Modern day artist: Yul Servo in a different perspective

John Marvin “Yul Servo” Nieto, as we now know, is the current vice mayor of the City of Manila. Yet before he became a Lingkod Bayan (public servant), he was the best actor that everyone should know.

He made his mark when he won the Best Actor in the Brussels International Independent Film Festival in 2001 for “Batang West Side”; 2004 for “Naglalayag” and in 2008 for the “Ang Paglalakbay.” In between these years, he also had been nominated left and right in various award-giving bodies in and out of the Philippines.

Little did we know, Yul Servo is also a modern day artist using different scrap metals to produce his unique artworks. For the past year, he already had four solo art exhibits in different places around the Greater Metro Area. These exhibits were entitled “Directions,” wherein he showcased his different perspectives in seeing things around us.

Directions 1 was exhibited in the notable Pinto Art Museum in Antipolo City. Directions 2 took place at The Gallery of the famous Manila Hotel in June 2023. Directions 3 took place at Bulwagang Rodriguez in the historic Manila City Hall in October 2023. All of these solo art exhibits were successfully executed and the proceeds were donated to various different charitable institutions.

In February 2024, in line with the celebration of the National Arts Month in the Philippines, Yul Servo once again showcased his artworks through Directions IV, a solo art exhibit at The Art District in historic Calvo Building in Escolta, City of Manila.

Directions IV was curated by Jon Lucas Nieto and the graphic design was done by Louis Nieto. The opening was attended by none other than Joel Cruz, the Lord of Scents and the owner of Aficionado perfume and personal care.

He also commissioned the artist Yul Servo to do something spectacular for his property located in the City of Manila. Other personalities such as Councilor Numero “Uno” G. Lim and Councilor Don Juan “DJ” Bagatsing, both members of the 12th City Council of Manila, and award-winning actress turned entrepreneur Ara Mina also paid a visit during the duration of the art exhibit.

In describing his unique visual art, Yul Servo said that the key to the future lies in the past. His recent solo art exhibit is also the reunion of his several masterpieces from the first three exhibits. Most of his artworks show 3D maps and highlight Manila as an ever evolving metropolis and a melting point of different cultures and economies where history and innovations are taking place. He sees his artworks as extensions of his personal ideas, inspirations and objectives in his life.

This shows his amazement on how life can have various meanings for people who’re taking regular familiar routes in their everyday lives. But sometimes, some detours are essential just like what happened to him. He had been dreaming to be a policeman when he was younger. By the stroke of luck and hard work along with his love for his craft, he turned into one of the most accomplished actors of his time. And presently, the vice mayor of the capital city of the Philippines.

It really seems that the Philippines is embracing his art. As of this writing, another traveling art exhibition for the City of Manila is in the works to be led by none other than Mayor Maria Sheilah “Honey” Lacuna-Pangan, highlighting the historical roads and streets of Magnificent Manila.