The essence of Filipino life

Sonny Palles, one half of the dynamic duo behind "Tales of the Trade," brought a raw, visceral energy to the exhibit.

- By S.C. FOJAS

Together with Patrick Esmao, they captured the everyday struggles and triumphs of Filipino vendors and street dwellers. Palles' expressive style, a blend of folk sensibilities and modernist distortion, transformed the mundane into the monumental and invited viewers to connect with the heart and soul of his subjects.

Palles, a graduate of Fine Arts from the University of Santo Tomas and hailing from Calamba, Laguna, spent a significant portion of his career working abroad before returning to his homeland to dedicate himself fully to his art. He currently serves as the culture and arts director at the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, demonstrating his commitment to both creating and fostering aspiring artists.

His contribution to "Tales of the Trade" showcased his deep connection to his roots and his rich desire to celebrate the rich Filipino culture. "Through the exhibit, I hope the viewers were encouraged to celebrate the traditions and culture of the Filipino people through scenes of day-to-day living," he shared. His works, pulsating with movement and imbued with a tangible sense of history, achieved just that.