Dikya

Here are some of the different endemic hornbill species I sketched over the past few days after recovering from the flu. I’ve been fascinated to discover how many kalaw species we actually have in the Philippines. These are just some of them, and I’m planning to sketch the others soon. I’ve been racking my brain figuring out their differences, but it’s been such a fun and rewarding process

Philippine tarsier also known as maomag.

Tiny, wide-eyed, and able to rotate its head almost 180 degrees. A nocturnal forest dweller added to my sketchbook as part of my animal study series.

Kagwang the Philippine flying lemur. Despite the name it does not fly and is not a lemur. It glides between trees using a wide skin membrane that stretches from its neck to its tail and can travel impressive distances. A nocturnal tree dweller endemic to the Philippines and one of the best gliding mammals.

This marks the third year of the Human Easel Project by Art Show Philippines, and I am truly grateful to be part of it for three consecutive years.

The project aims to express art in a way that brings it closer to the public—breaking barriers between artists and communities. Through this initiative, art becomes more accessible, engaging, and alive in public spaces.

More importantly, it helps amplify the presence and voices of Filipino artists by bringing their work to different municipalities, allowing local communities to experience, appreciate, and connect with art in a more personal and meaningful way.

Papan the Philippine duck.

Endemic to the Philippines and not a migratory species it stays here all year. A dabbling duck that feeds by tipping forward in shallow water and is often seen in lakes marshes and rice fields.

Another page filled as I learn more about our wetland wildlife.

Tandikan the Palawan peacock-pheasant.

Despite the name it is not a peacock but a pheasant. Peacocks have long fan-shaped tail feathers while tandikan is a ground-dwelling forest bird with subtle eye spots.

Almost gave up on the details but glad I pushed through and ended up with a better result.

Kukuling the Philippine scops owl.
Small quiet and perfectly camouflaged.

Adding this nocturnal forest owl to my ink sketchbook as I continue filling its pages with Philippine wildlife.

Salaksak the Philippine dwarf kingfisher.
Small but bursting with color.

Adding this endemic forest bird to my ink sketchbook as I slowly fill each page with Philippine wildlife.

Kalaw sketch for today.

Fun fact kalaw pairs are monogamous and the male helps provide food while the female stays sealed in the nest.

Another page filled as I try to turn my sketchbook hoarding into actual sketchbook usage.

Red vented cockatoo also known as kalangay.
A very vocal bird found in parts of the Philippines and now critically endangered.

Sketching Philippine wildlife as I research, learn, and slowly turn my sketchbook hoarding into something productive.

Punay Luzon bleeding heart.

Proof that nature can be subtle and dramatic at the same time. Inked this while pretending I am not a sketchbook hoarder and actually committing to filling the pages.

The pantot quiet shy and often misunderstood. 🦨

A nocturnal mammal from Palawan that uses scent as its main defense. Endemic and rarely seen, now sketched as part of my wildlife research and art exploration. 🖊️✨