Photos by Lennon Group, Inc.

Protecting the future and fostering sustainable practices are expressed through art that turns waste into wonder. Featuring world-renowned Filipino artists—Leeroy New, Vito Selma, and Solenn Heussaff—the exhibit showcases their collaboration with communities and students to give new life to discarded objects and everyday waste. Using salvaged wood, scrap paper, and various plastics, these materials are transformed into striking works of contemporary art.Through PROTEGERI, a fundraising exhibit by the Ayala Foundation that champions art and sustainability in collaboration with OFF!—and for the benefit of the foundation—the Gallery at Greenbelt 5 in Makati City was transformed into a vibrant space where creativity aligns with purpose. It brings together artists, communities, and audiences to celebrate innovative art and support initiatives that promote environmental awareness and sustainable living. This serves as a lead to encourage viewers and visitors to adopt eco-friendly practices, as evident in how the pieces exhibited are made from repurposed materials including upcycled OFF! sachets and spray bottles.

More than just a collection of artworks, the project underscores the power of collaboration in turning a meaningful vision into reality. The artists generously devoted their time to visiting communities and engaging residents through workshops and art-making sessions. The partnership between Ayala Foundation and OFF! further enriches the exhibit’s purpose, as their shared mission focuses on building thriving communities and fostering a more sustainable, prosperous future.

As expressed by Paul Mercado, Senior Director of Marketing and External Relations of Ayala Foundation, "OFF!’s mission to protect the future aligns with Ayala Foundation’s commitment to build thriving communities towards shared prosperity. Where OFF! safeguards individuals and families from harm, we work to nurture and strengthen the communities where they live, work, and create. Today’s exhibit has made a meaningful impact on both the artists and the community members – especially the students – of El Nido and Makati,” he said.

Communities supported by the Ayala Foundation in Makati and El Nido were among the beneficiaries of the fundraising auction, where artists collaborated with them through an art workshop, encouraging participants to use their creativity to transform trash into beauty and discover new purposes.

Partner artists worked hand in hand with students and community members, empowering them to repurpose discarded materials and transform waste into works of beauty and meaning. The experience nurtured creativity, encouraged participants to see value in what was once overlooked, and deepened their appreciation for sustainability and collective environmental action—leaving a lasting impression on all who took part. During the exhibit launch, the artists added the final touches to their collaborative piece called “Vinta,” signing the piece once it was complete live.

The exhibit demonstrates how art can transcend aesthetics—serving as a platform for awareness, collaboration, and action. It reminds the world that creativity can spark meaningful change, transforming discarded materials into powerful symbols of hope and sustainability.

On top of this, the very heart of its theme revolves around protection. Filipinos are known to have long carried symbols of protection– the agimat and anting-anting, are some to mention. In the same spirit, Protegeri, with the Latin translation of “Protection” is positioned as a modern-day incantation of that primeval instinct to protect, moving across mediums.

It becomes a channel of fostering a world where protecting the future of our children and envisioning a sustainable way of life for generations to come has become an initiative embraced by all. It stands as a beacon of hope, a reminder that through collective action, creativity, and care, the world can remain a beautiful, nurturing, and comforting place to live in—one where nature and humanity coexist in harmony, and every effort, no matter how small, contributes to a brighter future for all.