Always, with MoCAF
For these two artists, MoCAF isn’t just a place to showcase their artworks, but a space to grow, learn, and build lasting connections.
Words Mikaelah Bianca Panopio
Photos courtesy of Seth Corda and Jeri Jumao-as
December 17, 2025
A few years ago, many artists stood at the Modern and Contemporary Art Festival (MoCAF) for the first time, feeling nervous but hopeful, carrying nothing but their artworks and a dream. With MoCAF running in its fourth year, they return to the festival no longer as newcomers, but familiar names, bearing confidence shaped by experience and growth.
Art+ spoke with these two artists who have grown alongside the festival, returning year after year to showcase not just their work, but a piece of themselves.
The first step into MoCAF
For architect and artist Seth Corda, a submission to a 2022 call for entries marked the beginning of his journey with MoCAF.
Growing up in Angono, Rizal, known as the “Art Capital of the Philippines,” Corda shares that he was exposed to art at a young age. Surrounded by a creative environment, his passion for art carried through high school and college and continued even as he pursued a career in architecture.
Color Interference, 12x12, Mixed Media, Photo courtesy of Seth Corda
So, when the opportunity to join the first-ever MoCAF presented itself, it seemed natural for him to take it, like a blank canvas waiting to be filled in.
“Naka-receive ako ng confirmation, nakasali ako. So, doon nag-start. I think [under] Sir Ricky Francisco pa that time. So, I'm very thankful na nakasali ako sa roster ng artists,” Corda said in an interview with Art+.
Meanwhile, artist Jeri Jumao-as’s connection with MoCAF began with an unexpected direct message from Festival Director Coleen Wong back in 2023, inviting her to be part of the festival.
They first met in an art show where Jumao-as was exhibiting, the artist shared. The two exchanged casual greetings, and several months later, Wong reached out through DM—a message that would kickstart her journey with MoCAF.
Jumao-as shared to Art+, “Well, syempre ibig sabihin na-recognize yung art mo. It's like an art festival, but it's more geared towards the youth, more grounded. That's how I see MoCAF. So, super kilig as in parang hindi ako makapaniwala.”
Found My Way Back, 24x24 inches, Oil on Canvas, Photo courtesy of Jeri Jumao-as
Similar to Corda, she has considered herself an artist since childhood, even using her mom’s lipstick as her first medium. This early love for art eventually led her to pursue a degree in Fine Arts at TUP Manila.
Both artists pursued different professional paths after college, Corda in architecture and Jumao-as in graphic design, but art remained a constant. Many years and experiences later, they return to painting full-time, reconnecting with the creative spark that led them to MoCAF.
Canvases and milestones
Corda describes his past four years with MoCAF as nothing short of memorable, special, and full of positive experiences.
During the art festival’s second year, he was invited by Art Lounge Manila to hold his own mini solo show—a major milestone in Corda’s artistic path.
Dreams Woven in Distant Sky, 24x24, Mixed Media, Photo courtesy of Seth Corda
“I really worked hard on that one. So, quite special kasi it's my first mini solo show. After that, nagsunod-sunod na yung mga solo show ko. Nakatatlong solo show na ako after that. So it's one of the biggest breaks sa art career ko,” he said.
His art style is heavily influenced by his practice as an architect, which he describes as “controlled abstract.” Unlike other abstract artists who go with the flow, Corda’s pieces are guided by proportion, color, and form.
To Jumao-as, MoCAF feels like a visual timeline of her evolution, with each edition reflecting a different version of herself. The festival hasn’t only introduced her creations to a wider audience but also strengthened her artistic identity.
“MOCAF has helped me become more intentional with what I do, with what I will share. It's just once a year, so it didn't change my style overnight. But, it pushed me to clarify my voice and be more honest about what I want to express,” said Jumao-as.
Her works, a combination of expressionism and impressionism, are centered on texture and the idea of human realness and authenticity. Through layered surfaces and bold colors, Jumao-as shows that creativity and chaos can co-exist.
To Each Their Own, Oil on Canvas, Photo courtesy of Jeri Jumao-as
More than a festival
When asked about what keeps them coming back to the festival, both artists pointed to MoCAF’s supportive and welcoming environment. Jumao-as views it as a space that feels very alive and open, with visitors exhibiting genuine curiosity and deep engagement with the artworks.
One MoCAF moment that deeply stuck with her was receiving a message from a buyer, who said her piece conveyed what they couldn’t put into words—resonating not just visually, but emotionally.
She further explained, “Hindi ka ma-overwhelm looking around kasi sobrang curated niya. It's very intentional, and each year feels like a new chapter rather than a repetition.”
For Corda, the community that MoCAF builds sets it apart from other art festivals. Being able to grow alongside both emerging and seasoned artists is both an honor and a driving force that keeps him creating.
“From the very beginning, I was able to be part of it. So nakakatuwa, kasi yung progression, diba, every year? Tapos yung kasama mo, yung mga previous din na artists na nakasama mo sa year one. Nakakatuwa talaga,” he mentioned.
After all, MoCAF is more than just a venue for displaying art. It is a space for artists, regardless of their background, to grow, learn, and build lasting connections. For the two artists, MoCAF will always be a festival they’ll gladly return to, year after year.
