Mangyan Princess: Occidental Mindoro pride in Sweden

Raised in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro in the Philippines, Dianne Lane Co-Tvärne never expected to live a life thousands of miles away from her birth country. She now thrives in Strängnäs, Sweden — where she relocated for love! — under the moniker Mangyan Princess to honor her roots.

“Growing up, our house was often a gathering place for my cousins and friends. I was fortunate to be surrounded by a very creative family. In fact, almost everyone in our clan knows how to draw, sing, or dance! I can sing, act and create art, but just don’t make me dance!” she laughs.

She followed her creative calling all the way to higher education. “I pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Arts at De La Salle College of Saint Benilde in Manila, where I graduated with an honorable mention. I was also a member of Dulaang Filipino, the college’s theatre organization. I even auditioned for Coro San Benildo, the campus choir, and was accepted, although I decided not to pursue it,” she confided in an exclusive interview with DAILY TRIBUNE.

Currently, she lovingly creates BOKESHI Dolls, figures constructed from glass bottles transformed into art dolls. She is set to be part of the ARTe Group Exhibition organized by the Filipino Artists Association of Sweden (FAAS), at Galleri Bellman in Stockholm in November.

Let’s listen to more of her story: On a life of art

“My grandmother was my very first art teacher; I just love calling her that!

“One of my earliest memories was during a rainy day, when my grandmother brought out some colored pencils and started drawing these beautiful, intricate flowers... I can still picture myself watching her sketch, completely fascinated, until I eventually picked up my own pencil and tried copying her flowers.”

On the name Mangyan Princess

“The name Mangyan Princess is connected to my roots in Occidental Mindoro, which is also home to the indigenous people.

“I remember back in college, one classmate’s initial reaction the moment she found out I grew up in Occidental Mindoro was ‘so may buntot ka (so, you have a tail)?”

“It was a remark based on a stereotype, but rather than feeling ashamed of where I came from, it made me even more determined to be proud of my island.

“As for the Princess, it is a nickname my parents and loved ones have called me since I was little. You could say these words give me a sense of home and comfort.

“I also have a dear friend to thank for putting those two words together! Back in college, we were working on a music video when he casually called me “Mangyan Princess.” I liked it so much I held on to it!

“Although I’m not Mangyan myself, the name reminds me of where I grew up and the people and experiences which shaped me.”

On how she met her husband

“My husband, who is Swedish with Malaysian Chinese heritage, and I actually met on Twitter, now known as X!

“In 2009 or 2010, I published a Photoshop tutorial online. One of my followers suggested I tag a stock photography company on Twitter, so I did. Little did I know this simple interaction would eventually change my life!

“The person behind the stock photography company’s Twitter account turned out to be my future husband! The next thing I knew, I was spending hours exchanging endless tweets with someone whose profile picture was nothing more than a company logo!”

On moving to Sweden for love

“What started as casual online conversations eventually turned into a long-distance relationship which lasted five years… Eventually, we reached a point where we knew we couldn’t keep living so far apart. We had to make a decision about our future together… and in the end, I agreed to move to Sweden.”

On BOKESHI Dolls

“The name Bokeshi comes from combining the words ‘bottle’ and ‘Kokeshi,’ the traditional Japanese wooden doll.

“When I first started transforming glass bottles into art dolls back in 2017, it was simply because I wanted to express myself and create something with my hands. Producing something for myself became a source of comfort.

“As for how I developed my approach of combining different techniques, the use of beadwork, embroidery, textile art, clay sculpting, and even candle wax, into a single sculpture, the answer is that it was never something I consciously planned. It developed naturally from my curiosity about materials and my desire to explore what each one could contribute.”

On the ARTe Exhibit

“I will be presenting some of my latest Bokeshi Dolls from my Becoming Series, which explores self-discovery, transformation, and the courage to grow.

“What makes this exhibition especially meaningful is the opportunity to exhibit alongside fellow Filipino artists based in Sweden. It is wonderful to be part of a community which celebrates Filipino ingenuity beyond our home country.”

On the Swedish arts scene

“From what I’ve experienced here, art and culture are very much part of everyday life. What I particularly love is that you don’t necessarily have to visit a museum to experience art here. Even in smaller towns, you’ll come across public sculptures and art installations. A wonderful example is Stockholm’s metro system, often called the world’s longest art gallery, where 94 out of 100 stations feature artworks, including sculptures, mosaics, paintings, and installations.”

On most meaningful artwork

“One of my most meaningful works is Unbound, a mixed-media sculpture using glass bottles, candle wax, and glass beads. It suggests freeing yourself from something that defined, restricted, or contained you. It’s a process of breaking free from something that no longer allows us to grow.”

On recent triumphs

“I’m happy to share my BOKESHI sculpture, Bloom From Within, will be presented at Red Dot Miami this December. It received an Honorable Mention in Earthbound 2026: Art Inspired by Nature, an international juried art competition.”

On future plans

“I’m currently excited about is developing a collection of bags and accessories using some of the materials and techniques I already incorporate into my Bokeshi Dolls, such as beadwork, embroidery, and textile art. The concept is still in development, but I’m hoping to launch it soon!

“I’m also actively applying to art exhibition open calls and competitions. I see these as opportunities to challenge myself, gain experience, and share my work with a wider audience.

“One of my upcoming milestones is Red Dot Miami, an international contemporary art fair in Florida this December, where my Bokeshi will be presented through Galerie Helligkeit, the Germany-based gallery representing my work.”

On success

“I don’t really see my story as a success story, at least not yet. I see it as a journey toward a dream I still currently pursue. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve received, but I know there’s still so much I want to explore, learn, and accomplish.

“In a way, I see life much like the discarded glass bottles I transform into Bokeshi Dolls. Just because something has served its original purpose doesn’t mean its possibilities have been exhausted.

“My story isn’t about ‘I’ve already made it.’ It’s about ‘I’m still going for it.’”