Elmer Borlongan (b. 1967) from Manila has manifested an interest in art, learning how to paint at a children’s workshop taught by Fernando Sena. He would later pursue a degree in painting at the University of the Philippines College of Fine Arts, where he would graduate in 1987. He is active in the Philippine art scene, contributing to groups and collectives such as ABAY, Salingpusa, and Sanggawa.

His works are characterized by stylized figures and idiosyncratic iconography, described as figurative expressionism. Part of the Social Realist movement, Borlongan’s subjects are commonly composed of everyday struggles of urban life in Metro Manila, highlighting them through the distorted figures that evoked empathy and sensitivity. After his transfer from Manila to Zambales, his paintings began to depict rural life, such as vendors, fisherfolk, and travelers.

Throughout his career, Elmer Borlongan has exhibited in numerous galleries, such as the Fukuoka Art Museum, Singapore Art Museum, Pinto Art Gallery, and more. He has also received numerous awards, such as the Thirteen Artists Award from the Cultural Center of the Philippines in 1994 and the Second Prize in the 1992 Metrobank Annual National Painting Competition.

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