Anna Orlina: Forging Her Own Path
Anna Orlina grew up surrounded by glass art, but ventured out to discover her own purpose and creative independence.
Words Patricia Lanzagarita
Photography Gail Geriane
May 2, 2025
As the daughter of renowned glass sculptor Ramon Orlina, Anna Orlina grew up surrounded by glass sculptures. But her journey entailed venturing out and exploring beyond the familiar to truly discover her own creative purpose.
From familiarity to fascination
Growing up in an artistic environment, Anna was naturally drawn to creativity from a young age. Her father’s glass works felt so familiar that their extraordinary nature became almost normal to her.
“Being surrounded by art growing up has definitely made an impact on me and my interest in the arts. Since I grew up around him making glass sculptures, it became the norm for me to see,” Anna said.
Anna found the courage to forge her own artistic path. Encouraged by her father, she pursued multimedia arts and took glass art classes abroad, which allowed her to see the medium in a new light and rediscover her love for it.
“I got reinvigorated again for the glass medium and fell in love with it even more,” she shared.
Limitless creativity and lessons
Watching her father’s diverse body of work—ranging from monumental sculptures to functional designs and even art cars—taught Anna that there are no limits to creativity when paired with dedication and vision.
“There is no limit to what he puts his mind to and what he gets interested in. Watching the way he creates his works, and how he sees the glass medium, adds a deeper perspective to art,” Anna said.
She deeply admires her father’s work ethic, especially how he approaches glass with both depth and insight.
Her own voice
While glass remains the shared foundation between father and daughter, Anna is committed to developing her own unique themes, aesthetic, and techniques.
“I am trying to find my own style and aesthetic that is distinctly different from his. I am also always continuously learning and delving into different glass techniques,” she enthusiastically said.
By exploring practices like coldworking and experimenting with new glass methods, she continues to shape a creative identity that is uniquely her own.
Fearless and determined, Anna is set to carry on her family’s legacy while bringing a fresh, innovative perspective to the world of glass art.
Photography Gail Geriane @gailgeriane Assisted by Jotham Meregildo @jutam_meregildo, Creative Direction Santi Albalate @santi.albalate, Hair and Makeup Tanya Lilang @tanyalilang, Styling Mika Reyes @notmikareyes, Assisted by Clyemae @clyemae, Nika Althea @nikkaalthea Vianca Escalante @viancaofficial.ph, Shoot Coordination Coleen Wong @thecoleenwong, Production Team Jeferson Dumangon @dumangonledesma, Kevin Español, Intern Martina Reyes @rnartina
Special thanks to Tile Gallery Philippines President and Vice-President Kenneth Hing and Raymund Hing, and Marketing team.
Shot on location Gallery 7, Design Center
