For the past 57 years, I have made a point of following my inspiration while chasing my life dreams. Art has always fascinated me as a child, and I loved drawing and painting.
Visual creativity fascinates me and it is a passion can’t help but follow. This fascination with art, artistic inclination and visual creativity led me in adulthood to be more passionate in cosmetic dentistry. I have been able to use this talent to help countless patients enjoy the smile they dreamed of—and now I aim to make people smile as a valuable piece of artwork. I find it personally rewarding and fulfilling to see the impact of the smile makeover I have made on my patient’s live – those beautiful smiles in which they are happy and proud of. It is a reward that money cannot buy!
Reflecting on my life’s journey, I am struck by the intricate tapestry woven from my passions for art, science, and human connection. From my earliest memories, art has been a guiding force, leading me to a fulfilling career in cosmetic dentistry and a profound engagement with photography and abstract art. Through these mediums, I have sought to touch lives, evoke emotions, and inspire transformations.
Growing up in the Philippines, I was captivated by the vibrant colors and rich textures that surrounded me. The lush landscapes, bustling markets, and intricate textiles ignited my imagination and fueled my desire to create. I spent countless hours sketching the world around me, attempting to capture its essence on paper. This early immersion in art was not just a pastime; it became a lens through which I viewed and interpreted life.
My parents, recognizing my fervor, encouraged me to explore various artistic disciplines. I dabbled in painting, experimenting with oils and watercolors, each medium offering a new avenue for expression. Music also played a significant role in my upbringing, with melodies and rhythms influencing the fluidity and movement evident in my visual artworks. These formative experiences instilled in me an appreciation for the interconnectedness of all art forms and their collective ability to convey the depth of human experience.
As I approached adulthood, I faced the pivotal decision of choosing a career path. While my heart was deeply rooted in the arts, I was equally drawn to the sciences, fascinated by their precision and the tangible impact they had on people’s lives. Dentistry emerged as the perfect amalgamation of these interests—a field where scientific knowledge meets artistic skill to create functional beauty.
Enrolling in dental school, I immersed myself in the rigorous study of anatomy, physiology, and the technical aspects of dental care. Yet, I always approached my studies with an artist’s perspective, viewing each procedure as a form of sculpture, each smile as a canvas awaiting transformation. This mindset allowed me to excel in areas requiring a keen aesthetic sense, particularly in cosmetic dentistry, where the goal is to harmonize function with visual appeal.
In 2000, after years of honing my skills and gaining invaluable experience, I realized my dream of opening my own practice—Vogue Smiles Melbourne. Nestled in the heart of Melbourne’s Central Business District, the clinic was founded on principles that mirrored my personal philosophy: a commitment to excellence, an emphasis on individualized care, and an unwavering dedication to aesthetic perfection.
Creating Vogue Smiles Melbourne was akin to curating an art gallery. Every element, from the clinic’s design to the patient experience, was thoughtfully crafted to evoke a sense of comfort and inspiration. I wanted patients to feel they were entering a space where their needs were understood, their desires valued, and their visions for their smiles brought to life with artistry and precision.
To me, dentistry transcends the realm of healthcare; it is an art form in its own right. Each patient’s mouth presents a unique landscape, with contours, shades, and structures that require a tailored approach. Crafting a smile involves more than technical proficiency; it demands an intuitive understanding of symmetry, proportion, and the subtle nuances that make a smile resonate with natural beauty.
When a patient entrusts me with their smile, I embark on a collaborative journey with them. We discuss their aspirations, analyze their facial features, and co-create a vision that aligns with their identity. Utilizing advanced technologies and materials, I meticulously design restorations that blend seamlessly with their natural dentition, ensuring that the final result is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functionally sound.
Parallel to my dental career, photography has been a profound passion and creative outlet. The camera became an extension of my artistic vision, allowing me to frame the world through my unique perspective. I am particularly drawn to black and white photography, captivated by its ability to distill scenes to their essence, highlighting contrasts, textures, and emotions without the distraction of color.
Traveling extensively, I have sought to capture the soul of diverse landscapes and cultures. From the serene expanses of the Australian outback to the intricate architectures of ancient cities, each photograph tells a story, encapsulating moments that evoke reflection and connection. This pursuit of imagery is not just about documenting; it is about conveying the intangible feelings that scenes and subjects inspire.
