BioChamps Palawan Camp Kits Co-creation Project with Forest Foundation Philippines and Palawan’s Indigenous Youth

BioChamps Palawan Camp Kits Co-creation Project with Forest Foundation Philippines and Palawan’s Indigenous Youth

BioChamps Palawan Camp Kits Co-creation Project with Forest Foundation Philippines and Palawan’s Indigenous Youth

Palawan flora fauna heritage traditions and culture illustrations
Palawan flora fauna heritage traditions and culture illustrations
Palawan flora fauna heritage traditions and culture illustrations
Main project visual and a list of items we produced for the Camp Kits.
Palawan flora fauna heritage traditions and culture illustrations
A participant enjoying the scenery at the BioChamps Palawan Youth Camp (photo courtesy of Forest Foundation Philippines)
Palawan flora fauna heritage traditions and culture illustrations
BioChamps Palawan Tumblers (photo by youth camp participant Jassiel Faye Dela Cruz, courtesy of  Forest Foundation Philippines)
Palawan flora fauna heritage traditions and culture illustrations
Class Photo: BioChamps Palawan Youth Camp (photo courtesy of Forest Foundation Philippines)
Palawan flora fauna heritage traditions and culture illustrations

Last June (2025), the BioChamps 3.0 youth camp was held in Southern Palawan, a meaningful initiative that brought together Indigenous youth from the Tagbanua and Palaw’an communities to celebrate their heritage, deepen their connection with their ancestral lands, and strengthen their role as stewards of the forest.

As part of the project, I co-created the visual identity and camp materials in collaboration with the Green Livelihoods Alliance (GLA) network in Palawan, which includes the SILG* Program of Forest Foundation Philippines, NTFP-EP Philippines, IDEAS, and ELAC, under an initiative we called Project AMPLYFIED: Awareness Merchandise Production Aimed for Limitless Youths: Forest Conservation Information and Education Camp Kits.

The designs, from the BioChamps Palawan logo to the camp kit illustrations, were all inspired by endemic flora and fauna, local dances and rituals, food, crafts, and valuable insights shared during a co-design Zoom session and consultations with the youth.

 

Palawan flora fauna heritage traditions and culture illustrations
A screenshot from our co-design workshop and consultation Zoom session with the Palawan indigenous youth. 

We produced Camp Kits containing t-shirts, tote bags, tumblers, stickers, and other functional items that could serve as daily reminders of their advocacy. Seeing the participants wear the finished items against the backdrop of Palawan’s forest landscapes was a full-circle moment. A visual celebration of the land and the young people working to protect it.

We hope these materials will continue to remind the youth of their important roles in preserving Palawan’s forests and heritage. Truly grateful to have been part of a project that amplifies Indigenous youth voices while championing both biodiversity and culture.

*Thanks so much to Forest Foundation Philippines’ SILG (Sustainable Program team for this meaningful project. <3

  • John Mark Ayap
  • Nelissa Maria Rocas
  • Rosemarie Joy Quetula
*Sustainable and Inclusive Landscape Governance Program (SILG)
*Non-Timber Forest Products – Exchange Programme (NTFP-EP) Philippines, 
*Institute for the Development of Educational and Ecological Alternatives Incorporated (IDEAS)
*Environmental Legal Assistance Center (ELAC)
 

* Download a copy of the #ProjectAMPLYFIEDPh Publication for more info on our project.

* Social media project documentation:
1. Introduction to the AMPLYFIEDPh Project
2. Our Youth Are Culture Bearers
3. Protecting Biodiversity = Protecting Our Identity,Traditions, and Culture
4. From Design to Delivery
5. Behind the Scenes Reel
6. Camp Complete! BioChamps Palawan, From Vision to Reality

*On-site activity photos are courtesy of Forest Foundation Philippines

 

* I post most frequently on Instagram, so for a sneak peek at the latest projects (that might take a while to land here), feel free to follow along there! 😉

BioChamps Palawan Camp Kits Co-creation Project with Forest Foundation Philippines and Palawan’s Indigenous Youth

BioChamps Palawan Camp Kits Co-creation Project with Forest Foundation Philippines and Palawan’s Indigenous Youth

