Sorbetero sa Fort Santiago, Mixed Media on Abaca Paper

Description

This ink on abaca painting, Sorbetero sa Fort Santiago, features a traditional ice cream vendor stationed just outside the gate of Fort Santiago. The artwork honors the presence of street vendors who bring life, flavor, and local color to historic landmarks—quiet custodians of culture in their own right.

Jirah Millano-Perea is a graduate of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, but her connection to Intramuros goes beyond her college years. She continues to visit the Walled City regularly—joining heritage walks and art markets, delivering merchandise to souvenir shops, or simply spending time there with her husband. The pedestrianization of General Luna Street has allowed her to slow down and notice the quieter, often overlooked details of the place: candid moments between friends and families, the calm presence of roaming cats and dogs, and the textures of the historic surroundings. Using her phone and a second-hand digital camera, she began capturing these scenes, which later became the basis of her art. In her second solo exhibit, History by Foot, she shares these everyday glimpses of Intramuros and encourages others to explore the Walled City on foot—to notice its charm not just in grand structures, but in the people and moments that bring it to life.

Each piece in my "History by Foot" exhibit begins in deep shadow—painted first with black India ink to carve out the light. Then, in slow layers, I breathe in color: soft cobalt blue for calm, bronze yellow for warmth, and magenta for depth. It’s a quiet dance between light, mood, and memory.

To preserve the quality and longevity of this artwork, keep it displayed in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, humidity, and extreme temperature changes. The piece is created on delicate abaca paper using a combination of India ink, calligraphy ink, charcoal pencil, and gold marker—materials that may be sensitive to moisture and prolonged exposure to light. It is framed with glass for added protection; however, avoid hanging it in areas prone to high humidity such as bathrooms or near kitchens. For cleaning, gently dust the glass surface with a soft, dry cloth—never spray cleaners directly onto the frame.