Among the rich tapestry of stories, the folklore of Mount Makiling stands as one of the most cherished in Laguna, resonating deeply with local artists and communities alike. At its core lies the tale of Maria Makiling, a benevolent guardian goddess of the rainforest, whose beauty and kindness are matched only by her fierce protection of those who honor and respect the mountain's inhabitants.

However, beyond its mythical allure, Mount Makiling serves as a sanctuary for young creative minds of the Philippine High School for the Arts. Nestled within its verdant embrace, students find themselves immersed in an environment that nurtures not only their artistic talents but also their individual and collective growth.

The collective discourse that emerges from these artistic endeavors serves as a crucible for diverse perspectives and ideas, sparking a myriad of interpretations and visual representations. Thus, the exhibit, Makiling Mythos, becomes a celebration of the unique experiences and artistic expressions of the visual arts graduates from the PHSA. The exhibition features the works of Keith Paras, Mark Cosico, Jualim D. Vela, Reymar Gacutan, Janno Gonzales, Rudolf Barredo, Luce Domini F. Melegrito, Gerardo Leonardo, Nina Ricci Alagao-Flores and Juanito Torres.

It is within this crucible that the essence of the Makiling folklore finds new life, as each artist endeavors to imbue their work with personal meaning and interpretation. Through their creative expressions, they embark on a journey of self-discovery, reimagining age-old narratives to illuminate the pathways toward artistic enlightenment and the pursuit of individual identity. Each artwork becomes a testament to the enduring power of myth, as it transcends time and space to inspire generations of artists and seekers alike on their quest for truth and meaning.

Makiling Mythos runs from 24 February to 16 March at Altro Mondo Creative Space, located at 1159 Chino Roces Avenue, San Antonio, Makati City. It is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 632-7501-3270 or visit altromondo.ph.