A look into the luminous world of Katrina Cuenca

Abstract floral art shines in 'Elysian'

By S.C. Fojas

• Katrina Cuenca's 'Elysian' is a glimpse into an artist's personal paradise, a luminous world she built for herself and now, for us.
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Katrina Cuenca’s art, with its graceful, “petal-like abstract figurations,” is a celebration of light and happiness. Yet, as her latest solo exhibit, “Elysian,” opens at Art Lounge Manila, we discover that the seemingly tranquil works are born from a deeply personal journey of healing and resilience.

MEET THE ARTIST Katrina Cuenca

Katrina revealed that her signature style, characterized by “very flowy figures” and bright palettes, began as a way to process grief after the passing of her mother. “I found peace in painting how I wanted to feel,” she shares. “That has been the foundation of my art since it was my tribute to her.” This foundation gives her work a powerful underlying essence that has remained constant even as her style has evolved.

'BRAZEN BLOOMS' 36 inches diameter, oil and purple leaf on canvas, 2025

Her paintings are like portals to a world both remembered and imagined anew. This idea aligns with her mission as an artist. “The intention behind my work is always to give its viewers a feeling of peace and happiness,” she explains. For her, creating happy images is a deliberate act, “a conscious choice to turn my back on all the darkness and negativity from my past, with the goal of protecting my peace moving forward.” This proactive approach to finding and sharing tranquility is what makes her art so compelling.

'CHORUS OF PETALS AND PLAY' 36x48 inches, oil and gold leaf on canvas, 2025

For “Elysian,” Katrina has taken her materials to new heights. The exhibit’s works shimmer with light, partly due to her experiment with glass. “It is a very elegant and interesting material to work with,” she says, noting that it requires “so much patience and respect for the process. This new medium to her works added a layer of luminosity.

'ELYSIAN BLOOMS' 48x48 inches, oil and purple leaf on Canvas, 2025

'WHISPERS OF SERENITY', 48x48 inches, oil and gold leaf on canvas, 2025

A journey of grit and creativity

As a self-taught artist, Katrina’s path to success was not without its challenges. She openly admits that her lack of formal art education was a major insecurity. But this initial disadvantage became her greatest asset. “I had to get creative and create the opportunity for myself instead of waiting for one to come up,” she recalls.

'FRACTUS CAELI' 8x7x4.5 inches, glass sculpture, 2025

This resourcefulness, which she calls “the lessons and grit that I earned while paying my dues,” led to some very unconventional ventures. In 2012, she even paid a gallery ₱3,500 just to show one of her paintings at a major art fair. This determination culminated in a successful group exhibit she and her husband organized in 2016, which included 40 artists and was held at a condominium. “It was my ticket,” she says.

'LUMEN CAPTUM' 10.5x10x5 inches, glass sculpture, 2025

Katrina’s creative process reflects her spontaneous spirit. She doesn’t follow a strict schedule, as “creativity comes in waves.” Instead, she keeps multiple notebooks for ideas and has cabinets filled with various materials, from beads to crystals, that she can play with. “I need days where I do something outside of what I normally make,” she says.

'WINGED EMBRACE' 13x9.5x11 inches, copper sculpture, 2025

Katrina Cuenca’s “Elysian” exhibit offers more than just beautiful paintings. It is a glimpse into an artist’s personal paradise, a luminous world she built for herself and now, for us. It is on view at Art Lounge Manila - Molito Lifestyle Center until Sept. 29, 2025.

Whoever listens to you...

 

By Manila Bulletin

Published Oct 3, 2025 12:05 am

The 72 other disciples—a group other than the Twelve (Apostles)—are sent as Jesus’ “ambassadors.”

They proclaim Jesus’ own message and are empowered by Jesus to teach, to cast out demons, to announce peace to whatever house they enter.

Their message is so important that it spells judgment on the receivers: to welcome it is to experience God’s salvation; to reject spells condemnation, and they will be treated as outsiders.

There is no going around the bush when it comes to the Gospel; there are no “fence-sitters” around it, persons who remain neutral or non-committed on the matter of salvation.

One is either “hot” and accept it gladly, or “cold,” not being interested.

Jesus says, “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters” (Mt 12:30). Whoever does not help Jesus in his mission to gather citizens for the Kingdom of heaven is guilty of scattering them, and stands against the Holy Spirit. Whoever is not inside the boat of the Church that sails through history has to swim on his own to his own peril.

Responsorial Psalm • Ps 79

“For the glory of your name, O Lord, deliver us.”

Gospel • Luke 10:13-16

Jesus said to them, “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida!

