Pinay nurse wins first place in art competition

By Jomel Gutierrez

A Filipino nurse in Suffolk, England won the top award for the Untold Stories of Filipino Nurses in the UK art competition organised by the Filipino Nurses Association in the United Kingdom (FNA UK). 

Phoebe Inna Relacion, a nurse at Ipswich Hospital, captured the hearts of the judges and public voters for her interpretation of Filipino nurses’ experience during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Entitled “Roots of the Brave and Fallen,” Ms Relacion’s artwork aimed to depict the challenges faced by Filipino nurses working on the Covid-19 frontlines. 

In her Facebook post, she wrote:  “Hopeful to see this piece across NHS Hospitals in the UK and to represent the richness of the Filipino culture and healthcare professionals slowly being identified not only as “another Asian” ethnicity and being recognised for the valuable work we put on the table.”

The artworks will be displayed in hospitals across London NHS Trusts, raising awareness about Filipino nurses’ experiences and their valuable contributions to society, said FNA UK officer Marc Rodriguera who organised the competition.

Ms Relacion has included several elements of Philippine history and culture in her winning artwork to emphasise that Filipino nurses’ bravery and resilience during the pandemic were rooted in their heritage.   

The second place was awarded to Maynard Tolentino for his piece, “The Blind Soldier.” The third place went to Boyet Munoz for his artwork entitled “Across the Bridge.” All the winners received cash prizes.

The entries were exhibited during the London Barrio Fiesta at Lampton Park on June 10-11, 2023. The competition and exhibit were supported by the Untold Stories grant under the Mayor of London’s office.

Ambassador Teodoro Locsin Jr, NHS England Chief Nursing Officer Dame Ruth May and former NHS Workforce Race and Equality Standard head Professor Anton Emmanuel judged the entries. The artworks were also ranked by the online votes they received. 

Tinig UK caught up with Phoebe about her winning the competition. 

When did you start creating art and how does it feel that you won this competition?

I started creating art when I was still in grade school. My mom noticed I always like to scribble on paper and walls. I feel so proud winning the competition. It’s very unreal. It’s nice to represent something about my job and passion for art. I do not always make artwork. It’s only my pastime. Sometimes, if someone asks me, I do it.

What was the inspiration behind the painting/digital art that you made?

As a nurse who was one of the frontliners during the pandemic, I wanted to show the harsh reality that Covid-19 brought on us while showing also a representation of how brave and hopeful we are as healthcare workers despite the hardship we encountered. I also wanted to honour our fellow healthcare workers who sacrificed their lives for us to survive the pandemic.

On the other elements of your art that showcased Filipino culture and values, what encouraged you to choose these specific details?

We all know that our country is rich in history, traditions and cultural heritage. We also have different ethnic groups and are known for our unique values. I saw this chance to feature them in my art not only to promote our hardworking and dedicated Pinoy nurses but to present what our country can also offer such as our own indigenous weaving traditions.

As an OFW who works in the UK healthcare industry, why do you think representation through the arts is important? 

I think art is a very complex subject, to begin with. Everyone can do art. But we do it in different ways and appreciating it is very subjective. Representation through artwork is the first step to being recognised as a Filipino in a foreign country. The power of art can speak volumes. This opportunity has given me a chance to showcase how rich our culture is and to immerse our roots in the mainstream. We all want representation, to be heard and be noticed.

There are a lot of horror stories during the pandemic about the experiences of Pinoy nurses in the UK. As someone who has been working here for just more than a year, what are the challenges you encounter as a Pinoy nurse working abroad?

I was not here during the pandemic; I was working in the frontlines in the Philippines at that time. But I know the struggle was the same across the world. We were battling exhaustion, burnout, being away from family and facing imminent death. I am thankful that when I moved here it was a very positive adjustment for me since I always loved traveling. I also think that there are lots of Filipino nurses who have made their name across the UK which makes it much easier for me to blend in. Filipino nursing care is always unparalleled.

Despite these challenges, what makes you hopeful as a Pinoy nurse working away from your family?

All the challenges I encounter and will still face here will add up to my experience. I would not take anything negatively. Hope is always something invisible, but we should not forget why we are here in the first place. This is how we fuel our hope.

What message do you want to impart to our kababayans who want to pursue their passion in art while working in a different profession?

It is sad when you abandon your creative side, so just keep doing what you love. Pursue it at the same time as your profession! If it is something that you are passionate about – make time for it.

Phoebe’s winning masterpiece and the other entries to the competition are planned to be exhibited nationally as well as displayed by the FNAUK in different participating hospitals within London NHS Trusts.

Top photo: Filipina nurse Phoebe Inna Relacion and FNA UK officer Marc Rodriguera pose next to Phoebe’s winning artwork during the London Barrio Fiesta at Lampton Park.

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