Robinsons Land’s ARTablado platform is presenting two exhibitions in Metro Manila that center on motherhood and the natural world, in time for Mother’s Day. The shows run until May 15 at Robinsons Galleria in Quezon City and Robinsons Antipolo.
At Robinsons Galleria, artist and biodiversity advocate Bing Famoso offers Hoya de Filipinas: A Tribute to Mothers, featuring works inspired by May traditions and native flora. The Hoya flower, a small endemic bloom, takes central focus in her latest series.
“May has always been a sacred month for me—a time of flowers, faith, and deep love for mothers,” said Famoso, who began painting in 2016 when her daughter left for college. “Painting became my therapy, and in many ways, it still is.”
She now uses her work to raise awareness about the country’s endangered plant species and teaches environmental education to children through art. “These species are disappearing, and if I can give them a spotlight through my canvases, then I know I’m doing something right,” she said.
Calling ARTablado “a rare gem,” Famoso said, “It champions Filipino artistry and gives space for real stories to unfold on canvas.”
In Antipolo, All About Her features mother-and-daughter artists Maria Cristina Arroyo and Christelle Arroyo. Their paintings focus on women, family, and nature. “The ‘Her’ in our exhibit title is the artist,” said Maria Cristina. “A woman who has hopes, dreams, inspirations, beliefs, and faith that are all rooted in love.”
of nature
She said she often paints flowers because they were her late daughter Michelle’s favorite subject. Christelle, meanwhile, said her mother was her first teacher in art. “She used to make handmade cards that would be sold in bookstores,” she recalled.
Christelle began painting during therapy sessions with Michelle, who had cancer. “She was supposed to join an exhibit in 2009, but sadly, she did not make it. I joined the exhibit in her place,” she said. “Art became my healing, my voice, my tribute.”
Michelle’s artworks are also included in the exhibit. “That means the world to us,” Maria Cristina said. “We are thankful to Artablado for giving space to artists from all walks of life.”
Since its launch in 2020, ARTablado has supported over 800 artists through exhibitions across the country.
