Manny Garibay

(b. 1962, Kidapawan, North Cotabato) 

Born in Kidapawan and raised in Davao, Emmanuel “Manny” Garibay is a painter and theologian whose work explores faith, social justice, and cultural identity. Known for his distinctive expressionist style and incisive political commentary, his art merges social realism with avant-garde expression, balancing critique with humor and humanity.

Garibay earned degrees in Sociology (UP Los Baños), Fine Arts (UP Diliman), and a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary in Cavite. He began his career at the Malacañang Art Museum under the Cory Aquino administration before becoming a full-time artist.

A Thirteen Artists Awardee of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (2000), he won 2nd place in the Painting Category of Il Bienal del Baloncestoen Bellas Artes in Madrid the same year. Recently awarded as Icons of Change’s Distinguished Visual Artist of the Year (2024), he has exhibited widely in Germany, Spain, the U.S., Hong Kong, Australia, India, Sweden, Kenya, among others. His international residencies (Overseas Ministries Study Center, Conneticut) and seminars (Australia, India, Sweden, Indonesia) continue to shape his projects, which aim to raise artistic awareness and reflect on the connection between the sacred and the social.

Beyond his studio practice, Garibay is a long-time cultural organizer. He has led and co-founded numerous initiatives including Artista ng Bayan or ABAY (1985-1988), Grupong Salingpusa (1991-1993), and Sanggawa (1994). His advocacy-driven projects include Tutok Karapatan (2006–2008), Kritikal Katoliko (2008), Project Bakawan (2015), and the Paghilom Arts Festival series (2016–2020). 

Garibay currently serves as the chair of the Artletics Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to cultivating young artists and strengthening communities through arts-based education. He functions as mentor in Linangan Art Residency in Alfonso, Cavite, an alternative pedagogical space integrating studio practice with leadership formation and participatory community work. Garibay believes that art is a catalytic force for fostering critical consciousness and contributing to substantive social transformation