MANILA, Philippines - Self-taught illustrator Valerie Chua creates dreamy images, an ode to the innocence and mystery of female adolescence in watercolor and acrylic. A recent grad of University of Asia and the Pacific, Chua started painting halfway through college and hasn’t stopped since. She is also skilled in traditional and digital collage work. Catch “Backyard of the Universe,” her first major solo exhibit of 14 illustrations, at Heima, LRI Design Plaza, 210 Nicanor Garcia St., Makati. On view until Jan. 22, 2012.