By Rose Frejane Cruz-Comanda   The renowned self-taught international artist Myse Salonga will be crowned Noble Queen of Culture and Arts 2024 at the 6th Edition Crowning and Awarding Ceremony of the Noble Queen of the Universe Advocacy International Pageant, to be held at the Cities Events Place, Sgt Esquerra St., Quezon City, Manila on December 8. This is one of the historic awards that Salonga will receive, after she began painting as a hobby and participating in charitable art exhibits, not only in the Philippines but also in various parts of the world. The event is sponsored by Noble Queen Universe Ltd , Inc ( NQULI) headed by Ms. Eren Noche, whose goal is to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to society and to hold charitable events to raise funds for charitable institutions. This charity event is in partnership with the Doc Rob Foundation led by Rob Walchern (Doc Rob) and Ms. Patricia Javier, chairman of the Board of NQULI. On December 4, Salonga was featured in the Aura Charity Gala Fashion Show, where she was joined by Noble Queen International Patricia Javier; Gladys Reyes-Sommereux; Cieolo Ortega-Reboredo, Okada vice president for sales and marketing and Krishan Pauline Allere, Miss Pearl of the Orient. Salonga was listed as a model in the Aura Charity Fashion Show sponsored by the brilliant creative designers of the Fashion Designers Association of the Philippines (FDAP) and Aura Group of Companies led by CEO Aura Marketing Bennilyn Amigo-Molina, held at the Okada Hotel. Salonga did not end up participating in the fashion show for the first time, but she was awarded as the 2024 Darling of the Crowd. Salonga was also honored with the 2024 Global Iconic Aces Award as World Renowned Artistic Trailblazer, after the Aura Gala Show at the Okada Hotel, on December 4. In recognition of her contributions to the arts, Salonga was honored with the ASEAN Excellence Achievers Award as an International Artist. “It is a great honor for me to know that this is a reward for my advocacy work in charity art exhibitions. I am deeply grateful to the people behind this honor and to the upcoming award from those who recognize me as an artist,” Salonga said. According to Salonga, a painting of hers that was exhibited at the Carousel Du Louvre, Paris in October 2024 will be auctioned, with the proceeds donated to NQULI to help the charitable institution. Myse Salonga, is known as the exclusive creator behind Myseterpiece Art. His artistic journey, which began in 2010, has evolved from a simple hobby to a vibrant and impactful career, showcasing his talent locally and internationally. Over the past decade, Myse has created over 200 unique paintings, captivating audiences with his diverse and evocative works, such as modern abstract, figurative art, landscape, seascape, and surrealism. Myse’s artwork has garnered attention in prestigious venues around the world. Notably, his pieces have been featured in iconic locations such as 1560 Broadway in Times Square, New York, and eight billboards in London Waterloo Station. She has participated in numerous exhibitions, including his solo showcase titled “A Masterpiece of MYSEterpiece Art” at Camp John Hay, Baguio City, with the Autism Society of Baguio as its beneficiary. In 2024, Myse’s artistic contributions reached new heights with a significant exhibition in France. In June 2024, Salonga donated a historical painting that recognizes the life of an Overseas Filipino Worker in France to the Philippine Embassy of France, which was received by Ambassador Junever Mahilum-West. The painting titled “Marriane” is currently on display at the embassy as part of the historical collection On this occasion, Salonga joined 50 artists from 20 different countries who came together in the exhibition to raise funds for children from the Philippines, Uganda and Tanzania. The beautiful paintings, sculptures, photography, and digital arts were exhibited from May 30 to June 2 in Mayenne, Laval France, in celebration of the 21st edition of “RENDEZVOUS aux JARDINS,” a project of the French Minister of Culture. She has exhibited her work at the “Rendezvous Aux Jardins” at Le Château d’Hauterives à Argentré, participated in the “Salon International d’Art Contemporain” at the renowned Carrousel Du Louvre in Paris, and was featured in the “Business Art Fair 16th Edition” at Espace Nesle, Paris. She was also included in an art exhibit at the Grand Westside Hotel and recently participated in the exhibit titled “Likha: A Journey Beyond Wine, Culinary & Arts” at the Belmont Hotel in Mactan, Cebu. Further demonstrating her community involvement, she participated as one of the judges in the on-the-spot contest “Alwas Lahi”, celebrating the 75th anniversary of her hometown, Padre Garcia, Batangas. In the future, Myse Salonga is scheduled to exhibit at the prestigious Grand Palais in Paris in February 2025, followed by another exhibition in Vienna, Austria in April 2025.            