Philippine Native Trees Modern Filipiniana Collection | EN Barong Filipino

Philippine Native Trees Modern Filipiniana Collection | EN Barong Filipino

Illustrations for Filipino Food Recipe Trinket Dishes | Casa Juan MNL

Illustrations for Filipino Food Recipe Trinket Dishes | Casa Juan MNL

Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao: Philippine Endemic Wildlife Advocacy Items

Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao: Philippine Endemic Wildlife Advocacy Items

Illustrations for Ibon Collection Tableware | Casa Juan MNL

Illustrations for Ibon Collection Tableware | Casa Juan MNL

Forest Landscapes Illustrated Maps for Forest Foundation Philippines

Forest Landscapes Illustrated Maps for Forest Foundation Philippines

EDC BINHI Flagship Flora & Fauna Illustrations

EDC BINHI Flagship Flora & Fauna Illustrations

Illustrations for Bulaklak Collection Tableware | Casa Juan MNL

Illustrations for Bulaklak Collection Tableware | Casa Juan MNL

Philippine Forest Blooms Embroidery Kit: A Collaboration with CraftMNL

Philippine Forest Blooms Embroidery Kit: A Collaboration with CraftMNL

Philippine Native Produce Market Tote

Philippine Native Produce Market Tote

Philippine Forest Blooms Jewelry Collection

Philippine Forest Blooms Jewelry Collection

Forest Reflections Nature Appreciation Journal

Forest Reflections Nature Appreciation Journal

Illustrations for Sekaya 2020 Prescribing Nature Gift Packs

Illustrations for Sekaya 2020 Prescribing Nature Gift Packs

Tanim: A Filipino Botanical Oracle Deck

Tanim: A Filipino Botanical Oracle Deck

UTMeArtPh x Fiesta T-shirt for Uniqlo Philippines

UTMeArtPh x Fiesta T-shirt for Uniqlo Philippines

Philippine Forest Fruits Set of 30 Postcards

Philippine Forest Fruits Set of 30 Postcards

Philippine Forest Blooms 2020 Desk Calendar and Notepad Set

Philippine Forest Blooms 2020 Desk Calendar and Notepad Set

Philippine Forest Blooms Native Flowering Trees Planner

Philippine Forest Blooms Native Flowering Trees Planner

“Bahay Kubo” for Go Lokal

“Bahay Kubo” for Go Lokal

“Garden Bloom” Embroidered Pen Capsule for Filed!

“Garden Bloom” Embroidered Pen Capsule for Filed!

Pinoy Pop Culture Postcards

Pinoy Pop Culture Postcards

Pinoy Food, Fruits, Flowers & Birds Stickers

Pinoy Food, Fruits, Flowers & Birds Stickers

Philippine Flora & Fauna Notebooks

Philippine Flora & Fauna Notebooks

Giraffe and Zebra Tees for Googoo&Gaga

Giraffe and Zebra Tees for Googoo&Gaga

Eraserheads EP by Esquire Philippines

Eraserheads EP by Esquire Philippines

“Ang Nawawalang Soundtrack” Vinyl Record

“Ang Nawawalang Soundtrack” Vinyl Record

“The Heads Set” Eraserheads Boxed Set

“The Heads Set” Eraserheads Boxed Set

“Not By The Book” by Tippi Ocampo

“Not By The Book” by Tippi Ocampo

“Effect Desired: None” Imago Album

“Effect Desired: None” Imago Album

Wedding Essentials Magazine

Wedding Essentials Magazine

Expertise

  • Print design
  • Packaging design
  • Surface pattern design
  • Watercolor illustration
  • Digital illustration
  • Visual identity
  • Art direction

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Is there a story you'd like to tell? I can help you communicate your vision through carefully-crafted design and art.

