The Order of Malta is a lay religious Catholic order with a thousand-year long history dating back to the Crusades. It has remained true to its centuries old mission of service to the poor, the vulnerable and the sick through its programs and projects in 120 countries. It has been present locally through its Philippine association since 1957. The Philippine Association of the Sovereign Order of Malta, Inc., commonly known as the Order of Malta Philippines, has been fulfilling its mission by providing continued service through its integrated feeding programs, regular visitations to the elderly, the maintenance of a free community clinic, the training and information dissemination on the prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV-AIDS, as well as disaster response and recovery projects during the aftermath of destructive natural calamities. To sustain its numerous activities, the Order of Malta Philippines and the Philippine Hospitaller Foundation of the Philippines, Inc. have partnered with a group of gifted individuals in creating a fundraising art exhibit entitled Visions of Grace, the blending of art and compassion. This exhibition showcases the talents of artists whose works span diverse styles of creativity ranging from abstraction, realism, and impressionism. To be composed of around 40 artworks, each piece reflects a unique vision of grace. The paintings are a reminder of the spirit of compassion that can be found in images of nature and everyday life, from quiet landscapes to vibrant still life and meditative spiritual imagery. Presented in support of the hospitaller works of the Order of Malta Philippines, the artists give of themselves in each brushstroke made, proving that beauty and generosity can share the same canvas.
Carolina Ocampo-Llanillo is an accomplished classical traditional Chinese brush painter, mentored in the Lingnan style by Master Hau Chiok of China and the Philippines from 1981. In the spring of 1985, Carol took a break from her Chinese brush lessons and sojourned in Florence, Italy to study art at the Scuola San Lorenzo under Prof. Pat
Carolina Ocampo-Llanillo is an accomplished classical traditional Chinese brush painter, mentored in the Lingnan style by Master Hau Chiok of China and the Philippines from 1981. In the spring of 1985, Carol took a break from her Chinese brush lessons and sojourned in Florence, Italy to study art at the Scuola San Lorenzo under Prof. Patrick Hamilton. Lessons centered mostly nude drawings in charcoal & pastel with the occasional instruction to draw anything that came to her mind. In 2015, Carol developed a fascination for portrait painting in oil, producing portraits of the first 16 Presidents in addition to the portraits of a few close friends. Today, she continues to produce portraits on commission basis, further honing her skill in the art with the encouragement & able guidance of Maestro Fidel M. Sarmiento. Carol has had eleven solo exhibits, here and abroad. She has also participated in multiple group exhibits. Recently, Carol turned to abstract painting in the impasto technique. For this as well as for her “girl” paintings, portraits and figures, oil has become her favorite medium.
Conchitina Sevilla-Bernardo is a Filipino painter who developed her practice later in life, embracing painting as a sustained and expressive pursuit rooted in attentiveness and care.
Working primarily in acrylic together with graphite and charcoal, her works are often distinguished by the use of gilding (gold leaf) to introduce light, sym
Conchitina Sevilla-Bernardo is a Filipino painter who developed her practice later in life, embracing painting as a sustained and expressive pursuit rooted in attentiveness and care.
Working primarily in acrylic together with graphite and charcoal, her works are often distinguished by the use of gilding (gold leaf) to introduce light, symbolism, and quiet richness to the painted surface. She is especially drawn to painting fawns, a recurring subject that evokes gentleness, innocence, and a contemplative relationship with nature. Her spiritual grounding is rooted in Psalm 42, which informs her understanding of faith as longing, attentiveness, and quiet trust.
This orientation toward vulnerability and seeking continues to shape her approach to painting across subjects and materials. Rather than narrative depiction, her imagery favors stillness and symbolic resonance
Bernardo has participated in the GSIS National Art Competition and was a finalist in Sining Filipina in 2025, and has presented her work in solo and group exhibitions. Her practice reflects patience, reverence for detail, and a quiet commitment to beauty.