For if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would long ago have repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you.

And as for you, Capernaum, ‘Will you be exalted to heaven? You will go down to the netherworld.’ Whoever listens to you listens to me.

Whoever rejects you rejects me. And whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me.”

MinDA pushes accelerated Mindanao dev't

 MAGNO (Keith Bacongco)

By Keith Bacongco

Published Oct 2, 2025 04:36 pm

DAVAO CITY – As many provinces in Mindanao have been declared insurgency free, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Secretary Leo Tereso Magno believes that the time is ripe now for the region to accelerate development efforts amid the gains in the peace process.

Speaking before the delegates of the Mindanao Development Forum 2025 here, Magno emphasized that Mindanao is no longer a land of promise but a land of fulfilled promises.

He added that it’s time now for all stakeholders in the region to harmonize all efforts toward inclusive and sustainable growth.

“Peace comes first before development. With most of the provinces in Mindanao now declared insurgency-free, it is time to push forward with growth and transformation. We are no longer a land of promise, but a land of fulfilled promises,” Magno said during the two-day event that culminated on Thursday, Oct. 2.

Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua also echoed Magno’s statement saying that Mindanao is changing.

“In 2025, we are no longer viewed as a conflict zone or a forgotten frontier. We are a growth engine in motion. Major infrastructure corridors are expanding. Inter-island connectivity is being realized. Agriculture and industry are being revitalized,” Macacua said in his speech before the delegates at Dusit Thani Residences here.

Peace and development, he added, are no longer opposites. “They are interdependent pillars of our shared vision for a better future.”

Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity Secretary Carlito G. Galvez Jr. stressed that peace and development are inseparable.

The country’s peace agenda is a cornerstone of its development strategy, said Galvez. “Peace and development are interconnected and mutually reinforcing. We cannot achieve inclusive growth without first addressing conflict, marginalization, and injustice. Peace and development must always move together,” Galvez said.

Over the years, he added, convergence programs have transformed conflict-affected areas through infrastructure, livelihood support, education, health, and social services.

These interventions did not only address the roots of conflict but also unlock the economic potential of communities, Galvez said.

Cotabato province Gov. Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza assured that the provincial government will work closely with MinDA as it carries out programs for Mindanao.

Mendoza suggested that the Regional Development Councils (RDC) should actively take part in MinDA initiatives to ensure connectivity, sustainability, and continuity of every program.

“Together, we can harmonize our efforts and maximize resources to achieve inclusive and lasting development for Mindanao,” she added.

European Union Ambassador to the Philippines Massimo Santoro affirmed EU’s commitment to Mindanao, particularly the Bangsamoro peace process and the island’s long-term development.

“When it comes to the European Union support, it is articulated in three main lines of action,” Santoro said.

“First, our support to the peace process in full coordination with the central government and local authorities, these are the ingredients for peace. Next, normalization, which means supporting former combatants by introducing them to new economic and business opportunities to abandon their past ways.”

Lastly, he said, development, where “we translate normalization into progressive transformation, so BARMM continuously benefits from our assistance.”

According to MinDA, the EU recently committed 27 million euros to the Partnerships for Peace and Development in Mindanao Programme with MinDA, OPAPRU, and BARMM to strengthen resilience, sustain peace gains, and address conflict’s root causes.

This year's Mindanao Development Forum convened thought leaders, development partners, and changemakers to exchange insights and forge solutions for a stronger, more inclusive Mindanao.

The event was in partnership with the EU and the government of Germany, with support from GIZ Philippines, ADB Philippines, World Bank Philippines, and United Nations-Philippines.

Ornella Brianna: Following her mom's footsteps?

 

By Manila Bulletin Entertainment

Published Oct 2, 2025 12:18 am

Ornella Briana

A Swiss-Filipina rising star in Philippine theater, Ornella Brianna, carries the legacy of her artist mom.

She was born in Hong Kong, and her life has always been surrounded by creativity, culture, and performance. The eldest of three siblings, Ornella grew up watching her mother perform in various events in Hong Kong while taking musical and dance classes at her mother’s own studio. She is the daughter of international stage performer Tricia Canilao, who performed Kim in Miss Saigon (Netherlands) and Gigi and Ellen in Miss Saigon (Asia and UK), and in Hong Kong Disneyland.

She confessed, “I really want to play Kim one day! Miss Saigon is one of my favorite musicals, especially when I got the chance to watch it when it was here in the Philippines, so it’d be great to play Kim.”

Making a name for herself.

When her family moved back from Hong Kong in 2016, Ornella took her very first theater workshop with Repertory Philippines, under the mentorship of Ayam Barredo.

