Best friends Glendy Dalapag and Mecy Pacuribot are two of the most talented young ladies I’ve had the pleasure of working with last year. They were in my theater class under the Arts & Design track of Liceo de Cagayan University – Paseo del Rio. Whenever I asked the class to come up with creative visual interpretations, theirs were two of the works that always stood out. I knew the first time I saw their art that they’d go places someday.
Today, I’m dedicating this spot in my blog to these two young ladies who have managed to make the most of a challenging phase in their lives. Instead of looking at the current global crisis as a hindrance, Glendy & Maecy found ways to strive and survive using their art. Instead of moping around and complaining about the harsh realities of the pandemic, they chose to stand up and do something worthwhile.
Glendy & Maecy decided to start accepting commissions for various artwork several months ago. It wasn’t easy at first, but they eventually managed to attract a lot of customers (myself included!). Now, they’ve built quite a market for their works.
Since this is a Christmas special, I decided to ask the two ladies to create original holiday-related characters. I actually asked them to come up with as many characters as they can, but since they’re both busy with online classes, we decided on two for each. Here are their masterpieces:
Glendy’s:
Maecy’s:
Inspired by Mama Mary and Maria Clara.
The dress combines the Christmas hat and the Maria Clara dress.
The Ice Prince loves to skate and dance on ice.
Let’s get to know the two artists first before I show you some of their other works. I asked Glendy and Maecy to answer several questions that’ll help us get to know them better.
1. How were you as a child? Were you already painting or into the arts?
My interest in arts started when I was a year old (yes, that young!). My mother and guardians noticed this when I began taking my mother’s markers, pens, and pencils then started scribbling on paper. When I was 3, I was able to copy cartoon characters from my favorite shows and even created my own characters based on a particular show.
2. Did you always want to be an artist?
Yes and no. As a child, I have never met another artist or had an idol who’s an artist. I thought I was different and no one else did the things I do. I didn’t know anything about the word “art” or “artist”. I just knew the word “drawing”. I learned about art and other artists when I was in fourth grade. Since then, I dreamed of becoming one (an artist).
3. What (and when) was your first major art project? The one that first put you in the spotlight?
The first major art project that put me in the spotlight was the one I had as an amateur artist in fourth grade. It was my first ever poster making contest and first award as a poster maker. It was the time I proved myself to those who didn’t believe in what I am capable of, as an artist.
4. What’s your favorite/What are your favorite works?
My favorite works are the ones I made when I had emotional breakdowns. Because whenever I see those pieces, they remind me of how much emotion I poured onto those canvases and how much I’ve grown as I learned from that problem.
5. What is your dream project?
My dream project is to be able to create an animated movie that reflects the story of many individuals and to be able to open the eyes and heart of those who are mentally and emotionally closed. I also want to create the first-ever pure Filipino Disney princess (A native princess).
6. Who is Glendy the person (not the artist)?
Glendy is a fighter and a dreamer. She is stubborn, but only when something or someone is trying to stop her from reaching her dreams. No matter how hard things may get, and no matter how many tears she shed, she’ll always try to find another way to get to the thing she wants even if she seems to have given up.
7. Aside from painting, what else do you like to do? Any hobbies? Sports?
Sometimes, I sing and write my own songs. I have at least 7 unfinished songs that were heard by only one person. I also write stories whenever inspiration strikes.
8. Who are the artists you look up to?
There is no specific artist that I look up to when it comes to skill and talent because there are too many artists around the globe and that I can see over the Internet. But when it comes to an artist’s character, I look up to my best friend, Maecy Pacuribot. Because I saw that all of her artworks are made by heart. I saw her determination to learn more, and her ever-humble attitude. She supports other artists, whether they be professionals or amateurs. And even if she’s in a state where her problems are kicking in, she still manages to look on to the bright and use her talent to help those in need.
9. Do you follow a routine when you paint? What about specific brands or items you prefer to use?
No. I am the type of artist who wants to maintain her style but still want to try new things and explore. So I tend to change techniques, mediums, and brands. And because of this, I have discovered a lot of ways to paint, including styles and texture.
