Bernardo Balagtas

Bernardo Balagtas was born into a family of artists from Angono, Rizal, in 1972. His love of the arts had been evident even in his younger years, when he consecutively won the Angono Ateliers Association Annual Competition from 1985–1989 and other art competitions as well.

He attended primary and secondary school in Angono and decided to study at the University of the Philippines (Diliman), College of Fine Arts, from 1990–1994, where he was a government scholar serving as a Sangguniang Chairman at Barangay Kalayaan, Angono, Rizal. His talent and his wit were honed and furthered at the university, where he had not only been an art scholar, College of Fine Arts Alumni Scholar, and Eduardo Castrillo Scholar, to name a few, but also a University Scholar (with a GWA 1.45 - 1.0).

Bernardo's roster of awards and achievements as an artist shows how exemplary and diversity can define an artist such as him his masterpieces were showcased in his various solo art exhibitions, such as "Displacement in 2016 at Artologist Gallery in San Juan City, among others, and also in various group exhibitions, such as "Different Strokes" in 2019 at Angono Art Walk in SM Angono, featuring his father and his brother, Mr. Eugene Balatas. Sadly, but proudly, this was also his last collaboration with his father, the late Mr. Angelito Balagtas. Bernardo Balatas is also currently serving and governing as the Barangay Chairman of Barangay Kalayaan, Angono, Rizal, after serving as a Municipal Councilor in Angono for three consecutive terms. As a public servant and a master of his artwork, Kap. Bernie has indeed shown excellence in his passion through and through.