Maricel
“Chelony” Mercado....... The Lady DJ, Teacher, Entrepreneur and the
Artist Maricel Mercado in real life was born on June 23, 1979. She was
born and raised in Lipa City, Batangas, and the eldest of 11 siblings.
At the age of 2, her parents had seen an indication for arts by making
sketches in the wall’s and she likes colorful things and at that age she
can already read and write. She had g
rown
up as a shy child but independent. She joined in many art competitions
in high school and she started working at the age of 16 but continued
her studies in college with her BEED course but unfortunately she did
not finished it instead she worked for her family. She is a hardworking
and had 3 jobs in a week in 2000. She was teaching arts, working in
another company and a FM Radio DJ at the same time. At the age of 21,
she left her family and lived by her own and had her own tutorial center
by the help of her friend. She also worked in many companies with
higher positions, despite that she did not finish her college. In 2004
he was working in Da Best 98.5 FM, same year she had joined in the
National Competition for the arts (OTSAA) with her students and brought
awards home and that was the start of her TV and Movie Career. She
worked as an Artist Art Director, Set supervisor, Production Supervisor
for TV Shows, Soap Operas and Movie Production. In 2007 he became an
Event Specialist and like a normal person, she also had the worst part
of her life that put herself into a critical situation because of het
personal and love life. But she’s a strong woman, struggled and
survived. In 2008, her love for the arts bloomed once again. A stronger
Chelony faced the world with a smile and she had joined in many group
art exhibits in Manila. She Returned to 98.5 FM and left again for arts
and became more active in arts activities. And one of them is the “The
World’s Longest Painting”. In 2009, she was appointed as the 3rd
President of LAPIS (Lapian Ng Mga Alagad Ng Sining) Batangas Arts
Association. She organized art activities for LAPIS and competitions
projects and events for herself and the students in different venue,
schools and cities. She has done many Art Workshops and Art Exhibits
since 2001 up to present. She also had and Art Tours in Belgium, Cape
Town South Africa, and in different provinces here in the
Philippines.This year, she’s going back to Europe for an Art Tour. And
she started making her documentary about some artists here and abroad.
As of now, she’s a DJ of Magik 88.7 FM and will give summer Art
workshops in selected schools and establishments. She enjoys her life
being a DJ, a Teacher and an Entrepreneur, an Artist, a Mother of 2, a
Housewife, a Home School Student with continues learning about her
everyday life especially how to be called as a Woman. She also believes
that when you share the God given talents to others, it like you plant a
tree that someday will grow, get taller and gives fruits. When she gets
old, she will be proud that the big tree was once a seed from her hand.
Source: Lipa City Philippines facebook group/ Ariel Fondano
