A long-standing Filipino expatriate’s legacy continues to inspire the kingdom’s art community, after she bid farewell to Bahrain to embark on her next adventure.
Catherine Bassig-Paje, 53, lived in Bahrain for 15 years with her husband Butch Paje, 58, and their son Red Paje, 28, who attended the Philippine School Bahrain. The couple now lives in Nevada, the US, with their son studying in the Philippines.
While living in the kingdom, the Gudaibiya resident worked as an art teacher in several schools, inspiring her students, who went on to showcase their work, some even internationally.
However, her passion for this role extended well beyond the classroom.
Ms Bassig-Paje dedicated her time and skill to guide up-and-coming creatives. She spearheaded artistic initiatives that brought communities together, including staging numerous exhibitions as the founding member and president of the Filipino Creatives Bahrain from 2018 to 2024.
She also managed projects for Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, along with her husband, who worked for a luxury retail brand.
“Bahrain provided me with invaluable opportunities and opened doors that allowed me to grow and develop my artistic talent,” Ms Bassig-Paje told the GDN.
“In return, I dedicated myself to nurturing emerging artists and educating students through art. It brings me great pride and fulfilment to see many of them thrive and achieve success in their own creative journeys,” she added.
Filipino Creatives Bahrain, now defunct, was a thriving community of creatives from various walks of life, fostering cultural exchange and providing budding Filipino talent a platform to showcase their work internationally. Many of the group’s artists continue to successfully pursue their creative interests.
“Our paths first crossed while I was covering Filipino events,” freelance journalist and Filwrite Bahrain president Cecil Ancheta said.
“I’ve been following Ms Bassig-Paje’s work closely and we also share an academic background, having attended the same national university, which added a personal connection to my interest in her work.
“I have witnessed firsthand her perseverance and passion for art and teaching,” she added.
Artist and former student of Philippine School Bahrain Maria Carmella Solido also praised Ms Bassig-Paje for ‘shaping her artistic journey’.
“She saw potential in me that I hadn’t recognised myself, and with her guidance, I not only honed my skills but also developed a genuine passion for art. Her encouragement pushed me to enter competitions and exhibit my works, leading to some incredible milestones – like having my piece displayed at the Bahrain National Charter Monument and placing in notable contests such as the Toyota Dream Car Contest, Order of the Knights of Rizal (Painting Category), and Gulf Diabetes Hospital Painting Competition.”
Ms Bassig-Paje set an example with her own accomplishments, winning several awards, including The Best of Bahrain Award for painting in 2010 and the Ani ng Dangal (‘harvest of honours’) in 2022, a prestigious presidential award given to Filipinos who bring honour to the Philippines through excellence in their respective fields.
An alumna of Philippines Diliman University with a degree in Fine Arts, she was honoured by the Philippine Embassy in Bahrain as one of the Outstanding Filipinas for leading the largest art exhibit in 2021.
“Bahrain will always hold a special place in my heart. It is where I raised my family in a safe and nurturing environment and grew as a visual artist. The opportunities and support I received there shaped me into who I am today, and I carry those experiences with me as I continue my journey, hoping to honour Bahrain’s generosity wherever we go,” Mr Paje, who left the kingdom last year, added.
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