Art educator Bing Tac-an finds a muse in the Philippine eagle

Willa Freah "Bing" Tac-an is a wife, mother, artist, teacher, and a passionate advocate for the preservation and promotion of the Philippines' native flora and fauna.

- WITH PAT-P

Willa Freah "Bing" Tac-an is a wife, mother, artist, teacher, and a passionate advocate for the preservation and promotion of the Philippines' native flora and fauna. A dedicated art educator, she even once taught my nephews, Patrick and Peter. In 2019, she founded both the Philippine Botanical Art Society and the Philippine Fauna Art Society — two pioneering organizations that have played a vital role in bringing native species into the spotlight.

Her latest initiative, Agilakbay, furthers this mission by aiming to send her Philippine eagle paintings to every Philippine embassy and consulate worldwide. She has already completed 14 out of 97 donations, with the goal of completing all by her 60th birthday in January 2034.

In the conversation that follows, Bing shares her journey — her beginnings, struggles, inspirations and the passion that drives her art and advocacy. Meet the woman behind the brush, whose work is as heartfelt as it is powerful.

What was your childhood like and when did you realize that you were artistic?

Bing: "I grew up with a box of crayons and a lot of curiosity. As a child, I never really thought of myself as an 'artist.' I just loved drawing and coloring. I would sketch endlessly: little things from nature, or even cartoon characters like Garfield. My childhood wasn't glamorous, but art was always my escape and my playground. It gave me joy in a way nothing else did.

"In high school, I started joining art contests and sometimes I'd win. But I always felt inadequate because I only had crayons and pencils, while the other contestants had soft pastels and fancy Cray-Pas sets. Still, I poured everything into what I had. I also remember illustrating my school projects and even doing realistic portraits of scientists. Looking back, those small moments were really the beginnings of seeing myself as an artist."

When did you decide to become a professional artist?