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Manila Bulletin devider Lifestyle devider Arts and Culture devider From waste to wonder: World-renowned Filipino artists come together in PROTEGERI art exhibit to raise funds for children's education

From waste to wonder: World-renowned Filipino artists come together in PROTEGERI art exhibit to raise funds for children's education

By MBrand
Published Oct 6, 2025 09:07 pm
Artwork by Lennon Group, Inc.
Artwork by Lennon Group, Inc.

What happens when you bring together three world-famous artists, two Ayala Foundation communities, and objects perceived as trash? You produce a transformative exhibit of sustainable art, heartfelt stories of community engagement, and a future that helps safeguard our children. 

Borrowing the Latin word, which means protection, PROTEGERI will open its two-week exhibit on October 18 at The Gallery in Greenbelt 5, Makati. This special project is an initiative by Ayala Foundation in partnership with OFF! for the benefit of Ayala  Foundation communities in El Nido, Palawan, and Makati.

Renowned Filipino artists Leeroy New, Vito Selma, and Solenn Heussaff collaborated with communities and children, breathing new life into discarded objects and everyday waste, leveraging salvaged wood, trash paper, and a variety of plastics to take the shape of contemporary art. One of the exhibit highlights is the large collaborative piece inspired by art workshops in the El Nido community.

Constructed with upcycled OFF!  products, including spray bottles and sachets, the three artists demonstrate the power of sustainability, transforming their collaboration into a talisman of protection. Other iconic pieces by Vito Selma and Leeroy New incorporate OFF! products in innovative and unexpected ways, seamlessly weaving OFF!’s story of protection in their work.

Protection is a major theme of the exhibit, taking on layered meanings. Through the support of OFF! repellents, young lives are protected from diseases such as dengue and malaria. By repurposing waste products, the exhibit promotes guardianship of  Mother Nature and communities. Lastly, the proceeds of the exhibit will support education initiatives for students in Ayala Foundation communities of El Nido and  Makati. 

“Our purpose is to build a brighter future and create a positive impact. As students are the main beneficiary of this fundraising, they serve as our inspiration, and by advocating for sustainability, we can help turn the tide and build a world where children can grow up safe and healthy,” said Paul Vincent Mercado, senior director of Marketing & External  Relations at Ayala Foundation, Inc.

This exhibit is a chance to own a piece of beautiful, sustainable art. Bid on your favorite pieces from October 18 to October 25, 2025, on the PROTEGERI auction portal, and help build a brighter future for the children. All proceeds will be used to support educational programs for children from the beneficiary communities of Ayala  Foundation, Inc. in Makati and El Nido.

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