From finance to fine art aptly describes the journey of Ed Ramos. A seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience as a bank trader, Ed found his artistic calling later in life. What began as a casual hobby in 2015 soon blossomed into a deep passion for painting. Over the years, Ed has explored various genres, with his works rang
From finance to fine art aptly describes the journey of Ed Ramos. A seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience as a bank trader, Ed found his artistic calling later in life. What began as a casual hobby in 2015 soon blossomed into a deep passion for painting. Over the years, Ed has explored various genres, with his works ranging from serene landscapes to intricate portraits and detailed still-life compositions. Recently, Ed has ventured into the realm of abstract painting, discovering it to be both intriguing and challenging—a compelling new frontier in his artistic journey. He further enriched his practice by attending a workshop at Galvez Atelier, where he earned a Certificate in Textures and Metal EƯects. In 2025, he was selected as one of 29 finalists in the non-representational category of the GSIS National Art Competition, chosen from over 450 entries nationwide. It was a proud moment that marked how far he’s come on his artistic journey—and how much he continues to grow through his love for painting.
Her late husband often said, “Lin is a Jack of all trades.” Lin prefers to change it: she is a “Jack of all Arts.” Her educational background includes a degree in Music, Magna Cum Laude, and an AB English degree, having served as editor of their school magazine. She once wanted to be a journalist, but her father said it wasn’t a career f
Her late husband often said, “Lin is a Jack of all trades.” Lin prefers to change it: she is a “Jack of all Arts.” Her educational background includes a degree in Music, Magna Cum Laude, and an AB English degree, having served as editor of their school magazine. She once wanted to be a journalist, but her father said it wasn’t a career for a girl. He told her to take up music or stay home which led to piano lessons with the esteemed Maestra Marcela Agoncillo. Even when she was married, raising her children, and taking care of her mother, she still managed to give piano lessons to beginners, to take a correspondence course on writing, gain awards for her stories, study interior design and pen columns on houses and gardens. Then, she discovered painting. Using acrylic on canvas, her painting subjects are mostly children and their pets, women, and landscapes. While she would join group exhibits, especially those that benefit senior citizens like her, her artworks are given to her children and grandchildren. So yes, Lin is a Jack of Arts. But Art has few masters—and even they keep on evolving.
Fidel Malig Sarmiento is a highly respected Filipino painter known for his finely rendered architectural scenes and interiors, distinguished by careful structure, measured light, and a deep sense of place. Trained in architecture before completing a Bachelor of Fine Arts, his work reflects a disciplined understanding of space, p
Fidel Malig Sarmiento is a highly respected Filipino painter known for his finely rendered architectural scenes and interiors, distinguished by careful structure, measured light, and a deep sense of place. Trained in architecture before completing a Bachelor of Fine Arts, his work reflects a disciplined understanding of space, proportion, and material presence. Sarmiento has held numerous solo exhibitions locally and abroad and has received recognition for his contributions to Philippine art. He served as the longest-running president of the Art Association of the Philippines (AAP), reflecting his sustained leadership and service to the artistic community.
Ka Fidel’s interest in colonial houses stemmed from his initial college work while taking up an architectural degree course at the MAPUA Institute of Technology in Manila, Philippines. He graduated Bachelor of Fine Arts at FEATI UNIVERSITY.
Jorge is a talented and gifted artist whose creativity was recognized early on. In the 1960s, as a teenager, he won the 11th National Shell Art Competition, with his acclaimed work earning a coveted place at the prestigious Luz Gallery, Manila. He later won first prize at the Soroptimist Art Competition held at the former USIS Davao in 1
Jorge is a talented and gifted artist whose creativity was recognized early on. In the 1960s, as a teenager, he won the 11th National Shell Art Competition, with his acclaimed work earning a coveted place at the prestigious Luz Gallery, Manila. He later won first prize at the Soroptimist Art Competition held at the former USIS Davao in 1977, where no less than National Artist Victorio Edades served on the panel of judges. Despite these early achievements, Jorge set aside his artistic pursuits to build a career in the corporate and business world. Decades later—after retiring in his 70s—he revisited his lifelong passion, returning to painting with renewed depth and perspective. Today, he continues to explore both abstract and impressionistic styles, creating dynamic works through his innovative use of mixed media. Each piece reflects not only his artistic mastery but also the richness of a life fully lived.
