The name Petunya carries a deeply personal origin.

It was first given to me by my late aunt, +Rebecca, who, upon seeing me as a baby, thought of the flower petunia. That quiet, tender moment became the seed of a name that stayed with me.

Ms. Petu is a name my mother uses at her workplace, keeping me close in her everyday life. It became a small reminder of me within her world.

Meanwhile, Tunya is my own nickname, shorter for petunya

Together, “Petu” and “Tunya” form “Petunya,” a name that holds both family and self within it.

Okay, But who really is Tunya?

Mabuhay! I’m Carlie Manalac

I am a Filipina visual artist and creative working under the name Ms. Petunya. I started my journey as a graphic artist in the Philippines, where I built my foundation in design and visual communication.

Now, I am currently working at an art gallery, where I continue to expand my practice and explore different mediums beyond digital work. This space allows me to grow more freely as an artist, experiment with materials, and evolve my visual language in new directions.

My work is mostly rooted in storytelling often illustrations from personal memories, emotions, and everyday observations.

Through Ms. Petunya Studio, I continue to shape these experiences into visual narratives that feel honest, intuitive, and personal.

At my core, I am still learning, still evolving, and always creating.

♡♡♡