A different model abroad
One of the defining moments in Cotiamco’s artistic journey came when she represented the Philippines at the Meeting of Styles festival in Surakarta, Indonesia, where she experienced a city that embraced street art as part of its cultural identity.
“As foreign artists, we were welcomed by their local government with a cultural program, a narrative dance performance and food,” she said. “It was amazing to see how the city embraced graffiti and street art rather than being discouraged.”
The experience showed her what support for public art can look like — a contrast that stayed with her after returning home.
Balancing the clinic, the scene
Cebu’s graffiti scene, she says, continues to grow despite challenges. Walls are still painted over, restrictions remain and recognition can be uneven. Yet the community continues to thrive through passion and resilience.
As a female artist in a space long dominated by men, Cotiamco says her experience has been mostly positive. The greater challenge is balancing two careers that often compete for her time.
Many street art events happen on weekends, which are also the busiest days in the clinic.
“I often have to choose between showing up for my art and showing up for my patients,” she said.
Rather than seeing it as a conflict, Cotiamco accepts that different seasons demand different priorities. Raised in a family of modest means, she chose dentistry for stability, but never allowed that practical decision to replace the artist in her.
