About Nina
Nina was only three years old when she was diagnosed with autism. Her parents remember the pain of shattered dreams upon learning of her condition. The situation only strengthened their resolve to love Nina more and help her become the best that she can be. This love nurtured and paved the way for Nina’s gift.
As a child, Nina struggled to speak. And when she finally did, she still could not fully express herself. However what she lacked in verbal articulation, she more than made up for with her immense talent in drawing, sketching and painting. Nina’s passion for art grew and she began to paint … creating masterpieces of color that captured her vivid imagination. There were no traces of autism in her work, only her enormous creativity and artistry.
Nina is an international artist. She has held several exhibits at the United Nations and Philippine consulate in New York, Macau and the Philippines. She works well with acrylic paints, water color, charcoal and colored pencils. And in 2023, Nina has started creating digital works of art.
In 2017, Nina was part of a select group of featured artists that displayed their hand painted pina gowns and shawls at a fashion show held at the Philippine consulate in New York.
In 2018, Nina’s first solo exhibit “Chiquitita” showcased her sensational works that depicted a spectrum of ideas, from fun Disney characters to sophisticated “sarimanoks.”
In 2019, Nina represented the Philippines in the International Inclusion Conference Parenting and Education in Macao, Special Administrative Regions in China. She showcased her works and had an actual demonstration of her talents at the workshop.
In 2024, Nina held her second solo exhibit “Enter the Dragon” at the prestigious Galerie Joaquin at the Podium Mall in Mandaluyong City. Her fascination with the Chinese Zodiac animals is perfectly suited to the Year of the Dragon.
Her works have also been printed on merchandise such as clothing, eco bags, greeting cards, stationery, stickers to name a few. Through her brand SPECIAL HANDS BY NINA, the family is able to support other PWDs such as Rehabilitation and Empowerment of Adults and Children with Handicap (R.E.A.C.H) Foundation and Precious Works of Differently Able Enterprise (PWDe). By using her amazing talent, Nina is able to give back to those in need. Truly, every stroke of her brush has been a gift.
REACH is a non stock, non profit organization based in Mandaluyong City that is dedicated to helping Persons with Disabilities from depressed communities. PWDe is a non profit organization that supports the goods and services of Persons with Disabilities.