Fernando Belen Sena (born March 30, 1948) is considered the Father of the Philippine Art Workshop for his tireless efforts in sharing his knowledge and talent with those who wish to learn.
An all-around painter, Sena was born in Tondo, Manila and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree majoring in painting from the University of the East in 1971.
This stint led him into honing his drawing skills as he copied illustrations from comics and movie ads from unsold papers before returning them to the dealer.
Sena later entered Arellano High School in Santa Cruz, Manila for a vocational course in commercial arts instead of a college preparatory course.
At the end of the workshop, he was given a painting scholarship to the School of Music and Fine Arts of the University of the East, following an interview with the museum's director.
Sena now conducts free workshops in underprivileged areas such as Tondo, Sapang Palay, Carmona in Cavite, San Bartolome in Malabon, Antipolo, Taytay, and as far away as Tabaco, Albay.
He also teaches free workshops to the sick, such as cancer and leukemia patients, to prisoners in jail, and children in orphanages.
He participated in group shows at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the Hotel Intercontinental Manila, and the SM Megamall.
Sena is recognized for his exquisite still lifes such as his trademark pandesal[4] and toys but also tackles a whole range of subjects, such as landscapes, portraits, religious icons, and everyday people.
Sena first met Canauay, a UP College of Arts and Letters professor, at an all-women exhibit he organized at City Gallery in 1985.