July 11, 2025, around 1 am at my friend’s house.

It was truly wonderful time to catch up with friends whom I haven’t seen for years. J and K have been my good friends ever since I was in school for dental hygiene–and back when they started dating. Now that they are about to tie the knot, all I am praying is that I’ll be able to witness their wedding. That night was full of laughter and excitement about our future goals. As my husband and I look forward to our own future, we can’t deny that we are ecstatic and nervous at the same time.

That moment, the four of us also talked about art. We talked about our different perspectives and preferences.

For J, art can be anything.

For K, it’s the beauty and the feeling.

For my husband– it’s about history and legacy.

For me, arts is everything (and everything they have said too.)

“Tignan mo to Bags, ang ganda ng mga gawa neto. Lalo na sa personal.”

“Look at this Bags, his works are wonderful. Especially if you see them in person.”

(Take note that we call each other “Bags”, short of “Bagtit” which means crazy in Ilocano).

K showed me a picture of a painting full of colorful rocks, dotted trees, a vast blue sky, and green trees.

At first, I wasn’t impressed. But the more I look at it, the more I became interested.

“Anung pangalan ng Artist?”

“What’s the name of the artist?” I asked.

“Lamarroza.” She replied.

As someone who’s still studying art, his name was new to me. I became curious about his life, his other works, and his art style.

Prudencio Lamarroza was born in 1946 in Ambalayat, Tagudin in Ilocos Sur. It is said that Lamarozza, as a child, was always fascinated by the beauty of rocks. In his mind, memories of his long walks, beautiful pebbles and rocks are deeply embedded. A memory that molded his artistic vision that he will later share to his audience– a legacy that will be remembered in the Philippine art scene.

July 16, 2025, Seventh J Art Gallery in Greenhills, San Juan.

The first time I saw Lamarroza’s artwork in flesh. It was a massive, colorful, and intricate painting with three trees in different patterns. Beautiful is an understatement. I could really tell that his painting is truly a work of art, and he must’ve spent a lot of hours just doing a portion of it. The colors were well orchestrated, drawing your eyes to the stunning rocks.

I recorded the image in my mind–the painting strokes, the gorgeous textures, and the fine detail. It is indeed a memory that I will keep forever– and of course I didn’t miss to take a picture. I respectfully asked the caretaker for permission, and he agreed.

When I got home, K sent me a message. It was a post of Lamarroza Paintings facebook page, it was an announcement of their upcoming exhibition in Juan Miro Gallery. The exhibit is on July 20, 2025, and I felt an ached in my heart: I’m leaving the Philippines on the same day.

July 17, 2025, Juan Miro Gallery in Shangri-la Plaza Mall.

As my husband and I strolled around the gallery, hoping I’d catch a glance of Lamarozza’s work, I got extremely lucky. Right there, a massive painting was stood tall and mighty. His signature rocks were everywhere– engulfing me towards his world, it felt like a dream.

It was a surreal experience. It felt like I am in his world, his mind and in his memories.

From Late-Night Laughs to Lamarozza: An Art Journey I Didn’t See Coming.