Putting the Spotlight on Art

Making mead is undeniably an art form that requires patience and attention to detail. This is why using La Mesa Mead as a medium to collaborate with up-and-coming Filipino artists is a given.

Starting February 2024, we will be selecting an artist to work with for our annual limited-edition Art Mead release. This is to capitalize on the interests generated by art festivals in Metro Manila at this time such as Art Fair Philippines and Art in the Park to name a few.

First stop. Billy Bagtas.

La Mesa Mead x Billy Bagtas

Each La Mesa Mead bottle for the Billy Bagtas collection comes with a signed sticker label certifying the authenticity of the reproduction. A portion of each sale goes directly to the artist as royalty. 

This 2024 Art Mead collection is a limited release of only 300 bottles.

To drink or keep forever?

The taste of mead improves over time just like fine art. And just like fine art, saving and preserving mead for the future increases in value. Make your choice.

La Mesa Mead Art Mead x Billy Bagtas Mother Bee 2024
La Mesa Mead Art Mead x Billy Bagtas Mother Bee 2024

About the Artist

Diving into the intricate realm of visual artistry at a young age, Billy Bagtas, a 28-year-old luminary, has illuminated the artistic sphere with his remarkable talent and fervor. With nearly six years of dedicated practice as a Visual Artist, Billy’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of passion and perseverance.

Billy’s odyssey began in 2013 when he embarked on his artistic expedition at Earist Manila, where he delved into the world of Fine Arts. Painting swiftly became his solace and canvas his sanctuary, as he poured his thoughts, emotions, and creativity onto the blank expanse. In this journey, painting competitions emerged as not just challenges, but as steppingstones that bolstered his growth. These competitions not only honed his craft but also germinated the very concepts that continue to resonate in his artistry to this day.

One of the pivotal junctures in Billy’s artistic pilgrimage was the fortuitous encounter with the esteemed Sir Eski from Eskinita Art Gallery in 2017. This encounter marked the genesis of a mentorship that would significantly shape his trajectory. Guided by Sir Eski’s seasoned insights, Billy’s artistic horizons expanded, and his comprehension of art’s nuances deepened. This collaboration culminated in a Discovery Award, a testament to Billy’s blossoming ingenuity.

Transitioning into a full-time painter after graduating was a momentous decision that propelled Billy’s career to new pinnacles. His immersion in art became all-encompassing, leading him to cross paths with the venerable Sir Manny Garibay of Linangan Art Residency. Under Sir Manny’s mentorship, Billy’s evolution as an artist took a resolute course, his work becoming a mesmerizing interplay of inspiration, technique, and storytelling.

Billy Bagtas’ artistic expedition is far from over, as he continues to draw inspiration from the ever-evolving tapestry of life. His canvases, now imbued with profound narratives and aesthetic finesse, are a testament to his unwavering commitment to the craft. With each brush stroke, Billy paints not just images but emotions, experiences, and his very essence, inviting us to partake in the vibrant mosaic of his artistic odyssey. As he strides forward, guided by mentors and driven by passion, Billy Bagtas is an artist to watch, a visionary brushing the boundaries of art.

Solo Exhibitions

  • First Solo Exhibit (God Bless Our Home) Eskinita Art Farm, Tanauan, Batangas Philippines 2020
  • 2nd Solo Exhibit (Holy God, Holy Strong, Holy Immortal) Secret Fresh Gallery Philippines 2021
  • 3rd Solo Exhibit (Kasal sa Diyos) Pinto Art Museum Philippines 2022
  • 4th Solo Exhibit (A Glimpse of Night and Harmony) Artinformal Gallery Makati Philippines 2023
  • 5th Solo Exhibit ( Love is the only way ) Art Cube Gallery Makati Philippines 2023