10. How are you coping with the COVID-19 new normal?
During the pandemic, I discovered new things about art and other artists. I met several fellow artists online and have tried new things digitally. So far, I think I have grown a lot in this new normal even though things are all digital.
To fight stress, I usually paint outdoors. Like in our balcony, or in our garden.
11. What are your plans post-COVID-19? Any current or upcoming projects? An exhibit, perhaps?
I’m planning on creating short animated films and publishing a webcomic on Webtoon.
12. What message would you like to impart to aspiring artists, especially in these difficult times?
In this new normal, people are most often stuck in their homes, so to those aspiring artists, don’t be depressed about your lack of physical interaction with your old friends. Use your time to try new things, learn, and improve yourself. Try interacting with your friends and families online, and create new ones. Maybe they can help you cope and grow in these difficult times. And then try applying everything that you’ve learned to see how far you’ve gone. You can also help your parents financially by accepting commissions online or applying to social media websites for artists.
Here are some of Glendy’s other works, including information about how you can hire her creative services – probably for a gift for your loved one, perhaps?
1. How were you as a child? Were you already painting or into the arts?
Yes, as a child I drew on my notebooks for fun and I enjoyed watching movies and art tutorials. I was easily attracted to the beauty of art.
2. Did you always want to be an artist?
Yes. Since I kept drawing, I learned to develop a passion for art and decided I would pursue it as my future career.
3. What (and when) was your first major art project? The one that first put you in the spotlight?
My first major art project just started recently, a huge painting commission requested by my client and friend in the U.S. that would be worth more than $100.
However, the first artwork that brought me into the spotlight was my 2018 postermaking piece for Go4Health by DepEd
4. What’s your favorite/What are your favorite works?
I love all my works, even the poorly drawn & painted ones because they show how much I progressed and improved over time.
5. What is your dream project?
My dream project/s is that I could still be able to produce more artworks in the future and hopefully inspire other people and artists. Just like how Glendy inspires me.
6. Who is Maecy the person (not the artist)?
Maecy is a reserved and kind person. She is compassionate. She is also hard-working and an independent student, daughter, and sister.
7. Aside from painting, what else do you like to do? Any hobbies? Sports?
I used to join Taekwondo classes and even got promoted to a blue-belter. I also enjoy baking bread and pastries for my family in my free time. I recently learned to love roller skating.
8. Who are the artists you look up to?
I look up to Glendy. I love her artworks and her passionate spirit of creating art. She is one of my inspirations, one of the reasons why I decided to continue creating art again.
9. Do you follow a routine when you paint? What about specific brands or items you prefer to use?
Yes, I would do a 30-min exercise before I start painting so that I would be more productive. I mainly use acrylic paint. The brands I like to use is Art Ranger because it is a bit watery compared to normal acrylic paint. It’s also more vibrant. I bought it from Shopee at an affordable price.
10. How are you coping with the COVID-19 new normal?
Honestly, I am not coping so well, but art helps me survive the fact that I can’t see my twin sister.
11. What are your plans post-COVID-19? Any current or upcoming projects? An exhibit, perhaps?
I recently joined a fundraising group called Art for a Cause so that I would be able to help the Typhoon Ulysses victims in Luzon. I am currently busy with commissions that would help raise more funds for the victims.
12. What message would you like to impart to aspiring artists, especially in these difficult times?
Follow safety protocols. Always stay safe and don’t lose hope! Better days are coming soon! Make use of the pandemic to spend time with your family or try new skills. Keep creating art and keep progressing! Remember, you are an amazing artist!
Check out some of Maecy’s other works as well as information about her offer for commissions. Maybe you’d like to give your loved one a beautiful, meaningful work of art this Christmas?
If you still haven’t decided what to give your friends and loved ones for Christmas, why not try something new and unique? Have Glendy and Maecy create visual masterpieces that you can hand out as gifts.
As for aspiring young artists, take your cue from Glendy and Maecy. Use your art for your good and survival. Use it to reach out and help others. Use your creative skills to inspire others. Strive and survive.