back.

When you say “yes” to the “isness” of life, when you accept this moment as it is, you can feel a sense of spaciousness within you that is deeply peaceful.

—	Eckhart Tolle

I stepped out of the relationship circle and started entering the zone of unconditional love. Can we really love someone unconditionally? Without any rules? without demands and can we be thankful for their presence every day of our lives?

I did not need any assurance of in a relationship status on social media, I wanted nothing of any public declaration of some sort--it felt more honest.



While I am still in the process of finding it out, there had been several positive instances.

 When I allowed this man his freedom and did not ask for commitment, when I allowed him to be his true self when he is with me, and when I did not ask any questions, and when I did not have any doubts as to the love that he has, and the love I have for him-- 

When  I just focused on giving him support and love-- things have been really working out well.

This is a hard to understand concept for a lot of people ,especially the ones who have banked on for loyalty for a very long time.

For individuals who have been directed by certain religions to believe certain things.

In observance, most relationships are just fascist in nature.

Love in many ways should not be about who is superior, who is going to dominate who, it is not something that must be governed by the ego.

The surprising thing here is the more that I have given him his freedom, the more life flowed inside my heart and the more I had direction over my life.
I have been running to and fro for a very long time, and only this kind of redeeming love has opened me to my mission in life.

The mission was of course, not to make him my entire world, but to turn him into someone who will inspire me to do more- for people, for everyone. 

 A deep desire, that has not existed, despite traveling to so many places and being with so many people.

There is another quality to this kind of love, perhaps because we were also connecting in the physical sense and transferring energy to one another.

" Love in the utmost sense if a state of being, as stated by Osho".
I am assessing if the love and inspiring feeling that I have is the kind of love that could move mountains, and if it is something that is not destructive in any way.
The only thing that I have observed is that I wanted to have a better version of myself, I truly wanted to strive for more.

There is only one possibility for sanity to exist in relationships so they don't turn into inferiority and superiority games, so they don't become sado-masochistic tortures. And that only possibility is in the presence of an unconditional love. Love is the greatest alchemy.- Osho 

 In many ways, this was the kind of love that fully completed the circle. I invested my time heavily in my community and have provided my service and love for a very long time.

And everything was returning in a good way, and this love for life became even deeper when I was also able to love a partner in life- this love was not in anyway superior to the love that I have for each  of my friends and loved ones- it just allowed me to express myself more...

It made me want to dance more, it made me feel alive, I was already alive and thriving and do not really depend on this kind of love from a man, but it catapulted me into feeling and completing something that was foreign and u unknown to me before. 

I am self assessing myself, so that whatever I am feeling right now will not turn into a bondage of some sort, it will not be a dependence but rather just a rich quality to who I am and what I already have inside of me.