Phnom Penh: The Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra is proud to present Eat, Pray, Love, a new solo exhibition by Michael Santiago, affectionately known as “Mikey.” Curated by Don Prostasio, the exhibition is a poetic homage to Khmer food, traditions, and the quiet beauty of everyday life in Cambodia, the country Mikey has called home for nearly two decades.
A Filipino artist who arrived in Phnom Penh in 2006, Mikey spent years shaping visual narratives as a storyboard artist in advertising before dedicating himself fully to his art practice in March 2024. Working primarily in watercolor, he captures fleeting, intimate moments with softness and emotional depth.
Since late 2024, Mikey has developed a series of ambitious exhibitions exploring food, culture, and daily rituals. Eat, Pray, Love continues this journey. It is a heartfelt love letter to Cambodia and its people.
Through delicate brushstrokes and luminous washes of color, Mikey portrays incense curling in temple air; the rhythm of wet markets at dawn; shared meals beneath humming ceiling fans; children playing in narrow streets; neighbors cooking; and monks chanting in the distance. His work does not simply document life. It honors it. Each piece reflects a profound sense of gratitude and belonging.
Having lived in Cambodia for nearly twenty years, Mikey’s connection to the country is both personal and deeply rooted.
“Cambodia has shaped me, not only as an artist but as a person,” shares Michael Santiago. “In the simplicity of daily life, I found endless beauty. The acts of cooking, praying, gathering, and celebrating hold quiet magic. Through watercolor, I try to paint not just what I see but also what I feel. This exhibition is my thank you.”
Curated by Don Prostasio, Eat, Pray, Love invites guests and art lovers to rediscover the extraordinary within the ordinary and to see Cambodia through the eyes of someone who has truly made it their home.
“At Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra, we are deeply committed to celebrating the culture that surrounds us,” says Marc Emmanuel, General Manager of Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra. “Michael’s work reflects the Cambodia we experience every day. It is vibrant, intimate, spiritual, and profoundly human. Through his watercolors, he captures the quiet poetry of daily life and reminds us that true luxury is found in connection, memory, and belonging. We are proud to share this exhibition with our community and our guests from around the world.” Marc Emmanuel, General Manager of Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra.
Photo by: Supplied
