Junel Tomaroy

Junel Tomaroy (b. 1979) is a self-taught visual artist, traditional healer and cultural worker based in San Juan, Siquijor Island. His artistic practice has been influenced by the various healing traditions, oral narratives and ritual performances that created the image of Siquijor as a mystical island.

In his works, he incorporates traditional visual elements, healing materials, vernacular poetry and performative forms of incantations. He has led research projects with local, national and foreign cultural organizations that seek to promote and preserve the cultural heritage of Siquijor.

His extensive knowledge on local herbs and their medicinal qualities has made him a focal person for various news outfits and documentary projects. He has been featured in DOSTV Seyensikat, GMA Regional TV Live, Kababalaghan “Sumbalik” with Noli de Castro, Business Mirror, MOTOURISMO, Vogue, Inquirer, ‘Lakbay’ with Sebastian Duterte, among others. He has likewise worked with Taiwanese journalist Alicia Chen , French writer Bernard Fontanille and English actor Martin Clunes