"Ligaya" means "Joy" in Tagalog. Who doesn't need more joy in their life right now? Life has just become a lot more challenging for a significant portion of the population (people of color, women, the LGBTQ+ community, the undocumented, veterans, the poor, etc.). I was devastated eight years ago, and I felt the same way last November 2024. However, unlike the first time around, I snapped out of the misery faster. I asked myself: what is a better way to fight the fight than to be happy and optimistic? I'm not in denial or anything. I know these next four years are going to be extremely tough. But we’ve been through this before, though, so why not respond with a smile this time? Given the opportunity to exhibit at Cambridge Street Gallery again, I decided to paint what truly puts a smile on my face: cats (my obsession), robots, my favorite foods, vinyl records, books, cardigan sweaters, traveling, my marriage, painting, and anything Filipino. I created a space for me to escape the chaos, take a break from the insanity and to experience maximum joy. I hope you feel the same when you enter my domain--no matter where you fall on the political spectrum. Because we all need "Ligaya!"
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