There, she stepped into her first leading role as Ariel in The Little Mermaid. It was an experience that sparked her love for musical theater. Just a year later, she appeared in A Christmas Carol with 9Works Theatrical.

Now, as a teenager, she makes her highly anticipated return to musical theater in Alice in Wonderland. It’s a moment that feels like “coming back home” to the stage that shaped her.

As an artist herself, she doesn't care what kind of roles would be assigned to her.

“I don’t really mind what roles I’m assigned, even if I have my preferences. I see every role as an opportunity to learn and grow.

“Being in the ensemble teaches teamwork and discipline, supporting roles allow me to develop character work, and lead roles challenge me to carry the story with confidence.”

For her, even if she’s not being cast, it teaches resilience and humility.

“I truly believe in the saying, ‘there are no small roles, only small actors’ because theater isn’t just about being in the spotlight, it’s about collaboration and storytelling. Every role, big or small, helps me become a stronger and more versatile artist.”

She’s her mom’s daughter, no matter what.

There is no denying that she looks up to her mother.

“One of the most important things my mom always told me was to give 120 percent in everything I do. She explained that if I only give 100 percent and I fall short, I might end up at 80 percent or 90 percent. But if I push for 120 percent, then even on the days I don’t feel at my best, I’ll still be giving 100 percent.”

“Another piece of advice she gave me was that talent isn’t the only thing that matters. What’s just as important is being a good person, because people will only want to work with you if you’re kind and respectful.

“I’ve always admired her as an artist because when she performs, she has the ability to capture the attention of an entire room. I only had the chance to see her perform a handful of times since most of her shows were either before I was born or when I was too young to remember, but the moments I did witness, and especially the times I was able to perform alongside her, showed me how kind, cooperative, and inspiring she is to work with.

“As a mother, she has always been supportive of me and my brothers, doing anything she can to help us achieve our dreams. She is the strongest and most caring person I know, which is why I look up to her so much.”

“At the same time, she has never wanted me to simply become a ‘mini her,’ especially when it comes to performing. She always told me that she tries not to interfere with my voice or acting, so that I wouldn’t just copy her, but instead grow into my own kind of artist.”

She knows what she wants as an individual.

Although Ornella is Tricia’s daughter, Tricia consistently encourages her to be independent.

With her mother’s legacy as inspiration and her own fearless determination as fuel, Ornella Brianna is stepping into her own spotlight — not as someone’s daughter, but as an emerging artist boldly carving her own path.

Ornella is a determined individual who confidently pursues her own path. She is a singer, dancer, and actor, and has also excelled as a competitive ice skater, earning gold medals in the Philippines and internationally.

Her creativity extends to drawing and painting, but she feels most inspired by musical theater.

Besides Kim, she has many dream roles such as Maggie or Connie in A Chorus Line, Sally Bowles in Cabaret, Eurydice in Hadestown, Cinderella or the Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods, Belle in Beauty and the Beast, Elphaba in Wicked, and even Angelica or really any role from Hamilton.

As a teenager who dreams of finding a space in a competitive world of theater, she’s mature enough to provide a sound advice for aspiring theater artists, “Stay open to every opportunity, never stop working hard, and remember that each experience, whether it feels like a success or a setback, can teach you something valuable that will help you grow both as a performer and as a person.”

Catch her in Repertory Philippines’ production as Tweedledee, which opened on Aug. 23 till Dec. 14 at Rep Eastwood Theater.

In the production, she has a partner named Tweedledum; their characters are from the English nursery rhyme "Tweedledee and Tweedledum" and Lewis Carroll's 1871 book Through the Looking-Glass, and What Alice Found There. The names have since become synonymous in Western popular culture slang for any two people whose appearances and actions are identical. (Contributed by Jude Cartalaba)

15 Urlauber wurden bereits angegriffen: Urlaubsperle warnt vor gefährlichem Virus

Stand:02.10.2025, 18:16 Uhr

Von: Julian Mayr  

Bali gehört zu den indonesischen Regionen mit einer hohen Tollwutinzidenz. Große Impfkampagnen sollen helfen, der Ausbreitung des Virus Herr zu werden. © Anggoro Dendy/Imago

Auf der indonesischen Insel Bali häufen sich Fälle von Tollwut. Verantwortlich für die Verbreitung sind insbesondere streunende Hunde.

