A native of Lipa City, Batangas has made history as the sole Filipino finalist in the acclaimed Dutch art competition, The Gezonken Meesters (The Sunken Masters), aired on Max TV. Now residing in Oosterhout, Noord Brabant, Maricel Chelony Mercado-Lelieveld brings her Filipino heritage to the forefront of the European art scene through her creative interpretation of lost masterpieces.
A full-time art entrepreneur and founder of the Filipino Artists Guild Europe, Chelony’s artistic journey reflects her deep admiration for National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal and her commitment to promoting Filipino culture. In the 2025 season of The Gezonken Meesters, she competed in the open category, where artists were tasked with recreating lost works by Dutch master Gerard Dou. Chelony’s submission, a Filipino-inspired rendition of Dou’s De Kraamkamer (The Nursery), has garnered attention for its cultural significance and intricate details.
Her painting highlights Filipino traditions, including a cradle reminiscent of those hung in Filipino homes, and features a portrait of Dr. Jose Rizal as a doctor on the left panel—a nod to her personal hero. Chelony also invited her Filipina friend, Sophia Balod-Lorenzo, and her baby, Alon, to pose for the painting, dressing them in 1700s-inspired Filipino attire to merge historical influences with a uniquely Filipino perspective.
During the show’s production, Chelony shared a heartfelt moment with host Dionne Stax, singing “Ikaw ang Aking Tanging Yaman” to explain the connection between the painting’s theme and Filipino motherhood. This emotional resonance and cultural symbolism have endeared her to Dutch audiences.
Although Chelony did not win the competition, her participation has been hailed as a triumph for cultural diversity in the arts. Philippine Ambassador to the Netherlands Eduardo Malaya has been a steadfast supporter of Chelony’s work, even sending embassy representative Elea Perez to witness the final shoot. Ambassador Malaya lauded Chelony’s efforts to showcase Filipino artistry on a global platform.
Chelony’s accomplishments extend beyond the competition. In 2025, she is set to participate in prominent exhibitions across Europe, including shows in Paris, Brussels, and Germany. She will also co-host La Mode en Moi-II, a fashion and art exhibition at the Philippine Embassy in the Netherlands to celebrate Women’s Month in March.
