Filipino Artist From Lucban Shines in New York, Wins Prestigious Artwork Archive Award

A Filipino artist has once again proven that talent nurtured with passion, faith, and perseverance can shine on the world stage.

Romeo Cortez Jr., a humble artist from Lucban, Quezon, has brought pride to Filipinos after receiving the Artwork Archive Award at the American Artists Professional League’s (AAPL) 97th Grand National Exhibition. The event is being held at the iconic Salmagundi Club in Manhattan, New York an artistic sanctuary known for honoring the best in traditional and representational art.

For many in the Filipino community, Cortez’s achievement is more than just an award it is a celebration of Filipino creativity, resilience, and the quiet determination that defines so many of our dreams abroad.

His painting, “Fish and Tomatoes with Kangkong,” impressed judges from across the United States and beyond. With its mastery in technique and heartfelt storytelling through still life, the artwork stood out among hundreds of submissions.

But behind this recognition is a deeply moving Filipino story.

Romeo grew up in a simple household. His father, a furniture maker, passed away early. His mother sustained the family through dressmaking. And like many Filipino children raised in hardship, he learned to create his own joy.

He had no toys only pencils and discarded paper bags his mother brought home from her sewing jobs. On those brown paper bags, a little boy sketched dreams much bigger than the world he knew.

“Maaga kasi ako naulila sa ama, kaya mahirap buhay namin. Wala akong laruan noon kaya lapis lang ang libangan ko. Natuto akong mag-drawing sa paper bags ng nanay ko na pambalot ng mga damit na tinatahi niya. Hanggang sa nadevelop ko ‘yun sa paglaki ko,” Cortez recalled.

Today, those humble paper-bag sketches have blossomed into internationally celebrated works of art.

In receiving the award, Cortez expressed the same humility and gratitude that shaped his journey:

“Salamat po sa Dios. Being part of this exhibition is already a blessing. This recognition is something I accept with deep humility and sincere gratitude.”

For Filipinos in New York and around the world, his win is an inspiring reminder that great talent can rise from the simplest beginnings that a child drawing on recycled paper can someday see his work displayed in one of Manhattan’s most respected art institutions.

Romeo Cortez Jr.’s story is a beautiful testament to the Filipino spirit: mapagpasalamat, masipag, malikhain, at hindi sumusuko.

His journey reminds us that no dream is too distant, no beginning too small, and no hardship too heavy for a heart anchored in faith and passion.

And as his painting continues to draw admiration in New York, it also carries with it a message familiar to every Filipino:

Kahit saan makarating, ang galing, puso, at talento ng Pilipino hinding-hindi maglalaho.