Legazpi City, Albay – When life turns gray and dull, a splash of color might be all it takes to feel alive again. That much-needed spark found its way to the province during the Holy Week break through the Weekend Watercolor Session, a passion project led by 25-year-old artist Vergel Gregorio, which has since become a sanctuary for people in search of color, calm, and community.
How a Growing Creative Community Started
A native Bicolano from Pasig City, Gregorio graduated with a degree in Architecture from the Bicol University Institute of Design and Architecture (BUIDEA) before working as a junior architect in Manila. It was there, during his off-hours, that he began hosting small watercolor gatherings as a way to unwind and reconnect with friends.
“Actually it was nothing serious,” he shares. “Gusto ko lang talaga is mahelp din na makapag-relax sila. Iba-iba yung motivation ng mga sumasali. They just wanna escape after their super busy week from their corporate life, want to move on from their exes, learn watercolor, or connect with new people.” (It wasn’t anything serious at first. I just really wanted to help people relax. Everyone who joins has different motivations. Some just want to escape after a hectic week at work, others want to move on from their exes, learn watercolor, or meet new people.)
Now back in Albay for a holiday break, Gregorio brought the sessions with him—sparking new waves of creativity among locals in Legazpi, Polangui, Daraga, and Oas.
Despite its humble setup, the movement continues to blossom in cafés, art hubs, and open spaces.
“Merong taga-CamSur, where in Albay that’s a 2-hour drive away, 3 hours if commuting, so nakakataba ng puso yung spirit nila and the willingness to be here,” he adds. (There’s someone from CamSur, which is about a 2-hour drive from Albay—or 3 hours by commute—so it really warms the heart to see their spirit and willingness to be here.)
The sessions offer a safe space for all kinds of stories—a colorful contrast to the often chaotic pace of life. Watercolor, as Gregorio explains, is the perfect medium for emotional expression and healing.
“My main medium talaga is watercolor,” Gregorio told BicoldotPH. “Though I do other medium naman, pero watercolor kasi is handy and medyo lighthearted siya compared to other medium kaya yun yung pinili ko. Gusto ko lang naman mangyari is to commit laid-back as much as possible.” (Watercolor is really my main medium. I do use others, but I chose watercolor because it’s handy and feels lighthearted compared to the rest. I just wanted it to be something laid-back.)
Participants gather around the table, dipping brushes into palettes, and letting their feelings flow gently on paper. For some, it’s their first time painting since childhood. For others, it’s a return to a long-lost passion.
Art as a Gentle Rest
Cris Serrano, one of the attendees, found it to be the break they didn’t know they needed.
“Nag-workout ako pero naburn out ulit, so constantly, I need something to break the routine kaya sumali ako rito sa watercolor session.” (I worked out, but got burned out again, so I constantly need something to break the routine—that’s why I joined this watercolor session.)
Another participant, Vince Santillian, emphasized the patience that watercolor demands, saying it’s an essential part of the process.
“Take it slow lang when you’re doing the watercolor, kasi nasira yung paper ko kasi minamadali ko yung paggawa.” (You really have to take your time with watercolor. I rushed mine and ended up ruining the paper.)
Karlo, a newcomer to the medium, found the experience both personal and social.
“Dati oil pastel lang gamit ko, so this is a new medium for me. It’s nice to know new stuff and friends.” (I used to work only with oil pastels, so this is a new medium for me. It’s great to learn something new and meet new friends too.)
Even older attendees find joy in rediscovering themselves through art. “It makes me feel young again,” shares Mommy Joy.
“My daughter invited me, and I said, ‘Why not?’ Watercolor is life and it’s for everyone—any age.”
A Hobby with a Purpose
Despite its growing popularity, Gregorio remains grounded and focused on his vision.
“Right now, ginagawa ko siya every weekend. I want it to be sustainable. Eventually, I hope we can reach kids and institutions who don’t have access to visual arts,” Gregorio told BicoldotPH. (Right now, I’m doing it every weekend. I want it to be sustainable. Eventually, I hope we can reach kids and institutions that don’t have access to visual arts.)
His dream is to turn the sessions into an outreach initiative that promotes art therapy and emotional healing, especially for children in conflict with the law.
“Old keys won’t open new doors,” he reflects. “Kung meron kayong passion or interest dati, maybe it’s time to rekindle that. Maybe you don’t give up and try lang.” (Old keys won’t open new doors. If you once had a passion or interest, maybe it’s time to rekindle it. Maybe you don’t give up—just try.)
Navigating Art in the Age of AI
Outside of his community work, Gregorio is also reflecting on the evolving role of artists in the age of technology.
“I hope people will still respect the artists kasi ang pinaka-agrabyado dun is yung mga traditional artists. Kasi I’m also a digital artist,” he shares. “Parang it takes away the soul of the work.” (I hope people will still respect artists because those most affected are traditional artists. I’m also a digital artist, but it sometimes feels like the soul of the work is lost.)
He emphasizes the need for guidance and support, especially from institutions, so that AI becomes a tool—not a threat.
“Maybe we can find ways to make it useful at the same time hindi niya tinitake away yung soul and also yung opportunities for people, and use it as an advantage instead of being an enemy.” (Maybe we can find ways to make it useful without taking away the soul of the work, while also creating opportunities for people—using it as an advantage instead of seeing it as an enemy.)
Painting Toward New Beginnings
Gregorio’s journey—and the stories of those he’s inspired in the weekend circle—are proof of creativity’s power to connect, comfort, and transform.
As paintbrushes and watercolors softly swirl together, the artists aren’t just making art; they’re painting their way toward healing—and paving new paths to new beginnings.
Photos: Froilance Alcazar