Tala Isla-Contreras’ third solo exhibit, Babae: Buhay at Kalikasan, mounted last July 29 and running up to Aug. 30, 2008 at the Contreras Sculptures, The Artwork 4/F Bldg. A, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City. 

Babae: Buhay at Kalikasan is Isla-Contreras’ attempt to show the Filipina in her different roles: the mother, the economist, the guide, the guard, the preserver of nature, the observer, the cantadora or the singer-storyteller of the ancient history of her society where she is not separated but connected, and as the representation of Mother Nature herself. - Part of the published review of Noel Sales Barcelona on Bulatlat.com.

Thematically, Tala focuses on the nurturing aspect of womanhood, and the close identification of with nature that she feels best exemplifies the character of women: as “mothers” and “nurturers...  defenders of the home, and iconic representations of the natural order of ecology...  

“[Isla-Contreras’ latest solo exhibition] explores the complex and lived the dynamic of Filipina women who, like herself, has chosen to integrate the traditional roles of women (marriage, child-rearing, and housekeeping), with a professional career, sculpture. - part of the review note of Reuben Rama Cañete, Ph.D., professor, University of the Philippines-Diliman, Dept. of Arts Studies.