Artist’s Spotlight

Ed Arcilla

In the realm of artistic pioneers, there are luminaries whose journeys not only push boundaries but also illuminate new horizons. Edgar Valentino B. Arcilla, a name that resonates as a vanguard of creativity, embarked on an extraordinary odyssey that traversed music, entrepreneurship, technology, and the visual arts. His saga is one that encapsulates innovation, tenacity, and an unquenchable thirst for artistic evolution.

Born with an innate curiosity, Ed Arcilla‘s voyage began with a harmonious note. Graduating from the University of the East School of Music and Arts, where he majored in Advertising Arts, he set the stage for a narrative that would unfold across continents and decades. The early 1970s saw him take center stage as a folk singer at prestigious Hyatt Regency Hotels in the vibrant cities of Hong Kong, Singapore, and Sydney. His melodies resonated not only through music but also within the very fabric of his being, instilling in him a profound sense of transformation.

Ed’s spirit of exploration led him to traverse diverse avenues. In Hong Kong, he co-founded a trading outfit, venturing across Asia and the United States, epitomizing the essence of an entrepreneur with a global outlook. It was during this time that he immersed himself in crafting video game machines and curating lively fun parlors—a path that would unexpectedly intertwine with his artistic destiny.

A breakthrough awaited, casting a radiant glow upon Ed’s journey. Introducing Fiber Optics Light Art to the Philippines, he revolutionized the local artistic landscape, defying convention and igniting a newfound fascination with light as a medium of expression. Over time, his creative endeavors evolved, focusing on designing and fabricating advertising light signage systems. The iconic TREKLITE brand of fiber optic lighting emerged as his hallmark, and Ed became known as “Mr. TREKLITE,” a symbol of innovation in the advertising industry.

Ed’s impact rippled beyond the canvas of advertising. His adeptness with the lens unveiled a new facet of his multifaceted persona. A photographer of exceptional prowess, he claimed the prestigious Grand Prize in the Canon Asia Pacific Photo Contest—an accolade that resonated through his artistic circles and beyond. His peers bestowed upon him the affectionate moniker “Chairman,” a testament to his leadership within the advertising fraternity. As the president of Zone V Camera Club, his influence seeped into the very heart of the photography community.

Acknowledgment followed Ed’s every stride. The University of the East celebrated his contributions, honoring him among the top 60 alumni and singling him out as the Most Outstanding Alumni in the Field of Fine Arts. Yet, true to his ever-evolving nature, Ed’s journey pressed forward. Enrolling in Graduate studies in Visual Arts at the University of the Philippines, he embarked on a quest to redefine himself as a light artist, pushing the boundaries of his creativity even further.

Today, Ed’s spirit of innovation remains as vibrant as ever. Immersed in various artistic associations and foundations, he leaves an indelible mark on the canvas of creativity. His odyssey, which began with melodious notes and traversed the realms of entrepreneurship, technology, and visual arts, stands as a testament to the potential that lies within those who dare to pioneer uncharted territories.

Edgar Valentino B. Arcilla—his name resonates not merely as an individual, but as a beacon of creativity, a trailblazer who redefines artistic frontiers, and a luminary whose radiance will continue to illuminate the horizons of generations to come.