Jertie Abergas

After completing her studies at the UP Diliman College of Fine Arts, Jertie Abergas co-founded an art group with her fellow UPD-CFA batchmates. They organized art exhibits and workshops in Metro Manila, Dumaguete, and Davao City.

When the art group parted ways, Jertie shifted her focus to their family business and eventually ventured into her own specialty food business, specializing in gluten-free and vegan food products.

Jertie also nurtured her passion for photography. She refined her skills by working as an apprentice photographer for a modeling agency and participating in photography events and workshops organized by Pinay Shutters, a photography group of which she is a founding member.

Despite her devotion to food and photography, Jertie found it difficult to put her passion for painting behind her as she began using cakes and pastries as her canvas, allowing her ideas to come to life through these edible creations. Her talent was recognized when she was featured in the 2018 Philippine Daily Inquirer's Best Desserts, awarded as the Best Vegan Cake, and received the 2nd Best Vegan Dessert accolade from PETA Asia in 2019.

Her calling for painting came knocking once again when she joined her UPD-CFA 1994 batchmate's first group exhibition  at Art Anton, S Maison, Pasay in 2019.

Although the pandemic hindered them from holding exhibitions for several years, Jertie has reunited with her batchmates to pursue her artistic calling once more.

Today, her artworks can once again be admired, characterized by her distinctive thick brush strokes, reminiscent of the Post-Impressionist painting style. Jertie has returned to her canvas.