Art, for Rosita Lara “Otty” Lumagui, did not begin with a strategy or an ambition to build a collection. It started with a single encounter: a painting by Angel Cacnio that immediately resonated with her sense of identity and heritage. Introduced to the work by a dealer, she realized then that art could be more than decoration or admiration. It could be personal.

“It was the moment I realized art was more than admiration; it was something I genuinely connected with,” Otty recalled.

Over time, that connection expanded into a broader mission shaped by her roles beyond the art world. As managing director of Worldwide Resource Solutions Philippines Inc. and founder and chief operating officer of Bocca, a new foodie destination that blends French, Italian and Spanish influences, she has explored ways to weave creativity into spaces where people gather, work and dine. For her, the intersection of art, design and food forms a natural dialogue.

“Together, they formed a harmony of vision, flavor, and pride,” she said. “Art was not just something we looked at – it was something we felt, carried, and lived through.”

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Her appreciation of the local art scene has also grown alongside an awareness of its challenges. The Philippines, she observed, is rich in talent, yet opportunities remain uneven. While established names often dominate gallery walls and international shows, many emerging artists struggle to be seen.

“Often, only established names receive consistent gallery support or opportunities to exhibit abroad. This contrast – between immense talent and limited access – has deeply shaped how I view and value our local art scene,” she said.

This perspective informs the works she brings into her home. Her collection includes pieces by artists such as Manuel Baldemor, Richard Arimado and Dominic Rubio, each reflecting elements of Filipino culture and identity. A recent acquisition, “After Pandora” by Obemio, has quickly become a favorite.

“It brings a sense of happiness and lightness – simply looking at it lifts my mood,” she said.

Otty approaches collecting with restraint rather than accumulation. She emphasizes intention, encouraging new collectors to think about emotional readiness as much as physical space.

“Don’t collect for the sake of accumulation – choose pieces that you truly have space for, not just physically, but emotionally and mentally as well,” she said. “I don’t hoard. I respect the value of each piece and treat every artwork as something meant to be appreciated, not just owned.”

Her views have been shaped by exposure to monumental works abroad, particularly visits to the Louvre Museum.

“Seeing the paintings at the Louvre was humbling and awe-inspiring. The scale and mastery left me completely speechless,” she said.

Yet she also finds meaning in contemporary ways of viewing art. Digital platforms, she noted, offer a different kind of intimacy.

“They allow you to immerse yourself in art in ways that differ from simply admiring pieces hanging in large museums. It’s a more intimate experience,” she said.

For Otty, art’s value lies in its ability to shape daily life. She sees it as a source of emotion and imagination rather than a status symbol, whether displayed on a wall or integrated into the atmosphere of a dining space.

“Imagine living in a house without color or shape. Art brings life, emotion, and meaning into our spaces and experiences. It allows me to tap into my creative side beyond the daily and mundane – it’s an escape,” she said.

Her advocacy for Filipino artists remains central. She believes each emerging artist who gains visibility contributes to a broader cultural legacy.

“Filipino artists deserve to be seen, celebrated, and remembered. Every young artist we uplift carries a piece of our nation forward,” she said.

To aspiring collectors, her advice is straightforward: trust personal instinct over trends. “Like fashion, don’t chase fads. Choose what speaks to you. Art has its own language – you just have to learn how to listen,” she said.

She also encourages collectors who admire international masters to look closely at homegrown talent, citing her admiration for Gustav Klimt and the way Myk Velasco sometimes evokes a similar sensibility while remaining distinctly rooted in Filipino experience.

Traditional painting remains her preferred medium, and museum visits are often part of her routine. For Otty, collecting is equal parts emotional practice and cultural stewardship, a philosophy that now extends to the atmosphere she cultivates at Bocca, where art and food meet as parallel forms of storytelling.

“Art is meant to be lived with, felt, and carried with you. It is never just an object,” she said.

As National Arts Month unfolds, her journey underscores a larger idea: collecting can be a conversation that bridges history, identity and the future of local creativity, much like a thoughtfully designed dining experience shaped by culture and memory.

“Every artwork tells a story, and every story reflects who we are. Supporting Filipino artists is more than collecting, as it keeps our culture alive and inspires the next generation,” she said.