Tabanan – Viele Urlauber dürften auf ihren Reisen bereits mit streunenden Katzen oder Hunden Bekanntschaft gemacht haben. Nicht nur recht nahe Urlaubsziele wie Griechenland, Marokko oder Italien beherbergen zahllose streunende Haustiere, auch auf Bali stellen Straßenhunde ein zunehmendes Problem dar.     Am Gunung Batukaru soll nun ein einzelner tollwütiger Hund 15 Touristen auf den beliebten Wanderwegen der Region attackiert haben. Doch es ist laut The Jakarta Post nur einer von vielen: Bali gehört demnach zu den Regionen Indonesiens mit einer hohen Tollwutinzidenz. Auf der beliebten Urlaubsinsel werden täglich durchschnittlich 183 Tierbisse von potenziellen Tollwutüberträgern gemeldet.   

Nach Attacke eines tollwütigen Hundes auf Bali: Experte warnt vor fatalem Touri-Fehlverhalten

Der erschreckende Vorfall ereignete sich am 21. September 2025 im Wandergebiet des Gunung Batukaru im Regierungsbezirk Tabanan, im Süden der Insel, wie unter anderem der britische Independent berichtete. Das aggressive Tier biss die betroffenen Personen hauptsächlich an den Füßen. Alle Opfer erhielten sofort medizinische Behandlung, einschließlich Wundreinigung und Tollwut-Impfungen. Aus gutem Grund.

Laboruntersuchungen bestätigten den Verdacht: Das streunende Tier war mit dem Tollwut-Virus infiziert. Die örtlichen Behörden konnten den Hund einfangen und einschläfern. Als Reaktion auf den Zwischenfall startete die Tabanan Agriculture Agency eine Notfall-Impfkampagne. Gede Eka Parta Ariana, Leiter der Abteilung für Viehzucht und Tiergesundheit, berichtet der Jakarta Post: „Mindestens neun streunende Hunde in der Umgebung wurden gerettet und von einem Team einer lokalen Nichtregierungsorganisation in ein Tierheim gebracht.“   

14 Dinge, die eine Hundetrainerin niemals tun würde: „Kann den Hund gefährden“

Fotostrecke ansehen

Rund 500 Hunde – sowohl streunende als auch Haustiere – seien bereits geimpft worden. Die Kampagne konzentriert sich auf „rote Zonen“, die als Hochrisikogebiete für Tollwut-Übertragung identifiziert wurden. „Diese Massenimpfung ist eine gemeinsame Vorsichtsmaßnahme. Das Ziel ist es, die potenzielle Ausbreitung von Tollwut zu verhindern und die Gemeinschaft zu schützen“, erklärte der Experte und warnte sogleich davor, Essensreste am Wegesrand zurückzulassen. Dies hätte zur Zunahme der Streunerpopulation in der Gegend beigetragen.   

Davao City to send rescue teams to quake-hit Cebu

 

By Keith Bacongco

DAVAO CITY – The city government is preparing teams to assist in the rescue efforts in the earthquake-affected areas of northern Cebu province.

In a statement, the City Information Office (CIO) said the city government is coordinating with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and Cebu Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) to determine the needs in disaster-hit areas.

“Yes, we will send help to Cebu,” the CIO said. “While ground assessments are ongoing, Davao City 911 Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams, along with our medical teams and psychosocial workers, are now ready to be deployed. We are also preparing food items for the affected areas,” it added.

City emergency and disaster response units are on standby for deployment as soon as coordination with Cebu authorities is completed, the CIO added.

The city government has been sending different forms of assistance to disaster-hit areas in different parts of the country.

The city’s 911 USAR is equipped with among the most advanced emergency response equipment in the country.

Meanwhile, Sultan Kudarat province Gov. Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu has extended his solidarity with people of Cebu following the magnitude-6.9 earthquake.

“We especially convey our solidarity with Gov. Pam Baricuatro as she leads her people through this time of great sorrow and challenge. We recognize the immense burden placed upon Cebu’s communities and leadership, yet we believe that with unity, courage, and faith, Cebu will rise again,” Mangudadatu said.

He added that the people of Sultan Kudarat grieve with the families who have lost loved ones, including those who were injured and displaced. “Please remember that Sultan Kudarat is with you in prayers, in spirit, and in support.”

PHIVOLCS also reports 2,461 aftershocks, including a magnitude 5 tremor felt last night.

 The death toll has now climbed to 72, with nearly 300 injured, according to the NDRRMC. PHIVOLCS also reports 2,461 aftershocks, including a magnitude 5 tremor felt last night.

Let’s continue keeping Cebu in our thoughts and hope every family stays safe in the days ahead.

: Aldo Banaynal/The Freeman, Mark James Rocamora Kapalac

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