Born in 1977, Michael E. Bacol is a self-taught Filipino visual artist whose work bridges emotional storytelling with social consciousness. Originally trained in Mechanical Engineering Technology at the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines, Bacol transitioned into the arts with a passion for exploring themes of childhood, resilience, and identity.
His mixed media creations often incorporating charcoal, old wood, and found objects evoke a haunting sense of nostalgia and vulnerability. Bacol’s solo exhibition Into the World of Innocence showcased his signature style: expressive portraits of children rendered with raw emotion and symbolic depth. His work has been exhibited at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the Philippine National Museum, Yuchengco Museum, and the National Museum of Singapore, among others.
Bacol has represented the Philippines in prestigious international residencies, including the Headlands Center for the Arts in California and the International Studio and Curatorial Program in New York. He is a multi-year finalist in the Metrobank MADE Art Competition and the Philip Morris Philippine Art Awards.
As President of the Cagayan de Oro Arts Guild since 2014, Bacol actively promotes art as a tool for healing and social awareness. His community-based projects, such as Doors of Resilience, reflect his commitment to empowering others through creativity and compassion.
