Written by: Jeremiah Macalla | February 10, 2025
Ayala Malls in Legazpi City transformed into a vibrant space of creativity and inspiration during Arts Month 2025, hosting the Human Easel event on February 8. This global celebration brought together artists and art enthusiasts, highlighting the extraordinary talent of Bicolanos and honoring the Arts Month celebration. From traditional paintings and sculptures to innovative bag paintings and works crafted from recycled materials, the event captured the diversity and boundless creativity of artistic expression.
At the heart of this celebration was Rebecca Co, a dedicated member of the Albay Art Foundation, Sining Bicol, and the Kintab Artist Group. With a vision to elevate Bicolano artistry, Rebecca spearheaded the Human Easel event in Legazpi City. “I plan to bring the Human Easel here in Legazpi and gain participants from Albay. I want to celebrate Arts Month in the very simplest way, to showcase the artistry of Bicolanos and also empower them,” she shared.
Rebecca’s passion for art goes beyond this event. She envisions expanding the celebration in the coming years, inviting artists not just from Legazpi but from across the Bicol region. “Since this is happening yearly, I’m planning to maximize and invite artists from any part of Bicol,” she added. Her plans don’t stop there—she aims to organize more art-related events throughout the year, ensuring that the creative spirit continues to thrive in the region.
Another heartwarming story came from Troy Chris Carretas, a 45-year-old artist who painted a canvas depicting fishermen, a tribute to the hardworking locals of the region. Alongside him was his 11-year-old daughter, Ashley, who created a vibrant self-portrait on a velum board using pen markers. “I think this event is unique, so I tried to join along with my daughter,” Troy shared, highlighting the event’s ability to bring generations together through art.
Troy Chris Carretas
What made the Human Easel event truly special was its global reach. While Legazpi City served as one of the many hubs for this celebration, similar events were happening simultaneously across the world. This global connection underscored the universal power of art to inspire, unite, and empower.
The event also emphasized sustainability and innovation, with artists using recycled materials to create their masterpieces. From bag paintings to sculptures made from repurposed items, the Human Easel proved that art can be both beautiful and environmentally conscious.
As the sun set on the Human Easel event, the excitement for next year’s celebration was already brewing. Rebecca Co expressed her commitment to making the event even bigger and better in 2026. “I plan to make this happen again next year in Legazpi,” she said, adding that she is already brainstorming new ways to engage the community and promote Bicolano artistry.
The Human Easel was more than just an art exhibit—it was a celebration of identity, creativity, and community. It reminded everyone that art is not confined to galleries or museums; it is alive in the hands of everyday people, from seasoned artists to young talents. As Legazpi City Continues to embrace its role as cultural city, events like human Easel ensure that the spirit of art will continue to flourish to generations to come.
The Human Easel event was a melting pot of artistic mediums, from traditional paintings and charcoal sketches to sculptures and pen drawings. One of the standout participants was Ronald Benganal, a 48-year-old artist from Tabaco, Albay. Ronald brought his painting titled “Pangilaw,” which depicts teens using a lamp to catch fish in the river—a nostalgic nod to his childhood. Having been an artist since 1993, Ronald saw the event as an opportunity to shine. “Sabi ko, ayos to ah. Sige nga, sali ako para naman mai-showcase ko yung talent ko,” he said with a smile.
Ronald Benganal