By Rose Frejane Cruz-Comanda Self-Taught Artist Myse Salonga is not only set to become a famous international artist, but also to be included as a fashion model in the Aura Charitable Fashion Show held in Okada, Manila, on December 4. With the theme “Likha”, this exhibition not only showcases her talent but also supports charitable causes, including initiatives for children with autism and the underprivileged. In the first batch of the fashion show, Salonga was joined by Noble Queen International Patricia Javier; Actress Gladys Reyes-Sommereux; Cielo Ortega-Reboredo, Okada vice president for sales and marketing and Krishan Pauline Allere, Miss Pearl of the Orient. The Aura Gala Night was created by the brilliant creative designers of the Fashion Designers Association of the Philippines (FDAP) and sponsored by the Aura Group of Companies head by Bennilyn Amigo-Molina. “It is an honor to be among the renowned fashion models and I am very grateful to the organizer and designer for giving me the opportunity as an artist to participate in the fashion show. Being a charitable artist is my advocacy, so this fashion show is timely and also a creative event,” stated Salonga. Salonga, is known as the exclusive creator behind Myseterpiece Art. Her artistic journey, which began in 2010, has evolved from a simple hobby to a vibrant and impactful career, showcasing her talent locally and internationally. Over the past decade, Myse has created over 200 unique paintings, captivating audiences with her diverse and evocative works, such as modern abstract, figurative art, landscape, seascape, and surrealism. Myse’s artworks have garnered attention in prestigious venues around the world. Notably, his pieces have been featured in iconic locations such as 1560 Broadway in Times Square, New York, and eight billboards in London Waterloo Station. She has participated in numerous exhibitions, including his solo showcase titled “A Masterpiece of MYSEterpiece Art” in Baguio City, as well as international exhibitions throughout Asia and Europe. In 2024, Myse’s artistic contributions reached new heights with three significant exhibitions in France. She exhibited his work at the “Rendezvous Aux Jardins” at Le Château d’Hauterives à Argentré, participated in the “Salon International d’Art Contemporain” at the renowned Carrousel Du Louvre in Paris, and exhibited at the “Business Art Fair 16th Edition” at Espace Nesle, Paris. She was also included in an art exhibit at the Grand Westside Hotel and recently participated in the exhibit titled “Likha: A Journey Beyond Wine, Culinary & Arts” at the Belmont Hotel in Mactan, Cebu. In the future, Myse Salonga is scheduled to exhibit at the prestigious Grand Palais in Paris in February 2025, followed by another exhibition in Vienna, Austria in April 2025. In recognition of her contributions to the arts, Salonga was honored with the ASEAN Excellence Achievers Award as an International Artist and will be honored with the Global Iconic Aces Award as a World Renowned Artistic Trailblazer on December 4, 2024, at Okada Manila. Further demonstrating her community involvement, she participated as one of the judges in the on-the-spot contest “Alwas Lahi”, celebrating the 75th anniversary of her hometown, Padre Garcia, Batangas In addition, she will be crowned as the 2024 Noble Queen of Culture and Arts on December 8, 2024, at Cities Events Place. These awards demonstrate her influence and significant impact on the art community, solidifying her status as a prominent figure in the global artistic scene. Through her dedication and passion, Salonga has established herself as a leading voice in the art world, inspiring many with her travels and creations, which continue to captivate audiences around the world.          

