artist Fred Liongoren

Fred wearing a tribal headdress at Robin's "welcome back" party at Benjie & Careng Reyes house in Antipolo.

a great Onib

Onib Olmedo painted TShirt, framed, found at the Regalado house in Antipolo

Artists, hanging out in Manila

Reuben Canete, Robin Haines Merrill & Eghai Roxas, eating Chinese food after an art opening
Hanging out till 3am after Wilson's funeral, in the ShangriLa hotel, talking about the Philippine Art Scene.

Art & the Poor

Mark Merrill's painting of the street kids in Manila at Kanlungan Center, making paper from recycled newspapers.


"Garden Variety Packs", sold by Mission Gifts, feature the artwork of Mark & Robin Merrill on cards using the handmade paper of streetchildren from Manila. The kids make the paper from recycled newspaper. This is an economic development project of our foundation, the Christian Cultural Development Foundation, and this card project has been ongoing for 15 years now! Packs of 4 blank cards cost p250 in the Philippines, and $8 in the USA.

Manny Garibay

Pay per prayer
Emmanuel Garibay is one of my favorite (Filipino) artists of both religion and reality. I hope that we can represent him through the Upper Room Art Gallery in the future.

at Remy Bouquiren's show

in SM Megamall Artwalk, Mandaluyong Metro Manila Philippines---
"Arlene, Remy & Robin" together again (we have had artshows together in the past)

The Grid that spans the seas, and time

Mark C. Merrill and the bamboo grid that hangs on his studio wall, which he has always wanted to make and finally did this year. It is based on an illustration he saw in National Geographic magazine. It was used by the earliest mariners to chart the stars and find their destinations while traveling. Because Mark is fascinated with the "Golden Rectangle", he could see the same relationships in this pattern.
While I was in Manila this summer, I chanced upon meeting Portugese-born, New York-based artist Luis da Cruz, who was having a show at the Ayala Museum. He gave me a personal tour of his work, and when I came upon this wall piece I knew what it was immediately!! Isn't it amazing how artists who don't even know each other and are on opposite sides of the ocean, can pick up upon the same ideas?

A close up on Luis da Cruz's work. It is entitled (currents). Just like the patterns of the ocean, the flow of the sea.

Handmade Paper products

Working in Antipolo, the mountains outside of Manila. The handmade paper is an economic development project for the poor in squatter resettlement areas. The lamps are created by CCDF designer Wendy Regalado and her staff in Antipolo.

Lots of gorgeous ROOM DIVIDERS are coming our way! A 20 foot container of products is in the finishing stages, and will be sent to CCDF in Fort Lauderdale Florida. This is "Buddha Belly" bamboo
Wendy holding one of the many hanging lamps, made from bamboo and handmade paper

Union Church

Isn't this a PHENOMENAL ceiling? Architect Bobby Manosa & team made it possible.
One of the few pipe organs in the Philippines
Mark & Robin Merrill worked on the Design Committee to build this new Union Church of Manila, which is located in downtown Makati, the financial district. A wonderful place to worship, with people from all nations and denominational backgrounds.

Antipolo Art Group

Here's a great shot of the old Antipolo Thursday Art Group. This is only a portion of everyone. Unfortunately the group doesnt meet anymore, but I was happy to see a few of the members during my recent trip there. Lino and Inday are now in heaven. And many of us no longer have dark hair!

Make sure I look serious

"These are rough political times. Make sure I look serious"--good friend and Antipolo neighbour "Biboy" Antipas Delatavo, a social realist painter whose work continues to improve.
One of Biboy's simple paintings, at the home of Roy & Wendy Regalado

Vagrant Artist

That's what he said. Jose Tence Ruiz

Wendy says....

I'm always taking pictures of basura. But I can't help myself

Funeral for a Friend

Madonna Ma, next to photo of her beloved husband and our friend, Wilson Ma, who died at age 45 of health complications. Our families were often together during excursions of the Saturday Group of Artists; we were the same age and one of the few that brought our children along. The Ma's are our brother and sister in Christ, and always brought great SIOPAO and MAMI to the events! You will be missed Wilson! We are always here for you Madonna.
Artist friends at the funeral: Robin Merrill, Egai Fernandez (former Pres. of the Asian Christian Art Assoc.), and Pablo "Adi" Baen Santos, Social-Realist painter and Christian brother.
Jerry Araos stunned us all by quoting an entire poem by TS Elliot ?? Thank you Jerry.

On the Wall, watching lives change

The art prints of Mark & Robin Merrill are on the walls in the new Samaritana center in Fairview, Quezon City, Metro Manila. Samaritana has opened a retreat center that is also a drop in center for women leaving prostitution. They have started a catering livelihood business that will supply the meals for those renting the center for retreats or meetings. Mission Gifts sells the beautiful handmade paper cards from Samaritana. Visit our gift shop in Fort Lauderdale (soon available for sale online). BLESS the work of this organization and of the faithful leading the desiring to Christ.

Mayor Bong Gordon (that's Bong, James Bong)

Two Mark Merrill art prints were given as a gift to Mayor Bong Gordon of Olongapo and his wife, as a thank you after meeting with Robin and Virgie of YWAM. Robin & Virgie explained the ministries of CCDF and YWAM/Tamar in helping the women of Olongapo leave lives of prostitution. The mayor explained his new programs and offered us a nice job package for women who are interested: WELDING. Hanjin of China has moved in to the former US Naval base and will be building ships and containers. Women welders are known to be better than men because of attention to detail. And so, we will have another job possibility for women who want to leave lives of prostitution. Your continued prayers and support are appreciated to see all these details to completion, in the lives of those who need our assistance.

Life

One of Robin Haines Merrill's typical photographs, taken at Calvary Chapel Olongapo, Philippines.

Guavas in a Tree

This incredible painting has been left in the Philippines! YES the Upper Room Art Gallery is now in Manila! Artwork is available through our Manila rep, Popoy Vilchez. artpreview@pldtdsl.net, or cell: 0918-900-8966. Beautifully framed, 135,000 pesos. We are a virtual gallery, he will bring the painting to you. Call for appointment. "This painting is very reminiscent of Amorsolo- the colors, ambience and overall mood". Upper Room Art Gallery is a non-profit gallery with ALL proceeds benefitting the outreach of CCDF and Mission Gifts economic development projects among the poor. BUY ART, FEEL GOOD!