In 2017, I took a significant step in sharing my photographic journey with the world by establishing the Heart & Soul Whisperer Art Gallery. This online platform serves as a repository for my visual explorations, offering museum-quality fine art prints that invite viewers into the narratives I have captured.
The gallery is more than a showcase; it is an invitation to experience the world through my eyes. Each collection is curated to evoke specific emotions and thoughts, encouraging viewers to embark on their own introspective journeys. Through this endeavor, I aim to bridge the gap between artist and audience, creating a space where art becomes a shared experience.
Many perceive my dual careers in dentistry and art as distinct paths, but to me, they are intrinsically linked. The precision, attention to detail, and aesthetic sensibility required in dentistry are mirrored in my artistic pursuits. Both fields demand a deep understanding of form, balance, and the human condition.
In dentistry, I sculpt and design smiles that enhance my patients’ confidence and well-being. In art, I capture and create images that provoke thought and stir emotions. Both endeavors are about transformation—whether it is transforming a smile or transforming a moment into a lasting image.
Beyond my professional and artistic pursuits, I am deeply committed to giving back to the community. Volunteering my dental services to underserved populations has been a humbling and rewarding aspect of my career. Traveling to areas with limited access to dental care, I have witnessed firsthand the profound impact that restoring a smile can have on an individual’s life.
These experiences have reinforced my belief in the power of compassion and the importance of using one’s skills to uplift others. They serve as a reminder that at the core of both dentistry and art is the desire to connect, heal, and inspire.
Away from the clinic and the camera, my life is enriched by the companionship of my Sphynx cats, Zucky and Zooky. Their playful antics and affectionate nature bring joy and balance to my days. They remind me of the beauty in simplicity and the importance of nurturing the bonds that bring warmth to our lives.
In moments of solitude, I find solace in nature, drawing inspiration from its boundless beauty. Whether it’s a walk along the beach at sunrise or a hike through verdant forests, these experiences rejuvenate my spirit and fuel my creativity.
Outside Dentistry, I love doing volunteering works overseas and my recent travel was giving free dental treatment at Kopan monastery in Nepal.
I began photography as part of my dental practice when I purchased my first DSLR camera to take before and after photos of my patients. The Olympus 5 megapixel camera was top of the line at the time way back 20 years ago, and I considers it a great investment in my dental practice because it allowed me to capture my patients’ satisfied, improved smiles. So my journey into photography began. I first became interested in photography when I attended a short photography course in Melbourne in August of 2015. I quickly realised that, while I lacked theoretical knowledge, my passion and natural affinity for visual creativity more than compensated. Years of painting and drawing provided me with a solid foundation, and I have experimented with various media. I have won nearly 50 photographic awards for my black and white photographs, both locally and internationally.
I love taking photos to tell about people, daily life, or a culture.
I have been fascinated by abstract art and the creation of beauty since I was a child, when I recalls having a strong desire to discover new ways of creating and expressing beauty in all of its forms. However, I now realises that as an adult, my focus on my career and the pursuit of excellence in my professional life was quite narrow for many years. I pursued my dream of providing the best personal, customised service to my patients, and I derives great pride and satisfaction from providing them with excellent results. I sees this as yet another aspect of my lifelong pursuit of beauty: the advancement not only of cosmetic dentistry’s aesthetics, but also the resulting effect it has on my patients’ self-esteem and confidence.
As I look to the future, I am filled with a sense of excitement and purpose. I aspire to continue evolving both as a dentist and an artist, embracing new technologies and mediums that enhance my ability to serve and express. Expanding the reach of the Heart & Soul Whisperer Art Gallery, I hope to collaborate with other artists and engage with a broader audience, fostering a community united by a love for art and storytelling.
Dreaming of travelling more to remote places around the world one day and doing more dentistry volunteering works.
My strong passion for travel and photography, lead me to found Heart & Soul Whisperer Art Gallery in 2017. I am proud that my photographic works have garnered recognition and an impressive number of photographic awards, locally and internationally.
My Heart and Soul Whisperer Art Gallery is more than just a collection of visually stunning photographs and abstract artwork—it is a deeply personal and profound manifestation of love, memory, and artistic expression. This gallery is a tribute to the unbreakable bond I shared with my beloved Sphynx cat, Zucky , whose presence in my life was nothing short of transformative. Every brushstroke, every captured image, and every artistic creation in this gallery is infused with his spirit, his energy, and the love that continues to shape my creative journey.
