Yek, born November 3, 1973, is a Manila-based artist whose work is rooted in Filipino culture and biblical references. He underwent formal training in Fine Arts, Major in Advertising, at the Technological University of the Philippines. There he honed his own style of figurative painting — the genre his works are best known for. Yek was a finalist in the Galal 4th National Art Competition and a two-time recipient of the "Excellence Award" from the Shell National Student Art Competition, winning in both categories. He has participated in numerous group exhibits, including Art Elan, Gallery Jose, Kapitolyo Art Space, Art in the Park, Grey Space Gallery, Nuzens Art Gallery, Cevio Art Haus, Xavier Art Fest, Robinson’s Artablado, Centro León Galería Museo, House of Representatives, and Nami Gallery, among others.[name] Recently, he was featured as an artist in an episode of Showbiz Now Na! with Cristy Fermin. Yek is also active in community art services and seminars for children and youth who are captivated by and curious about art. Notable among these are PIKAPIK Art 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0, held in Laguna Province. The program’s goal is to teach youth the fundamentals of painting, mixed media, and T-shirt printing. His rise in his career can be attributed to his zeal and dedication to art, as gleaned from his simple but unassuming words: "I paint, not because I have to, but because I feel obliged by love of Art for Art's sake."