"In 2005, I opened Peninsulares Library Café, A small café in Bicol (Philippines) that catered to artists where I regularly conducted poetry readings, storytelling, ethnic performing arts and art shows. This opened the gates for my artistic side to blossom and felt more encouraged to pursue my love of photography, painting and writing.

I am currently in New York, working on a series of paintings 'Mga Babaeng Desaparecidos' themed and dedicated to all women activists in the Philippines who have suffered under the military."
-Laurel Lee