Photos by Lennon Group, Inc.

See how art can be a powerful force for advocacy in the PROTEGERI art exhibit as it officially opens its doors on October 18 at The Gallery in Greenbelt 5, Makati. Unlike any of its kind, the PROTEGERI exhibit combines the power of creativity and compassion as it aims to raise funds for students from the Ayala Foundation, Inc. (AFI) communities of Makati and El Nido, Palawan.

Turning their vision into action, AFI teams up with OFF! and enlists the help of an influential roster of Filipino artists—Leeroy New, Vito Selma, and Solenn Heussaff—to launch the two week fundraising exhibit that underscores the idea that “art works and art protects.” Together, the two organizations and the artists highlight how art can be used to protect and empower.

“PROTEGERI, which means protection in Latin, is both a commitment and a statement: we need to protect children from waste and wasted potential. Through PROTEGERI, we are calling for more collaborative efforts to help build a sustainable future for children, piece by piece,” said Paul Vincent Mercado, Senior Director of Marketing & External Relations at Ayala Foundation, Inc.

He added that all proceeds from the exhibit will go to educational programs for children.

The artists collaborated with communities and children to turn waste products into masterpieces that serve as modern talismans of protection.

New, who is known for highlighting social and environmental issues in his art, made the series of “El Nidos,” which means “The Nest” in Spanish. The plastic flowers used in this piece were also crafted with the help of high school students from El Nido, Palawan public schools.

Meanwhile, Selma, whose design philosophy is grounded in nature, reimagines the traditional vase as a sculpture with “Ploreras.” The paper rings used are from Yellow Pages, handcrafted by the women of Kasilawan Cooperative, and upcycled plastic flowers made by the students of Nicanor Garcia Sr. Elementary School. Every flower bears the name of the child who made it.

“Hinabing Tabing” showcases Selma’s abaca weaving, rendered in black, serving as the backdrop for the printed artworks of New and Heussaff using 200 upcycled OFF! sachets.

Heussaff, who usually dwells on themes of nature, human resilience, and personal growth in her artworks, created the “Birds of Freedom,” which emphasizes the balance of nature, where survival and protection are intertwined. The paper flowers upcycled by the skilled artisans of the Kasilawan Cooperative in Makati underscore how potential is found in renewal.

Heussaff also created a powerful art piece, “Second Life,” which depicts a sustainable circular economy.

Aside from their solo pieces, the artists also worked together for the grand collaborative piece, “Vinta,” which reimagines the traditional boat as a spacecraft, and is inspired by the fishing communities of Palawan. It is made with woven bamboo and plastic bottles, upcycled plastics as flowers, and OFF! spray bottles.

With Heussaff's printed artwork featuring protective plant imagery, Selma's giant upcycled plastic flowers symbolizing a sustainable future, and New’s artistry that unifies the form, the piece symbolizes protection and a hopeful future for all.

Bid for a brighter future

With the launch of the exhibit, the official website for the PROTEGERI, https://protegeri.astbury.club/, is now open for auction. It features all the artworks that can be viewed in the exhibit or online. Interested bidders can scan the QR code on the artwork or in the online catalogue and log in to start bidding until 11:59 PM on October 28, 2025. Winning bidders will receive a notification once the auction closes.

Every bid on a piece unlocks educational opportunities and the potential of children. Supporting the PROTEGERI exhibit helps safeguard the children’s future from waste and wasted potential, ensuring they have the resources to thrive. Your support today makes a difference tomorrow.