Romelette Metz

I started drawing as soon as I could hold a pencil at the age of 3. My mother told me that they found out art kept me from bothering them. Then, in Kindergarten I started playing w/ watercolors provided by my teachers, they also discovered that art can keep me from bothering them and other students. I was 14, a high school sophomore, when I got the opportunity to first use acrylic paints after 3 weeks of fighting the school (almost got myself expelled or suspended) to allow me to be in the arts, carpentry, eletricity & building for Home Economics course which at that time was strictly for boys only. As a girl, they urged me to stay in cooking, homemaking, dressmaking and gardening for Home Economics course. I love all that, however, I knew then that I had to be in strictly for the boys Home Economics course. Against all odds, I got in! I am forever grateful to my art teacher, Mr. Rowen Lipardo, he gave me a chance and allowed me to be in his class as it truly was part of my root foundation in developing my talent in arts. I was the first female student who was permitted to be in the course—Yes, I made history in my high school! At 19, I was trained by my uncle (my mother’s brother), Ramon Dela Cerna, Jr., an artist by profession. He was perfectionist and too intense! (in a good way). He taught me more complex art techniques, variety of painting art ideas and styles, perspective, depth perception, different styles of art sketch, he introduced me to all kinds of art tools and mediums and how to use them, he encouraged me to be spontaneous, allowing my creative mind to freely flow, explore, discover and execute,  etc.. It was truly a gold mine being mentored by my uncle. I was 25 and pregnant of my son when I first use oil paints. There was a lot of hormones going on and art had kept me grounded and sane. I think it is safe to say that, I have created my best oil paint original artworks which I have sold out. In 2007-2010, I was a student at the University of the Incarnate Word major in nursing (non-graduate) and I took as many art courses as I can to help me decompress and overcome challenges in life (I was a working mother and pursuing school full time),  harnish my talent, educate myself about art history and acquire/learn more art techniques. In 2010, I started my publishing and advertising business, Fil-Am World Magazine, specializing in promoting businesses and cultures. My small business compliments my art talents and endeavors. It has exposed me to different cultures, provided more knowledge through research and given me an opportunity to meet people from different background. Many have become my art buyers/clients. I have traveled across the country several times; in Texas, Washington, Oregon, California, just to mention a few, and done multiple art shows and painting sessions. Most of my art buyers/collectors are from different states; Texas, Washington, North Carolina, California, Oregon, Nevada and I have been commissioned to do art by dignitaries and celebrities. I haven’t officially joined any art competitions in my lifetime. I did attempt once which I have been interviewed and juried by 14 professional artists from different parts of California on June 8, 2017, in one of the art galleries in Santa Ana, California. They gave me an opportunity to present my 5 best original works to be juried and appraised with the intent of getting accepted and displayed in galleries for sale and for admission for California’s Annual Art Competition if I choose to join. I have been notified that I was accepted but I had to return to Texas. So, I missed that huge opportunity. Perhaps, it was my big break. I also have been celebrated as the Artist of the Month 2x and interviewed by media such as Radyo Agila sa Amerika hosted by Don Orozco on October 5, 2022, featured and interviewed in Ganap TV Online Episode 9 hosted by Mamou V on October 25, 2020 and I was one of their nominees for Best Artist and Painter Episode Year 2021. I am involved in our community and have engaged social and political activities, charities and I hosted arts, entertainments, business and community events. I currently hold several positions/titles in various organizations. I serve as  Board Member of Organization of Filipinos in Texas, Board Member of the Asian American Alliance of San Antonio, Board Member of Global Chamber San Antonio, Official Publicist of Alamo Asian American Chamber of Commerce and Project Director of Philippine Chorale Ensemble of San Antonio Foundation, Inc. I have more than 30 years of experience in arts and entertainments as well as public relations. Yes, i started young, I was just in 2nd grade when I started publishing a series of comics with only a handwritten stories in a bond paper along with my original and raw illustrations of the story I wrote in it. My classmates and schoolmates paid to (individually) read my comics. It was a hit! Now, I am 44 years old, a mother of two and soon to be a grandma—-too young to be one yet I am very excited. My roots came from the beautiful country of the Philippines! I migrated to the U.S. back in December 2004. Since then, San Antonio has become my home for life and just where I want to be.