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Romel Abapo Obellano

Multidisciplinary Artist | Creative Director | Cultural Visionary

The Artist Statement

Romel Abapo Obellano is the architect of Paninap Art, a signature style that translates the Kapampangan word for "dream" into a visual reality. His work exists in the "Dreamlike Fusion"—a sophisticated dialogue where the structural discipline of Academic Realism meets the raw, emotive energy of Abstraction. By blurring the boundaries between the ethereal and the tangible, Obellano invites viewers into a state of conscious dreaming, where heritage and the subconscious collide.

Paninap Art Style

Paninap Art is the bridge between the conscious and the subconscious. It is a masterful synthesis of Academic discipline and Abstract liberation, creating a visual language that feels both hauntingly familiar and beautifully otherworldly.

A Legacy of Cultural Leadership

Obellano’s artistic journey is inextricably linked to the preservation and promotion of Filipino culture. During his tenure at Nayong Pilipino, the nation’s premier cultural theme park, he transitioned from Museum Head (Visitor Experience Team) to Creative Department Head.

In these leadership roles, he served as a bridge between history and the public, spearheading the conceptualization of major projects like NayonLanding. His visionary leadership was instrumental in uniting local artist collectives for a landmark series of exhibitions and cultural activities, solidifying his reputation as a community catalyst and a champion of the regional creative economy.

The Golden Age & The "Fiesta Mural"

The trajectory of Obellano’s career reached a "Golden Age" with the creation of the Fiesta Mural. This massive public work featuring Philippine festivals whose mentorship refined his technical mastery and deepened his conceptual approach to large-scale storytelling.

The Scholar-Warrior Philosophy

Beyond the canvas, Obellano embodies the "Scholar-Warrior" ethos, a lifetime member of the World Organizer of Martial Arts (WOMA), he applies the principles of rhythm, balance, and precision to every stroke of the brush. This physical discipline informs his paintings, sculptures, and performances, imbuing his work with a rare kinetic energy and meditative focus.