The SM Foundation recently celebrated the achievements of over 4,000 college alumni from its scholarship program. Founded by SM Group Founder Henry Sy, Sr., the SM Foundation scholarship program has provided quality education to deserving students from vulnerable communities. Since its inception in 1993, the program has nurtured 4,214 college graduates and currently supports 2,550 scholars pursuing degrees in various fields. SM Scholars ignite ripple of positive change The foundation’s commitment to holistic development extends beyond academic excellence. Through part-time job opportunities, internships, general assemblies, and alumni homecomings, SM Foundation shares its core principle of “people helping people”—a philosophy deeply embedded in the foundation’s values, guiding scholars as they make their mark on the world and inspiring them to spread social good in their communities. The recent alumni homecoming brought together over 900 graduates from different batches and fields, providing a platform to celebrate their collective achievements and the positive impact they have made in their families and communities. During the event, SM Foundation Executive Director Debbie Sy emphasized the importance of giving back. “As SM Scholar Alumni, you have been given a gift—an education, opportunities, and a brighter future. Now, it’s your turn to pay it forward and inspire others to spread good in the world,” she said. The homecoming served as a reminder that the SM Foundation scholarship program is not just about individual success but also about creating a ripple effect of positive change in Filipino communities.    

   In the heart of Paris, under the grand arches of the Carrousel du Louvre, a unique exhibit thrummed with energy and the unmistakable warmth of Filipino artistry. Isang Lahi, a phrase meaning “One Nation” in Tagalog, had transformed the gallery Mecenavie booth into a vibrant mosaic of Filipino art, as part of the Paris Art Week’s prestigious Art Shopping. From October 18 to 20, 2024, the exhibition drew art lovers from around the world, celebrating the Philippines’ cultural identity and creative depth. Curated by Norlie Meimban, Isang Lahi brought together a brilliant lineup of Filipino artists, each displaying a distinct yet complementary style. Charmaine Taus’s canvases greeted visitors with bold, colorful patterns in abstract forms, lively and intricate, like a kaleidoscope of Philippine fiestas. Nearby, Harold Khan’s pop art portraits, layered with pink sunglasses, gold, and red, exuded a playful energy, echoing the modern pulse of Manila streets. The unmistakable gaze of a tiger captured by Ronnie Lim, rendered with haunting hyperrealism, drew spectators into the wild depths of the Philippine jungle. Traditional portraits by Rey Aurelio offered a grounded, reverent homage to classic Filipino faces, each one steeped in nostalgia. Addie Cukingnan’s floral works burst forth in delicate petals and lifelike colors, reminiscent of blooms one might find in a lush Filipino garden after monsoon rains. And in striking contrast, Direk Louie Ignacio’s abstract landscapes in gold and silver evoked a sense of timelessness, with every brushstroke reflecting a shimmering horizon. Other artists infused the room with rich textures and avant-garde perspectives. Valen Valero’s mixed-media pieces presented a tactile experience, her abstract works feeling almost sculptural in their depth, while Arnel Garcia’s cubist forms and Noel Nicolas’s rhythmic shapes added a sense of dynamism to the gallery walls. The space was alive with Filipino diversity, each piece reflecting a unique part of the nation’s soul. The event was organized by Sige!, the Vienna-based Artist Network, in partnership with the Manila-based Bastedor Art Project. Notable figures graced the exhibition, mingling and exchanging insights about art, culture, and heritage. Margo Babilonia Calderero of A.C.C.E.S., Filipina artists Mylene Myse Salonga and Phoebe Beltran-Almazan, Junever Mahilum-West, the Ambassador of the Philippine Embassy in France, and Honorary Consul Charmagne Garcia-Laconico were among those who attended. Their presence underscored the pride and passion shared by the Filipino diaspora for their culture. For three days, Isang Lahi was more than an exhibition; it was a powerful testament to the rich tapestry of Filipino artistry. In Paris, the City of Light, Filipino artists lit up their own corner of the Louvre, reminding the world of their vibrant, resilient, and unified creative spirit.

