This is a tale of two artists who use walls as their canvas. 

Aris Bagtas (above), a native of Obando, draws inspiration from the rich culture of Bulacan. His folkloric and ecclesiastical paintings adorn the walls and ceilings of renowned churches and basilicas throughout his home province. 

TellOne, a street artist, was released from the police station only after his mother arrived, following his arrest for painting a wall in Taguig. He hasn’t engaged in street art since that incident, but is certain he will return to it eventually. Meanwhile, the culinary student, whose specialty is Sinigang na Salmon Belly, now accepts private commissions.

#ProjectLarawan. Profiles of the Filipino. One portrait at a time.

Project Larawan is an initiative of Gabriel “Gabby” Malvar, a documentary filmmaker, writer and photographer, whose narratives are nuanced with unique, inventive perspectives to provoke an inquisitive look at his favorite subject, the Philippines. Become a part of Filipino identity every other Saturday on the DAILY TRIBUNE.