By Tatiana Onofre
On the peaceful grounds of Silliman University, through the quiet doors of a dormitory, pass the tolling students busy with school work, stands the ever sweet and humble Kuya Jeje–the heartbeat of Larena Hall.
Jerran Estoya, commonly known as Kuya Jeje, a janitor whose art adorns Larena Hall with the help of a simple brush, paint, some recycled materials, and an undying passion for creation. He has not just become the quiet artist, but an ever lingering present force of artistry–synthesizing meaningful art for the events at Larena, whether it would be for an acquaintance party or Christmas, and creating pieces that go beyond speaking of his deep love for the hall.
“Ganahan ra ko maghimo, kanang pag malipay ko nga makahimo. Inig human, mura’g maoy akong goal, ug pag mahuman na, okay na ang tanan. [I just enjoy creating, and it makes me happy to be able to make something. Once it’s done, it feels like I’ve accomplished my goal, and when it’s finished, everything feels okay],” he begins with a shy smile.
“Ang ako pud nga gusto, nga mopanindot sa building, mopanindot ang Larena Hall [My goal is to beautify the building, to make Larena Hall look better],” he adds.
You can see the twinkle in his eyes, giving you a glimpse of how he truly enjoys honoring and expressing his passion. “Hilig ko ug drawing-drawing ug painting sukad pa sa elementary. [I’ve loved drawing and painting ever since elementary.]”
His works dressed around the hall are an attestation of his love for art like simply drawn pillar to the sides, recycled parols from tin cans to hand-painted decorations which all bear the trace of his passion.
To the ever-so-modest Kuya Jeje, creating art is always matched by the genuine bliss in seeing people appreciate his work. “Malipay pud sila sa akong mga gihimo diri, usahay magpapicture sila. Malipay pud ko ana nga naay naka-appreciate sa akong gihimo. [They’re happy with the things I make here, sometimes they even take pictures. It makes me happy too, knowing that someone appreciates what I made],” he says with a beaming smile.
His sense of fulfillment through his art isn’t driven by accolades yet it is through the simple happiness that comes from knowing his efforts are acknowledged and people enjoy his works.
Balancing time between his duties as the janitor of Larena Hall and creating his artworks is not a small feat. “Ang time management nako kay sa ra sa break time ko maghimo. Usahay, sa day off ko maghimo, anha ra pud nako buhaton ang ipahimo ni Ate Mai (Larena Hall’s dorm manager), sa mga painting [My time management is just during break times when I work on things. Sometimes on my day off, that’s when I do what Ate Mai asks me to make, like the paintings], he says.
He further talks about how it’s not just about making something beautiful; it’s about giving new purpose to things that most people would discard.
For Kuya Jeje, it has been more than just art and creating. As he always emphasizes, it’s about finding the joy in the process and seeing the potential in everyday. “Makaingon pud ta ba nga makatun-an pa nato ang uban nga, ‘Ah, ingon ani diay.’ Bisan pa ang usa ka butang nga murag dili na importante, mahimo ra diay siyang importante [We can also realize and learn from others, ‘Oh, so this is how to do it.’ Even something that seems unimportant can actually turn out to be important],” he reflects.
As we walk through Larena Hall, each piece of decoration tells a story of Kuya Jeje’s resourcefulness and creativity with a dash of his hard work. It is now a canvas that forever, as long as his works are showcased, reminds people of his act of ingenuity.
In a world where art can often feel inaccessible for certain people, Kuya Jeje’s story prompts us that creativity is and can be for everyone. His artworks may not hang in galleries, but they leave people in awe and in inspiration of those who quietly pass by every day. And that, perhaps, might just be where true art lies—in the quiet, humble hands of someone like Kuya Jeje.
