Culture

Illustrator Draws ‘Post-Apocalyptic’ Artwork Of EDSA, Complete With Carabao In Gas Masks

Post-apocalyptic artwork of the EDSA


As the scale of COVID-19 has disrupted every aspect of our lives, most of us couldn’t help but to compare these trying times to circumstances only seemingly possible in dystopian films or video games. 

Artist Argyl Leones, for instance, imagined the EDSA post-apocalypse. Using Adobe Photoshop, she drew a concept artwork that feels like something out of a high-definition video game.


The EDSA artwork



Image credit: Argyl Leones

While the main EDSA thoroughfare in Leones’ artwork is muted in gray hues, smoke is blanketing the air, roads are rugged, and military officers in gas masks are seen emerging from it all atop carabaos, or water buffalos. 

In a 4-minute timelapse video, she showed the tedious process that she went through the editing of the artwork. 

Sourcing various photos she found online and applying various tools in Photoshop with a practiced hand, she was able to come up with her creative vision of what a post-apocalyptic scene in the EDSA might look like. 

According to Leones in her Facebook post showing her work, she was “longing to make concept [art] like this.” 


‘Bad-ass’ carabaos


The posted artwork on Facebook gained massive recognition, getting 16,000 shares as of the time of writing. Netizens were all appreciative of Leones’s work, and some even made the effort to comment on their apocalyptic version of Manila too. 

Netizen Nel Trono edited this photo filled with battle heroes defeating COVID-19.


Image credit: Nel Trono 

Carl Limongco made Leones’s work his phone’s wallpaper because to him, it was just “so bad-ass.”


Image credit: Carl Limongco 


Inspired from Brazilian buffalo culture


The artwork was inspired from Marajo Island in Brazil, where Brazilian military officers are accompanied by water buffalos as they patrol. They have been doing so since the 1990s as water buffalos are common in the island. 


Filipino artists during COVID-19


There’s no doubt that the Philippines is brimming with local art talents. We hope that Filipino artists like Argyl Leones, with enough support from the public, will get their work recognized in a wider arena soon. 

Also check out:


Cover image adapted from: Argyl Leones

Enjoying The Smart Local Philippines? Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more stories like this.

Addie Pobre

Recent Posts

13 Filipino Footwear Brands To Support For Beach-Friendly Sandals, Custom Leather Shoes & More

Expand your footwear choices and support these Filipino footwear brands that offer sandals, shoes, heels,…

April 15, 2024

11 Bike Shops In Metro Manila To Reduce Your Time On Public Transport During COVID-19

Here are bike shops in Metro Manila, from a popular shop in Quiapo that sells…

April 15, 2024

Quezon City Attractions: What To Do In Quezon City From Food Neighborhoods To Nature Spots

Discover an array of Quezon City attractions, including an East Asian-centric food neighborhood and a…

April 15, 2024

9 Hotpot & Shabu-Shabu Restaurants In Metro Manila: Enjoy Fresh Meat, Veggies, & Hot Savory Broths

Now that we often have cold, rainy days, get yourself a hot & savory broth…

April 15, 2024

14 BGC Bars & Clubs Where You Can Let Loose As Soon As You Clock Out From Work

You'll find your new favorite nightlife spot in this list of BGC bars whether you're…

April 15, 2024

9 Tattoo Shops in the Philippines You Can Get Inked At For Meaningful Or Quirky Artwork On Your Skin

Visit only trusted tattoo shops to get inked at regardless if it's your first or…

April 15, 2024