Venazir, a Filipina street muralist and visual anthropreneur, weaves a tapestry of intersectional stories, exploring the intricate relationships between human traditions and the ever-changing landscapes that shape them. Through her dynamic, fragmented, and animated works, she threads the narratives of diverse communities where she has immersed herself, binding them with a symbolic red thread.

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The Hilabana movement, founded by Venazir Martinez, is a groundbreaking public art initiative that transforms urban landscapes into living narratives, weaving together identities and stories from around the world. Emerging from Baguio City, Philippines in 2018, Hilabana—meaning “woven path”—utilizes the red thread's powerful motif to connect the Filipino diaspora's fragmented yet enduring identities, symbolizing an unbroken lineage of cultural pride, resilience, and shared history.

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The red thread, central to each mural, embodies the invisible bonds that link people, families, and communities across distances, bridging past and present, local and global. Through large-scale, vibrant murals, Hilabana tells tales of migration, the unyielding spirit of the Filipino people, and the ongoing journey to preserve cultural roots amidst ever-changing environments.

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Hilabana expanded internationally, making its mark during Filipino American History Month through exhibitions in the United States. Venazir’s solo showcase at the John Hope Franklin Center at Duke University and the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco sparked deep connections with diasporic Filipino communities.

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Venazir’s recent works, including Ani – Harvested Hopes in San Francisco’s South of Market District, highlight her dedication to capturing the hopes, struggles, and aspirations of migrant communities. This mural honors the dreams of multi-ethnic communities who have come to the United States, illustrating how public art can hold space for individual stories within a broader, collective narrative. Collaborations such as those with New York City's City Canvas Program have further expanded Hilabana’s reach, allowing her to examine migration’s profound impact on urban landscapes through the symbolism of the red thread.

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In December 2024, Venazir was honored with the Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) award, a prestigious annual national recognition given to Filipinos aged 18 to 40 who have made significant contributions to their field or community. Organized by JCI Philippines with the support of the TOYM Foundation, the award highlights inspiring examples of selfless service to humanity. This accolade underscores Venazir’s exceptional contributions to public art and cultural heritage and her role as a global ambassador of Filipino identity.

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In May 2025, she received the first Dream Big Award from the National Mural Awards held in Salt Lake City, Utah, sponsored by Rust-Oleum, recognizing murals that reflect community identity, foster unity, and create lasting impact. This award honored her mural in San Francisco's Filipino Cultural Heritage District, SOMA Pilipinas, dedicated to preserving and celebrating Filipino heritage. Of the award, Venazir shared, "This award is not just a personal milestone; it commemorates the stories of those whose lives have been interwoven through that thread."

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As Hilabana grows, Venazir envisions a global network of murals, each a unique yet connected thread in a tapestry of diverse histories and identities. These murals serve as maps of the human experience, linking people across cultures and time. The movement is a testament to the power of art in fostering dialogue on identity, migration, and resilience, inviting people to explore their roots and reimagine their place within a larger, interconnected world.