Benedicto Cabrera (BenCab)

BenCab is one of the most distinguished Filipino artists and was named National Artist of the Philippines for Visual Arts in 2006. Born into a large family as the youngest of nine children, he grew up in a creative and artistic environment. He studied at the University of the Philippines and began making his mark in Manila's art circles shortly after receiving his bachelor's degree in Fine Arts. He is known for his masterful figurative paintings and is considered a pioneer of Philippine art. BenCab is notably "the best-selling Filipino artist of modern times" with a significant influence on contemporary Philippine art.