In the lively center of Vienna, the Steiner Gallery was alive with excitement. Art enthusiasts, critics, and fellow creators came together for Isang Hagod, an exhibit that showcased the vibrant world of Filipino contemporary art. This event was put together by Sige!, a local artist network, in partnership with the Manila-based Bastedor Art Project, and it ran from September 23 to October 19, 2024. Curated by Norlie Meimban, the collection celebrated the rich diversity and spirit of Filipino artistry, highlighting themes of identity, boldness, and cultural blending. Each artist brought their own unique flair, transforming the gallery walls with a mix of styles ranging from the whimsical to the hyperreal. Charmaine Taus, famous for her drag-queen-inspired abstracts, created a corner filled with a burst of colors. Her large, vibrant brushstrokes celebrated self-expression and freedom, leaving the audience both amazed and entertained. Nearby, Harold Khan’s pop-art portraits took the spotlight—his realistic pieces were alive with energy, combining bold color blocks with intricate details that gave a fresh twist to traditional portraiture. Norlie Meimban also showcased his work, adding a touch of elegance and contrast to the exhibit. His black-and-white portraits, highlighted with delicate gold accents, brought a timeless feel to the display. The approach was both striking and personal, paying tribute to Filipino heritage. Next to him, Ejem Alarcon’s pop-art realism cleverly mixed popular Filipino icons with Western influences, playfully blurring cultural boundaries. Ela Andal completed the lineup with her street art—a blend of Filipino and European styles—that wrapped around the gallery’s pillars and walls, giving it an edgy, urban vibe. The opening night saw notable figures in attendance, like Minette Padilla Caces from the Philippine Embassy in Vienna and celebrated local artist Lisa Antes-Pangan. The crowd included international luminaries like Haydar Ekinek, Markus Helbing, and Desy Kamen, who exchanged ideas and inspirations, their conversations flowing as freely as the wine. Throughout the evening, the room hummed with awe and admiration. Guests moved from piece to piece, pausing to absorb the energy of each artwork and the layers of stories that lay behind each brushstroke. Norlie Meimban, the curator, could be seen mingling with visitors, his face beaming with pride. For him and the artists, Isang Hagod was more than an exhibition; it was a testament to the Filipino art scene’s evolution and resilience, a reminder that their voices—through color, texture, and imagination—would continue to reach across oceans and bridge worlds.

The evening lights at the Yunus Emre Institute in Vienna created a cozy atmosphere for the diverse crowd that came together to celebrate culture, heritage, and resilience. On September 25, 2024, this event highlighted a fantastic partnership between the International Cultural Diversity Organization (ICDO) and Filipino artists, featuring an exhibit called Cultural Diversity & Inclusion, curated by Norlie Meimban, ICDO’s Ambassador for the Arts. This exhibition was a key part of ICDO’s #SafeguardingDiversity initiative, now in its seventh year, dedicated to promoting cultural diversity around the globe. Inside the gallery, the energy was palpable as attendees from various backgrounds admired the artwork, which drew inspiration from Filipino mythology, pop culture, and abstract expressionism. Each piece offered a unique take on identity, connecting different generations and cultures. One area showcased the vibrant creations of Harold Khan, who brought Filipino mythology to life with stunning portraits of Amansinaya, the sea goddess. Her intense gaze and soothing oceanic hues seemed to create a bridge between the Philippines’ ancient stories and its dynamic, multicultural present. Nearby, striking depictions of second-generation Filipino-European teens illustrated their complex identities, with Khan’s brushwork capturing their feelings of belonging in a world of contrasts. In another part of the gallery, Norlie Meimban’s distinctive black-and-white portraits accented with gold captivated the audience. His subjects, though anonymous, exuded deep emotion, showcasing resilience and dignity. Each polished yet raw image