Abe Orobia introduces next-gen creatives in

Abe Orobia introduces next-gen creatives in | Daily Tribune

As a teacher, Orobia has always reminded his students that to grow their garden, they must nurture it with passion, discipline, and hard work.

“They must be patient and diligent,” he said. “They must plant it gently and with a vision as a seed within their minds and hearts so it will become a sprout and then a plant and then a tree that will eventually bear fruit.”

Orobia stressed the task and responsibility are up to the young artists. Akin to a fire, they must gently pan the embers in their hearts to keep them burning.

“An art career is a slow grind and a marathon of sorts; therefore, one must be consistent and dedicated,” he added. “I am simply a guide, so as my fellow mentors who help in this advocacy.”

“Oubaitori means ‘we grow and bloom at our own pace’ and yet for me, it also meant that we can grow together by nurturing and inspiring each other,” he shared.

As the adviser of Artelier, he expounded that it is more than just a platform to showcase their artistic identities, the two initiatives allowed the young artists to utilize their craft to tackle current and important issues such as mental health and environmental protection.

“These exhibitions aimed not only to involve them in professional practice but also for their narratives to be heard with the possibility of inspiring fellow creatives and the general public,” he shared.

Beyond his artistic practice, he is an educator, curator, and cultural advocate. He currently teaches at Benilde under the Fine Arts Culture-Based Arts Program. He has served as a lecturer at the University of Santo Tomas from 2008 to 2012 and has likewise conducted workshops at the Ayala Museum as well as led art classes for the indigenous youth across the Philippines.

Orobia has held notable solo exhibitions, including Images of Our Nation (2021) at the National Commission for Culture and the Arts Gallery, Unconquerable (Turn! Turn! Turn!) (2023) at the Pinto Art Museum, and Spirit of the Wild (2025) at the World Art Dubai.

His recognitions include the Araw ng Makati Award (1991), the Parangal ng Bayan at Malacañang Palace (1995), and the Bisig ng Kabataan Outstanding Filipino Achievers for Arts and Culture Award (1999). He was named a TOYM (The Outstanding Young Men) honoree for education, arts, and culture in 2021.