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Illustrations for Filipino Food Recipe Trinket Dishes | Casa Juan MNL

Illustrations for Filipino Food Recipe Trinket Dishes | Casa Juan MNL

Filipino Food Recipe Trinket Dishes | Casa Juan MNL

Filipino Food Recipe Illustrations on Trinket Dishes for Casa Juan MNL
Filipino Food Recipe Illustrations on Trinket Dishes for Casa Juan MNL
Filipino Food Recipe Illustrations on Trinket Dishes for Casa Juan MNL
Filipino Food Recipe Illustrations on Trinket Dishes for Casa Juan MNL
Filipino Food Recipe Illustrations on Trinket Dishes for Casa Juan MNL
Filipino Food Recipe Illustrations on Trinket Dishes for Casa Juan MNL

Local homeware brand Casa Juan MNL commissioned me to create the Filipino Food trinket dish collection, featuring recipes by Chef Reggie Aspiras. Building on our past collaborations (such as the “Bulaklak” and “Ibon” plate collections), Ms. Michelle Fontelera once again entrusted me with complete creative freedom to illustrate the elements in my signature style.

This collection showcases traditional Filipino dishes, including Pinakbet, Sinigang, Adobo, and Lechon. Pancit Bihon was also initially designed, but unfortunately it didn’t make the final cut.

Filipino Food Recipe Illustrations on Trinket Dishes for Casa Juan MNL

*The Pancit Bihon design (above) did not make it to the final collection.

* I post most frequently on Instagram, so for a sneak peek at the latest projects (that might take a while to land here), feel free to follow along there! 😉

BioChamps Palawan Camp Kits Co-creation Project with Forest Foundation Philippines and Palawan’s Indigenous Youth

BioChamps Palawan Camp Kits Co-creation Project with Forest Foundation Philippines and Palawan’s Indigenous Youth

Philippine Native Trees Modern Filipiniana Collection | EN Barong Filipino

Philippine Native Trees Modern Filipiniana Collection | EN Barong Filipino

Illustrations for Filipino Food Recipe Trinket Dishes | Casa Juan MNL

Illustrations for Filipino Food Recipe Trinket Dishes | Casa Juan MNL

Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao: Philippine Endemic Wildlife Advocacy Items

Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao: Philippine Endemic Wildlife Advocacy Items

Illustrations for Ibon Collection Tableware | Casa Juan MNL

Illustrations for Ibon Collection Tableware | Casa Juan MNL

Forest Landscapes Illustrated Maps for Forest Foundation Philippines

Forest Landscapes Illustrated Maps for Forest Foundation Philippines

EDC BINHI Flagship Flora & Fauna Illustrations

EDC BINHI Flagship Flora & Fauna Illustrations

Illustrations for Bulaklak Collection Tableware | Casa Juan MNL

Illustrations for Bulaklak Collection Tableware | Casa Juan MNL

Philippine Forest Blooms Embroidery Kit: A Collaboration with CraftMNL

Philippine Forest Blooms Embroidery Kit: A Collaboration with CraftMNL

Philippine Native Produce Market Tote

Philippine Native Produce Market Tote

Philippine Forest Blooms Jewelry Collection

Philippine Forest Blooms Jewelry Collection

Forest Reflections Nature Appreciation Journal

Forest Reflections Nature Appreciation Journal

Illustrations for Sekaya 2020 Prescribing Nature Gift Packs

Illustrations for Sekaya 2020 Prescribing Nature Gift Packs

Tanim: A Filipino Botanical Oracle Deck

Tanim: A Filipino Botanical Oracle Deck

UTMeArtPh x Fiesta T-shirt for Uniqlo Philippines

UTMeArtPh x Fiesta T-shirt for Uniqlo Philippines

Philippine Forest Fruits Set of 30 Postcards

Philippine Forest Fruits Set of 30 Postcards

Philippine Forest Blooms 2020 Desk Calendar and Notepad Set

Philippine Forest Blooms 2020 Desk Calendar and Notepad Set

Philippine Forest Blooms Native Flowering Trees Planner

Philippine Forest Blooms Native Flowering Trees Planner

“Bahay Kubo” for Go Lokal

“Bahay Kubo” for Go Lokal

“Garden Bloom” Embroidered Pen Capsule for Filed!

“Garden Bloom” Embroidered Pen Capsule for Filed!

