Maria Francisca Juarez was born on June 2, 2000, in Toledo City, Cebu. She is one of the youngest artists in her group. At an early age, she already showed interest in drawing. In fact, during her primary school years, she enjoyed sketching and creative activities.
When she reached high school, her passion for art grew stronger. Whenever her MAPEH teacher assigned drawing projects, she felt excited and motivated. Later on, a turning point came when her friend, Orley Y. Ypon, invited her to an out-of-town activity. What she thought was a simple hangout became her first on-the-spot painting experience. It was also her first time using brushes and canvas.
At first, she preferred working on larger canvases because she found them more challenging. Soon after, Orley Y. Ypon gathered Cebuano artists and formed the Aroma Art Atelier. Through this group, Juarez developed her skills under proper mentorship. As a result, she learned drawing techniques and the importance of value application in painting.
Eventually, she chose to fully pursue art instead of continuing her senior high school education. For her, the art world offered deeper learning and self-discovery. Moreover, she began to appreciate the beauty of nature and the world around her.
Artistic Journey and Recognition
Juarez actively joined competitions and quickly gained recognition. Her early success came when she received the Honourable Mention / Da Vinci Initiative Award at the Art Renewal Center 13th International ARC Salon Competition (2017–2018).
In addition, she became a finalist in the Vision Petron “Tuklas Kultura” 2018 competition with her work Bagobo Tribes. Furthermore, she received the Jose Rizal National Portraiture Competition “Cueva Award” in 2022.
She also achieved Top 5 in the Manila Bulletin MB Sketchfest 2022 with her artwork Hope, which followed the theme “Saving Earth.”
International Recognition
Juarez also gained recognition in international competitions. She became part of the Top 80 in the Malaysia International Online Juried Art Competition (IFAM). Her entries included:
- New Catch (Animals Category, 2022)
- Peanut Grass (Landscape Category, 2022)
- Art Performance (Figures and Faces Category, 2023)
Through these achievements, she continues to establish her presence in the global art scene.
Awards and Honours Received
- 2024 – 3rd Place, Professional Category, Toledo City On-the-Spot Painting Competition
- 2023 – Top 80, IFAM Malaysia International Online Juried Art Competition (Figures and Faces), Art Performance
- 2022 – Top 80, IFAM Malaysia International Online Juried Art Competition (Animals & Landscape), New Catch and Peanut Grass
- 2022 – Top 5, Manila Bulletin MB Sketchfest, Hope
- 2022 – Jose Rizal National Portraiture Competition, Cueva Award
- 2018 – Honourable Mention / Da Vinci Initiative Award, Art Renewal Center International Salon
- 2018 – Finalist, Vision Petron National Student Art Competition “Tuklas Kultura”
Artistic Vision
Today, Juarez continues to grow as an artist. With passion and dedication, she explores new techniques and ideas. Ultimately, she aims to express her creativity while inspiring others through her art.
