BAJO LA MIRADA DE LOS DIOSES: TEKPALT

n the year 1582, New Spain governed the Philippines. During that time, samurai (ronin), Japanese pirates, and mercenaries ravaged the region, looting and terrorizing its people. Juan Pablo de Carrión then chose the finest Tlaxcalan warriors — indigenous fighters from what is now Mexico — to confront the samurai and pirate forces in the Philippines. They were vastly outnumbered. Their enemies were skilled and deadly with the blade. Yet the formidable strength of the indigenous warriors, along with their unwavering faith in the god Camaxtli, led to an undeniable victory. In this piece, I created a short fragment of those battles, blending Tlaxcalan mythology with Filipino mythology. Faith is essential for warriors — especially when their enemies are more numerous and more skilled with the sword. This is an epic confrontation. I loved being able to bring my vision to life through this work. Enjoy.