SHOWCASE

/ ARTIST / 2026

ARTIST: Rey Orlanes
COUNTRY: Philippines
CONTACT: reyorlanes.myportfolio.com
instagram.com/mrorlanes
I am an illustrator and visual designer based in Cebu, Philippines. I am on a journey to capture the mundane; my artworks often show memories and reflections.

Elsewhere

I drew this piece during an intense heatwave. The heat got me wishing I was at a colder place, so I looked through old travel pictures. Browsing through my pictures of a rainy Kyoto, I remembered wishing I was somewhere sunnier, too. This piece represents my wish that I was elsewhere.

Catching Sunrise

This piece is inspired by a photo I took during one of my 5AM runs. The pier was the best spot for running, but it was facing east, so it gets hot really fast once the sun rises. I went really early to finish my run before the sun goes up, and I saw a lone fisherman at the pier. We were alone, doing different things, but we were both catching the sunrise.

Ganahan Ko Muhangad (I Want To Look Up)

Releasing my frustration towards the "spaghetti wires" of my city. I want to tear down the wires and see the clear sky as I walk for errands.

Market Cat

My drawing of a cat in Ben Thanh Market in Vietnam, but frankly it is a challenge for me to draw more detailed backgrounds.

605 (2026)

Every year, I draw a surprise birthday portrait of my girlfriend. The usual route would be to draw a proper, beautiful portrait, but this time, I wanted to capture her whimsy.

By The River

A drawing of a memory of my first international trip (Taiwan). Tours are usually constraining because of the tight schedule, but I remember a short quiet moment between destinations where I just hung out by the river. There are hardly any well-maintained public spaces in my country, so I keep coming back to this moment.

Glass Tank

A glass tank I saw at a seafood restaurant, it somehow feels full and empty at the same time. I am not sure what these fish were, but I liked their red color. None of these fish still exist now, maybe they were all gone that day, but at least they can stay safe in this glass tank.

The Taho Vendor

Taho (Filipino silken tofu with sago pearls and sweet syrup) was my favorite snack growing up, but these days, I rarely encounter any sellers. When I finally met one again, I took my time to make a portrait.

To Minoh Falls

Took a long hike from Katsuoji to Minoh Falls in Osaka. This piece captures the memorable tunnel near the falls, when you finally hear the water after a long hike in the woods.

Take It Slow

This piece is a memory of when I lost my water jug at school. I knew I would get scolded by my parents, so I tried to take it really slow to get home.