Bahay Kubo Original Artwork by Kat Banay

This artwork was inspired by The Little Prince and the Filipino folk song Bahay Kubo. I imagined a small planet shaped like an anatomical heart, a symbol of how land and human life are intertwined. Around it are vegetables, harvests, and a small bahay kubo, echoing Bahay Kubo’s idea of simple, abundant living. Like the Little Prince’s planet, this heart-shaped world feels personal and cared for, showing that even the smallest or distant spaces can hold meaning and life. Together, these influences remind me that home, love, care and belonging can exist anywhere — whether on a distant planet or right in our own backyard.

— by Kat Banay

This piece invites us to look beyond the surface, beyond the imagery of vegetables and a simple bahay kubo. It allows us to reflect what is “essential but invisible”: the quiet love and connection that grow, much like the Little Prince’s bond with his rose — tended with care, made meaningful through time and devotion.

The artwork was exhibited at Pinspired Art Gallery during the Onceupon Art Exhibition (Dec 2025–Jan 2026), devoted to children’s storybooks. A portion of the sales supports the Books on Wheel Valencia Mobile Library, promoting literacy and a love for reading among children.