Grantee Database

Riki BENEDICTO

Country / Region:
• Philippines

• 2026
• Theater
• Philippines to United States

To investigate process-led and collaborative practices among independent, conceptual, and experimental theater-makers. Benedicto will immerse himself in artist-run spaces and collectives whose work expands authorship, reimagines performance-making, and develops new work. Through rehearsals, classes, and conversations with directors, performers, designers, and artistic leaders, he will observe how ideas, collaborative methods, and emerging concepts take form within an evolving creative relationship. Following the fellowship, Benedicto plans to contribute to a more connected and critically engaged network across the regions where he is actively working.

Brian BERINO

• 2026
• Music
• Philippines to United States

To commence the Master of Music in Piano Performance program at James Madison University. Immersing himself in the United States’ classical music scene, Berino aims to further develop his artistry and career as a pianist and gain insights and experiences that he can bring back to support the growth of classical music in the Philippines. Berino obtained a Bachelor of Music majoring in Piano at the University of the Philippines's College of Music. Upon graduation, Berino was presented the Dean’s Award for distinguished service for his efforts in representing the Philippines in music competitions abroad. He is currently active as a performer, having been regularly featured on the Double Pentagon concert series in both solo recitals and ensemble performances.

Alain DE ASIS

• 2026
• Music
• Philippines to United States

To pursue a MA in Music at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University, currently in his second and final year, focusing on the technical aspects of playing the violin, studying the piano, music theory, and music history. De Asis is pursuing an MA in Music (Violin Performance) at the Jacobs School of Music, Indiana University. Currently in his second and final year, his dissertation recital will consist of music composed during the romantic and contemporary eras while his final output is a one-hour performance recital consisting of pieces in collaboration with his instrument teachers. De Asis hopes this fellowship will help enrich his musical journey and add to his credibility as a teacher and musician, furthering his intention to contribute to the advancement of violin playing in the Philippines.

Jose Marie Paraiso ESERJOSE

• 2026
• Music
• Philippines to United States

To commence the Master of Music in Historical Performance program at the Juilliard School. As a Historical Performance major, Eserjose will have the opportunity to join Juilliard 415, the school’s premier baroque ensemble, receive specialized coaching, and participate in master classes. These experiences will equip him with the essential tools to contribute meaningfully to the field and to promote and establish the first historical performance ensemble in the Philippines. Eserjose completed his Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance at the University of Santo Tomas Conservatory of Music under a full scholarship from the Original Pilipino Performing Arts Foundation. He is currently pursuing a Master of Music in Violin Performance at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University.

Rafa LUBIGAN

• 2026
• Arts Administration
• Philippines to United States

To gain firsthand insight into current stage management practices through workshops, rehearsals, mentorships, and exchanges. Lubigan will explore innovative approaches to stage management, blending traditional management practices with emerging methodologies in operational design, technology integration, and sustainable production systems. He aims to deepen his professional practice, engage in meaningful knowledge exchange, and adapt and localize the methods he observes to the Philippine context, translating them into sustainable, collaborative frameworks that strengthen local stage management communities.

Riza A ROMERO

• 2026
• Conservation
• Philippines to United States

To benchmark art conservation degree programs in New York and the U.S. through observation, events, and dialogues. Over the course of her six-month fellowship, Romero will observe training and service delivery at the Metropolitan Museum, attend MoMA conservation events, and build ties with conservation experts, gaining and exchanging knowledge and ideas related to conservation curriculum design, pedagogy, and facilities. Her primary objective is to help develop a robust, internationally competitive art conservation program in the Philippines, addressing the critical lack of formal training in the field.

Luis Antonio SANTOS

• 2026
• Visual Art
• Philippines to United States

To explore traditional printmaking and emerging image-making technologies while engaging with museums, artist-run spaces, and small organizations. Santos will visit print studios, archives, libraries, and institutions that support printmaking practices, such as the International Center of Photography and Printed Matter, as well as attend exhibitions, open studios, talks, and public programs that reflect New York’s diverse and evolving approaches to art-making. He aims to understand how artists sustain their practice across contexts and evolving communities and Santos hopes to return to the Philippines with clearer direction and insights to share with his community.

John Alexis Balaguer

• 2024
• Arts Criticism
• Philippines to United States

To explore museums, galleries, and art spaces in New York to study exhibition writing and engage with artists, gallerists, and cultural workers, aiming to have a deeper understanding of art criticism.

Maria Patricia Bernas

• 2024
• Dance
• Philippines to United States

To continue pursuing a Master of Science in Dance Movement Therapy at Sarah Lawrence College, training to create more inclusive approaches to dance and movement.

Antonette Go

• 2024
• Theater
• Philippines to United States

To attend classes in New York and acquire innovative techniques to empower local artists and foster narratives rooted in experiences, contributing to the enrichment of the Philippine cultural landscape.

Joshua Lloyd Lim So

• 2024
• Theater
• Philippines to United States

To conduct research on innovative ways of staging and writing performances, informing a project about Filipinx experiences in the United States and the clash of cultures and generations.

Peter John Natividad

• 2024
• Conservation
• Philippines to Japan

To conduct research on the principles and techniques used in the mounting and seismic control system of display and storage in Japanese museums.