Joyce Ashworth is a contemporary Filipino painter whose work bridges abstraction and realism, drawing deeply from themes of faith, memory, and cultural heritage. Her artistry has been consistently recognized in major national competitions and notable art publications. Born in Batangas and raised in Lumban, Laguna, she draws inspiration f
Joyce Ashworth is a contemporary Filipino painter whose work bridges abstraction and realism, drawing deeply from themes of faith, memory, and cultural heritage. Her artistry has been consistently recognized in major national competitions and notable art publications. Born in Batangas and raised in Lumban, Laguna, she draws inspiration from Filipino craftsmanship while carrying forward the discipline of her earlier career in international business development and operations, experiences that shaped the discipline and perspective she now brings to her practice. Working primarily in acrylic with touches of gold, graphite, and charcoal, Joyce also experiments with unconventional surfaces such as wood, ceramic, and glass, balancing cultural grounding with material exploration. Whether non-representational or figurative, her paintings embody personal narratives that resonate with broader human experiences, inviting viewers into spaces where clarity and emotion converge.
As a wife to Dr. Manuel Fernandez, a mother, and grandmother, there came a time when Len Fernandez and her husband became empty nesters. At that stage of her life, she decided to take up a diploma course in Family Counseling at the Center for Family Ministries (CEFAM), in Ateneo de Manila. In 2005, she was asked to be a co-facilitator of
As a wife to Dr. Manuel Fernandez, a mother, and grandmother, there came a time when Len Fernandez and her husband became empty nesters. At that stage of her life, she decided to take up a diploma course in Family Counseling at the Center for Family Ministries (CEFAM), in Ateneo de Manila. In 2005, she was asked to be a co-facilitator of Mood Harmony, the Bipolar Support group of Makati Medical Center as their counselor. It was also during this time that she began to do what she loved most, to paint and to write, both of which she found to be very rewarding. She has done different mediums, from watercolors to pastels, and since she joined the Sunshine Place, she now does acrylic, under Maestro Fidel Sarmiento and his very able assistant, Robert Fernandez. Under their tutelage, she has learned and acquired valuable skills that have enhanced her art works. Len has realized that life does not stop no matter what age, believing that no one is ever too old to learn something new.
Loida’s interest in art dates back to early 2000 when she took art classes at Art Informal under John Santos and Erwin Leaño, as well as sessions with Fernando Seña. Though she didn’t pursue it seriously then, those early experiences planted seeds that would eventually grow into a full-fledged passion years later. She began painting earn
Loida’s interest in art dates back to early 2000 when she took art classes at Art Informal under John Santos and Erwin Leaño, as well as sessions with Fernando Seña. Though she didn’t pursue it seriously then, those early experiences planted seeds that would eventually grow into a full-fledged passion years later. She began painting earnestly again in 2015, almost by accident. What started as a way to accompany and encourage her mother-in-law during her art sessions at Sunshine Place quickly became a personal journey of discovery. Though she began painting for leisure, encouragement from friends and colleagues helped her realize the resonance her work can have with others. Her collection is eclectic and spirit-driven, guided by what visually intrigues her and the desire to challenge herself with new subjects. Her work often explores still life through the lens of hyper-realism, focusing on visual narratives that evoke quiet contemplation. She is drawn to the beauty of age and imperfection—weathered surfaces, rusted locks, and forgotten corners that tell stories of time and memory. These textures inspire much of her work, layered with detail and intention. For Loida, painting is both reflection and release. Each piece is an invitation to pause—to connect with the stillness, texture, and quiet poetry of the everyday.
Originally a tattoo artist, Robert was advised by a friend to develop his creativity by joining Arts Association of the Philippines. He started with AAP in 2001 as a volunteer and a canvas maker, pursuing painting the following year. From then on, he joined art competitions of the organization and became a protégé of AAP President, Mr. F
Originally a tattoo artist, Robert was advised by a friend to develop his creativity by joining Arts Association of the Philippines. He started with AAP in 2001 as a volunteer and a canvas maker, pursuing painting the following year. From then on, he joined art competitions of the organization and became a protégé of AAP President, Mr. Fidel Sarmiento. Eleven years after he joined, Robert had his first break to showcase his work with other artists abroad in the “Young Art Philippines 2009 “Euro Tour (8 cities). Robert has been painting for more than 25 years. His expertise extends to still life subjects but he does accept commission work to do figurative paintings as well. He has been receiving awards since 2006 and his works are published in coƯee table books and magazines. While he conducts art workshops in schools and provinces, Robert has been teaching as an assistant instructor for more than six (6) years at the Sunshine Place.
