Across Styles and Generations
In Paranaque, a collective of visual artists comes together, spanning generations of art, techniques, and styles.
Words by Mikaelah Bianca Panopip
Photo courtesy of Janddie Castillo, Nancy Lee, Jing Panopio, and Twin Lakes Tagaytay
October 19, 2025
The Visual Artist of Parañaque (VAP) has been an active presence in the local art community. What began as a small gathering of painters has since flourished into a collective of diverse artists, dedicated to nurturing creativity and celebrating artistic expression through exhibitions.
Some members craft as a hobby, while others create for a living; however, they share one common thread: a commitment to creation that transcends style, age, and reason.
For Janddie Castillo, founder of VAP, the group was born out of a lack of active artist collectives in Parañaque. In 2012, he decided to fill that gap by establishing VAP. Among its first members were his wife, his son, his father, Nelson Castillo, known as the Father of Miniature Paintings, and a few fellow artists.
“Nung bumuo ako no’n, sakto no’n, doon nagsimula yung Facebook. May mga nakilala rin akong ibang artists na taga-Parañaque, so in-add ko sila, tinanong ko sila kung gusto nilang bumuo kami ng grupo,” Castillo told Art+ in an interview.
What makes VAP unique is its openness; joining the group takes only a message to Castillo. There are no membership forms or fees required. As long as you’re an artist from the area who shares the same creative drive, you’re welcome to be part of the group.
Although established in 2012, VAP held its first group exhibit only in 2014 at the newly opened SM City BF Parañaque. Titled “Bagong Sibol,” it symbolized the official emergence of their collective.
A shared palette
What started as a 12-member group grew to more than an impressive 60 artists. The success of their first show opened doors, sparking the interest of more artists in the area who wanted to be part of the collective.
“Brighter Day,” 36x36 inches, Acrylic on Canvas
Photo courtesy of Janddie Castillo
Today, VAP is composed of a diverse group of artists spanning multiple generations; its youngest member is just 15 years old, while the oldest is 80. Each artist brings a unique perspective and identity to their work.
“Dahil dumadami yung artists, dumadami rin yung styles na nakikita ko. Iba ibang genre, iba ibang klase. May traditional, may abstract, surrealism,” Castillo expressed.
Castillo, a full-time artist who also runs an advertising business on the side, is known for his distinct style of painting nature-inspired subjects using splashes and splatter strokes. This signature technique has earned him the title “Wisikman” or “Master of Splash Art.”
“BETTA FISH,” 36x36 inches, Acrylic on Canvas
Photo courtesy of Janddie Castillo
VAP member Nancy Lee is a contemporary artist known for her mixed-media paintings. Her works tackle themes of transformation, resilience, and imperfection, told through layers of acrylic, gilding sheets, texture paste, and resin.
"My Only friend," 32x26 inches, Mixed Media
Photo courtesy of Nancy Lee
Meanwhile, Jing Panopio, who has been with VAP for 5 years, specializes in landscape, cityscape, garden fields, and abstract painting. He works full-time as a display artist supervisor, and in his free time, he enjoys painting, often spending his days off with a brush in hand.
“SKYSCRAPER 2,” 30x24 inches, Acrylic on Canvas
Photo courtesy of Jing Panopio
However, despite the differences, VAP thrives because of its members’ genuine desire, not only for art, but to belong and grow with the group.
Beyond the canvas
The group has held more than 50 successful shows across Luzon, in venues and galleries such as The Palms Country Club, Twin Lakes Tagaytay, and Nami Art Gallery. Its exhibits have drawn the participation and presence of actors, public officials, and art enthusiasts.
For Castillo, who is also the exhibit organizer and art curator of VAP, each show stands as a testament to the collective’s solidity. VAP is not just a group but a community that nurtures members’ creativity and allows them to grow both individually and together.
The opening of VAP’s latest group show titled "reARTalize 2025" at SM City BF Parañaque, which ran from July 15 to 31, 2025.
Panopio shared that being part of VAP profoundly shaped him as an artist. The group encouraged him to keep his passion for painting alive, especially during times when work left him with little chance to create.
“Natutunan kong makisalamuha sa kapwa ko artists. Nakilala ko yung mga ibang magagaling na pintor na hindi ko naman kilala dati.” Panopio said, reflecting on the things he has gained since joining the group.
VAP continues to grow and reaffirm its presence in the local art scene through group exhibitions. Amid their individuality, its members formed a unifying brushstroke that weaves their distinct style into a single, harmonious canvas.