When I embarked on this artistic venture, I quickly realized that my Heart and Soul Whisperer Art Gallery was not just about showcasing my art or building a commercial endeavor—it was something far deeper and more meaningful. It became a labor of love , a spiritual and emotional extension of my connection with Zucky, a way to immortalize his legacy through art.
Each piece on display in my gallery tells a story—a story of love, of loss, of deep emotions that transcend time and space. It is a reflection of the extraordinary companionship I shared with Zucky, an animal who was more than a pet—he was my muse, my confidant, and a source of unwavering love and inspiration. The art within these gallery walls encapsulates the beauty of that connection, the sacred bond between human and animal, and the way love can manifest itself in the most unexpected, yet profoundly moving, ways.
At the core of my gallery lies a powerful and deeply personal mission: to share love and connection through art . This is not just a space where people come to view or purchase artwork—it is a place of healing, inspiration, and reflection . It is a sanctuary for those who understand the transformative power of love and creativity , for those who seek comfort in art, and for those who believe in the profound ability of visual storytelling to touch the soul .
The purpose of my Heart and Soul Whisperer Art Gallery goes far beyond selling pieces of art; it is about building a community—a space where people can come together, share their own stories of love and loss, and find solace in the emotions my work evokes. Every visitor who walks through these doors is invited to experience something beyond the tangible—to feel, to connect, and to embrace the power of art as a universal language of the heart.
To me, Zucky was more than just a pet; he was family, a soul companion, and a source of boundless inspiration . His presence in my life was marked by his gentle nature, his playful curiosity, and the unconditional love he gave so freely. Losing him left a void that could never truly be filled, but his spirit lives on through my art .
Each photograph, each artwork displayed in my gallery is a testament to Zucky’s legacy . His essence is woven into every creation, serving as a constant reminder of the impact he had on my life and my artistic journey. His love for life, his unique quirks, and the joy he brought into my world continue to inspire me every day.
Through my artwork, I aim to capture the essence of his presence —the quiet moments of reflection, the bursts of energy and playfulness, and the deep, soulful connection that only those who have shared their hearts with an animal truly understand. His story is etched into every frame, every composition, and every brushstroke.
My Heart and Soul Whisperer Art Gallery is not only an artistic tribute to Zucky, but also a means of giving back in his honor. In memory of my beloved companion, a portion of every sale from the gallery is dedicated to funding critical research into feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and saddle thrombus , conditions that affect so many cats around the world.
This initiative is my way of ensuring that Zucky’s legacy extends beyond the realm of art , making a real difference in the lives of other animals and their human companions. His love and spirit continue to have an impact, supporting advancements in veterinary medicine and providing hope to those facing similar challenges with their cherished pets.
Walking through the Heart and Soul Whisperer Art Gallery is not just an exploration of artistic pieces—it is an immersive experience , a journey into the very heart of love, loss, and artistic expression. Every photograph, every artwork tells a story of connection, resilience, and beauty . Visitors are invited to step into my world, to experience the emotions that inspired each piece, and to see firsthand how art has the power to heal and transform .
Art has always been my sanctuary , my way of making sense of the world, of expressing the deepest emotions that words often fail to capture. Through my gallery, I hope to provide others with a space where they can find solace, be moved, and reconnect with their own memories, emotions, and experiences . It is a place where passion and legacy come together, where the whispers of love and inspiration continue to guide my journey.
As time moves forward, the Heart and Soul Whisperer Art Gallery will remain a place of reflection, inspiration, and deep emotional connection . My goal is to continue expanding this project, reaching more hearts and touching more lives through my work.
Zucky’s story does not end with his passing—it lives on through the art I create, the people I connect with, and the community I continue to build. His presence will always be felt in every brushstroke, every photograph, and every artistic creation that carries his legacy forward.
This gallery is my tribute to love, to art, and to the enduring power of the human-animal bond . It stands as a reminder that while life may be fleeting, love is eternal , and through creativity, we can ensure that those we cherish are never truly gone.
So, to every visitor who steps into this space—to every soul who has ever loved and lost, who has found solace in art, and who believes in the power of creativity to heal and inspire—I invite you to experience the Heart and Soul Whisperer Art Gallery not just as an exhibition, but as a testament to love, a celebration of legacy, and a tribute to the indelible mark that love leaves on our souls .
Because love never dies—it simply transforms into something greater, something timeless, something that continues to whisper to us through the art we create and the memories we cherish .
