Not so often, we hear of Filipino stories which make us proud of saying: kabayan ko yan!

One is Charice Pempengco. I must admit that I initially didn't like her (because I disdain Filipino birit singers). But when I saw her in Oprah the second time and when I heard her sing, I had a lump on my throat and I felt my heart welling up with pride as a Filipino. Alone in my room, I spread my arms and said: You, Charice, make us all proud!

Another kababayan who recently wowed me is Ever of Kuwait, a Filipino artist-cum-blogger, whose artwork will be featured in his soon-to-be-launched book entitled Ever Painting Collection.

Ever's subjects on canvass vary from Mideastern characters, nature's beauty to sketches of Filipina's grace, all colorful and alive with depth and emotions.

Below are two of his beautiful paintings entitled Pond 1 and African Dance, respectively.





Ever belongs to a group Adhika which includes four other talented Kuwait-based Filipino artists. When I say talented, I really mean t-a-l-e-n-t-e-d! I was awed by the beauty of their work which you can visit at the following blogsites:

Dave (David) Constantino
Ser (Ding) Bautista Jr
Jojo (Jocab) Cabrera
Everlito (Ever) Villacruz
Rolly (Ilor) Patilla

Nikki Pechuela-Famador of ABS-CBN Global wrote a very beautiful article about the group. She said: Their bristles magically work their way to depict traditional Filipino practices...(and) have also immortalized the exotic beauty of the Filipina, Pakistani and Egyptian women...giving a sacred light to (the subject of femininity).

Adhika will have their group exhibit in Kuwait sometime in February 2009.