Mario’s Path to Discover Arts in Taiwan

At age 25, Mario Subeldia left his hometown of Luzon in the Philippines, travelling to work in the Hsinchu Science Park in Taiwan. To overcome his homesickness, he once had the idea of using sand to draw his family’s faces on the beach, unexpectedly sparking his interest in “sand painting” as he discovered his talent.

After spending three years in self study, Mario succeeded in obtaining a Street Artist Permit from Hsinchu and Taipei – the first Philippine migrant worker to do so. His evenings and weekends became marked by heartwarming encounters with people throughout Taiwan; sharing, learning and improving his arts across many media, as well as sharing his story with Taiwan. Now, instead of being known as a migrant worker, he is referred to as “the Artist Teacher” by the City’s Cultural Bureau in Taiwan.

With continued and growing support from the Taiwanese public and media, Mario has developed a platform for other Philippine migrant workers with hidden artistic talents to join him, using their arts to raise funds to support those in need back home in the Philippines. With works of painting, photography, and fashion along with Mario’s own sand painting, hand-made costumes and fashion design, as well as filming, the artistic journeys of Mario and these self-made Philippine artists are only just beginning!

The Pleasures of Paint

A collection of vibrant paintings after painting adorn the scene before a department store in Hsinchu, and gorgeous models dressed in unique and handmade clothing strut up and down the runway. Sunday is not a day of rest for these Filipino artists, but a day to shine!

Taiwan’s first migrant artist, Mario Subeldia, has produced works of all sorts – from sand painting and drawing to handmade clothing and fashion design. After captivating the interest of the mainstream in Taiwan, Mario invited other Philippine migrant workers to showcase their artistic talents in the public eye. Holding several casting, fashion, and art exhibitions in Taiwan, Mario has developed an opportunity for fellow Filipinos to fulfill their dreams.

As the creative mind behind “AFACE: A Fashion And Charity Event”, Mario Subeldia gives the public a new perspective on arts and fashion. During this year’s TAIWANfest, Mario’s original and handmade creations will be exhibited along with arts from his fellow migrant artists in Taiwan.

AFACE – Arts and Fashion A Charity Event

How many could have the imagination or talent to even consider using the National Taiwan Museum as a runway, or the Yingxi Gate of Hsinchu City as a high fashion backdrop? Some twenty-odd Filipino models strut through the scene, showcasing vibrant and exciting pieces of a new fashion – these are Taiwan’s migrant friends; glamorous models that contribute to Taiwan’s fashion industry.

Joining beauty pageants or becoming fashion models are the dreams of many Filipinos. Even if they have come to work or study in Taiwan, they still dream of standing proudly on stage. Mario Subeldia is a talented artist and leader of the Filipino community in Taiwan. Using cigarette boxes, french fry containers, lottery tickets, and other perfectly usable waste and packaging, he designs gorgeous and truly one of a kind works of fashion. Gathering his fellow Filipinos, Mario’s group holds public events and exhibitions including charity fashion shows and even art exhibitions, promoting environmental protection while showcasing the art and talent of the Filipino in Taiwan.

Find your own inspiration in these new and selected pieces exhibited at this year’s TAIWANfest!