invited viewers to reflect on the strength found within diversity. Adding a splash of color, Ejem Alarcon’s realist pop art drew people into a lively world where traditional Filipino symbols blended with modern themes. His whimsical yet bold creations particularly resonated with younger attendees. Adding vibrant contrast, Ejem Alarcon’s realist pop art pulled people into a colorful universe where traditional Filipino symbols merged with contemporary motifs. His work, whimsical yet bold, resonated with younger viewers who saw themselves reflected in the lively mix of old and new. In another corner, Jessielaine Punongbayan’s fluid abstract paintings unfolded like waves on a canvas. Her pieces spoke of fluidity, mirroring the adaptability required to navigate a multicultural identity. Swirling shapes and colors hinted at emotions unconfined by language or borders, giving viewers a sense of unity beyond words. Ela Andal’s street pop art added an urban edge to the gallery. Infused with European influences, her pieces were bold, unapologetic statements that spoke to the realities of city life and the blending of cultures. Her work was a celebration of grit and glamour, symbolizing the resilience required to thrive as a multicultural artist in a world that often struggles to embrace diversity. Prominent figures in cultural advocacy mingled with the crowd, including Josipa Palac, President of ICDO, and Marizel Rojas of ENFiD Austria, a staunch supporter of Filipino communities abroad. Neivi Martinez, the renowned Mexican soprano, graced the event, her melodious voice adding a touch of elegance and solidarity to the atmosphere. Nigerian artist Solomon Okpurukhre shared his perspective on the universality of art, engaging in heartfelt conversations about the importance of cultural representation. As the evening unfolded, the exhibition echoed with conversations about heritage, identity, and the power of art to amplify voices that are too often silenced. Each piece in the gallery conveyed the message that diversity is not just something to be tolerated but celebrated, and that inclusion is the foundation upon which vibrant societies are built. In the end, Cultural Diversity & Inclusion became more than an exhibit; it was a testament to the beauty of intersectional identities and the stories that emerge when cultures come together. The Filipino artists had left their mark not just on the gallery walls but on the hearts of all who attended, reminding everyone of the vital role art plays in safeguarding and celebrating the mosaic of human experiences worldwide.

The CityGalleryVienna was buzzing with energy on the evening of September 16, 2024. Art lovers, expatriates, and curious locals gathered to witness an exhibition like no other, showcasing the vibrant and multifaceted talents of Filipino artists in a rare international setting. Titled ISANG GUHIT, this exhibit was a celebration of Filipino identity, bridging Manila’s bustling streets and Vienna’s refined art scene. Curated by Norlie Meimban and brought to life by the Vienna-based Artist Network, Sige!, and the Manila-based Bastedor Art Project, ISANG GUHIT was a captivating fusion of styles, stories, and spirits. Arnel David Garcia’s pieces, inspired by cubism, were the first to catch visitors’ eyes. His geometric abstracts hinted at hidden stories, and gallery-goers found themselves drawn to the layers of emotions embedded within his angular forms. Nearby, the vibrant drip paintings of Art Lozano were equally mesmerizing, with Volkswagen Beetles—relics of both nostalgic Americana and Manila street culture—splattered in joyful colors. Binong Alvin Javier’s work hung beside Lozano’s, echoing a similar vibrancy but with looser, more organic drips that created hypnotic patterns, as if the colors themselves were in conversation. Further along, Charmaine Taus’s canvases radiated with intricate, colorful patterns that evoked a sense of woven tapestries, creating a lively, visual dance across the gallery wall. And right beside her, Didier Alarcon’s overlapping realism was a study in depth and detail, blurring the lines between reality and dreams. His work contrasted beautifully with Gerry De Guzman’s traditional flat jeepney art, which transported onlookers directly to the streets of Manila, with its emblematic