Jerry Morada

In Paete, Laguna, there is no shortage of exposure to Philippine folk themes. Highly regarded for it's woodcarving industry, which goes decades back, the town is a cradle for art talent. And among them, starting his career as a wood-carving apprentice, is Jerry Morada. Like his fellow Paete artist Dominic Rubio, Morada's depiction of genteel colonialism can be traced to his town's folk sensibilities. He counts as among his accomplishment the ceiling mural paintings at the centuries old Church of Paete as well as prize winnings in major Philippine art competitions, the most recent of which is his First Prize at the GSIS National Art competition. He is also an accomplished portraitist.

It was through Morada's family (his father was a wood carver) that the artist discovered and nurtured his burgeoning talent. His carvings of the human figure helped shape a later affinity for anatomical accuracy and the techniques gained also enabled him to enter the University of the Philippines College of Fine Arts.

Morada eventually developed and refined his skill in painting and this was coupled with an already existing interest in history. It is not surprising therefore that his pieces are nostalgic paintings of a bygone era. His early fascination with old photographs empowered him with a vision that was to be his guiding style.