A printmaking studio in Makati. Monotype and drypoint, on an etching press.
Monotype and drypoint printmaking. Open to every skill level. Makati.
The studio
A printmaking studio in Makati for monotype and drypoint, open to every skill level.
Molave opened in February 2026, started by artist Aina Zulueta-Valencia to support the Philippine printmaking community. The name comes from the molave tree that grew in her garden during the pandemic.
Works from the workshop
Making a monotype
01
Ink
Oil-based etching ink is rolled onto a smooth acrylic plate. It can be layered, painted, or wiped back to build the image.
02
Texture
Leaves, lace, cut paper, stencils, string, and other textured materials are placed on top of the wet ink.
03
Press
The plate runs through the etching press while the ink is still wet, transferring everything onto dampened paper.
04
Pull
Lift the paper and the monotype appears. One of a kind, on acid-free watercolor paper. Drypoint uses the same press: a design scratched into the plate, inked, and pulled.
Making a monotype, Makati
Who teaches
Master printmaker · engraving
Benjamin Torrado
Cabrera
Benjie teaches the classes at Molave. He is a master printmaker specializing in engraving. He trained at Atelier Contrepoint (formerly Atelier 17) in Paris on a study grant, earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Santo Tomas, and completed his Master of Fine Arts at the University of the Philippines College of Fine Arts.
He has mounted thirteen solo exhibitions, including Searching the In-Between (2024) at The Drawing Room. His prints have shown internationally — the Busan International Print Art Festival in Korea, the Tokyo International Mini-Print Triennial and the Kochi International Triennial in Japan, the International Print Exhibition in Guanlan, China, and Arte Oriental: Grabados Chinos y Filipinos in Spain, among others across Asia and Europe.
- 2024Grand Prize, ASEAN Graphic Arts Competition — Hanoi, Vietnam
- 2025Ani ng Dangal Award for Visual Arts — NCCA
Classes
Saturdays · 1–4 PMAll levels
Monotype and Drypoint Printmaking
A 3-hour Saturday session. Roll and layer ink with textured materials and cut shapes for one-of-a-kind monotypes, then scratch and press a drypoint plate. Taught by master printmaker Benjamin Torrado Cabrera. Tools, inks, and paper are provided.
WhenSaturdays · 1–4 PM
Class sizeUp to 8
You take home4–6 prints
Taught byB. T. Cabrera
₱2,000paid in full to reserve
Weekdays · by requestUp to 8
Private Group Class
Take a whole afternoon for your group, a birthday or a team building. Up to 8 of you at the press with the studio to yourselves, the same 3-hour session taught by Benjamin Torrado Cabrera. Pick a weekday and we’ll check it with Sir Ben. Tools, inks, and paper are provided.
WhenWeekdays, by request
GroupUp to 8
Starts at₱10,000 for a group of up to 4
Taught byB. T. Cabrera
from ₱10,000for a group of up to 4
Sat, Oct 2412 seatsIntro to Block Printing
A one-day partner workshop with , at the studio. Carve a soft block, ink it, and print an A5 edition on the press. Relief printmaking from the start: carving, inking, simple registration. No experience needed; bring an A6-sized image to work from.
WhenSat, Oct 24 · 1–4 PM
Session3 hours
You take homeAn A5 edition
Taught by
₱2,000materials included
Press rental · experiencedWed nights
Open Studio
Press rental for experienced printmakers. Come practice or produce your own work on the etching press, no teacher. Wednesday nights, 6 to 9 PM, one booking per night. Ink is included; bring your own paper. First-timers attend a one-time orientation before using the press. Pick an open night and we’ll confirm, then email a link to pay.
WhenWednesdays · 6–9 PM
ForExperienced printmakers
Before you startA one-time orientation
MaterialsInk included · your own paper
₱1,500ink included · we confirm first
Come get your hands dirty.
Reserve a seatMolave Art Studio
Unit 5M, Vernida I Building,
120 Amorsolo St, Legaspi Village, Makati
Open by class schedule.
0939 924 8789
@molaveart