Pinoy Pop Culture Postcards

Pinoy Pop Culture Postcards

Pinoy Food, Fruits, Flowers & Birds Stickers

Pinoy Food, Fruits, Flowers & Birds Stickers

Philippine Flora & Fauna Notebooks

Philippine Flora & Fauna Notebooks

Giraffe and Zebra Tees for Googoo&Gaga

Giraffe and Zebra Tees for Googoo&Gaga

Eraserheads EP by Esquire Philippines

Eraserheads EP by Esquire Philippines

“Ang Nawawalang Soundtrack” Vinyl Record

“Ang Nawawalang Soundtrack” Vinyl Record

“The Heads Set” Eraserheads Boxed Set

“The Heads Set” Eraserheads Boxed Set

“Not By The Book” by Tippi Ocampo

“Not By The Book” by Tippi Ocampo

“Effect Desired: None” Imago Album

“Effect Desired: None” Imago Album

Wedding Essentials Magazine

Wedding Essentials Magazine

Expertise

  • Print design
  • Packaging design
  • Surface pattern design
  • Watercolor illustration
  • Digital illustration
  • Visual identity
  • Art direction

Thank you for dropping by!

Is there a story you'd like to tell? I can help you communicate your vision through carefully-crafted design and art.

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Let's discuss your project.

4 + 12 =

Illustrations for Ibon Collection Tableware | Casa Juan MNL

Illustrations for Ibon Collection Tableware | Casa Juan MNL

Ibon Collection Tableware for Casa Juan MNL

casa juan ibon collection illustrations and design

Photo from Casa Juan’s Facebook page.

casa juan ibon collection illustrations and design
casa juan ibon collection illustrations and design

Photo from Casa Juan’s Facebook page.

casa juan ibon collection illustrations and design by cynthia bauzon arre

Local homeware brand Casa Juan MNL commissioned me to illustrate and design the “Ibon” collection. As with our previous project (see “Bulaklak” collection), Casa Juan’s Ms. Michelle Fontelera gave me total freedom to come up with a list of Philippine endemic birds to showcase. Because of how well their colors work well together in a set, I ended up choosing the Cinnamon Ibon (Hypocryptadius cinnamomeus), Red-eared Parrotfinch (Erythrura coloria), Blue-headed Fantail (Rhipidura cyaniceps), Palawan Flowerpecker (Prionochilus plateni).

For a natural and accurate depiction, I consulted bird expert Ms. Trinket Constantino of ADMU’s Department of Biology and member of the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines regarding Philippine native trees that the featured birds normally perch on. She identified some and provided me with a short list which I then chose from and made artistic interpretations of alongside their “partner” bird species. (Please check out her and Ms. Abby Favis’ wonderful campus biodiversity documentation project, The Ateneo Wild!)

The collection is available in sets consisting of salad plates featuring the four bird-and-tree pairings, and a dinner plate decked with elements of the native trees.

casa juan ibon collection illustrations and design

* I post most frequently on Instagram, so for a sneak peek at the latest projects (that might take a while to land here), feel free to follow along there! 😉

BioChamps Palawan Camp Kits Co-creation Project with Forest Foundation Philippines and Palawan’s Indigenous Youth

BioChamps Palawan Camp Kits Co-creation Project with Forest Foundation Philippines and Palawan’s Indigenous Youth

Philippine Native Trees Modern Filipiniana Collection | EN Barong Filipino

Philippine Native Trees Modern Filipiniana Collection | EN Barong Filipino

Illustrations for Filipino Food Recipe Trinket Dishes | Casa Juan MNL

Illustrations for Filipino Food Recipe Trinket Dishes | Casa Juan MNL

Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao: Philippine Endemic Wildlife Advocacy Items

Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao: Philippine Endemic Wildlife Advocacy Items