bright colors and bustling, lively energy. Harold Khan’s pop art portraits, meanwhile, seemed to stare boldly back at the viewer, infusing a modern Filipino perspective into the iconic styles of Western pop art. These were contrasted by Jojo Ramirez’s traditional works, which grounded the viewer in a more timeless representation of Filipino art and people. Not far from these were Maan Umotoy-Premacio’s abstracts of wild, blooming flowers—a celebration of nature, delicate yet bursting with life. In one corner, Norlie Meimban’s portraits stood out with their intricate, line-based technique, creating expressions and emotions through an almost rhythmic structure. Ejem Alarcon’s pop realism continued the rhythm with vivid, lifelike compositions that somehow still felt dreamlike, while Ela Andal’s European-influenced street pop art grounded it all with raw, urban energy, blending both Filipino and European perspectives in a playful, edgy manner. For days, the exhibit drew in people from around the city, each visitor exploring the depths and dimensions of Filipino artistry from a new angle. Vienna, known for its classical art heritage, embraced this influx of contemporary Filipino vision, leaving a lasting impression on both the artists and the viewers. As the event came to a close on September 21, artists and visitors alike felt that ISANG GUHIT had achieved more than just an exhibit; it had created a dialogue, a beautiful intersection of cultural narratives, leaving a mark on Vienna that would echo long after the gallery lights dimmed.    

Ambassador Junever Mahilum-West of the Philippine Embassy of France congratulated and thanked the 25 Filipino artists who participated in the successful Paris Art Week, last October 18-20. Among the Filipino artists, International Self-taught Artist Mylene ‘Myse’ Salonga was invited to the historic art week, which was also attended by international artists from different countries Aside from Salonga, the group of Filipino artists also displayed their various concepts that depict the daily culture of Filipino life in the Philippines. This group is Viaje4 namely Joseph Albao, Nino Cris Odasis, Windsor Magnaye and Ian Maigan who are from the Philippines. There were also artists from Davao, Butuan City, Iloilo, Batangas, Pangasinan and Belgium who also exhibited their works . This year, Salonga brought seven art paintings, one of which was exhibited at Espace Nesle, 6th District of Paris, which is one of the districts with many art galleries and called the Business Art Fair 16th Edition’. The art exhibit title is ” La Mode En Moi” “( The Fashion Me )”. The organizer of this exhibit are Ms. Cheloney Mercado- Lelieveld and Ms Lovelie Albarracin of L.M.E.M Europe and Filipino Artist’ Guild Europe and  Mr George Levy , Director of Espace Nesle. While Salonga’s six works called “Interconnectedness of Life” were exhibited at Salon International d’Art Contemporain, Art Shopping Carrousel Du Louvre, an iconic art shopping in Paris. According to Salonga, all her paintings are sold-out and she is very grateful, especially to Filipinos living in Paris who enjoy the creations of Filipino artists. The organizer of the historic art week is the ACCES Organization (Art and Cross-Cultural Exchange Society) headed by President Margo Babilonia-Calderero. The advocacy of the ACCES organization in the art exhibit is to raise funds to help the education of children in the Philippines, Uganda and Tanzania. (By Rose Frejane Cruz)            

A historic award was given to the well-known Self-taught International Filipina Artist Mylene “Myse” Salonga, who was bestowed with the ASEAN Excellence Achievers Awards 2024 held in Okada, Manila, on October 23. I dedicate this award to my family specially to my husband Dr. Arnold Salonga and to my children Eena Salonga JM Dubouzet, John & Aldrich who always support me, and to all my friends and to all the Filipino artist. Chelony Pinay Painter Apple Love Eve Margo Babilonia Calderero Junever Mahilum-west Limo Czar Moli Dick Villanueva Marife Floridad Mildred Marquez Marites Agleron van Vianen Carmela Geisert. Another blessing , Thank You Lord !,” said Salonga. It’s a great honor to receive this ASEAN Excellence Achievers Awards with President/CEO Bennilyn Amigo-Molina and Team Aura.Thank You Madam!