I’m still trying to process what happened on the evening of June 28. Waking up the next day feels like whatever happened was all a dream.
What an honor. Thank you to the City government of Dumaguete, and everyone behind this recognition. I feel deeply humbled, and still slightly in disbelief, to be chosen as one of this year’s Outstanding Dumagueteños.
Apparently, I’m also the youngest to have been given the award — which makes the whole thing feel even more surreal.
But in all honesty, it’s a reminder that our work can speak for us, no matter our age, when it comes from a place of heart, purpose, and community.
Especially knowing how many others from our City have inspired me, collaborated with me, and shaped the artist that I am today.
To Paul Benzi Florendo (who flew in from Manila to be here in Dumaguete, and celebrate with us), thank you for nominating me. To Vincent Lopez, Renz Torres, Juliet Licaros, and Annabelle Adriano, thank you for your generous testimonials and support. You’ve reminded me that great things happen when your circle quietly believes in you, and in their own ways lifts you up.
To all my art patrons, collaborators, art collectors, fellow artists, and kind strangers who’ve supported my work, your encouragement helped my art reach places far beyond this island, even while my slippers remained firmly grounded on Dumaguete soil.
My journey began in the quiet corners of Purok Mapailubon in barangay Bagacay — with humble tools and big dreams.
I was raised in the most supportive family. To my Mama Nizza, daghang salamat sa imung kalma nga kusog. Also to my Papa Ben, who I know is watching, and looking at me with pride. To my siblings Sean, Dizzy, and Zydore; to my uncle Nicky, whose creativity has always inspired me; and to our big, colorful extended family, thank you for cheering me on, long before I knew where this path would lead.
To my teachers from South City, Babajuba Elementary, Junob National High School, Foundation University; to the Sinco family: Sir Andy & Ma’am Mira, Sir Dean, Sir Luis; and the Dumaguete community, thank you for nurturing this young artist who just wanted to make sense of the world through images and stories.
This award is not mine alone. Thanks to the lessons, inspiration, and values I learned here in this vibrant, creative, gentle City; we managed to share our work with the world.
But no matter how far I go, one truth stays with me: “The more I travel the world, the more I appreciate my own hometown.”
Because Dumaguete isn’t just a place, it’s a feeling. It’s the soul behind every brushstroke, every photo, every moment I try to catch and share.
And wherever my work goes, so does the name: “Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, Philippines”.
I now get to share this journey with my partner in life and creativity, my incredible wife, Toulla Mavromatis, who has been officially dagit by Dumaguete’s charm. Together, we recently welcomed our daughter, Galaxy Casero — our masterpiece, our muse. Yes, folks, I’ve fully entered Dad mode, more eyebags, and more joy than I ever imagined.
Dumaguete, you are where my heart is anchored, and where my art finds its soul. I’m excited for the future, because every generation of artists here learns from those who came before us. We carry the torch, we innovate, and pass it on.
This award isn’t just about what I’ve achieved, it’s a reminder that art, when made with love and a little courage, can move people, tell stories, and bring pride to the place we call home.
Daghan kaayong salamat! Padayon ta, mga Dumagueteños!
And to my fellow Outstanding Dumagueteños, congratulations! I’m just honored to be in your company.
I am forever grateful.
Hersley Ven Casero
hersleyven@gmail.com