Illustrations for Ibon Collection Tableware | Casa Juan MNL

Illustrations for Ibon Collection Tableware | Casa Juan MNL

Forest Landscapes Illustrated Maps for Forest Foundation Philippines

Forest Landscapes Illustrated Maps for Forest Foundation Philippines

EDC BINHI Flagship Flora & Fauna Illustrations

EDC BINHI Flagship Flora & Fauna Illustrations

Illustrations for Bulaklak Collection Tableware | Casa Juan MNL

Illustrations for Bulaklak Collection Tableware | Casa Juan MNL

Philippine Forest Blooms Embroidery Kit: A Collaboration with CraftMNL

Philippine Forest Blooms Embroidery Kit: A Collaboration with CraftMNL

Philippine Native Produce Market Tote

Philippine Native Produce Market Tote

Philippine Forest Blooms Jewelry Collection

Philippine Forest Blooms Jewelry Collection

Forest Reflections Nature Appreciation Journal

Forest Reflections Nature Appreciation Journal

Illustrations for Sekaya 2020 Prescribing Nature Gift Packs

Illustrations for Sekaya 2020 Prescribing Nature Gift Packs

Tanim: A Filipino Botanical Oracle Deck

Tanim: A Filipino Botanical Oracle Deck

UTMeArtPh x Fiesta T-shirt for Uniqlo Philippines

UTMeArtPh x Fiesta T-shirt for Uniqlo Philippines

Philippine Forest Fruits Set of 30 Postcards

Philippine Forest Fruits Set of 30 Postcards

Philippine Forest Blooms 2020 Desk Calendar and Notepad Set

Philippine Forest Blooms 2020 Desk Calendar and Notepad Set

Philippine Forest Blooms Native Flowering Trees Planner

Philippine Forest Blooms Native Flowering Trees Planner

“Bahay Kubo” for Go Lokal

“Bahay Kubo” for Go Lokal

“Garden Bloom” Embroidered Pen Capsule for Filed!

“Garden Bloom” Embroidered Pen Capsule for Filed!

Pinoy Pop Culture Postcards

Pinoy Pop Culture Postcards

Pinoy Food, Fruits, Flowers & Birds Stickers

Pinoy Food, Fruits, Flowers & Birds Stickers

Philippine Flora & Fauna Notebooks

Philippine Flora & Fauna Notebooks

Giraffe and Zebra Tees for Googoo&Gaga

Giraffe and Zebra Tees for Googoo&Gaga

Eraserheads EP by Esquire Philippines

Eraserheads EP by Esquire Philippines

“Ang Nawawalang Soundtrack” Vinyl Record

“Ang Nawawalang Soundtrack” Vinyl Record

“The Heads Set” Eraserheads Boxed Set

“The Heads Set” Eraserheads Boxed Set

“Not By The Book” by Tippi Ocampo

“Not By The Book” by Tippi Ocampo

“Effect Desired: None” Imago Album

“Effect Desired: None” Imago Album

Wedding Essentials Magazine

Wedding Essentials Magazine

Expertise

  • Print design
  • Packaging design
  • Surface pattern design
  • Watercolor illustration
  • Digital illustration
  • Visual identity
  • Art direction

Thank you for dropping by!

Is there a story you'd like to tell? I can help you communicate your vision through carefully-crafted design and art.

LEARN MORE  >>

Let's discuss your project.

7 + 4 =

Illustrations for Bulaklak Collection Tableware | Casa Juan MNL

Illustrations for Bulaklak Collection Tableware | Casa Juan MNL

Bulaklak Collection Tableware for Casa Juan MNL

Bulaklak Philippine Native Flowers Plates
Bulaklak Philippine Native Flowers Plates
Bulaklak Philippine Native Flowers Plates
Bulaklak Philippine Native Flowers Plates
Bulaklak Philippine Native Flowers Plates
Bulaklak Philippine Native Flowers Plates Illustrations

Local homeware brand Casa Juan MNL commissioned me to illustrate and design their “Bulaklak” collection of tableware. Ms. Michelle Fontelera, proprietor of Casa Juan, kindly gave me complete freedom to suggest flowers to feature, and eventually we went with the Tayabak or Jade Vine (Strongylodon macrobotrys), Sanggumay (Dendrobium anosmum), Renanthera monachica, and Dendrobium victoriae-reginae – all of which are epiphytes that are endemic to the Philippines.
The collection is available in sets consisting of dinner plates, salad plates, and soup bowls.

