Manila Vice Mayor John Marvin "Yul Servo" Nieto believes that the key to the future lies in the past which can be gleaned in his three-dimensional metal artworks.

For the past year, Nieto had four solo art exhibits in different places around Metro Manila. 

The exhibits were entitled “Directions” wherein he showcased his different perspectives in seeing things and in portraying the map of Metro Manila.

Directions 1 was held at the notable Pinto Art Museum in Antipolo in February 2023.

Directions 2 took place at The Gallery of the famous at the historic landmark The Manila Hotel in June 2023.

Directions 3 was held at Bulwagang Rodriguez inside the Manila City Hall in October 2023  while the most recent, Directions 4, was held at Calvo Building in Escolta, Manila in February 2024.

Organizers said the solo art exhibits were "successfully executed" and the proceeds were donated to charitable institutions.

The last exhibit, Directions 4, was held in line with the celebration of the National Arts Month.

It was curated by Jon Lucas Nieto and the graphic design was done by Louis Nieto.

Joel Cruz, owner of Aficionado perfume and personal care, was one of the guests during the exhibit's opening.

Councilors Numero “Uno” G. Lim and Don Juan “DJ” Bagatsing, both members of the 12th City Council of Manila, and award-winning actress turned entrepreneur Ara Mina, also graced the opening.

His recent solo art exhibit, Directions 4, also showcased several masterpieces from the first three exhibits. 

Most of his artworks show three dimensional maps and highlight Manila as an ever evolving metropolis and a melting pot of different cultures and economies where history and innovations are taking place. 

In describing his unique visual art, Yul Servo said that the key to the future lies in the past. 

He sees his artworks as extensions of his personal ideas, inspirations, and objectives.

The vice mayor said he is amazed at how life can have various meanings for people who are taking regular familiar routes in their everyday lives. 

He said some detours are essential just like what happened to him when he became vice mayor of the capital city.

Before he became a "Lingkod Bayan" (public servant), Nieto made his mark in Philippine show business when he won the Best Actor award at the Brussels International Independent Film Festival in 2001 for “Batang West Side”; for “Naglalayag” in 2004, and for “Ang Paglalakbay” in 2008. 

He also disclosed that before he entered show business, his dream was to become a policeman.

Nieto's constituents also call him a "modern day artist" because of the different scrap metals he uses to produce unique artworks. 

He is preparing for another art exhibit in the City of Manila, highlighting the historical roads and streets of the capital city.