There comes a point in everyone’s lives where we get the chance to walk the journey with someone who quietly leaves their mark–without fanfare, without trying–with the sheer brilliance of their talent, passion, and warmth.
Stephien Perez–a creative visionary, imaginative storyteller, and a kind soul–needed only the rawness and rarity of his artistry and selflessness to leave a mark on every person he walked with.
Though the chance to journey with him has finished, it is not gone; and the weight of his absence reminds us that he transcends mortality through the legacy he left behind—in his art, his images, and the friends who carry his spirit forward, a testament to his boundless creativity and kindness, both loved and cherished.
I. A Vision Through the Lens: His Life as a Photojournalist
His love for the arts reflected not only on the lens of his cameras but also in his passion for campus journalism. As a photojournalist for The Technologian Student Press, Stephien dedicated himself to capturing memories whose true essence went beyond what the naked eye could perceive.
One of Stephien’s most enduring works was a collection of snaps from last year’s graduation ceremony. The photos he took that day documented a thousand stories of Teknoy graduates who would look and reminisce on the blood, sweat, and tears they had poured out along their journey–each sacrifice culminating in the ultimate symbol of their triumph: their diplomas.
“His journey in campus journalism, although cut short, was defined by his unwavering passion for photography and storytelling. Always up for the challenge, he embraced every opportunity to capture moments that spoke beyond words. His love for photography was evident in everything he did, and his dedication to the craft was truly inspiring,” shared by Ms. Iazah Alburo, the Press’ Associate Editor – Internal.
Stephien contributed his artistry in his one-year term in the Press, and easily became acquainted with the other members due to his commitment and comforting personality.
“He is very talented and well dedicated as a photojournalist, he started as a BMMA student here in CIT-U and joined The Technologian Student Press. Dili ra photos iyang gi submit nako, but he also made us laugh even in the most intense or stressful situations. He’s not only a good photojournalist but also a good friend. He is one of the definitions of what an artist really is,” recalled Mr. Joacquine Antonio Aratea, the Press’ head photographer.“Kuya Steph always tried to help in any way he could. He would volunteer for events, whether to take photos or operate cameras for a livestream – and talk to everyone present, ensuring that no one feels left out. His presence was comforting and welcoming to all of us. He was, and still is, a light in our lives even if for just a little while,” Eureka Galarrita, the Press’ Editor-in-Chief, reckoned.
Stephien made his own mark in the Press, not just in the memories he made with other student-journalists but also in the moments he immortalized:
Photos taken by Stephien Perez
II. A Friend of the Canvas: His Legacy as a Painter
Stephien was a storyteller of the canvas, and one of his works was the Red Landscape #1, an artwork featured in the Tubo Art Fair 2024.
Red Landscape #1 was Stephien’s ode to his cat, Pwi, who passed away weeks before the art fair. In representation of his grief, he wanted each color, stroke, and symbolism in the surreal landscape to portray his emotions.
“The dark blue shadows and the gloomy nature of the painting represents my grief, [while] the reds are the traces of love for my cat. [It] also symbolizes the colour of the box where I placed him before burying. The gold represents my emotion and memory created in a fragmented and frame line manner to emphasize how precious my dear cat to me is as painful as it may be. The rough circular strokes [are] my emotions swirling in my heart and mind, [and] the bone white egrets are of purity, specifically the flying one, symbolizing my dear cat arriving in the afterlife,” said Stephien in an interview.
In his other pieces, red and gold were also a dominant theme. According to Mr. Edwin Ao and Kevin Eds Luzano, it represented his passion and energy, both burned with the vitality of red, while his gold accents represented his importance and bright spirit.
Stephien poured his feelings and intentions onto the canvas, making it his trusted confidant and refuge during moments of heightened emotion.
Paintings by Stephien Perez
III. A Champion and Leader of the Arts
More than just an artist, Stephien emerged as a visionary leader among the multimedia arts student community at CIT-U.
Appointed as the president of the Creative Alliance of Multimedia and Visual Arts Students (CAMVAS), he spearheaded innovative projects that kept the passion for arts alive and thriving within the creative community.
Some notable projects he led include Project Vaske: Supporting Cats in Need, Angry Son Film Screening, CAMVAS: Visayas Art Fair and the Martino Abellana: A Renewed Call for National Artist.
Edwin Ao, a respected professor and friend, shared his thoughts on Stephien’s leadership: “From the start, I knew there was something special about Stephien–the raw talent combined with an eagerness to learn. Little did I know, this boy had a following. He was a leader in his circle and a role model to his group. I was never wrong to appoint him as President of the organization.”
Stephien left a profound impact on the BMMA student community that no one could easily forget. His leadership resonated deeply with those around him, inspiring fellow students to pursue their passions fearlessly.
Brigiette Marie Farinas, CAMVAS Vice President for External Affairs, reflected on his influence: “President Stephien was the stable ground of the entire BMMA student community—a foundation that left a mark on our souls and will continue to influence our lives. The ever-bright and playful President, a Kuya to many, initiated numerous activities from his first term of presidency up until now, including our Intramurals, all while recognizing and nurturing the potential he saw in MMA students and other Teknoys, especially in the organizations he held dear.”
His legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of those he inspired. He was indeed a guiding light in the creative community, leaving behind a lasting imprint that will shape the future generations of multimedia artists at CIT-U.
IV. Beyond the Art: A Friend to Many
The influence Stephien had in his art and leadership also came with a strong support system who saw his brilliance and humility. He was a part of the friend group named Tulco, made up of friends from the multimedia arts program, who bonded over friendship, opportunities, and art.
“Kuya Stephien was a great student, leader, and friend—like a father to us in the Tulco family. He gave us many opportunities in art fairs, event photography, and even shared his knowledge generously. [He] always made us happy with his goofy personality,” said Roge, one of his friends.
According to his friends, he always made sure to be a lending hand in both art and welfare,
“Everytime mag ingress sa mga artwork kay iya mi tabangan bisag amoang trabaho and priority pud niya na makakaon mi tanan. Nice jud siya pag ka leader sa amoa… Sa friendship namo is [muhatag] siya og advice and muhelp sa amo circle pud na maka get og opportunity bisag sa school lang like mag cover ug photos, edit, etc.”
[“Every time we set up our artwork, he helps us even though it was our task, and he also prioritizes making sure we all get to eat. He was really a great leader to us… In our friendship, he gives advice and helps our circle get opportunities, even just within the school, like covering photos, editing, etc.”]
Stephien’s appreciation of his friends was also shown through his art when he made each one of them a painting in Kasangkayan (Friends) No. 1, a series of pieces dedicated to express how he perceived the energy of his friends in his art journey.
“Stephien was an incredible artist, but beyond that, he was good in every way that mattered. Stephien was also a kuya to everyone and always believed in people. He had this way of bringing people together and always looking out for others,” said Chaz Grant Borromeo.
V. A Lasting Legacy
With his dearest lifetime, Stephien has left a lasting legacy that will forever be remembered. His works and initiatives as a creative, a journalist, a leader, and a friend will continue to be a source of inspiration to many. The passion and spirit he poured into his craft has brought color to the people around him, which brightly remains even with the gray of his passing.
Stephien, like his abstract paintings, was a wonder whom we learned something from each moment we spent with him. Through his lens, he showed his own vision and opened our eyes to different perspectives. His presence alone was a gift that we will not fail to miss with each passing day.
As one of his cherished families, The Technologian Student Press honors the life and legacy of Stephien Perez—a cherished creative, a loved leader, a true friend.
In loving memory,
The Technologian Student Press