A former journalist and avid golfer, Veronica has embraced painting as a third and transformative career. Having long dabbled in arts and crafts, she studied with both Philippine and internationally recognized artists in Arizona and California, and early on joined a Japanese arts and crafts group in California, experiences that shape the
A former journalist and avid golfer, Veronica has embraced painting as a third and transformative career. Having long dabbled in arts and crafts, she studied with both Philippine and internationally recognized artists in Arizona and California, and early on joined a Japanese arts and crafts group in California, experiences that shape the vibrant colors and diverse themes of her work. She has exhibited in both California and the Philippines, successfully participated in online auctions, and is part of the Painting Buddies, a community that supports her continued growth. In 2025, she was recognized as a finalist in the 20th GSIS National Art Competition. Working primarily in acrylic, her repertoire spans serene landscapes, vivid golfing moments, gilded compositions, and contemporary abstracts.
A woman of many passions, she began her journey with a degree in Literature and History from Assumption College, before finding her calling first in Interior Design and later in Fashion as co-founder of the label Victoria ll, whose designs graced runways from Manila, Beijing, Paris, Germany and London. In time her heart brought her back
A woman of many passions, she began her journey with a degree in Literature and History from Assumption College, before finding her calling first in Interior Design and later in Fashion as co-founder of the label Victoria ll, whose designs graced runways from Manila, Beijing, Paris, Germany and London. In time her heart brought her back to her home town in Batangas where she learnt and worked at the family sugar business. She then helped establish the Lopez of Balayan Foundation with her cousins. Together, they worked to preserve the town’s heritage-restoring the family’s 1800’s Casa Grande, protecting the 17th century Kuta, and bringing the acclaimed War and Dissent : The Philippine American War of 1898 exhibit from San Francisco’s Presidio to the Philippine National Museum and later to Balayan. Never one to stop creating, in 2019 she embraced her love for the arts more fully, studying painting under Fidel M. Sarmiento and Robert L. Fernandez, and exhibiting her works in venues such as Sunshine Place, GSIS, Assumption, The Podium and SM Aura. She also turned to writing under Professor Oscar Peñaranda and, with her writing group has since published two books. Her story is one of creativity, heritage, and passion weaving together art, history, and community in everything she touches.
Atty. Vicky Ortega-Pollisco has been honing her craft in painting since 2015 at Sunshine Place, under the mentorship of Maestro Fidel M. Sarmiento. A lawyer and licensed real estate broker by profession, she finds her true passion in the world of art. In 2017, she began exploring abstract painting and she has made remarkable strides in t
Atty. Vicky Ortega-Pollisco has been honing her craft in painting since 2015 at Sunshine Place, under the mentorship of Maestro Fidel M. Sarmiento. A lawyer and licensed real estate broker by profession, she finds her true passion in the world of art. In 2017, she began exploring abstract painting and she has made remarkable strides in the genre. Her talent has been recognized as a back to back finalist in the Non-Representational Category (Abstract) of the GSIS National Art Competition for 2024 and 2025. While she continues to develop her abstract style, she still enjoys painting flowers – often capturing them with striking realism and delicate detail.
President
HE Josephine E. Bantug
Dame Grand Cross of Magistral Grace
Treasurer
Delza V. Lazatin
Dame Grand Cross of Magistral Grace
Hospitaller
Lena L. Vera
Dame Grand Cross of Magistral Grace
Assistant-Secretary General
Amparo Lim
Dame of Magistral Grace
Members of the Board:
Maria Victoria A. Concepcion
Dame Grand Cross of Magistral Grace
Maria Lourdes Bernadette Z. Banson
Dame of Magistral Grace
Roberto R. Novenario
Knight of Magistral Grace
Ernesto B. Rufino, Jr.
Knight Grand Cross of Magistral Grace
Msgr. Esteban Lo, LMRS
Chief Chaplain
Executive Director Cecilia R. Pinones
President
HE Carol Ocampo-Llanillo
Dame of Magistral Grace
Treasurer
Alice T. Guerrero
Dame of Magistral Grace
Secretary-General
Ma Antonette Apacible Humphries
Dame of Magistral Grace
Members of the Board:
HE Josephine E. Bantug
Dame Grand Cross of Magistral Grace
Maria Lourdes Bernadette Z. Banson
Dame of Magistral Grace
Delza V. Lazatin
Dame Grand Cross of Magistral Grace
Ernesto B. Rufino, Jr.
Knight Grand Cross of Magistral Grace
Lena Vera
Dame Grand Cross of Magistral Grace