Conversations New Beginnings: Artist Loribelle Spirovski on finding family and love
Jan 13, 2026
Loribelle Spirovski, a talented artist and writer from the Philippines, shares her unique journey of identity and creativity. She recounts her emotional first meeting with her Serbian father at seven and the impact of a childhood spent navigating cultural landscapes. Loribelle discusses the challenges of chronic pain affecting her art and the evolution of her identity from painter to artist. Discover her heartfelt love story with pianist Simon Tedeschi and how her experiences shaped her memoir, White Hibiscus, and her award-winning art.
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Matriarchal Childhood And Distant Father
- Loribelle grew up in Manila in a communal apartment with her mum, aunts and grandma as a close matriarchal network.
- Her father lived in Australia working as a taxi driver and sent money and gifts before they reunited years later.
Mother's Musical, Island Upbringing
- Loribelle's mum grew up on Catanduanes, climbed coconut trees and helped run a family general store with eight siblings.
- Music was central; her mum sang from a young age and later worked at a radio station and sang across Asia.
From Pageant Ads To Marriage Abroad
- Loribelle's mum answered a newspaper ad and joined a singing group that flew across Asia to perform in hotels.
- She met Loribelle's Serbian father while performing in Malaysia and they married after he brought her to Europe.