Bulaklak Philippine Native Flora Plates

* I post most frequently on Instagram, so for a sneak peek at the latest projects (that might take a while to land here), feel free to follow along there! 😉

BioChamps Palawan Camp Kits Co-creation Project with Forest Foundation Philippines and Palawan’s Indigenous Youth

BioChamps Palawan Camp Kits Co-creation Project with Forest Foundation Philippines and Palawan’s Indigenous Youth

Philippine Native Trees Modern Filipiniana Collection | EN Barong Filipino

Philippine Native Trees Modern Filipiniana Collection | EN Barong Filipino

Illustrations for Filipino Food Recipe Trinket Dishes | Casa Juan MNL

Illustrations for Filipino Food Recipe Trinket Dishes | Casa Juan MNL

Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao: Philippine Endemic Wildlife Advocacy Items

Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao: Philippine Endemic Wildlife Advocacy Items

Illustrations for Ibon Collection Tableware | Casa Juan MNL

Illustrations for Ibon Collection Tableware | Casa Juan MNL

Forest Landscapes Illustrated Maps for Forest Foundation Philippines

Forest Landscapes Illustrated Maps for Forest Foundation Philippines

EDC BINHI Flagship Flora & Fauna Illustrations

EDC BINHI Flagship Flora & Fauna Illustrations

Illustrations for Bulaklak Collection Tableware | Casa Juan MNL

Illustrations for Bulaklak Collection Tableware | Casa Juan MNL

Philippine Forest Blooms Embroidery Kit: A Collaboration with CraftMNL

Philippine Forest Blooms Embroidery Kit: A Collaboration with CraftMNL

Philippine Native Produce Market Tote

Philippine Native Produce Market Tote

Philippine Forest Blooms Jewelry Collection

Philippine Forest Blooms Jewelry Collection

Forest Reflections Nature Appreciation Journal

Forest Reflections Nature Appreciation Journal

Illustrations for Sekaya 2020 Prescribing Nature Gift Packs

Illustrations for Sekaya 2020 Prescribing Nature Gift Packs

Tanim: A Filipino Botanical Oracle Deck

Tanim: A Filipino Botanical Oracle Deck

UTMeArtPh x Fiesta T-shirt for Uniqlo Philippines

UTMeArtPh x Fiesta T-shirt for Uniqlo Philippines

Philippine Forest Fruits Set of 30 Postcards

Philippine Forest Fruits Set of 30 Postcards

Philippine Forest Blooms 2020 Desk Calendar and Notepad Set

Philippine Forest Blooms 2020 Desk Calendar and Notepad Set

Philippine Forest Blooms Native Flowering Trees Planner

Philippine Forest Blooms Native Flowering Trees Planner

“Bahay Kubo” for Go Lokal

“Bahay Kubo” for Go Lokal

“Garden Bloom” Embroidered Pen Capsule for Filed!

“Garden Bloom” Embroidered Pen Capsule for Filed!

Pinoy Pop Culture Postcards

Pinoy Pop Culture Postcards

Pinoy Food, Fruits, Flowers & Birds Stickers

Pinoy Food, Fruits, Flowers & Birds Stickers

Philippine Flora & Fauna Notebooks

Philippine Flora & Fauna Notebooks

Giraffe and Zebra Tees for Googoo&Gaga

Giraffe and Zebra Tees for Googoo&Gaga

Eraserheads EP by Esquire Philippines

Eraserheads EP by Esquire Philippines

“Ang Nawawalang Soundtrack” Vinyl Record

“Ang Nawawalang Soundtrack” Vinyl Record

“The Heads Set” Eraserheads Boxed Set

“The Heads Set” Eraserheads Boxed Set

“Not By The Book” by Tippi Ocampo

“Not By The Book” by Tippi Ocampo

“Effect Desired: None” Imago Album

“Effect Desired: None” Imago Album

Wedding Essentials Magazine

Wedding Essentials Magazine

Expertise

  • Print design
  • Packaging design
  • Surface pattern design
  • Watercolor illustration
  • Digital illustration
  • Visual identity
  • Art direction

Thank you for dropping by!

Is there a story you'd like to tell? I can help you communicate your vision through carefully-crafted design and art.

LEARN MORE  >>

Let's discuss your project.

6 + 14 =

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