For many Filipinos, pursuing art as a primary career is a risk. But through the Angat Sining fellowship, Hana Andrea D. Abueva realized that it was a risk she was willing to take.
Prior to being selected for Angat Sining, a career in fine arts was never a serious consideration for Hana; it seemed like an impractical choice after years of education focusing on STEM, which promised more stability. Art had always just been a hobby Hana dabbled in on the side – however, everything changed when she became part of Angat Sining’s first Visual Arts cohort.
Launched in 2023, Angat Sining is a pioneering fellowship in partnership with the Metrobank Foundation, Inc. and the Ateneo de Manila Fine Arts Department that aims to nurture the next generation of Filipino artists. The transformative program brought together twelve exceptionally talented young artists from across the Philippines for intensive mentorship and artistic development under some of the country’s most renowned visual artists, such as National Artist BenCab, Mark Justiniani, Toym Imao, AG Saño, Ang Ilustrador ng Kabataan, Fotobaryo, and the Mighty Bhutens.
Hana’s participation in Angat Sining’s first cohort of Visual Arts fellows gave her the confidence to pursue fine arts.
She fondly recalls her first Angat Sining session – it was amidst the sharing and critique of each other’s artworks that she realized that she flourished in these thoughtful artistic discussions. The Angat Sining fellowship provided opportunities for the fellows to refine their artistic techniques, culminating in powerful works that explored themes of Filipino heritage and social justice.
For Hana, Angat Sining wasn’t just about personal growth; it was about recognizing the larger role of art in Filipino identity. “Because of Angat Sining, I realized that creativity is deeply ingrained in our culture – it’s who we are as Filipinos. From our traditions to the way we express ourselves, art has always been part of our identity,” Hana shares. To her, art is a bridge that connects past, present, and future: “It’s just right that more young people pursue the arts, not only to preserve our heritage, but also to push creative expression forward in new and meaningful ways” – a path that she is now forging for herself in her product design studies, where she aims to create works that push boundaries, raise awareness, and inspire others to engage in meaningful conversations.
When asked about advice she had to offer for others who were also hesitant to follow their creative passions, “Always remember your whys—those core reasons that drive you to create—and let them be the foundation when navigating life. The journey may not always be easy, but it’s the willingness to take that leap and stay true to your purpose that will lead you to something meaningful.”
Hana Andrea D. Abueva is a 19-year-old artist from Cagayan de Oro City, currently pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts major in Product Design at the University of the Philippines Cebu. Working primarily with mixed media, she creates portraits and abstract paintings that are deeply influenced by her personal relationships, expressing the love and gratitude she feels towards those who have shaped her life.
What is Angat Sining?
The Angat Sining fellowship was launched in July 2023 in partnership with the Metrobank Foundation, Inc. and the Ateneo de Manila Fine Arts Department. The program brought together 12 exceptionally talented fellows aged 15 to 17 years old from all over the Philippines to form the first Visual Arts cohort and provided them mentorship opportunities with renowned Filipino visual artists, including National Artist BenCab, Mark Justiniani, Toym Imao, AG Saño, Ang Ilustrador ng Kabataan, Fotobaryo, and The Mighty Bhutens. The program culminated with the fellows showcasing their works, testaments to the power of mentorship, collaboration, and a shared commitment to elevating the voices of young Filipino artists in shaping the Philippine arts scene.
To know more about the fellows, check here: www.facebook.com/share/p/1DNRKvhoQN/
