MANILA, Philippines – In 1989, Mona Buencamino dreamt of the Lady of Guadalupe urging her to paint despite not having any painting background at all.

As her dreams of Mother Mary recurred, which she routinely ignored, she finally gave in through her husband's advice.

Painter Mona Buencamino

She started with a small canvass but didn't find her work satisfying. After three hours of practice, she made her first masterpiece of Mother Mary, one of the paintings on display in the San Beda Alabang Museum today.

"Happy ako dahil di ko ine-expect na magiging successful (ang mga paintings ko) dahil nanahimik lang naman ako sa Dagupan na walang alam sa painting. Pito lang nakasabit sa kwarto ko nang tawagan ako ng San Beda museum," said the 81-year-old Buencamino.

By June this year, she had finished 27 paintings, enough for the required 30 pieces for the San Beda Museum exhibit in commemoration of Mother Mary's birthday this September 8.

Entitled "Ave Maria", the Marian paintings of Buencamino will be at the Gallery II of the San Beda Museum and open to the viewing public until October 31.

One of the Marian paintings of Buencamino

Buencamino's works have found their places around the world, ranging from various provinces in the Philippines, Colombia and Italy. To date, she has made a total of 150 Marian paintings.

Just as how the Virgin Mary used her as an instrument to propagate Her presence and divinity all over the world, Buencamino aims to continue with her mission starting with her defiance against the controversial paintings of Mideo Cruz shown at a Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) exhibit.

"(Gamit ang aking mga paintings), gusto siguro ni Mama Mary isa ako sa mga kokontra ng mga ‘yun," she said.